Vilcabamba Treks

Vilcabamba and Choquequirao Trek

The first is a combination of the Vilcabamba and the Choquequirao trek. This route is ideal for trekkers who have already seen Machu Picchu and are looking for a challenging adventure to Choquequirao, the site of another well-preserved Inca site.

The route typically starts in Huancacalle and follows the green line south to Cachora, although it is possible to do the trek the other way round. The route takes between 7 or 8 days to complete. The trek is not widely offered.

Vilcabamba Trek, Espiritu Pampa and Machu Picchu

This is the ultimate Machu Picchu Alternative trek. It combines the Vilcabamba and Choquequirao trek (the green line above) as well as the Espiritu Pampa (another Inca archelogical site) – seen as the light blue line above Huancacalle on the map above.

The route typically traverses South to North, from Cachora to Espiritu Pampa and onto Chaunquiri (approx. 11-12 days trekking).

From here trekkers are transported by vehicle to Quillabamba where most overnight and then take a bus to the Hydroelectric Station via Santa Theresa, and onto Aguas Calientes. The trek culminates with a full day at Machu Picchu.

Again, this route is very rare (only a handful of operators offer it).

We do not recommend doing the Vilcabamba during the wet season (October-April) as rain and foggy weather is common, and obstructs the incredible views along the trail.

At a push you could get away with a trek during the dry season shoulder months (October and April), but we generally recommend sticking to the dry season.

Full historical details on weather patterns in and around Machu Picchu can be seen. Please note, micro-climates predominate in the Andes. Plan for hot afternoons and cool to cold nights, with the possibility of encountering some rain all-year-round.

From Cusco visitors or trekkers to Machu Picchu have two options: 1) either spend a few days (minimum 2) acclimatising in Cusco, or descend immediately to Ollantaytambo, a quaint town 60km northwest of Cusco in the Sacred Valley (2,792 meters) to acclimatise.

If you are doing a trek with an agency it is likely that you will do option 2, as agencies usually book two acclimatisation days in Cusco at a hotel, as part of their tour package.

The benefit of this is that you acclimatise to high altitude very early in your tour, which makes going over the 4,500 meter passes easier. The downside is that it is common to experience mild to moderate altitude sickness in Cusco.

It is impossible to predict whether you will experience altitude sickness as there is little correlation to factors of age, gender, fitness etc.

What is important is that you understand the process of acclimatisation, the symptoms of altitude sickness, and the best practice methods you can should follow to prevent any serious health complications. We recommend reading our detailed guide on acclimatisation and altitude sickness.