Vilcabamba is nestled in a green highland valley at around 1,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by gentle mountains and lush vegetation. Thanks to its location and mild climate, the area is ideal for outdoor activities.
Hiking & Viewpoints
From the village, numerous trails lead in all directions. As soon as you leave town, you’ll find paths heading into the mountains and to waterfalls.
A highlight is Cerro Mandango (the “Sleeping Inca”), a striking mountain ridge on the edge of the village. From the lower summit cross, you have a spectacular panoramic view over Vilcabamba, the Andes, and nearby Podocarpus National Park.
According to legend, Mandango protects the valley from earthquakes.
The hike (approx. 3 km round trip) is steep and partially exposed, but the views are rewarding. Ambitious hikers can continue along the ridge to complete a circular route back to the valley.
Rivers & Waterfalls
The valley is crossed by clear mountain streams, including Río Vilcabamba and Río Yambala, which offer refreshing spots.
There are also several scenic waterfalls nearby – such as Cascada El Palto (also known as Cascada de Vilcabamba). This 30-meter-high cascade is accessible via a moderate trail: about 8 km round trip from Vilcabamba, or half that if you take a taxi to the trailhead in Yamburara Alto.
Red trail markings guide the way, and at the destination, you can cool off under the falling water. On the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful valley views.
Horseback tours to El Palto are also available and popular.
Podocarpus National Park
Just a few kilometers east lies the Podocarpus National Park – a protected natural paradise with cloud forest and incredible biodiversity.
The park was established in 1983 and spans about 1,450 km² across the provinces of Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe. It’s named after the Podocarpus tree, Ecuador’s only native conifer.
Thanks to elevations from 900 to 3,600 meters, the park features a range of ecosystems – from Amazonian jungle to Andean páramo.
Visitors can enjoy short walks or multi-day treks on well-marked trails.
With a bit of luck, you might spot rare animals such as spectacled bears, mountain tapirs, or even pumas. Over 560 bird species have been recorded, including colorful tanagers and rare woodpeckers.
In 2007, the park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For nature lovers, it’s a must-see.
Nature Reserves & Gardens
Just north of the village, across the river, is the private Rumi Wilco Nature Reserve (approx. 40 hectares). For a small donation (around $2), you can explore it on your own.
A gentle trail follows the river through gallery forests – ideal for families. More ambitious hikers can climb Cerro Guaranga, a steep 5 km loop with rewarding views.
Rumi Wilco protects local flora and fauna and offers environmental education. Rustic cabins are also available for overnight stays in nature.
In the wider Vilcabamba area, you’ll also find permaculture farms and gardens – like Finca Verde, which offers workshops on sustainable agriculture and organic gardening.
More Activities
Beyond hiking, Vilcabamba offers many ways to enjoy nature. Horseback riding is very popular – local guides and hostels (such as Hostería Izhcayluma) offer tours to remote waterfalls and scenic mountains.
Mountain biking is also growing in popularity. You can rent bikes in Vilcabamba and explore the hilly terrain with local guides.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the biodiversity, especially along rivers and in the national park.
In the village itself, the central plaza with its church is perfect for relaxing under palm trees and observing the slow pace of local life.
Around the plaza are small shops, cafes, and juice stands, many run by expats. On the edges of the plaza, you’ll also find “Taxi Mixto” pickup trucks acting as shared taxis – a common sight in this rural area where horses and cows still use the roads.
Vilcabamba is truly a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers. If you enjoy untouched mountain landscapes, pleasant year-round climate, and outdoor adventure – you’ll love the “Sacred Valley” of Vilcabamba.