T R E K K I N G
CHOQUEQUIRAO to MACHUPICCHU
TCQMP

The archaeological site of Choquequirao, perched on a ridge at about 3000 meters above sea level, has been rediscovered recently and partially restored. Long forgotten, this Incan town, which was buried under dense vegetation, has gradually found life and character after 5 centuries of being hidden. Therefore, this site has become a hiking attraction among travelers eager for new sites to explore. Beyond the site the narrow path unveils a magnificent trek, wild, unknown and varied in terrain and views.
From the high mountain passes of over 4500 masl, to the edge of the tropical vegetation, this trek takes you beyond the traditional cliché of Peru. Of course, views of the glittering peaks of over 6000 meters will be present, where the condors command the skies and the cold Puna hides the elusive Pumas, but it is at the lower spots, where the vegetation is denser as the altitude drops, that you might meet a different Peru and villages full of happy bare footed kids, the contrary to the villages on the Puna, because life is hard at the high altitudes of the Andes. This is a trek of a good physical level, with high altitudes and passes over 4500 meters.
Your destination is the valley of the Urubamba River, which runs below Machu Picchu, far from the crowds of tourists converging on foot or by train. By the time you arrive to the small town of Aguas Calientes and the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, that you realize the privilege of the experience you have enjoyed so far! Indeed, this trek is a pilgrimage in the footsteps of the Incas, but a pilgrimage for you alone ... almost.

Itinerary

Day One: CUSCO – CACHORA - CHIQUISCA
An early start to Cachora in the Apurimac region. On the way, we stop to visit the amazing carved stone in Saywite. Then we leave the tarmac and descend to Cachora (2915m) on a dirt road. There, we meet our mule drivers and start our hike towards the Apurimac canyon, we set our camp at Chiquisca. (3 hr bus ride & 4 hr trek – Camp at 1750m)
ACCOM – Tent / Meals – B, L, D
Day Two: CHIQUISCA - CHOQUEQUIRAO
Another early start (to avoid the heat), as we have a long climb ahead of us. On the way we can sample sugar cane juice, "Upi," at Mr. Cobarrubias’ home in Santa Rosa (2100m) - he produces alcohol from the canes – a good time for a rest! Continuing on to Maranpata, we get our first view of the amazing ruins that seem to spring from the undergrowth. Camp on the terraces. (6 hr trek – Camp at 3060m)
ACCOM – Tent / Meals – B, L, D
Day Three: CHOQUEQUIRAO – RIO BLANCO
Leaving Choquequirao, we start our descent towards the Victoria Valley. Our trail leads us through dense bushes and affords us great views of Mt Corihuaynachina, part of the Vilcabamba range. (5 hr trek - Camp at 1830m)
ACCOM – Tent / Meals – B, L, D
Day Four: RIO BLANCO - MAIZAL
We begin a steep climb towards the Yanama Pass. We camp near some farmer houses, and enjoy the beauty of the near mountains. (3 hr trek - Camp at 3000m)
ACCOM – Tent / Meals – B, L, D
Day Five: MAIZAL - YANAMA
We continue our climb that brings us to the Yanama Pass 4300m, from where we can see the Yanama Valley stretching before us. We descend to our camp near the village. (6 hr trek – Camp at 3650m)
ACCOM – Tent / Meals – B, L, D
Day Six: YANAMA - PUKARA
We have one more pass to cross and then we descend into the valley that takes us to Pukara, a nice campsite and again we have the mountains in front of us for the sunset. (7 hr trek - Camp at 3600m)
ACCOM – Tent / Meals – B, L, D
Day Seven: PUKARA – LA PLAYA
We leave the hot springs and continue descending towards plantations of coffee and different tropical fruits. (5 hr trek - Camp at 2000m)
ACCOM – Tent / Meals – B, L, D
Day Eight: LA PLAYA- SANTA TERESA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
After a short hike we reach the road where we catch a truck to go to Santa Teresa, then we continue towards the power station to take the local train to Aguas Calientes where we can visit the Hot Springs and spend the night in a comfortable hostel.
ACCOM – Hotel / Meals – B, L
Day Nine: MACHU PICCHU - OLLANTAYTAMBO CUSCO
A guided tour of the archaeological site gives us the idea that our entire journey has been almost like a pilgrimage. In the afternoon, we take the train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo where you are transferred to your hotel.
ACCOM - Hotel / Meals – B

Our Services

......INCLUDE:

	Guided Tours of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
	2-Person Tents; Foam Mattresses; Dining Tent; Camp Tables & Chairs; Cooking Tent; Cooking & Eating Utensils; Toilet Tent
	Private Transfer Cusco-Cachora "Local" Train Service Hidroeléctrica-Aguas Calientes Bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes (2nd Day) "Tourist" Train Service Aguas Calientes-Cusco Transfer Station-Hotel in Cusco
	Guide; Assistant Guide, Cook; Assistant Cook, Donkey Drivers; Horses; Emergency Horse with Saddle
	All meals while on trek
	First Aid Kit

......DO NOT INCLUDE: