Vilcabamba Trek, 7-day alternative route to Machu Picchu

Hiding in the high mountain Andes is the old imperial city of Vilcabamba, which served as the capital of the Neo-Inca State.

It has strong connections with the former royal families of the Inca Empire, who used the village as their own private retreat.

Founded in the 16th century, Vilcabamba was the final refuge of the regional imperial state before it was destroyed and later abandoned by the Spanish colonialists.

It was deemed lost forever until 1911 when it was rediscovered after archaeological visits, and has been nicknamed the Lost City of the Incas.

The region is sandwiched between two deep canyons, Apurímas to the left and Willcamayu to the right.

Fast-flowing rivers gush through the middle and has carved its way through the high Andean mountains.

The climate here cultivates a habitat for a large ecosystem that has variation. As you pass through the high plains of the Andes you’ll experience the rolling clouds that flood the valleys like a ghostly avalanche.

We begin in a maize-growing area before heading onto a trail taking us to the highest point in the region. We will pass through great historical sites as we continue through high mountain passes.

We cross a magnificent forest and trek by coffee plantations and rows of tropical fruit. Then we get to the classic Inca site, Machu Picchu, the 15th century citadel resting at 2,430 meters above sea level and hanging over the Sacred Valley.

Get in touch now to reserve your place on a classic 7-day trekking adventure to Machu Picchu from the village of Vilcabamba.