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Trek Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

PRICES FROM: Consult us
DURATION: 8 days/ 7 nights
DIFFICULTY: Moderate - Trek
MINIMUN: 4 people
REGULAR LEAVING DATES:

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.

 

  • Day 1 CUSCO – CACHORA - APURIMAC

    An early start to Cachora in the Apurimac region. On the way, you stop to visit the local market in Curahuasi. 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 near the River Apurimac. (3 hr bus ride & 6 hr trek – Camp at 1520m) Accommodation Tents /  Meals L, D

     Day 2 APURIMAC - 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). Accommodation Tents /  Meals B, L, D

    Day 3 CHOQUEQUIRAO – RIO BLANCO - MAIZAL

    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. After lunch in Rio Blanco, we continue up to the campsite located near a farm in Maizal (7 hr trek - Camp at 2940m). Accommodation Tents /  Meals B, L, D

    Day 4 MAIZAL - YANAMA 

    We continue our climb that brings us to the Paso San Juan  Pass 4050m, from where we can see the Yanama Valley stretching before us. We descend to our camp near the village. (6 hr trek – Camp at 3470m)  Accommodation Tents  / Meals B, L, D

    Day 5 YANAMA - TOTORA

    We have one more pass, the Yanama pass at 4600 m to cross and then we descend into the valley that takes us to Totora, a small little village where a good fresh beer awaits for us. (7 hr trek - Camp at 3350m)  Accommodation Tents /  Meals B, L, D

    Day 6 TOTORA – LA PLAYA

    We leave behind the nice and comfortable camping  and continue descending towards plantations of coffee and different tropical fruits. (6 hr trek - Camp at 2040m)Accommodation Tents Meals B, L, D

    Day 7 LA PLAYA- LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

    After a short hike on the dirt road, we reach the Inca Path to the pass of Llactapata, nice 5 hours hike takes us to the local train station to take the local train to Aguas Calientes where you can visit the Hot Springs and spend the night in a comfortable hostel. Accommodation Hotel Meals B, L

    Day 8 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. Meals B, L

     
  • What is Included:

    • 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
    • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
    • Bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes (2nd Day)
    • "Tourist" Train Service Aguas Calientes-Cusco
    • Transfer Station-Hotel in Cusco
    • Guide
    • Cook
    • Mule Drivers
    • Mules
    • Emergency Horse with Saddle
    • All meals while on trek
    • First Aid Kit

    What is not Included:

    • Medical Insurance
    • Entrance Fees to Choquekirao and Machu Picchu
    • Sleeping Bag
    • Tips to Staff
    • Meals not listed
    • Alcoholic Drinks
    • Laundry and any other Personal Expenses

     

  • We recommend that you bring

    • Sleeping bag
    • head lamp
    • poncho or rain coat
    • mosquito repellent
    • sun cream

    Additional options

    • Extra Nights possible in Aguas Calientes upon request

    Please note

    • plastic ziplocks bags to put documents in

     

 Huaraz Office:

  • 27 de Noviembre 777, HUARAZ
  • +51 43 348890
  • +51 941 925 002