Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
5 days - 4 nights
Challenging
4,500 mt /14,763 ft.
Hiking / Camping
A remote and rewarding adventure the follows the final refuge for the last Inca rebels resisting the Spanish invasion. Geography, flora, fauna and a rich history, lead us to an adventure in a remote region of the southern Andes of Peru. Each day offers new scenery and a deeper connection to the Inca Empire, finishing at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This trek is ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude, adventure and a culturally rich journey. A difficult trek for those who seek a new adventure in the remote mountains of Peru.
Wayna Trekkers provide genuine culturally immersive journeys. Private tours by local guides built by our tour experts.
Our team of experts find the perfect tour to make your Peruvian experience unique.
We offer personalized trip of small groups of up to 8 travelers only.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Santa Maria – Huancacalle – Pillaupata
To start our adventure, pick up from your hotel in Cusco will be at 4:30 a.m. We leave Cusco behind and begin our journey to the remote trailhead at Huancacalle (3,123 m/10,233 ft) which will take about 7 hours. Along the way we pass through several small and beautiful villages, while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes Mountain ranges.
At the trailhead we’ll meet our horsemen, load up the horses, and set off. About an hour into our trek, enjoy a lovely lunch prepared by our trekking chef. When are tummies are full and content we hike an hour to the last capital of the Incas, Vitcos. Take an informative tour with your guide and learn how and why the Incas fled from Cusco to this site and other fascinating histories about Vitcos.
An interesting afternoon of trekking when we then continue another hour to the religious site of Ñusta Hispana, known for its beautiful Inca carvings. The surrounding areas here have many ruins to explore. We will have an extensive tour of the area learning of the rich history and significance all these sites.
Continuing on to our campsite at Pillaupata (3,630 m/11,909 ft), which is located along a portion of the original Inca trail. We set up camp and share a hot, nutritious meal and relax in preparation for the next day’s adventures!
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Maximum altitude: 3,630 m/11,909 ft
- Distance to walk: 6 Km/3.7 miles
- Approximate walking time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 2: Pillaupata – Hasuntina Pass – Racachaca Village
A wonderful start to the day with a hot cup of tea in your tent. Take in the magnificent views as soon as you open the door! Share a delicious breakfast and pack up to embark on a portion of the original Inca Trail. We will begin with a moderate 5-hour climb through the stunning Andes, passing lush vegetation and wildlife until we reach the Hasuntina Pass (4,500 m/14,763 ft).
Here we rest, soak in the views of spectacular snow-capped peaks and enjoy the pleasant sounds of the crystal-clear rushing rivers, all while enjoying a tasty lunch prepared by our wonderful chef. Next, we descend for three hours following the beautifully preserved Inca trail to our next camp at the quaint village of Racahaca (3,570m / 11,712 ft.). Here we will eat a lovely dinner prepared by our trekking chef and admire our stunning surroundings.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4,500 m/14,763 ft
- Distance to walk: 12 Km/7,4 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Racachaca Village – Mojon Pass – Mutuypata
Wake up to the sounds of nature and a hot cup of tea before a nutritious breakfast to set you up for the day. Today is filled with challenges as we hike over three passes, the highest being at 4500m/14763ft. From Paso Mojón, have our first views of the magical Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Mountain range. There will be time to take advantage of these perfect photo opportunities.
Today’s climb will get us up close and personal to the snow peaked mountains of Pumasillo (6,012 m/19,724 ft.) and Sacsarayoc (6,026 m /19,770 ft.), the entire day you will be in awe of Mother Nature and the breathtaking 360 views.
Today is by far the most demanding day, however, the majestic mountains and scenery will lead you to our camp in Mutuypata (3,200 m / 10,498 ft). At our campsite we will delight in the midst of the mountains, enjoy the stars, dine on a wonderful dinner and relax and rejuvenate for the day ahead.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 4,500 m/14,763 ft.
- Distance to walk: 14 km/8.7 miles
- Approximate walking time: 9-10 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 4: Mutuypata – Yanatile – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
After enjoying your hot cup of morning tea exit your tent to the fresh mountain air, stunning views and of course a delicious breakfast. Today we start with a short one-hour walk downhill to the beautiful village of Yanatile passing through coffee and fruit plantations, noticing the change from mountains to the high Andean jungle.
Take our van for approximately 3 hours to the train station in Hidroelectrica. We take the train through the beautiful high jungle all the way to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
Once in Aguas Calientes, check into the charming and comfortable hotel where you will stay. You will have time to explore, browse the artisan markets, taking a dip in the hot springs, or enjoying the mighty river that flows through the town. In the early evening, we will have dinner in town with our fellow trekkers and reflect on the trek we have just completed.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 3,200 m/10,498 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
An early morning to prepare for the highlight of the tour: visiting Machu Picchu—the Lost City of the Incas. Enjoy breakfast served in the hotel before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, we will visit the city’s incredible views. On a clear day, we can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Our guide will take you on a 2 hour comprehensive tour of the city The guide will then give a short introduction of the history. The guided tour will have a duration of approximately 2 hours and will take you to the site’s most iconic landmarks. See finely crafted stone structures, including temples, terraces and royal residences, all built without the use of mortar. See the icon Intihuatanta stone, believed to be a solar clock. Explore the Temple of the Sun which gives glimpses into the Inca spiritual life. Be amazed by the brilliance of the Inca. Take in the views from Machu Picchu of the surrounding Andes Mountains. We will explore Machu Picchu’s most remarkable places with a private tour guide, visit the temples, palaces, and farming terraces, and learn about the city’s history.
If you have booked the extra hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked well in advance).
Optional: After the Machu Picchu tour, you can hike down to Aguas Calientes using the Hiram Bingham original trail. On the way, visit the Machu Picchu Museum and the butterfly station and enjoy fantastic views.
After the tour of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You will have time to explore the town, choose a restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market. Later in the afternoon, you will board the Expedition Train and bus back to Cusco. The Wayna Trekkers representative will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel. Our arrival time to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Maximum altitude: 2,440 m/8,052 ft
***Important Notes:
- Early trains can be organized at the booking time.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, confirm at the booking time.
What does the tour include?
INCLUDED
- Bilingual English-speaking tour guide
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to the trailhead
- Four-person tent for each two persons
- Foam mattress and pillow
- Kitchen tent
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent with portable toilet
- Expert chef and assistant chef
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc.)
- Horse to carry 8 kg of your personal belongings
- Duffle bag to pack your personal belongings
- Emergency horse in case we need it
- 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
- Hot water for washing twice daily
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit
- Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy (depending on availability)
- Private van transport from either Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Cusco.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Lodging in Aguas Calientes on night 4 of the trek at a 3* (double occupancy)
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes on night 4
- Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
NOT INCLUDED
- Last lunch on day 5.
- Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be rented according to the needs of the individual and group.
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew (cooks, horsemen and Guides)
- Travel insurance.
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Hiking poles (can be rented from us)
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Permit (USD $70 per person)
EXTRAS
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Single room at hotel – $35 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $20USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes $80 USD (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $57 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Group prices
$850 USD Per person.
***For groups of 5+ travelers, $20 USD discount each. (Applies for the group service only)
Private services:
$200 USD Additional PP
Student Discount
$30 USD off per person – Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
$40 USD off per person – For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com
Add On’s:
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Single room at 3* Hotel – $35 USD per night (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $20USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes $80 USD (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $57 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Please read the following information.
Booking
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal, your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the classic Inca Trial has varying degrees of elevations, lowest is your starting point (thrailhead:km82) at 2 729m/8 923 and gets as high as 4 200m/13 779ft (Dead Women´s Pass). So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the classic Inca Trail. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air, it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Get in Shape!
Being physically fit will certainly help you to enjoy everything this famous trail has to offer. You do not have to be an athlete, but we do recommend that you are active and build endurance. There are a few ways to achieve this. You could join a health club a couple of months leading to the trek. Another option is to participate in an aerobic group activity, aerobics are known for increasing endurance. If you prefer the outdoors, walking or running for 15kms/9 miles day would suffice.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trek talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
How do I pay my remaining balance?You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice which is going to be the same as it was confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
Packing Checklist for the Vilcabamba 5 Day Trek
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbacks are encouraged)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Sleeping bag (can be rented from Wayna Trekkers)
Headlamp: essential
Toilet paper
Good raincoat and pants, (especially in the rainy season).
THE DUFFEL BAG
We provide a duffel bag at the briefing, this bag can contain up to 7 kgs/15lbs including sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. It is the law in Peru that a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters. All bags will be weighed before being accepted by the porters. If you require more than 7 kilograms, you will need to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In these 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal belongings.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE BAG
3 T-Shirts
2 hiking pants
5 sets of undergarments
4 sets of hiking socks
Fleece/ Thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
Waterproof gloves
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quick dry towel. We provide a small towel; you might prefer something larger
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
Face cleanser, moisturizer & after sun cream
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu.
Water: Please supply enough water until you arrive at the first lunch spot, we will then provide you with cold boiled water at every mealtime. Please bring your canteens.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Headlamp
Wool hat and gloves
Rain gear
Fleece or warm layer
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Personal First Aid kit, personal medications and items of person nature.
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Valuables (passport, money etc.)
What our customers say
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