CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHUPICCHU 11DAYS/10 NIGHTS PRIVATE SERVICE
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Introduction
This program has you trekking past the Apurimac river canyon, into the ruins of Choquequirao, through the Cordillera Vilcabamba to finally reach Machu Picchu from its south side. Our first stop is the impressive and recently restored Inca citadel of Choquequirao, perched high above the Apurimac River on a ridge-top, the location of Choquequirao is truly spectacular. Described by many as the new Machu Picchu. We then traverse the Vilcabamba range, going over panoramic passes with views of gorges, ancient terracing, community life and spectacular mountain scenery with great ice flutes, glaciers, and rock formations sprinkled with cloud forests, crossing streams and cultivated valleys. Finally we enter the cloud forest and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. This unique program is perfect for those who want to combine archaeology and mountains and is a must for more adventurous travellers who want to escape the crowds.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
Reception in Cusco airport and Transfer to your Hotel in Cusco , Rest and acclimatize as you are now at 3,400 mts above sea level. Free Day to relax in Cusco and preparing your pack for the trek to Choquequirao and Machupicchu.
Day 2: WALKING TOUR AROUND SACSAYHUAMAN.
Why not help yourself acclimatise for our adventure of 9 days by taking this special itinerary. We will spend a day exploring the sights of the Sacsayhuaman complex with the four inca sites with a gentle introduction to walking at altitude. We then have a Pre- trek briefing with guide and We finish the tour around 4 pm which will allow us to sleep early and have a good rest before starting off on the trek.
Total distance: 10 km
Estimated walking time: 5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,600 mts
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco (Not Included)
Day 03: CUSCO TO CACHORA / CHIQUISCA
Our private bus will pick you up from your hotel for the 4 hour drive to the trailhead at Cachora2800m/9184ft. We load our equipment onto horses and climb for two and a half hours to the Capuliyoc pass at 2750m/9020ft. We then descend into the Apurimac canyon for two and a half hours to Chiquisca, where we camp for the night.
Total distance: 19 km
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,100 mts
Campsite altitude: 1,800 mts
Day 04: CHIQUISCA / CHOQUEQUIRAO
We make an early start to make the most of the cool morning and descend for one hour to Playa Rosalina, where we cross the Apurimac River. We then begin to climb steeply. After two hours we will arrive at the community of Santa Rosa where we will stop for a rest in the shade. We then continue to climb for another two and half hours until we reach Marampata our lunch-spot. A final gentle two hours takes us to our campsite at Choquequirao (3103m/10178ft),
Total distance: 16 km
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,100
Campsite altitude: 3,100 m
Day 05: CHOQUEQUIRAO
We will spend the whole day exploring the various archaeological sites located at different points on the hillside overlooking the Apurimac River. The restored buildings were areas used for storage, living quarters, a garrison, and the ceremonial sites are impressive. First reports of a visit to this complex are from 1768 with many more later-explorers, scientists and treasure hunters all the way through 1909 when Hiram Bingham also visited the area reportedly his first contact with a lost citadel of the Incas. We will have time to wander through this extended settlement spending most of the day looking at the different buildings, some were living quarters, ceremonial centers, garrisons or warehouses. Return to our campsite at the end of the excursion.
Total distance: day to explore
Estimated walking time: 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,200 m
Campsite altitude: 3,100 m
Day 6: CHOQUEQUIRAO / RIO BLANCO / MAIZAL
We start our ascent from our campsite to the Pass of Choquequirao (3.250 m / 10,660ft), entering cloud forest where we find polylepis trees, epiphytes and bromelids. On the other side as we descend the Yuracmayo river we pass some terracing that supplied Choquequirao and finally arrive at the river bed, which we cross. We continue our ascent until reaching Maizal, a balcony with an impressive view of the Yurahmayo and Yanama gorges, as they join and rush towards the Apurimac Canyon. It’s a natural viewpoint, looking out to the west with beautiful sunsets where we camp.
Total distance: 18 km
Estimated walking time: 8-9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,500
Campsite altitude: 3,300 m
Day 7: MAIZAL / MINAS VICTORIA / YANAMA
The trail starts climbing steeply towards Mina Victoria, an Inca and later colonial mine. We hike along a hill called Qoriwayrachina, where recent archaeological explorations have taken place. Once over the pass at (3,900m / 12, 792 ft), we have lunch and begin our descent to the village of Yanama with views of the mountain country and Mt. Pumasillo towering above us and our campsite below.
Total distance: 16 km
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,400 mts
Campsite altitude: 3,600 mts
Day 8: YANAMA / TOTORA
Heading up the Yanama valley, past fields of farmers we reach the trailhead below the Quiswar pass at , Cross over the pass, beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and Humantay on a clear day. Descend on the winding trail to the valley of Totora below, camping in the vicinity of the Village.
Total distance: 19 km
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,700 mts
Campsite altitude: 3,200 mts
Day 9: TOTORA / LA PLAYA
Today we continue our hike with an easy walk along the Salkamayo River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp at the village of La Playa (2155m/7068ft), where we can refresh in the river before dinner.
Total distance: 15 km
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,200 mts
Campsite altitude: 2,300 mts
Day 10: LA PLAYA /AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we cross the river and start climbing through coffee and fruit plantations to reach El Mirador (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of Machu Picchu. We enjoy a last lunch at the recently restored Inca site of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) with views of both Machu Picchu and Salkantay before a 2-hour descent brings us to the small train station of Hydro-Electrica. A short train ride will take us to Aguas Calientes and our hostel for the night
Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 mts
Accommodation: ,Hostel in aguas calientes(included)
2,000 mts
Day 11: MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO
After an early breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving well before the majority of tourists. You will have a guided tour of the site for two hours before having a bit of free time and making your way back on the bus to Aguas Calientes in time for some lunch before boarding the afternoon train back to Cusco.
Total distance: 12 km (by bus)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,400mts (Machupicchu)
Accommodation: ,Hotel in Cusco (not included)3400 mts.
(Group participants: Min 2 people , Max upon request)
For information regarding our prices in private service, please contact our sales executives: info@papadventures.com
We can offer a U$20 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 15 years old. You must send an enlarged scanned copy of your ISIC card at time of booking and bring your ISIC card on trail.
Please follow these steps:
Step 1. – Click in Book Now and fill in the form with all the information required.
Step 2- We will require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$200 per person confirming your trek booking.
Step 3 – Send an e-mail to info@papadventures.com with the code of the payment that you made.
Step 4-You will get a confirmation e-mail from us with the conformity of your reservation.
