Vilcabamba Things to Do

Throughout the Vilcabamba valley, you can't help but notice the uniquely-shaped peak - the Mandango peak ("Sleeping God" or "Sleeping Inca").

From certain angles, the top of Mandango looks like a face looking upwards to the sky, or presumably 'heaven'. From other areas, it is said to look like a sleeping man or woman, presumably an Inca.

You can climb up the mountain of Mandango. It is on private property, so we had to pass through a gate, pay an admission and fill up a form that asked us for our blood type. I know, blood type, eh? Strange.

Anyway, the girl explained that it will take us 1 hour to reach the first cross and 30 minutes more to reach the second cross.

I took about 45 minutes to reach the first cross. Wow, from there, I could see BOTH sides of the sharp ridge! Amazing view of the valley of Vilcabamba and the green mountains all around.

However, the way onwards to the second cross looked absolutely treacherous! No way I could do it in 30 minutes!

But if you are up for it, do press on as I am sure the views will continue to be stunning.

The Valley of Vilcabamba has a reputation for being the Valley of Longevity.

Somehow, from the geography to the climate to the soil to the mineral contents of the water to whatever you can dream of, the residents of this village apparently grow to a very old age. But mind you, not that they grow old and frail, I read that some of the bones of these old geezers are nearly as healthy as those of teenagers, or the retinas of a 100-year-old is comparable to that of a 45-year-old (from another town).

Intrigued? Well, it is a very relaxing, sleepy little town in a gorgeous setting surrounded by lovely mountains, with a mild climate all year round. Many tourists, I dare say, come and just stay and do nothing... trying to absorb the essence of longevity, perhaps.

Well, if you must do something, you certainly have a host of activities to choose from... visit the nearby Podocarpus National Park, go hiking, horse-riding and there are many spas with all natural stuff to pamper yourself with.