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Vilcabamba, also known as “the valley of longevity” is a village in the southern region of Ecuador, in Loja Province, about 45 km (35 mi) from the city of Loja.

The etymology of the name “Vilcabamba” apparently derives from the Quichua “huilcao pamba.” Huilco denotes the sacred trees, Anadenanthera colubrina, that inhabit the region; pamba (cognate with pampa) is a word meaning “a plain”.

The area has been referred to as the “Playground of the Inca” which refers to its historic use as a retreat for Incan royalty. The valley is overlooked by a mountain called Mandango, the Sleeping Inca, whose presence is said to protect the area from earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Vilcabamba is a small town with few inhabitants, but the magic of the place lies in its mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, and landscapes.
Many medicines such as datura, magic mushrooms, San Pedro, wilca, morning glory grow naturally in Vilcabamba, turning this place into a powerful space where healing energy vibrates.