Espiritupampa 7D – 6N

This 7-day adventure takes in ruins along historic trails, over high Andean passes, through cloud forest and remote indigenous towns.

Following the Inca trail towards the Vilcabamba mountain range, the Incas, lead by Manco Inca II, saught refuge from the eastern invasion of this area. The resistance lasted approximately 40 years, with the fall of the Inca Empire taking place in 1572.

The last capital of the Incas in resistance, known to them as Vilcabamba, was named Espiritu Pampa by the Spanish.

We will enjoy an adventure which will take us along historic trails used by the rebel Incas, as well as their pursuers. They have been used in the same way by adventurers and explorers such as Hiram Bingham, Gene Savoy, Peter Frost, Vincent Lee, among a few others. The geography is spectacular, trekking through ecological levels of Quechua, suni, puna and rupa rupa, reaching a minimum altitude of 500 masl / 1640ft and a maximum altitude of 3860 masl / 12664 ft.

As far as temperatures go, we will only have one “cold” night, the other nights will be warmer and fresher. During the day we should expect warm temperatures and a high level of humidity, characteristic of the high jungle. We have just one high pass of 3860 masl / 12664 ft, in the puna level, where we might feel the cold. Since it is a jungle area, we might expect some rains as well.

ITINERARY

Your adventure step by step

Day 1: Cuzco – Abra Malaga – Santa María – Huancacalle

We leave the city of Cusco very early in the morning to travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, up to abra Malaga (4300 masl / 14108 ft), from where begin our steep descent into the high jungle of the southern Andes. We cross fields of fruit trees, coca, tea, coffee etc., in a warm climate.

We arrive at Santa Maria, a small town where we will have a short rest.

We continue our journey passing by Chaullay, a turning in the road which leads to the warm and friendly city of Quillabamba. Arriving in the town of Huancacalle (2995 masl / 9826 ft), we have lunch and rest before our walk in the afternoon.

We begin our trek taking a trail which leads us to the archaeological site of Rosaspata – Vitcos. This important ritual site, is where the leader Manco Inca II was killed. Next we visit the site of Vitcos with its ceremonial rocks, on the way to Ñusta Hispana. Here we find water channels, some ruined buildings, and the White Rock or Yurac Rumi: an amazing carved stone with a representation of the Chakana or Inca Cross, as well as other carvings.

We return to Huancacalle following an original Inca trail, to have dinner and spend the night.

Meals: box breakfast, lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 3041 masl / 9977 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2995 masl / 9826 ft
Distance Travelled: 6.5 km / 4 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 3 hr

Day 2: Huancacalle – Vilcabamba La Nueva – Abra Collpajasa – Ututo

We leave Huancacalle for the town of New Vilcabamba, founded by the Spanish. We follow the path uphill, crossing the ecological levels Quechua and suni to the Collpajasa pass, the highest point on our trek.

We begin our descent, finding on our way an ancient crossroads, sadly destroyed by the road. We follow a beautiful path along the banks of the Pampacona River, entering the high jungle. We arrive at the site named Ututo, where we will spend the night after a long day walk…

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 3860 masl / 12664 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2960 masl / 9711 ft
Distance Travelled: 21.65 km / 13.45 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 10 hr

Day 3: Ututo – Huayna Pukara – Vista Alegre

We leave our campsite to descend to the Huayna Pukara sector, the last point of resistance by the Inca army. A spectacular location for this last stand through an ambush, which was betrayed with the previous Spanish victory. The trek is through a semi tropical forest.

Our trail finally leads us to the school of Vista Alegre, where we have dinner and spend the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 2960 masl / 9711 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2017 masl / 6617 ft
Distance Travelled: 14.25 km / 8.85 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 7 hr

Day 4: Vista Alegre – Concebidayoq

We continue our path following the legendary route of the last rebel Inkas fleeing the Spanish invasion. We will enjoy this Inka Trail passing a fascinating rainforest on where flora and fauna join the history to complete this hike. We will get our campsite in Concebidayoq on where we will dinner and camp.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 2017 masl / 6617 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1498 masl / 4915 ft
Distance Travelled: 16.42 km / 10.20 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 7 hr

Day 5: Concebidayoq – Espiritupampa

A short walk today to the campsite of Vilcabamba (Espiritu Pampa). We leave our campsite to follow the trail towards Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Tawantinsuyo.

We walk the “Thousand Steps”, an Inca trail leading to Vilcabamba. Arriving at the campsite, we set up camp and begin our tour of the archaeological complex, visiting all the sectors open to tourists. We will stop to eat and then continue our tour, later we return to the campsite, have dinner and spend the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 1498 masl / 4914 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1449 masl / 4753 ft
Distance Travelled: 4.46 km / 2.77 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 2 hr

Day 6: Espiritupampa – Kiteni

A mixed trip today. Leaving our campsite at Vilcabamba, we walk towards Azulmayo, where our private transport is waiting to take us to the town of Kiteni, where we have lunch, dinner and spend the night.

From Espiritupampa to Azulmayo (trek) – Check distances below

From Azulmayo to Kiteni (private transport)

Distance:21 km / 13.04 ml

Duration:4 – 5 hr

Meals: breakfast and lunch
Maximum Altitude: 1449 masl / 4753 ft
Minimum Altitude: 593 masl / 1945 ft
Distance Travelled: 8 km / 4.97 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 3 hr

Day 7: Kiteni – Quillabamba – Cuzco

We enjoy a visit to “Siete Tinajas”, water falls with many small pools. We leave in our private transport for the city of Cusco, where we arrive at night.

PRICES

Know our rates

PRICES AND SERVICES USD

Group service – Price per person

4-6

7-8

9-10

5990

3595

2680

2285

1890

1730

Services included

Private transportation Cuzco – Huancacalle
Guide service in Spanish/ English
Sleeping Bag per person (-10 ºC), mummy form (our sleeping bags are cleaned after every use)
Sleeping liner
Pillow
Inflatable sleeping pad
Cook and assistant
Cooking equipment
Food (7 breakfast, 7 lunch, 6 dinner)
Daily tea service
Dining equipment including chairs and tables
Cooking, eating and bathroom tents

Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
Two person tents (3-people capacity tent – 4 seasons), single tents available for extra cost
Mule-handlers
Mules
Saddled horse (for every 6 passengers there is one saddled horse)
First-aid kit
Emergency oxygen bottle
Private Transportation Kiteni – Cuzco

Services not included

Extra food
Optional tip for field staff
Extra costs

IMPORTANT

Further Details

We recommend that you bring

Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
Waterproof clothing (poncho)
Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
Sunhat and sunglasses
Sun cream and insect repellent
Water bottles such as Nalgene
Basic medications
Walking sticks
Swimsuit and towel
Personal items

Personal snacks
Previous acclimatization in Cuzco city, for at least 2 days and general good health. Pachatusantrek offers easy one day and half day routes which can be completed before the main trek
DNI / Original Passport

Important Environmental Note

Pachatusantrek is committed to following the principles of ecotourism in our operations, and request the understanding and cooperation of trekkers, especially by not contaminating the waters and in the adequate disposal of non-biodegradable waste. We must also respect the customs and traditions of the local people.

” Pachatusantrek provided top quality service at a very high standard. The staff are all very professional and I was looked after very well. Thank you all for an amazing experience.”

Robert

GALLERY