Lost City of the Incas

The last refuge of the rebel Incas, Peru’s Cordillera Vilcabamba is a striking combination of plunging canyons and soaring forested ridges backed by an immense sweep of 20,000-foot peaks cloaked in snow. Hidden within this mountain realm are important pre-Inca and Inca ruins, including Espiritu Pampa, thought to be the site of the legendary lost city of Vilcabamba, where Manco, the last Inca, continued his fight against the conquering Spaniards. Our unique trek through this wild swath of the Andes follows in the footsteps of Manco as well as famed explorer Hiram Bingham as we cross a breathtaking alpine world, descend into orchid-draped cloud forests, and make our own discovery of mystical lost cities cloaked in vines.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-3
Cusco / Santa Teresa Valley

Our hikes to major Inca monuments surrounding Cusco, including the great fortress of Saqsayhuaman, help us acclimatize to the lofty altitude. We then head to the lush Santa Teresa Valley to begin our trek.

Days 4-8
Totora / Yanama Valley / Choquetacarpo

We traverse the steep banks of the Santa Teresa River, with its rich bird and plant life, ascending to Totora (12,150') through a lush zone known as La Selva (the “eyebrow” of the jungle). Passing small farms on the steep mountain slopes, we enter the Yanama Valley and ascend Yanama Pass (15,000'), crossing the watershed between the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers, with a descent to a traditional village. The views of the snow-capped giant Salcantay (20,574') are impressive in this valley. We depart the valley with an ascent of the Abra Choquetacarpo (15,000') following a beautifully preserved Inca-paved trail marked by cairns constructed by the local Quechua people as offerings to the apus, the spirits of the mountains.

Days 9-12
Huancacalle / Vitcos / Nusta Hispana

Descending to the remote town of Huancacalle (10,495'), we explore the Inca site of Vitcos, where the leader Manco Inca was killed, and nearby Nusta Hispana, the famous “White Rock” identified by Hiram Bingham in 1911. This immense sacred white boulder carved with representations of the Chakana, or Inca Cross, served as an oracle for the Incas’ blood sacrifices and other rituals. We continue over Colpasaca Pass (12,400') through a cloud forest filled with the sound of chattering monkeys and drop down to Chalca (11,742'), descending further the next day to Vista Allegre (5,080').

Days 13-15
Espiritu Pampa

The last capital of the Incas as they resisted the Spanish was Vilcabamba (5,000'), called Espiritu Pampa (“Plain of the Spirits”) by the Spaniards. The city remained covered in thick vegetation until 1964, when American explorer Gene Savoy found a massive ruined complex with over 60 buildings. We have an Exploration Day to discover this impressive Inca stronghold, then descend to Quillabamba.

Days 16-17
Cusco

We return to Cusco for last-minute shopping and our festive farewell dinner, before we depart via Lima on Day 17.

What the Trip is Like

This 12-day trek is rated 6, very strenuous, according to our trip grading system. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, but there are a few passes of 12,000-15,000 feet to cross and significant elevation gains and losses each day. It is expected that each participant be in excellent health and physical condition. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top shape for the trip.

Explanation of Trip Levels