The Cordillera Vilcabamba is a remote and rugged mountain range in southern Peru, northwest of Cusco, known for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and historical significance. This chain forms part of the greater Andes and is best known as the refuge of the last Inca resistance after the Spanish conquest. It was here, hidden in the forested canyons and isolated ridges, that the Incas established the lost city of Vilcabamba, a final stronghold before their defeat in the late 1500s.

Geographically, the Cordillera Vilcabamba is characterized by steep rock formations, high-altitude grasslands, and sharp ridges draped in cloud forest vegetation. The range includes peaks over 16,000 feet and is less visited than the Sacred Valley or Ausangate area, making it ideal for adventurous trekking and remote exploration. The region supports small Andean communities that still rely on traditional farming and herding, and its complex topography shelters a rich diversity of flora and fauna, many adapted to the transitional zone between high Andes and Amazon.