Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
8 Days and 7 Nights

DAY 01: CUSCO – CACHORA – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINA – SANTA ROSA

We will leave Cusco early in the morning around 5:00 am. to reach the town of Cachora around 8:00 am. where we will have the opportunity to order our breakfast in a local restaurant (First breakfast is not included) while our team enlists all the equipment in mules and horses. From the town of Cachora we will can observe the majestic snowy peaks of Padrayoc, the highest mountain along this trek, 5482 masl = 17985.56 feet. On this first day we will make a walk of 21.70 km or 10 hours, while we walk we can observe the snowy peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora, in addition to appreciating a change of landscape towards the snowy peaks and small farms on the slopes of the mountains, until we reach the next point capuliyoc, in this part we can see condors, then we will begin our descent towards the Apurimac canyon with a change of vegetation of the Agave and Tunacactus forest to a dwarf forest and we will arrive at Chiquisqa (1950 masl = 6397.64 feet) where we will have lunch. Then we will continue our descent to the abundant Apurimac River at 1550 masl = 5085.30 feet and the deep canyon of the same name. We will stop to rest near the river, then start the steep climb to Santa Rosa, where we camp for the night in a small sugar cane plantation (2115 masl = 6938.97 feet).

DAY 02: SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO – RAQAYPATA

Early morning after breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquequirao. The first 3 to 4 hours are going up very steep until to get to Marampata where we are going to take lunch, but then the way, it will change between flat and going up the rest of the way, surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive to the archaeological site CHOQUEQUIRAO after 5 hours. After a little break we will walk to the main square of Choquequirao, to enjoy this majestic place, where we will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin. Approximately at 3 oclock in the afternoon (depends of the weather). We can be lucky to appreciate (the flight of the Condors). Then, the guide will decide where to set our camp in Raqaypata campsite inside Choquequirao (2910 masl = 9547.24 feet).

DAY 03: RAQAYPATA – PINCHINUYOC

After having our breakfast, we will have time to enjoy the majestic archeological site, where we will appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this ancient Inca town. In addition, we will see many ruins still in excavation and finally unexplored areas, which can give us data about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. Then we walk through Choquequirao, with all the equipment going to the next camp, we will follow the old water channel and then a 4 hour walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins found in 1998. First we will pass through the cloud forest and then everything becomes a steep and open meadow with open views of the mountains and valleys. Pinchinoyoc: These ruins are something very special, they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible due to the thick layer of mosses and the vegetation that covers it, and this is where we will spend the night in the ancient Inca terraces.

DAY 04: PINCHINUYOC – VICTORIA RIVER – MAIZAL

This day we will walk through a vegetation known as dry forest of the Andean highlands, everything looks different from what we have seen before. After a few hours, we will arrive at Victoria River, here we will stop to cool off with the cold and clear water of the river, then we will cross the river on foot, since there are no bridges. We will continue our journey through a long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal (Cornfield) near the sacred Apus of the Incas, while we walk we will take several breaks to catch our breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetation along the way. Once we arrive at the Cornfield we will have lunch and enjoy the scenery, here we can also relax all afternoon or do some optional physical activity. Maizal is the most beautiful place of all, from here we can see the 3 valleys and a great snow peak right in front of us, a beautiful place to lie down and meditate.

DAY 05: MAIZAL – YANAMA

Very early in the morning after our breakfast we will leave the Cornfield and head towards the San Juan pass through a long climb, but it will be an incredibly beautiful area, first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass, with rest times in some of the Victoria mines, where wi will observe bright stones that will indicate that here there is a high concentration of minerals and metals. Then we will continue through the Puna, walking along very well preserved Inca trails, among other features with the classic zigzag, Then we will have lunch at about 4000 masl = 13123.36 feet With a view of the Choquetakarpo mountain, we will finally continue our journey through the descent to Yanama, a small town at the foot of a long valley surrounded by mountains, where it is going to be our campsite.

DAY 06: YANAMA – TOTORA

This day we will continue from Yanama through the valley to the highest point of the route, the Yanama Pass at about 4668 masl = 15314.96 feet. In this step we will have a good view of the snowy mountain of Sacsarayoc, we will also have the opportunity to see condors, in this gentle climb we will pass it through new landscapes, especially through wet grass fields. In this step we can walk in the snow, and the descent is a long walk through the fog through grassy fields and shrub areas and with small wooden and earth bridges. Then we will continue this path until we reach the community of Totora, where we will spend the night.

DAY 07: TOTORA –PLAYA SAHUAYACO – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast we will continue our passage for about 2000 masl = 6561.68 feet down through the changing vegetation until we reach warmest part of the whole Trek called La Playa Sahuayaco. It will be a walk of approximately 9 hours, on the way we can see small waterfalls and where we will have the option of giving us a refreshing natural bath. This area has a great variety of birds and now it is obvious that the climate and vegetation have changed completely, and now we see recognizable plants in living rooms in Europe and various types of orchids. Playa Sahuayaco is a big town, here we can find some small shops to buy snacks, etc. Also in this area we will see small plantations of coffee and bananas. Then we take public transportation to the Hidroelectrica and then we walk for about 2 hour more to get to Aguas Calientes town where we are going to stay in a nice hotel with hot shower, is recommended to go to the natural hotspring in here.

DAY 08: MACHUPICCHU!!!

From Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus (Optional) to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2 to 3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance of Machu Picchu. You will enjoy sites such as the astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend visiting mazing ruins and you will have the chance to climb the mountain of Waynapicchu or mountain Machu Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. For Huaynapicchu you need to let us know in advance to be able to get your ticket and this has an extra cost. Visit the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle. Hike to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next Machu Picchu visit. However in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but a lot more defying, not for people with vertigo. Train back to Cusco: We back in the afternoon to Aguas Calientes where, then, we take the train to Ollantaytambo, and in Ollantaytambo our private bus will take you back to Cusco. In Cusco we leave you in your Hotel or near to this, your Hotel it has to be located close to the colonial style Plaza de Armas. This is the end of our service After experiencing the grandeur of Machu Picchu you need to go back to Aguas Calientes to take lunch (optional) then you need to go to the station train to go back to Ollantaytambo then to Cusco. About the train, we will provide you the touristic class train, the train departure times can be in between 2:55 pm to 9:50 pm. it depends of the availability of the spaces. Once at Ollantaytambo station our driver will be waiting for you with your names on a sheet of paper, this person will take you back to Cusco. Departure times of the trains will be provided according to the availability of spaces. Note: If you have a tight budget, do not worry you can get this trek at a more comfortable price for your pocket, but in this case you will return to Cusco from Hydroelectrica by bus Instead of the train.

Includes:

• Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
• A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
• Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
• Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao
• Entrance fees to Machupicchu
• A duffel bag where you can put inside 08 kilos from your personal stuff (it will be carry by the horses or mules)
• Horses or mules and muleteer to carry camping equipments and cooking stuff
• Transportation, Cusco to Cachora
• Four season tents (2 trekkers in each one) you will have enough space to put things inside
• Camping equipment (Kitchen tent, portable chairs and table)
• Mattresses
• 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
• Professional Cook
• Snack for each day of trekking
• Boiled water to drink during the trail
• Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
• Touristic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Private Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• 1 Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes, (private bathroom, wifi, cable Tv, 24-hour hot water, cable Tv and breakfast)
• First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon
• A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group

Doesn’t includes:

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
• Extra expense if you want to buy things along the trail
• Entrance fees to Waynapicchu Mountain or Mountain Machu Picchu. (it has an extra cost of 70 dollars per person)
• Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
• Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 15 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
• Mineral water (you can buy bottle of mineral water in Ollantaytambo)
• Extra horse or mule to carry extra backpacks or to ride until the second campsite (120 dollars per horse or mule)
• Bus up or down from Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu
• Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)

• Original Passport
• Travel Insurance card (you have to le tus know the name of your Travel Insurance company and you travel Insurance Number)
• Day Pack
• Rain coat or Rain Poncho
• Cold Clothes (For the first and Second day)
• Trekking shirts and trekking pants
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Warm jacket
• Bottle of Water
• Flash Light
• Toilet Paper
• Shorts
• Sun Block
• Sun Glasses
• Caps or Hats
• Gloves (for the first and second day)
• Insect Repellent (30% DEET Recommended)
• Sleeping Bags
• Walking sticks
• Camera with extra batteries
• Extra money especially in soles to buy thing along the trek

POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE