TREKKING TO CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU CHOQUEQUIRAW 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS

This trek is a 8 day trip starting from Cachora and ending in Machu Picchu. The route takes us through Choquequirao and several remote villages. We decided to do this combo trip because we wanted to see both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Choquequirao sits in the saddle of a high Andean ridge, 3000m./10,000 ft. above sea level and 1,500m./5,000 ft. above the roaring waters of the Apurimac River . Ringed by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, thickly forested slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center, dedicated to the worship of the mountain gods, the river and the elements of nature. Choquequirao has been called " Machu Picchu 's sacred sister", because of the striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous counterpart above the Urubamba Gorge. Yet it remains an enigmatic place whose history is a matter of speculation. One theory of its origins holds that it was a royal estate built for the emperor Topa Inca, perhaps in This expeditions will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area and Peru: CHOQUEKIRAW and MACHU PICCHU. The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are already all over the world. Since its re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discussions and research about the Incas, and finally in 1981 the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, same that in 1983 where honoured by UNESCO as World Heritage. As much one can find of writings and histories about Machu Picchu, the little one can find about the latter, but not less interesting ruin complex of Choquekirawan attempt to rival his father Pachacuti's spectacular domain at Machu Picchu

ITINERARY

Day 01: Cusco, Cachora to Chiquisca

At 6:00 am pick up from your hotel and travel to Cachora (4 hours by bus): While the group is having breakfast the crew will arrange the horses for the trek. Already from the village of Cachora we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 16 km or 6 hours. On the way we will observe Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora snow covered peaks. We can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains. The walk starts quite flat with views to snow covered peaks and small farms on the step mountainsides. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarftree forest we have lunch brake at Chiquisqa (1950 m.a.s.l.). Campsite in Chiquisca at 1550 masl. (L-D).

Day 02: Chiquisca to Choquequirao Ruins

After an early breakfast 6:00 am. we start walking from here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River in 1550 m.a.s.l. in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short rest we continue our hike going up to Choquekiraw. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep, but then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive to the archaeological place Choquequiraw after 5 hours, arriving around 3 pm. We explore the ruins after arriving. The view of the canyon is spectacular, it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite near at Choquequirao. 3033 masl. (B-L-D).

Day 03: Choquequirao to Maizal

On this day we walk uphill for a while up to 3299 masl considered as a first pass and then descend to Rio Blanco, 1909 masl. First we walk through cloud forest, but then all becomes steep open prairie with open views of the Mountains and valleys. Pinchinoyoc - these ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layer of mosses and other vegetation that covers it. Here we spend the night basically on the old Inca Terraces. We will have our lunch near the Rio Blanco, we use the brake here to get a refreshing bath in the cold and clear river water. We cross walking through the river, since there are no bridges. After our brake we start the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas. From Rio Blanco we climb up to Maizal for about 3 hrs. Camp at 3000 masl. (B-L-D).

Day 04: Maizal to Yanama

From here we start walking uphill passing by the impressive inca mines called Minas Victoria nad towards the Victoria Pass. Again a long climb, but we walk in a amazingly beautiful area – first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass. We rest at some of the Victoria mines, where metal shining stones tell about a high concentration of minerals and metals, which were later used by other miners. Almost on the top we can apreciate original paved inca trails. We take our box lunch at the pass in 4200 m.a.s.l. with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, while we had lunch we will be able to appreciate the flight of the condores depending on the climate, before we start the descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains. We pass over 4154 masl and finally descend to our campsite at 3800 masl. (B-L-D).

Day 05: Yanama to Totora

After breakfast we start climbing slowly to our higher pass 4668 masl, again the view is amazing, we are sorrounded by snowcapped mountains the Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoj. We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, The Yanama Pass in 4500 m.a.s.l. On the way we have a good view of the snow capped Sacsarayoc. Once again we have the chance to see condors, and this mornings smooth climb bring us through new landscapes – especially the wet grass fields under the snowline that distinguish from everything else seen on the tour. In the pass we might walk in snow, and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields- and bush areas and crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora, where we spend the night. (B-L-D).

Day 06: Totora to La Playa

On this day we descend to the Totora river. As we go down the birdlife is very interesting specially with hummingbirds, woodpeckers and many species of orchids and begonias. We walk the about 2000 meters down through the changing vegetations to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approx. 7 hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and get a refreshing natural bath. The area also has a big variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations have changed totally, and now we see plants recognizable from the living rooms in Europe and several types of orchids. The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas. Campsite at 2125ma sl. (B-L-D).


Day 07: La playa to Aguas Calientes

After a good breakfast we took a transport that takes to us until the town of Santa Teresa, soon we happened through a Oroya we cross a river of the Vilcanota, where we will take a transport to Planta de Hidroeléctrica, place where we will have an excellent view to Machupicchu back site, after the lunch, we walked our last trail that lasts 3 hours until arriving at Aguas Calientes around 4:30pm where our long walk finishes. We wil spend the night in Hostal. (B-L-D)

Day 08: Machupicchu Full day and go back to Cusco

After an early breakfast from Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 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 Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes where we take our train ticket back to Cusco. (B).

Our Service Includes:

- Collection from your hotel and transfer in private transportation to Cachora (starting point of the trail).
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, new, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao and Machupicchu.
- Kitchen tent
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) - days 1 to 6..
- 1 emergency horse every 3 persons – days 1 to 6.
- Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) - day 7.
- Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters / horsemen
- Meals (07B, 07L, 07D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day)
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Bus ticket up and down Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker ).
Not included is:
- Sleeping bag.
- Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes.
- Tips: please beware that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not according to your wish.
Note: If you want to ride, saddle horses are available for US$ 15 a day.

YOU SHOULD BRING:

- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 4.00 / day)
- Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you
- Flashlight and batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please beware that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)