Choquequirao to Machupicchu 9d/8n

 

Introduction

Beginning in the Apurimac River district, original Inca trails lead us through Andean cloud forests, highland Puna, and sub-tropical river valleys to the important archaeological complexes of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Along the way, we traverse high mountain passes and descend into picturesque valleys while surrounded by mammoth snow-capped peaks still revered as sacred Apu spirits. Other highlights of the trek include secluded Andean villages, wild orchids, condors, and many other rare species of plants and wildlife.

According to historians, Choquequirao was the dwelling of the last rebel Incas who resisted the Spanish conquistadors, and like Machu Picchu, the Spanish were thought never to have discovered it.

Day 1:  Cusco / Cachora / Chiquisca

Early morning departure from Cusco  in our private transportation that will take us to the town of Cachora where our arrieros (horsemen), mules and horses are waiting. We will hike for about 6 hours down into the Apurimac canyon camping at Chiquisca (1800 mts)

1. Meals provided: Lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6 hours

Day 2: Chiquisca / Maranpata / Choquequirao

After breakfast we continue our descent to the valley floor where we cross the thundering Apurimac river over a modern suspension bridge . From here we climb a long, steep and hot path  to our destination: The enigmatic and impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We arrive just in time to enjoy a fantastic sunset over the deep canyon and the surrounding mountains .

1. Meals provided:  Breakfast, lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6 -7  hours

Day 3: Choquequirao / Maizal

Early morning departure walking through Choquequirao, finding our way behind the upper plaza, going up though high cloud forests to the Choquequirau Pass. Afterwards the trail continues through some agricultural terraces or (Andeans) called Pichiyoc which means (water jumping forward) . We will continue up toward the Rio Blanco for lunch. In the afternoon we enter another Andean valley to the hamlet of Maizal. Where we will camp.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours

Day 4: Maizal / Yanama

Early morning trek around the Corihuarachina glacier, important due to some archeological remains such as Inca channels. Then we pass through Minas Victoria, a place that during the colony, silver was extracted from a mine. Continuing our trek to the valley and town of Yanama. At the shadow of the Pumasillo Glacier where we camp.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast ,lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours

Day 5: Yanama / Totora

We will trek surrounded by the high mountains of the Vilcabamba Range full of Ichu grass and of Tarwi brush, we go up to the Yanama Pass (4580 meters), the highest pass on the way. In the afternoon we will continue down river arriving at the hamlet of Totora, where we will camp. This place has indescribable beauty, tranquility and pure nature surrounded by the glaciers Salcantay, Padreyoc, and Pumasillo.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast ,lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6 -7hours

Day 6: Totora / Wiñaypoco

Early departure following the Totora river to enter an area of high cloud forest by passing the hamlet of Lluscmayo and arriving at Colcapampa known  for its hot springs. Then we descend the trail on the left side of the Santa Teresa river where we will see small plantations of bananas, passion fruit, bananas, coffee, etc., arriving later at the grassy slopes of Wiñaypoco where we camp.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast ,lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6 hours

Day 7: Wiñaypoco / Patallacta

Early morning start following the trail down the left side of the Santa Teresa River through more plantations of  bananas, avocados, oranges, coffee, cacao and more, arriving to Miscabamba where we cross the river,, continuing on the slope of the hill to our right going through an Andean cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass, then descending through grass land and fruit tress where there is a lot of cattle, arriving at PaltaLlacta, where we will camp. The panoramic view from this place is breath taking; you can see a different angle of Machupicchu and the Aobamba canyon, where another Inca trail can be seen

1. Meals provided: Breakfast ,lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 7 hours

Day 8: Patallacta / Aguas calientes

Early morning descent through orchids and ferns, until we reach the Aobamba river, then crossing a metal bridge with views of an impressive water fall that goes to the hydroelectric plant. Arriving at the rail road tracks and then taking a two hour walk on the rail road tracks to Aguas Calientes. Where we will spend the night in a nice hotel and you will have time to soak yourselves in the local hot springs.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast ,lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6 hours

Day 9: Aguas calientes / Machupicchu / Cusco

Early walk or bus to the Citadel of Machupicchu, guided tour for 2 hours and plenty of free time to explore more, optional time to Climb the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, or the Sun gate, after that you have to take the bus to go down to Aguas Calientes, where you have lunch and take the train to Cusco, then transfer to the hotel.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast .
2. Estimated walking time: 3 hours.

* The places where we’ll set up our camp sites can change depending on the guide.
* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

Group Size: 2 - 16 people

What is included:

• Private transportation: Hotel – Cachora
• Choquequirao and Machu picchu entrance fees
• Hostel: double accommodation in a nice place
• Train tickets: from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
• Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu
• Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry mattresses 
• Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 12 people
• Cook: In charge of meal preparation
• Emergency Horse: Just in case someone needs help
• Meals: 8 Breakfasts/8 Lunches/8 Dinners/Snacks and afternoon tea
• Equipment: tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping pad, dinner tent, biodegradable toilet tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle

What is not included:

•  Breakfast the 1st day, usually hotels offer this service
• Lunch day 9
• Sleeping bag
•  Tips for the guide, cook and porters

What you need to bring/carry: 

• Personal Sleeping Bag
• Flashlight
• Hat
• Sun block, sunglasses
• Warm clothes, Light clothes, 4 pairs of socks
• Insect repellent
• Chocolates, candies or other snacks
• Camera + Film/Video camera (optional)
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
• Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
• You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.

Extras:

• US$12 Sleeping bag rental(-10°C) for the whole trek
• US$15 Single tent accommodation

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