Choquequirao - Machupicchu 9 Days/ 8 Nights

The Vilcabamba Mountain range with its highest peak Salcantay at 6 300 m, runs north to south through continent of South America, creates barriers with different ecological niches that provide different micro climates and habitat for animals like the Spectacled Bear, Fox, Llamas, Condors and many more. These valleys are surrounded by high glacial mountains and where the old settlers lived in harmony with nature and created a civilization with high social and technological order. One of the most advanced and civilized centers of the old world, Choquequirao (The Gold Cradle) is the city sister of Machu Picchu, both are located in almost inaccessible places, with spectacular views and interconnected by Inca trails.

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora – Chiquisca

Leaving Cusco early, our private transport takes us to the village of CACHORA where our porters and mules wait for us. We will walk for 6 hours descending the APURIMAC canon until CHIKISKA at 1 800m where we make camp for the evening. (L/D).

Day 2: Chiquisca - Maranpata - Choquequirao

After breakfast we begin our long walk towards the river, crossing the bridge and ascending for approximately 5 hours before arriving at Maranpata for lunch. Two hours of hiking brings us to our campsite at Choquequirao, considered the sister city of Machupicchu due to its similarities in architecture and latitude. An administrative and religious center, Choquequirao covers more than 8 hectares, one third of which has been uncovered with archaeologists discovering more each day. (B/L/D).

Day 3: Choquequirao - Maizal

An early start to the day, our walk takes us to the rear section of the ruins, passing through humid forest to the Choquequirao pass. Continuing passed the terraces of Pinchiyoc, meaning where the water jumps, these terraces have curious ritual fountains. In time of the Inca food was cultivated here to provide for the city. We continue on to Rio Blanco for lunch before descending an Andean valley towards Maizal where we camp for the night. (B/L/D).

Day 4: Maizal - Yanama

Another early start for a walk around the snow-covered Corihuarachina, important because archaeological remains have been discovered, like the Inca channels. After, we will pass through the Victoria Mines where at time of the Spanish conquest they extracted silver. Continuing towards the spectacular valley of Yanama in the shadows of the snow-covered Pumasillo where we make camp. (B/L/D).

Day 5: Yanama - Totora

Surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain range we climb towards our highest point of the hike being the Yanama pass at 4 580 m. In the afternoon we descend and follow a river to the village of Totora, an exquisitely tranquil place with pure air surrounded by the glacial peaks of Salcantay, Pumasillo and Padreyoc. We camp here for the evening. (B/L/D).

Day 6: Totora - Wiñaypocco

Following the Totora River we re-enter a tropical humid forest and travel through Lluscamayo village, arriving at Colcapampa, well-known for its thermal waters. Our route continues on the left bank of Rio Santa Teresa, passed plantations of bananas, passion fruit, coco, coffee and others. We make our camp for the night on a natural grassy plain. (B/L/D).

Day 7: Wiñaypocco - Patallacta

Following the Rio Santa Teresa in the early morning we cross to the other side through the humid forest passage of Puncuyuc, soon to descend to our camping site in Platallacta. The panoramic views are spectacular and we can see the rear of the Sanctuary of Machupicchu and the Acobamba canyon. (B/L/D).

Day 8: Patallacta – Aguas Calientes

Today we descend through flowers and orchids until the Acobamba River, crossing a steel bridge we can take in the spectacular views of a waterfall that flows to the hydroelectric power station. Arriving at the train line we wait for the arrival of the train or we could walk an additional 2 hours to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hotel and can relax in its thermal baths. (B/L).

Day 9: Machupicchu - Cusco

An early morning bus ride to the Sanctuary of Machupicchu for our guided visit of this World Heritage site, for approximately 2 - 3 hours, after which you have free time to enjoy and explore at your leisure, or make the climb to Huaynapicchu. In the afternoon we will take the train for our return to Cusco. (B)

For Private Service, Please Contact Us

• Size of group: Client specification
• Departures: To client specification

Tour includes:

• Private transport: Hotel - Cachora, Train station in Poroy - Hotel
• Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 12 people.
• Local train from Hydroelectric plant – Aguas Calientes (where feasible)
• Cook: In charge of meal preparation.
• Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses (Max. 6 kg/13 lbs per person).
• One night in a Hotel: Aguas Calientes (Twin share. If single accommodation required add $20US)
• Vista dome train: Aguas Calientes - Poroy
• Entrance to the Sanctuary of Machupicchu
• Bus: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
• Meals: 8 breakfasts/ 9 lunches/ 8 dinners
• Equipment: tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping mat, dinner tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.

Does not Include:

• Breakfast (day 1), usually your hotel offers this service
• Dinner (day 8)
• Sleeping bag