CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU 9D/8N

We recommend following the basics of ecotourism. We must respect and protect the environment,
as well as the archaeological complexes and local customs.

This expedition will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area and Peru:
CHOQUEKIRAO and MACHU PICCHU. The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are
already all over the world. Since the 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 honored 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
Choquequirao.
Choquequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold”, is a magnificent archaeological complex located in the
Vilcabamba mountain range in the Cusco area. It is thought that this mountain range was the last
refuge of the Incas resisting the conquest; led by Manco Inka II.
On our trek, we will enjoy some spectacular geography, flora and fauna; native to the pluvial yunger,
inter-Andean valleys and rainforest.
The temperature on this trek can range between a minimum of -10ºC at night, and a maximum of
23ºC during the day.

Day 1: CUSCO (3350m.) - CACHORA (2850m.) - CHIQUISCA (1930m.)

We leave the city of Cusco early (6:00am), driving along the road which
goes north-west across the famous Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa
(Blood Pampa, because of the ferocious battle between the Incas and the
Chankas over possession of Cuzco city). We cross the mountains and
descend to the warm town of Limatambo where the archaeological site of
Tarawasi is found.
We continue in the direction of the Cunyac Bridge over the Apurimac River,
the natural border between the Cusco and Apurimac regions. We follow the
road to the settlement of Curahuasi, famous for its aromatic liquor:
Macerado de Anis. Our final stop is the town of San Pedro de Cachora
(2850m) about 4 hours from take of in Cusco in the province of Apurimac,
surrounded by majestic snow-peaks such as for example the Padreyoc
(5,771m). Here we will meet our “arrieros” (horsemen), and we begin our
walk, leaving the town to the north, with a spectacular view of the Nevado
Padreyoc. We cross the Cachora creek and climb through a refreshing forest
of eucalyptus and native vegetation to the dirt track which is passable by car
and we start our trek from the lookout at Capuliyoq (2800m). Estimated time
to reach this point is approximately 3 hours. From the lookout, we have a
spectacular view of the Apurimac River and Choquequirao. Here we will
enjoy our lunch.
We begin our descent on a zigzagging footpath, crossing scrub and later a
forest of native trees called Phaty, in around 3 hours. After six hours hike we finally arrive at our first
campsite called Chiquisca (1,930m). We can expect a warm night in the valley.
Meals during the day: Lunch/Dinner.
Climate: cold and warm during the day

Day 2: CHIQUISCA (1930m.) - ROSALINA BEACH (1550m.) - MARAMPATA (2850m.) -

CHOQUEQUIRAO.
After a good breakfast, we begin our descent to Playa Rosalina (1550m), where we register at an
INC control post and we cross the bridge over the Apurimac River. Time to this point will be
approximately 1 hour. We begin our climb uphill on a zigzagging path, towards Santa Rosa (2095m);
where we can take a refreshing break, and maybe buy some candy or soda. We continue upwards,
towards Marampata (2850m), a flat place where we can rest in similar conditions to Santa Rosa;
enjoying a splendid view of Choquequirao. Time from the Apurimac river to here is approximately 4
to 5 hours. The gradient varies from almost flat to very steep. We follow the path which begins flat,
and then has several uphill and downhill sections before the INC campsite at Choquequirao. This
campsite has bathrooms and a cold shower. Total distance of 14 km to the campsite.
Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climate: warm during the day
Hiking time: 7 hours

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO (3033m.) – CHOQUEQUIRAO PASS

(3270m.) – PINCHAUNUYUC (2450m).
After breakfast we have good time to enjoy the majestic
archaeological place. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other
parts of this late Inca-town. Besides we see the ruin in progress of
excavation and finally areas unexplored – that can tell us about this
last refuge of the oppressed Inca Empire. After the lunch we walk
through Choquequirao, with all equipment, going to our next camp.
We follow the old water canal for a while before we start the 3 hours
walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins found in 1998. First we walk through
cloud forest, but then all becomes steep open prairie with open views of the Mountains and valleys.
Pinchinuyoc - these ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the cloud forest.
Pinchinuyoc is located 2450 meters above sea level and means “water jumping forward” - these
terraces have some curious ritual fountains. The terraces were in the Inca Times cultivated to
provide food for the locals. We will this night camp at the terraces.
Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climate: cold and warm during the day
Hiking time: 7 hours

DAY 4: PINCHAUNUYOC (2,450m.) – MAIZAL (3,000m.)

After an early breakfast we walk down through interesting vegetation
know as Dry Andean Highland Forest. Trees and plants here look
different to what we have seen before. We arrive to the river
Silvestre after a few hours and 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. On the way up we catch our
breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetations on the way
up. In Maizal we have our lunch and enjoy, that we can relax this
afternoon. Maizal is properly the camp in the most beautiful location
on the tour. From here we see 3 valleys and a great snow peak right
across from us.
Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climate: cold and warm during the day
Hiking time: 7 hours

DAY 5: MAIZAL (3,000m.) - YANAMA (3530m.)

We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan pass. It will be a long climb in a humid
area, but it is an amazingly beautiful area with first with cloud forest and then 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. On our way through the Puna we walk on very well
preserved Inca trails, among other characteristics with the classic zigzag. We take lunch at the San
Juan pass in 4200 meters above sea level with a view of the mountain Choquetakarpo. After lunch
we start the descent towards Yanama (3530m), a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a long
valley surrounded by mountains. This place has indescribable beauty, peacefulness.

Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climate: cold and warm during the day
Hiking time: 8 hours

DAY 6: YANAMA (4580m.)-TOTORA (3200m.)

We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, The Yanama
Pass in 4600m. On the way we have a good view of the snowcapped Sacsarayoc. Once again we
have the chance to see condors, and this morning’s 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 crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora
(3200m), where we spend the night.

Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climate: cold and warm during the day
Hiking time: 8 hours

Day 7: TOTORAPAMPA (3200m) – LA PLAYA (2100m) – LUCMABAMBA (2000m)

In Totora pampa we will get the chance to meet Quechua-speaking, andean people who live from
agriculture and cattle breeding. Moreover, this day is dedicated to the region’s flora and its
plantations. After descending to a dimmed forest and enjoying the diversity of species of orchids,
bromeliads and many other plants, we will see coffee-, cacao- and fruit-plantations. Moreover, we
will have the pleasure to meet local families of Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694f), La Playa (2100m/6890f)
and Lucmabamba (2000m/6561ft). Our campsite will be in Lucmabamba.

This afternoon or next day in the morning you stay in contact with a local rural family from
the forest in which you will have the opportunity to witness the cultivation and processing of
coffee.

Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 8: LUCMABAMBA (2000m) – LLACTAPATA (2650m) –

HIDROELÉCTRICA (1950m) – AGUAS CALIENTES (2050m)
After breakfast, we will hike up on the Inca trail to the
archaeological site of Llactapata at 2650m/8694f (Beautiful
scenery for discovering flora and evidence of Inca culture).
From here we will have an outstanding view over Machu
Picchu Mountain and Vilcanota Canyon). Afterwards we will
continue down to Hydroelectric train station (1950m/6398f),
where you are able to take the train or walking to Machu
Picchu town (2050m/6726f). Overnight in Aguas Calientes
town.

Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climate: warm with some insects
Hiking time: 6 hours

DAY 9: AGUAS CALIENTES (2050m.) - MACHUPICCHU (2430m.) - CUSCO

After an early breakfast we will try to take the first bus at 05:30 am from Aguas Calientes to the city
of Machu Picchu. The tour takes around 20 to 30 minutes. At this early morning we will enjoy the
Machu Picchu ruins while the sun slowly warm up the site and the fug disappear. We will enjoy a
guided 2 ½ hour visit of the great Machu Picchu sanctuary-city, and after it is possible to visit the
complex at your own. There is an optional hike for the more energetic and adventurous people in
the group, to the top of the Huaynapicchu Mountain - the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks
Machu Picchu. After our visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where we can
enjoy a relaxing bath at the local hot springs. In the afternoon we will take the train back to Poroy
train station, just outside Cusco, and bring you to your hotel.

Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch

The transportation from Aguas Calientes to Cusco can be difficult to order, and we cannot promise
when you exactly will be back at your hotel in Cusco. We order the train after this schedule:
You will get on a train that departs from Aguas Calientes to the train station in Ollantaytambo at 6pm
and it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. In Ollantaytambo you will have transportation by bus to your
hotel in Cusco that takes aproxlymatly1 hour and 45 minutes.
You will be back at your hotel around 10pm.

IMPORTANT:
Your passport number
If you have any special diet (F. ex. Vegetarian)
The hotel and address you stay at
If you have any special dieses that we should be aware of (you are responsible to bring your own
medicine). We will provide basic first aid kid and oxygen.

For the tour you need to bring a bag pack (45lt approx.), where you can put in your personal
belongings and sleeping back that you don’t want to carry at the trek, but still have with you on the
tour. You are allowed to fill the bag with 6 kg, which the mules on the trek will carry.

INCLUDED:
 Private transportation from Cusco to Cachora
 Professional English speaking guide.
 Horsemen and horses: for your equipment (the horses will carry 7 kilos per our client
belongings and sleeping bag).
 Entrance-fee for Choquequirao
 Double occupancy tents: dining tent and toilet tent, tables and stools plus all the plates and
silver ware
 Double accommodation at the hotel of Aguas Calientes town
 Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
 Entrance fee: Machu Picchu
 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu 02 ways
 Cook: and assistant in charge of meal preparation

NOT INCLUDED:

 Breakfast day 1
 Lunch and Dinner last day.
 Personal equipment (sleeping bag)


RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

 Below you will find a list of equipment we recommend you bring with you.
 Original passport:
  Backpack
 Sleeping bag.
 Strong footwear
 Change of clothes; Jacket; Clothes for cold weather
 Good socks
 Camera, films and extra batteries
 Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be provided)
 Torch / flashlight, plus extra batteries
 Broad - brim or peaked cap
 Sun block
 Insect repellent
 Toiletries & toilet paper, small towel
 Swimsuit, for the hot springs
 Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc.
 Cash in soles and US$ Dollars
 Binoculars.

Optional: walking Poles/sticks (rubber covers necessary).

Notes:
(1) From Cachora to La Playa (From Day 1 to Day 7) we are accompanied by horsemen and
mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 6 kg). From
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Caliente town (Day 9) we continue by train.

(2) Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu mountain requires to be booked long time in
advance however we charge additional US $ 22.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for
Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July, 2011).

(3) Camping sites: The camping sites on the journey to Machu Picchu can vary from those
described in our itinerary. This is because some camping sites are already booked out otherwise can
be our guide’s criteria and the group progress.

(4) Altitude Advice: To avoid problems with to the altitude, we recommend that you arrive at least
48 hrs prior to departure of your hike. Please contact us as soon as you get to Cusco to organize the
pre-departure meeting.

(5) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a
small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.