Who wants to be an explorer? When Hiram Bingham stumbled upon Machu Picchu in 1911, he was actually searching for Vilcabamba, a remote jungle site where the last Incas lived for a few decades after the Spanish conquest. It's a haul to get here and will be a reward only if you have a serious interest in the Incas. Still feeling adventuresome? Then get yourself on the daylong bus ride from Cuzco to the village of Huancacalle. Here, you can hire a guide (let's be honest, you just about NEED to hire a guide) for a demanding trek of several days over muddy, cloud-forested terrain.

En route to Vilcabamba

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Moderate +
When to go: May through September (though October through December is OK with rain gear)