Ecuador’s Sacred Valley

Located in the far south of Ecuador near the Peruvian border, Vilcabamba offers an interesting contrast to the rest of the South American nation.

The name means “Sacred Valley” in Quechua, the ancient Inca language that is still widely spoken today in the region.

Rather than 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 for the large number of native people who live well past the age of 100. Scientific studies have examined environmental and social aspects such as geography, climate, water and soil in the hope of discovering the key to the inhabitants’ longevity and lack of disease.

One of the local highlights is Podocarpus National Park, known for its interesting range of flora and fauna, myriad waterfalls and over 100 glacial lagoons.

Enchanted Expeditions designs trips to Vilcabamba for the conscious and socially responsible traveler. Vilcabama is a very special place, and everyone would like it to stay that way.

Read More