Choquequirao Trek by Vilcabamba to Machupicchu 9D/8N

DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CHIQUISQA (L) (D)

After pick-up from your hotels, we start our trip in the morning until the district of San Pedro, Cachora.  Along the way we can appreciate the snowy Salkantay mountain in the distance (6271 m.a.s.l.) as we descend into the Limatambo Valley, continuing on to the Cunyac bridge which is located between the Cusco and Apurimac departments.  Later, we pass Curawasi district and finally reach the village of Cachora (2880 m) where we will start our hike on foot in a easy-going, gentle route until the Capuliyoc Pass (2800 m).  Here we can appreciate the Apurimac Canyon, later the Choquequirao archeological ruins, and perhaps with some luck catch a glimpse of a condor or two.  We will take our first lunch prepared by the team’s chef along the way, continuing afterwards to the first campsite of Chiquisqa, located at 1850 meters in altitude. This passage is beautiful and offers a warmer climate.  We will have dinner and camp-out in our first night’s campsite.

DAY 2: CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINA – CHOQUEQUIRAO (B) (L) (D)

After breakfast, we continue downhill in the direction of La Playa Rosalinas (1500 m), cross the Apurimac River by bridge, and later head uphill towards Santa Rosa (2100 m) where the Cobarrubias family, descendants of the first Choquequirao explorers, may greet us with a typical drink of the area (Cambray or Chicha made from sugar cane grown in the area).  Along the way we will see many fruit trees and a variety of plants including cactus.  Later we ascend to Maranpata for lunch with an impressive view of the mountains all around (2850 m).  After lunch, we continue on an easy stretch to our campsite at Choquequirao.

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PINCHIUNUYUC – RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL (B) (L)(D)

After our early morning breakfast, we start with a visit to the archeological complex of Choquequirao (Cuna de Oro / Cradle of Gold) which was the last refuge place of the Incas.  We will get an up-close view of the construction, the three levels of excavation going through living areas, agricultural terraces sporting a 60º to 70 º of inclination, water fountains and ceremonial sites, some of which are in restoration today.  Later we return to the ceremonial site of Usno and Incan House with time to catch great photos at sunrise.  We continue in ascent for about 3 hours on Choquequirao Mountain, later descending to the recently found archeological site of Pinchiunuyuc, descending some more to White River (Rio Blanco) where we can take advantage of the crystalline natural water after a hot trek.  We will also have lunch here before continuing on in ascent to Maizal (and our campsite) for another 3 hours or so (located at 3000 meters).

DAY 4: MAIZAL –  PASO VICTORIA – YANAMA (B) (L) (D)

After another very early breakfast, we ascend to the glacier area of Qorihuarachina, taking in a beautiful view of the geography which includes Incan canal ruins, Inca trails, and a cloudy treed area which is also home to the Victoria Mines.  We will arrive to San Juan Pass (4200 m) with views of the Choquetacarpo and Pumasilloq Mountains, and have lunch and a small break before continuing to our campsite at Yanama village (3500 m).

DAY 5: YANAMA – Q’ELLCAMACHAY (B) (L) (D)

We leave the Yanama community early, enjoying an easy trail with beautiful vistas of the valleys, later heading downhill to our lunch spot that is surrounded by mountains where we can truly appreciate this amazing creation.  Later, we continue on trail with destination of Q’ellcamachay where we will again be surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains for our overnight stay.

DAY 6: Q’ELLCAMACHAY-HUANCACALLE (B) (L) (D)

After another hearty breakfast prepared by our profesional chefs, we leave the campsite to start hiking the original Inka Trail, ascending to the Choque Tacarpo Pass (4592 m).  We will later go downhill where we can see beautiful water canals, have a small break, and then continue to Huancacalle village (2900 m).

DAY 7: VILCABAMBA-VITCOS ROSASPATA- NARANJAL (B) (L) (D)

As we head out this day, we will visit the Archeological Complex of Vitcos Rosaspata and Ñustahispana, getting to know some more history of the Incas.  Later, after lunch, we will take transport to Naranjal – Caldera where we will set up camp.  We will be able to see coffee and cocoa production here, as well as a variety of fruit trees like orange, banana, mango, Papaya,pineapple, lime, mandarin and more.

DAY 8: CATARATAS DE CALDERA -HIDROELECTRICA-AGUAS CALIENTES (B) (L)

After we get started, we will visit a pretty waterfall in Caldera, in a very natural setting, not traversed by many tourists.  The climate is very warm and humid here, and offers a history of perfectly extracted gold mining of the long-ago Inca people.  The flora and fauna is in great variety, sometimes obscuring Incan constructions and terraces that had an important part in conserving Machu Picchu, built at the folds of the citadel.  Continuing on foot, we will finally arrive to Aguas Calientes town, where we can get checked-in to respective hostels.  There is also the option of enjoying the natural mineral hot springs located about 10 minutes from the center.

DAY 9: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHUPICCHU-CUSCO (B)

Breakfast is provided in-hostel, after which we will walk to the bus station to take about a 30 minute bus ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu citadel of the Incas (2400 m).  We will have opportunity to watch the sunrise and take advantage of few other tourists around at this time.  The guided tour includes passing through important places such as the principal plaza, Circular Tower, Solar Sun Dial, living quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and cemeteries.  There will be free time to explore and take more photos before taking a return bus to Aguas Calientes town, and later the return train to Cusco city.

Note:  Option to climb Waynapicchu Mountain if booked in advance due to limited spaces.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Detailed information given pre-tour
• Tourist transportation to the start of the trail: Cachora, Apurimac
• Entrance tickets to Choquequirao
• Permits and entrance fees for our porters, Cook, assistant Chef, Waiter
• Chef and assistant chef
• Horsemen, assistants, pack-mules (to pack food, tents, and kitchen and dining room equipment)
• Emergency pack-horse
• Professional bilingual Spanish / English guide for entire tour
• Assistant or second guide when there are groups over 8
• Meals according to the program
• Snacks handed out before each trek
• Vegetarian or allergy-related requests at no extra charge
• Camping equipment such as 1, 2, or 3 person tents, sleeping matts, kitchen and dining tents, chairs and tables,
• water filter, duffel bags, communication radios
• First Aid kit and blood pressure gauge including emergency oxygen bottle available to use any time you require
• Transportation from Huancacalle – Naranjal
• Transportation from Naranjal – Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica
• One night hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Tickets for bus Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes
• Return train ticket tourist-class Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Poroy
• Final transfer from train station to hotel in Cusco

PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE

• First day breakfast, 8th day dinner
• Last day lunch and dinner
• Sleeping bag (quality down sleeping bags available to rent)
• Extra pack horses (let us know if necessary, can be available to carry up to 20 kilos)
• Entrance tickets to hot springs
• Entrance ticket to Waynapicchu Mountain (please book in advance due to limited spaces)
• Walking Stick (we can rent if needed)
• Tips

What You Should Bring!

• Original Passport (for check-in to the points)
• Day backpack
• Plastic bag to cover backpack
• Sleeping bag (we can rent)
• Clothing for both cold and warm weather
• Warm clothing and rainproof
• Waterproof and warm jackets and/or rain poncho
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Hiking pants
• Shirts
• Mosquito repellant or insect repellent
• Walking stick (we can rent)
• Sunhat,
• Sun block,
• Disinfectant hand gel
• Towel + toilet paper
• Water bottle and sterilizing water tablets
• Personal medication
• Camera with extra batteries
• Plastic bag to cover camera
• Flashlight or head-lamp
• Small personal snacks (chocolate bars, candies, granola bars, dried fruits and nuts)
• Extra spending money in Soles (for Hot Springs, drinks, tips, etc).

FOR GROUP SERVICE  ( Minimun 5 People):

Sale $ 1190.00 USD

PRIVATE SERVICE:

STUDENT DISCOUNT:

$20 off per person

Discounts:

1. Students: Those who have the ISIC card valid, in the event that you book under a student rate with this benefit, you will need to bring the original card (not a copy) to show it at the control points throughout the route.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

As you see in our Additional Items under Trip Overview, there are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Overview section for more details.

Upgrades

Huaynapicchu: $20 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $40 per person

HOTEL INCLUDED:

 Marco Wasi (or similar)
This is a clean hotel and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial or triple. There is a single room surcharge if you are booking alone of $30 US per person. Rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something a little fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes will not be quite as good as Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, but we can work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.

Casa Andina: $40 US pp shared ($110 for a single)
Casa del Sol: $60 US pp shared ($150 for a single)
Tierra Viva: +$60 US pp shared (+$150 for a single)
El Mapi: +$70 US pp shared (+$170 for a single)

HOW TO BOOK

It’s always a good idea to contact us directly and confirm with our team before your booking. Once you are ready, please fill in our Booking Form and pay the Deposit according your Invoice. Our office will email you back that day with your confirmation. We always send out confirmations, so if you don’t hear from us, check your spam or contact our offie and we will resend.

Rentals

• Hiking poles pare – US$35.00
• Bag Pack – US$45.00
• Sleeping Bag – US$50.00
• Extra Horse USD215.00