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Discover Vilcabamba, the lost city of the last rulers of the Inca Empire. Its search and discovery fueled legends and expeditions for centuries, as it was believed to be the mythical Paititi

Highlights

• You'll discover Vilcabamba, the last bastion of the majestic Inca Empire.
• You'll learn about the history of the Incas of Vilcabamba, the last 4 Inca monarchs
• Marvel at the Ceremonial Rocks where the Chacana (Inca Cross) is located

Description

We'll start our tour very early to explore the last three Inca citadels in detail, take wonderful photos, and soak up the pure energy of this last refuge of the Incas. 2:00 a.m. Pick-up from the accommodation and transfer to the Vilcabamba District, along the road that goes to the city of Quillabamba (Selva de Cusco). During the journey, you'll cross the Málaga pass at 4,316 meters above sea level. Then, you'll descend to the Lucumayo valley, to the town of SANTA MARÍA at 1,200 meters above sea level, where you'll turn off onto a dirt road crossing the Vilcanota river over the Chaullay bridge. After another 2 ½ hours of travel, you'll reach the end of the Huancacalle road, where you can have breakfast (at your own expense). Then we'll continue with a 25-minute walk to the ÑUSTA HISPANA sector, with its ceremonial rocks, where you'll find the 'WANCA,' a religious site considered an energetic place. Here you'll also find water channels, some ruined buildings, and the White Rock or YURAQ RUMI, an amazingly carved stone with a representation of the Chakana or Inca Cross, as well as other carvings. Then we'll continue the walk for another 25 minutes, taking an ascending path to reach and visit the Archaeological Park of VITCOS or ROSASPATA. This important ritual site is where the leader Manco Inca II was assassinated. It's located on a hill from which you have a wide view of the Vilcabamba Valley. It's situated at approximately 2,700 meters above sea level and is characterized by its beautiful stone constructions, arranged around a large public space where the pink color of the walls stands out. For this very reason, the locals call Vitcos 'Rosaspata.' The Archaeological site has three clearly defined sectors and is surrounded by high mountains that, since time immemorial, have been known as the guardian Apus, who are of great importance within the worldview of the Incas. The space where it's located was oriented towards ritual ceremonies: on the north side is the 'Apu Wiracochan,' on the south side the 'Apu Pumasillo,' on the east side the 'Apu Yanantin,' and on the northeast side the 'Apu Izmaccoya.' Head back to the Huancacalle road. Lunch (on your own). Then we'll head back to the city of Cusco. On the way, we'll see the 'Colonial Temple of San Pedro and San Pablo' in the town of Lucma, located at an altitude of 2,630 meters above sea level. It was built by the Mercedarian Order in 1578 on a USHNO, an Inca construction that was both a place of worship and a sacred Huaca. It's Baroque in style, with a bell tower shaped like a sword. On its facade, you can see a balcony and a mural. The construction has kept elements of Inca construction, with lithic material brought from the archaeological site of Incahuarakana, showing the syncretism between Hispanic and Andean cultures. Then, we'll continue to Cusco. 10:00 PM. Arrival in Cusco, transfer to the hotel.

Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop-off service Transportation by minibus or car English and/or Spanish-speaking guide Entry ticket

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund