Vilcabamba The Lost City Private Camping Expedition
Trace the final hidden refuge of the Inca Empire on this exclusive 5-day, 4-night private camping expedition deep into the remote Vilcabamba mountains. This little-trodden route winds past cloud forest ruins, wild orchid valleys, and unmarked Inca trails that see almost no modern travelers. You’ll camp under star-dusted high-altitude skies each night, guided by local experts who know these lost paths like the back of their hand, for a raw, immersive journey to the legendary last Inca stronghold far from crowded tourist circuits.
ALL - INCLUSIVE NARRATIVE EXPERIENCE
per person based on double occupancy
This 5-day expedition takes you far beyond standard trekking routes, into the isolated Vilcabamba region — the secret mountain refuge where the last Inca rulers hid from Spanish conquistadors for nearly 40 years. Your local Quechua guide, a lifelong resident of these valleys, will lead you along overgrown Inca stone paths, pointing out half-buried agricultural terraces, forgotten ceremonial sites, and rare Andean spectacled bear habitats. Each night, your dedicated support team will set up your private glamping camp in sheltered, scenic spots, with warm wool bedding, hot home-cooked meals made from foraged and local ingredients, and unobstructed views of the cloud forest canopy. There are no rigid schedules, no crowded shared camps, and every step of the journey lets you connect with the untold history of the lost Inca city at your own slow pace.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Remote Trailhead - Cloud Forest Camp
- 6:00 AM: Private hotel pickup in Cusco, with pre-packed warm breakfast and coca tea.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the little-used Vilcabamba trailhead, for a full pre-expedition safety briefing.
- 10:30 AM: Start trekking through misty cloud forest, spotting wild toucans and bromeliads along the path.
- 1:30 PM: Picnic stop beside a crystal-clear jungle stream, with fresh river trout and local produce.
- 4:30 PM: Arrive at your first private camp, tucked under the forest canopy.
- 7:30 PM: Foraged herb dinner, with your guide sharing stories of the Inca’s final refuge.
Day 2: Overgrown Inca Terraces - Remote Ruin Camp
- 7:30 AM: Slow wake-up with jungle-grown coffee and quinoa breakfast.
- 9:30 AM: Trek past unmarked Inca agricultural terraces, half-buried under moss and wild ferns.
- 12:30 PM: Picnic at a hidden viewpoint, with views stretching over the endless Vilcabamba valley.
- 3:30 PM: Arrive at camp near a small unexcavated ruin site, for unrushed independent exploration.
- 6:30 PM: Sunset visit to the ruin, to watch golden light spill over the ancient stone walls.
Day 3: High Mountain Pass - Lost Valley Camp
- 7:00 AM: Light early breakfast, to start the gentle climb to the high pass before midday heat.
- 10:30 AM: Reach the 4,200m mountain pass, with 360° views of snow-capped peaks and cloud forest below.
- 12:30 PM: Warm picnic at the pass, with traditional Andean empanadas and herbal tea.
- 3:00 PM: Descend into a completely isolated valley, where no tourist groups have visited for months.
- 5:30 PM: Set up camp beside a small glacial lake, far from any signs of modern life.
Day 4: Vilcabamba Main Ruins - Final Expedition Camp
- 8:00 AM: Relaxed breakfast, before the short final walk to the legendary lost city site.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Vilcabamba’s main ceremonial ruins, for a full guided tour of the Inca stronghold.
- 1:00 PM: Private picnic inside the ruin complex, surrounded by ancient stone walls.
- 3:30 PM: Trek to your final camp, positioned on a sunlit ridge overlooking the entire ruin site.
- 7:00 PM: Campfire celebration dinner, to mark your arrival at the lost city.
Day 5: Descend to Trailhead - Return to Cusco
- 7:30 AM: Final sunrise breakfast, watching light rise over the Vilcabamba ruins.
- 9:00 AM: Easy downhill trek back to the exit trailhead, through wild orchid patches.
- 12:30 PM: Farewell picnic at the trailhead, with fresh tropical fruits and local cheese.
- 2:00 PM: Private drive back to Cusco, stopping at a remote mountain village for a quick cultural visit.
- 6:00 PM: Drop you directly at your Cusco hotel.
Inclusions
What is included?
Inclusions
- Private transport from Cusco to both trailheads and back, with dedicated local driver
- Personal bilingual (English/Spanish) Vilcabamba expert guide with lifelong regional knowledge
- Full porter and camp chef team, handling all heavy luggage and camp setup
- 4 nights of private glamping camping, with warm wool bedding and sheltered tent setups
- All meals across 5 days, including 4 curated expedition picnics and the final celebration campfire dinner
- All entry permits for the restricted Vilcabamba lost city site
- Full high-altitude and jungle first-aid kit, with pre-arranged emergency evacuation support
- Complimentary trekking poles, waterproof ponchos, and foraged herbal tea supplies for the whole expedition
Not Included
Exclusions
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and remote jungle travel
- Extra drinks, souvenirs, and personal purchases from local mountain villages
- Tips for your guide, porters, and camp support team (optional, but appreciated)
- Unplanned side trips or activities not pre-agreed in the original itinerary
Packing List
Packing List
- Sturdy waterproof high-altitude trekking boots with deep grip for uneven terrain
- Layered clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, warm fleece, and full rain shell for cloud forest mist
- High-factor biodegradable sunscreen, wide-brim hat, and UV-protective sunglasses
- Insulated reusable water bottle, refilled daily with filtered safe water
- Small lightweight daypack to carry personal items during daily treks
- Headlamp with extra batteries, for moving around camp after dark
- Insect repellent for cloud forest sections, and warm thermal gloves for high pass mornings
- Dry waterproof bag, to keep your camera and electronics safe from unexpected rain
Pricing
Price by group size
| Number of travelers | Total group price | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $1100 | $1100 |
| 2 travelers | $1700 | $850 |
| 3 travelers | $2370 | $790 |
| 4 travelers | $2960 | $740 |
| 5 travelers | $3450 | $690 |
| 6 travelers (max) | $3840 | $640 |
Price by travel season
| Season | Price per person (2-person group) |
|---|---|
| Low season (Jan-Feb) | $770 |
| Mid season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) | $850 |
| High season (Jun-Aug, Dec) | $960 |
Extra add-on services
| Add-on service | Price |
|---|---|
| Professional expedition photographer | $220 |
| Private foraging and traditional medicine workshop | $130 |
| Extra 1-night remote herder homestay extension | $270 |
| Premium local wine and craft beer pairing with all dinners | $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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