CHOQUEQUIRARO AND MACHU PICCHU 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca and his successors dominated the region of
Vilcabamba. It included several centers and settlements built to honor the last dynasty of
the Inca: Manco Inca, Sayre Tupac, Titu Cusi Yapanqui and Tupac Amaru I. According to
customs and traditions of other pre-Incan cultures, a Neo Imperial state was created to
preserve all knowledge in religion and astronomy. Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu is
the place where youll discover the great citadel of the last inca kings and also you'll rich the
beautiful ecosystem, Choquequirao and Machu Picchu trekking.
Vilcabamba is located northwest of Cusco, in the province Convencin, in the eastern
mountain range of the Andes. It has a chain of snow-covered peaks and high forest
mountains with constant climatologic changes. The region is bounded by two very deep
canyons, the canyon of Apurmac on the left and Willcamayu on the right. Through both run
very fast-flowing rivers which have carved and still carve one of the most beautiful and
spectacular landscapes of our Andean region.
Choquequirao Trek 8 Days Itinerary:
Altitude: 1550 - 4670 m. / 5085 - 15321 f.
High season: Whole year
Duration: 8 days - 7 nights
Level of difficulty: Moderate
*A minimum of 2 persons is needed for this trek
1st Day: Cusco Cachora Chiquisca
We will leave Cusco early in the morning at about 5:30 am. First we will head for the little
village Cachora (2850m/9350f), a nice place surrounded by beautiful mountains and the
majestic glacier Padreyoc (5571m/18278f). Here, we will also meet our horsemen who will
accompany us during the trip. After having passed the overlooking Capuliyoc
(2800m/9186f), we will continue descending to our campsite called Chiquisca
(1930m/6332f).
Climate: warm
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
2nd Day: Chiquisca Playa Rosalina Marampata Choquequirao
After breakfast, we will first descend to La Playa Rosalina (1550m/4921f) and then climb up
to the village of Marampata (2850m/9350f). From here, we will have a nice view of the
archeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m/9951f). If we are lucky, we will even see a
condor fly at nightfall. Our camping site in Choquequirao is about 25 minutes from the ruins
at 2950m/9678f.
Climate: both warm and cold
Hiking time: 7 hours
3rd Day: Choquequirao Choquequirao pass Ro Blanco
At dawn, we will first head for the citadel of Choquequirao (3033m/9950) called Cuna de
Oro - the Cradle of Gold - and enjoy the quietness at this place. Beyond, we will explore
this archeological site, of which only 30 % is restored, in more detail: we will visit the section

of the palaces, the liturgic fountains, the temple of the high priest, the section of the llamas
and the Ushnu. Thereafter, our trek continues towards the pass of Choquequirao
(3270m/10728f) and passes the archeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m/8038f). Finally,
we will head down to the deepest point of the small canyon known as Ro Blanco
(1900m/6234f) or Ro Silvestre where our camping site is situated.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 6 hours
4th Day: Ro Blanco Maizal San Juan pass - Yanama
Due to the ecosystems constant changes, this day is both the most arduous and the most
spectacular one. In Maizal (3000m/9843f) we will have a short break to catch some breath
and to enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape. Since the Inca trail in this region is not in
good conditions during the rainy season, we ask you to watch your steps carefully. In San
Juan (4170m/13681f) we will enjoy the beautiful view of the valleys, the mountains and the
glaciers, from which some of the latter peak more than 5000m/16404f. Our camping place
will be in the little village of Yanama (3530m/11581f).
Climate: warm and cold with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 5 hours
5th Day: Yanama Yanama pass Totora pampa
Early in the morning, we will head for the highest pass of this trip - the Yanama (4670m). If
we are lucky we will even see a condor fly. During the day, we will enjoy frequently the view
of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay (6264m) and Pintuyu (5450m). Our camping
place will be in the valley of Totora pampa (3200m).
Climate: warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 8 hours
Note: According to the groups wishes, it is possible to change the itinerary a bit and visit
the hot springs in Santa Teresa (1830m/6004f) this day.
6th Day: Totora pampa La Playa
In Totora pampa we will get the chance to meet Quechua-speaking Andean people who live
from agriculture and cattle breeding. The vegetation on our way gets more and more
bizarre and reveals its diversity of orchids, bromelains and other plants. We will also see
some plantations for coffee, papaya, passion fruit and avocado. Our camping site will either
be in La Playa (2100m/6890f) or in Lucmabamba (2020m/6627f).
Climate: warm whit mosquitoes
hiking time: 7 hours
7th Day: La Playa Llactapata Hidroelctrica Aguas Calientes
Our journey starts early in the morning. First, we will follow the Inca Trail till Llactapata
(2650m/8694f). This archeological site is situated amidst a bizarre vegetation and offers an
exceptional view of the mountain Machu Picchu. Our trek continues towards the
hydroelectric station (1950m/6398f) from where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes
(2050m/6726f). In Aguas Calientes we will spend the night in a hotel.

Climate: warm
Hiking time: 6 hours
8th Day: Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu Cusco
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu
(2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided
tour around the archeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas,
you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on
your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55 pm or at 6:10 pm. Until then,
you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the
hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.
Climate: moderate warm
Hiking time: 02 hours
Included:

Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the town of Cachora

Transport from la Playa to Santa Teresa and the hydroelectric station (for all
camping and personal luggage)

Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes

Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or train from Aguas Calientes to
Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco

Basic hotel in Santa Teresa

Hotel in Aguas Calientes (MachuPicchu, continental or similar)

Dinner in Aguas Calientes

Entrance fees to Choquequirao

Entrance fees to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)

High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3,
extra light/4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kgs, both are big
enough for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)

Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian

Cook and cooking equipment

Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer's luggage (Up to
10kg)

Emergency horse

First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not included:

Sleeping bag (If you dont have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of lending
one)

Lunch on the last day in Machu Picchu

Notes:
(1) From the first to the seventh (from Cachora to La Playa) we are accompanied by
horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customers private
luggage (up to 10 kg). On the seventh day all luggage (included your own bags) will be
transferred to the hydroelectiric station by car.
(2) Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu mountain requires to be booked long time
in advance however we charge additional $ 10.00 USD and then well guarantee your
entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July,
2011).
(3) 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.
What do I need to bring?

Backpack with rain shelter.

Sleeping back.

Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.

Rain pants and lightweight pants.

Trekking shoes.

Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).

Woolen or synthetic socksand a sweater.

Long- and short-sleeved polos/T-Shirts.

Rainponcho and a hat.

Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).

Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing
tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.

Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries.

Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.

Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.

Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes - once gotten wet wont dry at night. So take some clothes to change.