From the time of the conquest until 1572, the remnant of the Inca civilization inhabited the area now known as Vilcabamba, an inhospitable region of mountains and jungle between the Urubamba and Apur�mac rivers. In 1539, the first capital of this region, Vitcos, was abandoned by Tito Cusi Yupanqui after the death of his father Manco Inca. He moved his people deeper into the forest where he founded a new capital which came to be known as Vilcabamba old. This last refuge was finally captured by the Spanish in 1572, when it was depopulated and abandoned. By the beginning of the 20th century, Vilcabamba's original location had been forgotten and its very existence was doubted. Hiram Bingham, the discoverer of Machu Picchu and Vitcos, made a brief visit to the site in 1911, found a few ruins among the dense vegetation and declared the site of little importance. He believed that he had already discovered the site of Vilcabamba old at Machu Picchu.

In 1994 another American, Gene Savoy, retraced the route taken by Bingham to Spirit Pampa. After a detailed study of the Spanish chronicles, Savoy concluded that Machu Picchu did not match their descriptions of Vilcabamba and that Spirit Pampa fitted them perfectly.

Today Vilcabamba remains covered by forest and shrouded in mystery. Evidence of its great Inca past is present everywhere, and adventurers are drawn irresistibly to the site. It is a beautiful and peaceful place. The Inca road passes through picturesque farms along the way. The nights are cold and the days hot as we follow the great, narrow Consevidayoc valley, descending into the jungle to Spirit Pampa to see for ourselves the places described by Bingham and Savoy. This trip is culturally enriched and as well a hearty trek for the avid outdoors person.

Day 1 - Cuzco - Quillabamba
Early morning departure from Cuzco for a scenic overland departure passing many small Indian communities. Our travels take us on a ( 8 ) hour route via the "Ollantaytambo" to Quillabamba which sits on the edge of the Amazon basin. With the Urubamba River's flow allows the area to be abundant with tropical plants and smaller tropical birds like parrots can be observed. After our arrival into Quillabamba we will stay on the edge of town at a local hostel. Overnight in a local hostel ( L/D )

Day 2 - Quillabamba - Huancacalle - Vitcos - Yuraq Rumi
Today the trip takes us further decending into the Amazon region on a ( 4 ) four hour bus journey we arrive at Huancacalle where we will make our first camp site. In the afternoon we will make a short hike to a archaeological site to a carved rock outcrop known as Yuraq Rumi.( B/L/D )

Day 3 - Vilcabamba - Qollpaqasa
Today we will begin to follow the route taken by the last Incas, as well as pioneers like Bingham and Savoy, to Vilcabamba. This first day is a relatively easy one as we ascent to the source of the Vilcabamba river at the pass called Qollpaqasa, at 12,400ft, the highest point of our trek. The scenery here is incredibly impressive. The foothills of the Andes are covered in green vegetation and their snow capped peaks rise to more than 18,000 feet. Camp. ( B/L/D )

Day 4 - Qollpaqasa - Vista Alegre
Today we will descend through fields sown with potatoes along a paved trail following the course of the Consevidayoc River. We may hear the sounds of birds and monkeys in the lower sections of the river and we will certainly observe a great variety of fauna and flora in the cloud forest. We will camp close to Vista Alegre. ( B/L/D )

Day 5 - Vista Alegre - Espiritu Pampa
After a heart breakfast we will take a easy hike following the Consevidayoc river. After several hours of the trek we arrive the fabled site "The Last Settlement of the Inca, Vilcabamba old." As described by both Hiram Bingham and Gene Savoy. Here we will set camp for the night. ( B/L/D )

Day 6 - Espiritu Pampa
This morning will be spent exploring the site veiwed by few. The area is covered in lush vegetation, where ancient temples lie at the feet of enormous trees. As we walk further into the forest we will see several more constructions from what was once a complete city now lost in the jungle. Tito Cusi Yupanqui, the son of Manco Inca, lived here for many years before the Spanish arrived in 1570, and Tupac Amaru, the younger brother of Tito Cusi Yupanqui, was captured and executed here in 1572. Here again camp will be set. ( B/L/D )

Day 7 - Espiritu Pampa - Chiwangiri
Early morning wake we enjoy the prepared breakfast then proceed Chiwangiri Today's walk is downhill but very long. We will walk through a forest and sometimes the path will be nuclear. After about seven hours we will arrive at our last campsite. ( B/L/D )

Day 8 - Chiwangiri - Quillabamba
We drive to Quillabamba which, depending on the road conditions, will take between eight and ten hours. Hotel. ( B/L/D )

Day 9 - Quillabamba - Cuzco
A long drive back to our hotel in Cuzco, where we will arrive after six or seven hours traveling. ( B/L )