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Vilcabamba

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Historical site
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Vilcabamba (Peru)

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Vilcabamba, often called the "Lost City of the Incas," was the final capital of the Neo-Inca State and the last refuge of the empire after the Spanish conquest of Cusco. Established in 1539 by Manco Inca Yupanqui in the remote Espíritu Pampa region, it served as a center of resistance against the conquistadors for over three decades. The city finally fell to Spanish forces in 1572, leading to the capture and execution of the last Inca ruler, Túpac Amaru. For many years, the location of Vilcabamba was a subject of debate, with many wrongly identifying it as Machu Picchu or Choquequirao. Archaeological work in the 20th century, notably by Gene Savoy and later Vincent Lee, confirmed its true location at Espíritu Pampa deep in the Amazonian rainforest. The site contains remains of palaces, ceremonial platforms, and dwellings that blend traditional Inca masonry with local jungle adaptations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131313131312121313141413
Rain mm132133106401451212245674133

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca, is an archaeological site in the Peruvian jungle. It can only be reached and visited via a guided hike.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open for tours during daylight hours. Because it is remote, tours start early in the morning to avoid the heat.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but avoid flash to protect the ruins. A tripod is often not permitted.
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Time needed
A hike to Vilcabamba and the site visit typically takes a full day. Also allow time for the return journey.
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Combine with
Vilcabamba can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Both are in the Cusco region.
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Getting there
The starting point for the hike is usually the village of Lucma, reachable by bus from Cusco. From there, a hiking trail leads to the site.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water, insect repellent, and sturdy hiking boots. The hike is strenuous but the ruins are a rewarding destination.

Geography

Coordinates
-12.91000, -72.96600

Facts

  • Vilcabamba was established in 1539 as the capital of the Neo-Inca State.
  • The city was captured and destroyed by the Spanish in 1572.
  • The site is located approximately 130 km northwest of the city of Cusco.
  • Gene Savoy correctly identified Espíritu Pampa as Vilcabamba in 1964.
  • Four Inca rulers reigned here, concluding with Túpac Amaru I.
  • The complex includes over 300 stone structures hidden within the rainforest.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ChoquequiraoChoquequirao19 km · NWExplore →
Quillabamba Cacao FarmsQuillabamba Cacao Farms22 km · NExplore →
Apurímac RiverApurímac River23 km · EExplore →
Camisea Gas ProjectCamisea Gas Project38 km · EExplore →
Machu PicchuMachu Picchu48 km · NExplore →
SalcantaySalcantay49 km · NExplore →
Urubamba RiverUrubamba River52 km · NExplore →
Otishi National ParkOtishi National Park59 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to access it?
Access requires a multi-hour hike through the mountains.
Do I need a guide?
Due to difficult terrain, a local guide is highly recommended.
What gear is necessary?
Sturdy hiking boots and weather-resistant clothing are essential.
Is there food available on-site?
No, bring enough supplies and water with you.
When is the weather most stable?
The dry season from May to September provides the best conditions.
Vilcabamba: where is it located?
Vilcabamba is located in Peru.
Vilcabamba: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Vilcabamba: why is it worth visiting?
Vilcabamba, often called the "Lost City of the Incas," was the final capital of the Neo-Inca State and the last refuge of the empire after the Spanish conquest of Cusco.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
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Nearby cities

Cusco — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Cusco
Former capital of the Inca Empire.

History & landmarks

Choquequirao — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Choquequirao
An impressive Inca city in southern Peru, architecturally very similar to Machu Picchu, but much more isolated.
Machu Picchu — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel high in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of the world.
Ollantaytambo — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Ollantaytambo
One of the best-preserved Inca towns with an impressive fortress, located in the Sacred Valley.
Moray — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.
Sacsayhuamán — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Cusco Cathedral — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Cusco Cathedral
The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.
Cristo Blanco — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Coricancha — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.

Nature

Urubamba River — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River forms the Sacred Valley of the Incas and flows past the historical site of Machu Picchu.

More places

🗺️
Quillabamba Cacao Farms
The center of Peruvian cacao production in the tropical forest of Cusco, prized for its fine-flavor premium cacao.
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Camisea Gas Project
A major natural gas extraction project located in the Amazon rainforest of the Cusco region.
Machupicchu Butterfly House — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Machupicchu Butterfly House
An educational center and sanctuary for butterflies near the famous ruins, showing the life cycle of local species.
Salcantay — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Salcantay
Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.
Otishi National Park — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Otishi National Park
A protected mountain forest in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, rich in waterfalls and endemic species.
Megantoni Sanctuary — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.
Qorikancha — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.
Puka Pukara — Vilcabamba (Peru)
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.