Machu Picchu & Vilcabamba: The Last Inca Refuge – 4 Days
Summary
Day 1
Cusco - Abra Malaga - Vilcabamba
Day 2
Vilcabamba – Santa Teresa – Hot Springs
Day 3
Santa Teresa - Zipline Hidroeléctrica - Machu Picchu
Day 4
Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 1: Cusco - Abra Malaga - Vilcabamba
Cusco - Abra Malaga - Vilcabamba
- Morning: Depart from Cusco towards Abra Malaga pass (4,350 m / 14,271 ft).
- Mountain Biking: A 3-hour downhill ride to Santa Maria. You will experience a dramatic landscape shift from Andean glaciers to the tropical jungle in a single stretch.
- Afternoon: Lunch in Santa Maria, followed by a private van transfer to Huancacalle. This is a long journey on unpaved roads (approx. 3-4 additional hours).
- Evening: Dinner and rest at a local family-run guesthouse in Huancacalle.
Day 2: Vilcabamba – Santa Teresa – Hot Springs
Vilcabamba – Santa Teresa – Hot Springs
- Morning: Hike to the Vitcos (Rosaspata) archaeological site—the last palace of the Incas—and the sacred white rock of Ñusta Hispana.
- Biking (Leg 2): Return to Huancacalle to hop back on the bikes for a descent through the valley towards Totora, featuring stunning views of the Vilcabamba River.
- Afternoon: From Totora, the van will take you to Santa Teresa. Upon arrival, head straight to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs to soothe your muscles.
- Evening: Overnight in Santa Teresa (a warm, traveler-friendly atmosphere)
Day 3: Santa Teresa - Zipline Hidroeléctrica - Machu Picchu
Santa Teresa - Zipline Hidroeléctrica - Machu Picchu
- Morning: Zipline activity in Santa Teresa (one of the highest and longest in South America).
- Lunch: A short van transfer to Hidroelectrica.
- Afternoon: A 3-hour (11 km) flat hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Evening: Briefing with your guide for the next day’s visit and overnight stay at a hotel.
DAY 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Machu Picchu - Cusco
- Morning: Catch the bus to the Machu Picchu citadel. Enjoy a guided tour through the main sectors (temples, terraces, and enclosures).
- Afternoon: Descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board the return train to Ollantaytambo.
- Evening: Final bus transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco city.
INCLUDES
- Transport: Private van (Cusco to Hidroelectrica legs), Consettur bus (Machu Picchu), and return train.
- Gear: Professional mountain bike, full-face helmet, and safety pads.
- Accommodation: 3 nights (Local guesthouse, Santa Teresa hostel, Aguas Calientes hotel).
- Staff: Professional bilingual guide and adventure specialized team.
- Entrance fee to Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast and last lunch.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Tips.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- Clothes: 1 warm jacket (for the start), 3 t-shirts, and hiking shoes.
- Swimwear: For the hot springs (Day 2).
- Protection: Strong mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Documents: Original Passport (Required for Machu Picchu).
- Money: Cash in Soles (small bills for snacks and tips).
- Gear: Rain poncho and a power bank for your phone.
- Biking: Always test your brakes before starting the downhill.
- Mosquitoes: Use repellent every 2 hours in the jungle areas.
- Water: Drink plenty of bottled water to avoid altitude sickness.
- Luggage: Bring a small backpack. You can leave your big suitcase in Cusco.
- Toilet: Use the bathroom before entering Machu Picchu (there are none inside).