Trekking in the Vilcabamba Valley

This 5-day trekking tour begins in the valley of Vilcabamba (Podocarpus National Park), 50 km from the provincial capital Loja, in Ecuador´s most southerly province on the Peruvian border. The valley, at 1500 m, lies in hill country where the peaks generally only rise to 3500 m. In place of snowcapped mountains, the area offers lush vegetation and a mild, warm climate as well as a highly varied animal population. The sights, sounds and aromas in this highland environment equate those of the teeming jungle but without the humidity. Aside from its untouched natural beauty, the Vilcabamba Valley is known in the scientific world for the large number of native people who live well past the age of 100. The climate, the total absence of industry and the clearest, purest water in South America all contribute to this longevity.

Day 1: We take the early morning flight to the city of Loja. Our 2 1/2 hour bus trip to the valley of Vilcabamba will take us through areas growing coffee, tea, sugar cane, papaya and passion fruit, among other crops.  Our destination is a charming cabaña resort close to the community of Vilcabamba, where we will receive a warm welcome and brunch. The afternoon will be devoted to local excursions. Dinner and overnight accommodation at the cabaña resort. (L/D)

Day 2: By the time we have eaten our breakfast, the pack animals will be loaded and ready for the journey to begin our Vilcabamba Valley tour.  We start on a southeasterly uphill course to reach our goal for today; the Las Palmas reserve located between Cerro Los Helechos (3175m) and Cerro Cresta de Gallo (3658m). Trails explore parts of the midrange cloud forests and lead to the Las Palmas waterfalls.  Box-lunch en route. Participants will be grateful for a good rest while our staff prepare dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 3: An ancient trail, frequented by animals crossing the Cordillera, leads up to one of Vilcabamba’s “sacred lakes” providing the only natural and undestroyed access to the Podocarpus National Park lake & paramo regions from Vilcabamba. PM back to our base camp / refuge at Las Palmas.  (B/L/D)

Day 4: A hike through the cloud forest, including a visit to some more waterfalls and a tree canopy tour; a zip line into the tree tops, two aerial bridges and a zip back out. All safety equipment is provided! PM back to the village and last night in Vilcabamba.  (B/L/D)

Day 5: Because of the one flight per day schedule to and from Loja, it will be necessary board our bus for Loja airport at about 4 am. We return to Quito in time for breakfast. (B)