Already at the village entry, you are greeted with the welcome sign:

"Vilcabamba, the World´s Only Place where years are added to your life and life is added to your years! "


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Indeed, hotly discussed by scientists from around the world, is the still open question about the "Valley of the Centurions", or the "Valley of Longevitey". The fact is, that ´till today, there has never been one reported case of a death from heart failure, and the valley inhabitants are full of dash way into old age.
There could be many reasons:
 

  - The year-round mild climate
- The natives` healthy diet
- The high mineral contents in the water
- Physical activities in the fresh, unpolluted air, etc.

Vilcabamba´s energy-waves are well known by initiated ones, and Shamans use them for their sacred rites. Also widely used are the hallucinate drugs derived from the "San Pedro Cactus", ascribed to have great healing powers.
Actually, the name "Sacred Valley" originates from the old Inca language(Quichua):
Vilca = Huilco = holy o sacred
Bamba = place or valley

Overlooking the valley, towers the already at Inca - time sacred hill "Mandango", which old legend claim, represents an ancient Inca Queen (being shaped with human-like contours).

Vilcabamba lies at 5200 ft (1600 m) above sea level and enjoys year round spring climate at temeratures of 65-80 F (18-28 C).

Rain months are February and March
Best travel time: September to January and April to June

"Fiesta de Vilcabamba" with beauty queen election, rodeo, dance and many other activities, is yearly celebrated at the end of July.
Vilcabamba is also the center of the country´s carneval festivals, where natives of all Ecuador unitedly celebrate the "crazy days".
For these, and "other" holidays (Christmas, Easter), reservations need to be made well in advance.

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What about the people?

They are very friendly, helpful and always open for a conversation. There is a lot to chat about, even if it is only the weather or town´s gossip. You just have to take the "first step", walking toward them.

From Vilcabamba you can enter the world famous "Podocarpus National Park", with it´s tree groves, yielding the Anti-Malaria drug Chinin.

Had it been located in Europe or North America, Vilcabamba would long ago have qualified as a renown Health Resort (as it currently is in South America).

You will find more about Vilcabamba by visiting:http://www.vilcabamba.org