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The White Rock

“The Plain of Ghosts” a journey to the last refuge of the Inkas, Vitcos, the White rock and Vilcabamba. This is an expedition taking us into little traveled areas within the Vilcabamba mountain range. As our highest pass is only 3,860ms this is perfect for those that have problems at higher altitudes. We invite you to travel with us to the last refuge of the Inkas.

Departures available daily. Prices available from $920US per person 4 people minimum. Please contact us for any further information.

Day 1. Beginning in the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, traveling across the Malaga pass into the rich jungle. The downwards road passes through cloud forest and then into banana and coffee plantations to the destination of Quillabamba, the high jungle town famous for its coffee production and its eternal summer climate. L,D. Hotel.

Vitcos

Day 2. After a night in the town we head back into the mountains to Huancacalle (3,200ms) home of Yurak Rumi “the White Rock” and Vitcos. With an extensive visit to the archaeological remains we visit the famous rock which has been given various explanations being known as “the stone that wept” a temple to water.

We pass the tomb of Manco Inka and then visit Vitcos the home of Manco Inka and capital of the resistance. The archaeological remains are in the process of restoration and offer stunning examples of the restoration process. B,L,D, Hostel.

Day 3. A night in the Sixpac Manco hostal we are ready to follow in the footsteps of the Incas to their last refuge and the place of the downfall of the Inkas. This first days hiking is mildly strenuous mountains with frosty waterfalls and a snowy skyline, vegetation barren yet lush and habitat of a variety of hummingbirds, the mountain caracara, swifts and flickers among others.

We pass through the village of Vilcabamba the New and climb the stone inca trail to the Colpacasa Pass at 3,860ms. A small drop in altitude to camp in Chalca at 3,580ms. B,L,D. Camping.

Local Family

Day 4. The following day the flora and fauna changes dramatically to cloud forest and stunning vegetation following the ever present river. In the transition between 3580ms and 1930ms the abundance of birds and orchids only amplify the serenity of some of the most picturesque camino inca in the Andes.

Having walked some 16kms of gentle up and down arrival to the campsite of Vista Alegre. (Happy View). B,L,D. Camping.

Day 5. It really starts to get hot dropping into the jungle the scenery again changes to that of lush rainforest, paths covered in vines, ferns and orchids, taking us past rivers and waterfalls, places to cool off for a moment. Passing Tunquimayo (Cock of the Rock river) the Peruvian national bird begins to make an appearance, hearing them from far off they will accompany us through our visit to Espiritu Pampa. Camping under the stars in Concevidayoc at an altitude of 1,500ms. 17kms walked. B,L,D. Camping.

Espiritu Pampa

Day 6. Departing Concevidayoc a climb of around 4 kms to the look out point of Espiritu Pampa (1630kms) called Tuquiyricoq. Here the beginning of the dramatic royal entrance to Espiritu Pampa (1,440ms).

Upon arrival to the town of the same name the first signs of civilization a small shop and the home of the INC caretaker (National Cultural Institute). Leaving the horsemen and horses a 20 minute walk through coffee plantations to arrive to the archaeological remains.

The remains are beautifully set in the jungle with the Cock of the Rock singing and playing in the trees. The site itself is enormous with the majority of it still under dense vegetation, however a lot of work is being done to restore to its former glory.

“The Last Refuge of the Inkas” B,L,D. Camping.

one of the many waterfalls

Day 7. Today walking onwards to the town of Chuanquiri 20kms away. The walking is equally delightful through coffee and cocoa plantations, small farmsteads, villages and schools.

The vegetation is thick and the plant, bug and bird life abundant. As we descend even further into the jungle the drop in altitude is 400ms more. Quite incredible to think that the drop in altitude has been some 2850ms in 5 days.

Camp is set up near the town. B,L,D. Camping.

Day 8. We return to our car for the return journey to Quillabamba a good shower and some pizza. In the transport continuing to drop to the lowest point of the trip and the confluence of the river in the town of Chahuares 800ms.

The road then begins to curve upwards to Quillabamba, here the area is farmed more. Quillabamba and the surrounding area provide most of the fruit and coffee to the Cusco area. Night in hotel. B,L Hotel.

Day 9. Back into the transport for the last day in this lush, humid area. The climb up through the Quillabamba valley takes some 4 hours, from high jungle to pristine cloud forest and then back to the mountains at the Malaga pass (4300ms). From here a drop of 1500ms to the town of Ollantaytambo. Option to stay here and continue the following day to Machu Picchu or return to Cusco. B,L.

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