This 5-day trek from Cusco offers a profound exploration into the Vilcabamba region, the revered “Last Capital of the Inca state.” This expedition is far more than a physical challenge; it’s a deep dive into an area rich with the untold stories of Inca resistance against the Spanish. Unlike more frequented paths, this route provides an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience, connecting trekkers with ancient history amidst remote and stunning landscapes.
The journey includes visits to historically significant sites such as Vitcos Rosaspata, where Manco Inca II sought refuge and met his end, and Ñustahispana, also known as the “Giant White Rock.” These ruins stand as silent witnesses to the final struggles of a sovereign civilization. The trek culminates in the iconic Machu Picchu, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Inca empire’s vastness and enduring legacy, from its defiant last stand to its most celebrated citadel. With certified local guides, this trek emphasizes safety and provides a rich narrative, making it ideal for those deeply interested in the captivating history of the Inca people and their remarkable resilience.
This 5-day trek from Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft) follows a route through the Vilcabamba region visiting two significant Inca historical areas. The trek is characterized by its remote nature and historical focus. Participants will traverse a path with a high degree of historical context.
The itinerary includes visits to the ruins of Vitcos Rosaspata where Manco Inca II was assassinated and Ñustahispana also known as the Giant White Rock. The trek provides a comprehensive alternative to the standard Inca Trail, combining exposure to Inca ruins with observation of regional flora and fauna and an overview of the historical Inca presence in the area. This route is considered to be off the beaten track.
Historical Context: Vilcabamba, Peru
Vilcabamba whose contemporary name is Espíritu Pampa, was the final capital of the Inca state. Manco Inca II founded the city in 1539. Following the Battle of Ollantaytambo in 1537 which was an Inca victory against Spanish forces Manco Inca relocated to Vitcos Rosaspata. The selection of this site was influenced by its relative proximity to Cusco. Manco Inca anticipated a renewed and larger Spanish attack on Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) a prediction that proved correct, resulting in the loss of the village to Spanish control. Consequently in 1539, he moved to Vilcabamba, establishing it as the capital of the Neo-Inca state.
The archaeological complex of Vilcabamba is extensive, comparable in scale to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao. Its existence as an Inca stronghold ended in 1572 when Spanish forces, under the command of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, invaded the city. They captured the last Inca monarch, Túpac Amaru. This event marked the end of the sovereign Inca civilization. The city was subsequently abandoned by its inhabitants. In 1911 the American explorer Hiram Bingham, while searching for Vilcabamba, rediscovered Machu Picchu instead. The true location of Vilcabamba remained a subject of debate for many years. While several explorers discovered parts of the site the most extensive documentation was compiled by Vincent Lee, whose work and detailed findings were published in his book “Forgotten Vilcabamba” in 2000.
Historical Context: Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was constructed during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacutec. It functioned as his royal estate. The population is estimated to have been around 750 families, most of whom were retainers working for the royal household. In a departure from typical inheritance practices where estates were passed down through succession Machu Picchu was utilized for only about 80 years. It was abandoned following the Spanish invasion of the region. The citadel is a prime example of Inca engineering. Its agricultural terraces were constructed on a steep hillside a design that served to protect the main structures from landslides. This 5-day trek is recommended for individuals with a specific interest in Inca history.
Service Provider Profile
The operational standard for this trek emphasizes a focus on outdoor logistics. Tour guides are certified local specialists with extensive knowledge of Inca history. The service is designed to be safe and informative. Safety is a primary operational parameter. Tours are conducted in small groups to facilitate effective communication between the guide and participants. Past client feedback is available for review on TripAdvisor. This trek involves crossing high-altitude mountain passes. It is strongly advised that participants spend several days in Cusco prior to the trek to acclimatize to the altitude and mitigate the risk of altitude sickness.
Pickup is scheduled for 05:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco. Private transport will be used for the drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo where a stop will be made for breakfast. The route continues to Abra Malaga (Malaga Pass) at 4,330 m (14,206 ft) a high mountain pass that offers an expansive view of the valley. This location also serves as a starting point for the Inca Jungle Trek. From the pass the vehicle descends to the remote farming village of Chaullay and then proceeds along the Quillabamba road to Huancacalle (3,000 m / 9,842 ft). Lunch will be served in Huancacalle. After lunch the Vilcabamba Trail begins. The afternoon includes guided visits to the Inca sites of Vitcos Rosaspata (3,080 m / 10,105 ft) and Ñustahispana (White Rock) (3,050 m / 10,007 ft). The guide will provide information on the historical importance of each site. In the late afternoon the trek continues on a section of the Qhapaq Ñan (Original Inca Highway) to the campsite in Pillaupata (3,200 m / 10,498 ft).
After an early breakfast it’s time to get a move on. The day’s trek begins with an ascent to Asutina Pass (3,915 m / 12,840 ft). The trail passes through areas with diverse local flora and fauna. The guide will identify native plants and explain their traditional uses. The pass provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trek then continues to another viewpoint at Pillaukasa. Depending on the group’s pace and conditions the overnight campsite will be established at either Racachaca (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) or Hatunpampa (4,000 m / 13,123 ft).
Following a nutritious breakfast the day begins with a three-hour uphill hike to Yanacocha Pass (4,420 m / 14,501 ft). From the pass the trail descends slightly before another ascent to Tullutacana. The route continues onward to Mujun Pass. This section of the trek is considered the most physically demanding segment of the 5-day journey. After navigating this challenging terrain the trail descends through a tranquil natural environment to the campsite at Mutuypata (3,250 m / 10,662 ft) where the group will call it a day.
After breakfast the day’s hike proceeds through lush tropical plantations to the remote village of Yanatile. In Yanatile the group will board a vehicle for a drive through the town of Santa Teresa to the Hidroeléctrica station (1,890 m / 6,200 ft). Lunch will be served upon arrival. The afternoon involves a three-hour hike along the railway tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). This route follows the path taken by Hiram Bingham III during his 1911 expedition that resulted in the rediscovery of Machu Picchu. Accommodation for the night is in a basic hotel with an ensuite room. In the evening the group will convene at a local restaurant for a celebratory dinner where the guide will provide a briefing for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
The day begins very early with a bus ride up to the Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) citadel. Upon arrival the guide will assist with passage through the security control point. Once inside the citadel a complete two-hour guided tour will be conducted. The tour covers prominent sites including the main square agricultural terraces remains of temples and other key structures you get the whole nine yards. Following the tour there will be independent time to explore the citadel. For those who have pre-booked a climb of Huayna Picchu mountain the guide will direct you to the correct entrance. Afterwards you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes you will board the Expedition service train to Ollantaytambo. A local representative will meet you at the Ollantaytambo station for the final private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
“Cusco Tours” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “Cusco Tours,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “Cusco Tours,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “Cusco Tours” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Cusco Tours” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Cusco Tours” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
The per-person cost for this tour depends on the number of people in your group:
Enhance your comfort on the trek with these optional rentals:
These exciting additions require advance booking due to limited availability: