We leave very early in the morning, taking the road to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Passing the town of Ollantaytambo, we head towards the Abra Málaga (mountain pass) which we cross, and then descend through the Puna towards the high jungle.
At this ecological level the principal activity is agriculture, mainly products such as tea, coca, coffee, cacao and fruits; and we will see the crops.
Our first stop is at the archaeological site of Huamanmarca, where there is an important Usnu or ritual platform and a precinct with four double jamb doorways facing the four cardinal points.
We continue to the settlement of Huayopata, where we can rest for a few minutes, to then continue on to Huancacalle, the village where we will leave our motorized transport. The journey is long; but the reward is the solitude we enjoy as tourism is not very developed in this area. Here we meet our arrieros (mule-handlers) and mules which will accompany us on our walk. We have lunch.
After a short break, we begin our walk to visit the Rosaspata – Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archaeological Park, including a tour of the famous Ñusta Hispana. It is suspected that the tomb of the rebel leader Manco Inka II can be found in this area of the Vilcabamba cordillera. We will also see the famous white rock.
By dusk we arrive at Casapata, which will be our campsite, where we enjoy our dinner and rest.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 3060 masl / 10039 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2950 masl / 9678 ft
Distance Traveled: 5 km / 3.10 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 3 hrs