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LICENSED INCA TRAIL OPERATOR
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VILCABAMBA-5 DAYS
This
tour of the Vilcabamba range is specially designed for trekkers who
prefer the trail less traveled. The spectacular scenery constantly
changes, with high jungle set against a dramatic backdrop of
snowcapped peaks. There are many fascinating archaeological sites to
explore on the way to Machu Picchu, such as Vilcabamba, the ruins of
the last Inca capital; Vitcos, the residence of the last Manco Inca;
and Ñusta Hispana, a classic ceremonial plaza lined with massive
Inca stonework.
TRIP AT GLANCE
Difficulty: Challanging Tour
Code:
VIL5
Activities:
Camping and hiking
Departures:
Twice a month on
Mondays
Season:
February-December
Start-End:
Cusco
PRICING
Private Service:
2 persons:
$1050, 3 persons: $800, 4 persons: $720,
5 persons: $650, 6 persons: $610, 7-10 persons: $ 570.
Machu Picchu Extension:
$220
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Cusco - Huancalle - Vitcos
Day 2:
Huancalle
- Jasutina - Racachaca
Day 3:
Racachaca - Pumaccasa Abra Mojon - Mutuypata
Day 4:
Mutuypata – Yanatile - Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes
Day 5:
Machu
Picchu - Cusco
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TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco - Huancalle - Vitcos
<TOP>
We leave Cusco at 4:00 a.m. in our private bus passing small rural
villages such as Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. We’ll hike
near the glistening snowcaps, where gigantic boulders tower over us,
until we catch our breath at Abra Malaga (4,170 mt/13,682ft). We
will descend to La Convencion, passing through Alfamayu, Amaybamba,
Huyro, Huayopata, Quintalpata, and Santa Teresa. We’ll have a
relaxing lunch in Huancacalle around 3:00 p.m. Just 30 minutes away,
we'll find the extensive archaeological site of Vitcos (Rosaspata),
where we take a guided tour. We will make camp at Ñustahispana.
Meals: B, L, D.
Day 2: Huancalle -
Jasutina - Racachaca
<TOP>
After an early breakfast, we begin our expedition by walking on an
historic path that was part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the network of Inca
trails that crisscrossed their mighty empire. After 4 hours, we
arrive at Totora Huayco (1,890 mt/6,200ft). Our 1-hour ascent to the
Jasutina Pass, where we’ll have lunch, is a spectacular walk on the
banks of crystal clear streams as we leave the high jungle and
arrive in the Andes. We then descend 3 hours till we arrive in Racachaca where we’ll make camp with a wonderful view of the Lasoma
peak. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 3: Racachaca - Pumaccasa Abra Mojon - Mutuypata
<TOP>
Today we climb Pumaccasa Pass, where we can see Yanacocha Lagoon
from heady altitudes of more than 4,000 mt/13,123ft, and pass over
three consecutive passes that are often snow-covered. We descend to
Soyrococha Lagoon to enjoy lunch and continue on to Mojon Pass, the
highest pass on our trek. From this vantage point we can see the
snowy peaks of famous Verónica, Salkantay, and Huayna Picchu. We
descend for almost 4 hours until arriving at Mutuypata, where we
will retire for the night. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 4: Mutuypata – Yanatile - Santa Teresa - Aguas
 Calientes
<TOP>
We break camp at 7:00 a.m. to descend to the town of Yanatile. Our
hike is all downhill as we again enter the high jungle with its
pleasant climate. We pass a canyon roaring with whitewater and
stroll through frangrant coffee and fruit plantations before
arriving at the village of Yanatile. We’ll take the bus to Santa
Teresa, walk across the suspension bridge to La Oroya, then take a
local bus to Hidroeléctrica de Machu Picchu where we rest and have
lunch. We’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have
dinner at a nice restaurant and stay the night in a hotel.
Accommodations are based on DWB or TWB. Meals: B, L, D.
Day
5: Machu Picchu - Cusco
<TOP>
To reach Machu Picchu at the ideal time of day, our wake-up call is
at 5:30 a.m. We will eat a hearty breakfast, store our luggage at
the hotel, then catch the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. Arriving by
7:00 a.m., the site is not as crowded as later in the day, so we
will have the best opportunity to experience its otherworldly magic.
After a 2-½ hour guided tour, we will have approximately 3 hours to
explore the whole site by ourselves. There will be time to climb
Huayna Picchu to get a fantastic view of Machu Picchu, or you may
choose instead to go to the Temple of the Moon, located behind
Huayna Picchu. We then return to Cusco via Aguas Calientes. Meals: B
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Included:
* Private transport from Cusco to
Huancacalle
* Train Hydroelectric Dam – Machu Picchu
* Hotel in Aguas Calientes (3-star)
* Entrance ticket and tour to Machu Picchu
* Round-trip bus Machu Picchu\
* Return train from Aguas Calientes – Cusco, Backpacker service
* Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
* Entrance ticket to Vilcabamba ruins
* Large, double-occupancy tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, latrine
tent
* Sleeping bag and mat ($30 refundable deposit)
* Horses to carry all equipment
* 1 extra horse
* Meals as in itinerary: 5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
* Cook and cooking equipment
* English speaking guide
* Emergency first aid kit
* Oxygen tank
Not included:
* Breakfast 1st day/Dinner last day
* Tips, taxes, international airfare and personal expenses
* Hotel accommodations in the city
Gear list:
* Passport
* Backpack or duffle bag
* Warm clothing/thermals
* Trekking shoes
* Sandals
* Raincoat
* Sunscreen
* Flashlight
* Insect repellent
* Bottled water
* Personal first aid kit
* Bathing suit and towel
* Hat
*
Sunglasses
* Camera, film and batteries
* Change of clothes/shorts, T-shirts, pants, long sleeve shirts,
socks and underwear
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