4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
4 hours walk away from Chinchero
When to go
From April to October
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Huayllabamba (Peru)
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funkz
Practical information on Huayllabamba
Reviews of Huayllabamba
A little village in the Sacred Valley, known best as being a stopping point on the very famous Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.
My suggestion:
Go there on foot from Chinchero, the walk is easy and truly lovely. You can go back to Cusco the same evening!
My review
I was lucky enough to do a fair bit of exploring in the Sacred Valley when I was living at Cusco and Huayllabamba is a little village that I really liked.
Above all it's a great spot for camping because has its own microclimat: as it's in the lower part of the valley, you're protected from the wind coming from the surrounding mountains. The problem is that if you in high season you'll find yourself surrounded by hordes of tourists, guides and mule-drivers because, as I said before, it's a stop on the most popular trek in Peru.
I went in September and completely by chance I arrived during a really lovely annual festival, with processions, traditional costumes and music to match. From Huayllabamba you can go on various short walks towards the lakes Quellococha et Yanacocha (cocha means lake in Quechua) and spot a good few Andean birds.
The Inca Trail is ultra busy and isn't therefore, in my opinion, really an essential item on your Peruvian itinerary. There are plenty of alternatives, the fantastic Salkantay for example. On the other hand, if you have time, go to explore Huayllabamba and the surrounding area on your own!
©
funkz
A few kilometres from Chinchero, Huayllabamba is a small Andean hamlet situated in the Sacred Valley.
My suggestion:
Be sure to visit the Chinchero market on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday.
My review
Located in the sublime Sacred Valley, Huayllabamba is one of the stop-off villages on the Inca Trail which leads to the famous Machu Picchu. This exceptional trek led us to discover the Inca culture and its remains. Among green valleys, steep paths, terrace crops and authentic villages, we enjoyed the tremendous view of the mythic Sacred Valley.
But before going off on your adventure, it is important to meet some key requirements for a successful adventure during your trip to Peru:
- Note that the Inca Trail must be reserved a minimum of six months in advance and you cannot do it without an agency.
- Find out more before choosing a trekking agency, some companies are less serious than others and a lower price doesn't necessarily ensure quality and security.
- Be physically prepared and buy adequate gear. The Inca Trail requires a good resistance to altitude.
Finally, note that there are also other treks in the Sacred Valley. It's up to you to see what suits you in terms of time, health, budget and desire!
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guido612
230 travelers' photos
