Two Extraordinary Treks in the High Andes

Vilcabamba to Ausangate

Tour Cost Departures & Leaders Trip Rating Download Full Itinerary Route Map Suggested Reading List Reserve This Trip Terms & Conditions

This fantastic journey combines two unique and challenging treks, each revealing a different cultural and natural world of the Andes. In the cloud forests of the Cordillera Urubamba, we trek through scenery as spectacular as that on the classic Inca Trail, yet we enjoy these trails virtually all to ourselves, camping near Inca ruins accessible only on foot. Our second trek brings us to the high realm of sacred Mt. Ausangate, crown jewel of the Cordillera Vilcanota, surrounded by a radiant landscape of golden altiplano grasslands. In this stronghold of traditional Quechua culture, we camp along glacier lakes and enjoy wonderful interactions with families who know these mountains as home. In between treks, we take in the full glory of Machu Picchu’s beauty and unsurpassed location.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Cusco / Sacred Valley

We explore Cusco’s atmospheric Inca sites and the Urubamba Valley, where the Incas built many monuments including the towering Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.

Days 3-6
Cordillera Vilcabamba Trek

From a trailhead in the Sacred Valley at 9,200 feet, we ascend through the spectacular environment of Silque Canyon, surrounded by high granite walls festooned with orchids and bromeliads. Once up high above the canyon, we enjoy a top-of-the-world feeling as we cross Huallanay Pass (14,900') between towering Andean peaks. Our descent brings us past waterfalls to our camp near the Inca site of Incarajay (13,000'). We trek through the traditional village of Q’esqa, passing Llactapata en route to our camp near the Inca ruin of Paucarcancha (10,500') at the confluence of the Pampaccahua and Q’esqa valleys. Our final hike brings us to the Urubamba River and our riverside camp below snow-capped Mt. Veronica (20,275').

Days 7-8
Machu Picchu

With its mysterious palaces nestled into steep terraces, Machu Picchu is an enchanting citadel. We explore this sacred city on the afternoon of Day 7 and morning of Day 8.

Days 9-12
Ausangate Highlands Trek

The remote world around the sacred peak of Ausangate is home to highlanders who speak primarily Quechua, the language of the indigenous people of the Andes. Encounters with these traditionally dressed people are a highlight, and our camps are in magnificent surroundings. Our 4-day trek brings us to the Upis Valley, where herds of grazing alpacas are a frequent sight, across Arapa Pass (15,250'), with its apacheta stones left by the Quechua people in gratitude to the mountain gods, and along the Pucacocha lakes, each with its own fantastic coloration.

Days 13-14
Cusco

Return to Cusco on Day 13 via the weavers’ village of Pitumarca. Depart Day 14.

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs $3995 (13-15 members) $4295 (10-12 members) $4495 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $995 Internal airfare: $290 (subject to change) *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Route Map

© Wilderness Travel  |  Contact Us  |  1-800-368-2794

Privacy Policy | Site Map | Home | Free Catalog | About WT | Our Trips
E-Newsletter | Reserve a Trip | Contact Us | Private Journeys | Exploratories
Special Events | Testimonials | Special Offers | Photo Gallery | Toucan Club

All content and photography within this website is copyrighted and
may not be reproduced without the express permission of Wilderness Travel.  CST 1007696-40