CHOQUEQUIRAO - MACHU PICCHU

9 DAYS /8 NIGHTS

This spectacular eight-day-hike of 99km starts in the village of Cachora, located in the upper parts of the canyon of the Apurimac River, and ends at the Machu Picchu national park. The diversity of landscapes and microclimates and the large number of archaeological sites along the way make this trek a truly unforgettable experience.

First we will be crossing the Apurimac Canyon to arrive at the Choquequirao Inca settlement - another fantastic Inca citadel, like Machu Picchu, embedded in the peaks of the Andes. Then we will continue our hike heading to Pinchu Unoyoc, a recently restored archaeological site and descend to the creek of Rio Blanco. After this we will go towards the San Juan pass or Minas Victoria from where we can have a beautiful view over the imposing mountains of the Vilcabamba mountain range, like Sacsarayoc and Padreyoc.

After descending to the village of Yamana, we reach the pass of the same name, and head into the Santa Teresa river basin characterized by its warm climate, its orchids and coffee plantations. The last mountain we climb will be the Llactapata from where we will enjoy a spectacular view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. The next day we will end our trip here with a visit to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. For those who want to explore the Peruvian Andes this hike is an excellent choice!

Day 1 Cusco-Cachora-Chiquisca (16.60 km)

Early morning we pick you up from your hotel and drive to the village of Cachora. During the trip we will see different villages and the first snowy peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range such as Humantay and Salkantay, and the Apurimac Canyon, characterized by its warm and dry climate.

After arriving at Cachora (2846 masl) we will begin our hike from here. The first part of the trek will be the descent to the imposing Apurimac Canyon. On the first day the landscape will be dominated by the snowy mountain known as Padreyoc mountain (5600 masl) and its perpetual glaciers. Our final stop on the first day will be in the village of Chiquisca (1878 masl).

Day 2 Chiquisca-Choquequirao (11.17 km)

We leave the camp early in the morning and descend to the Apurimac Canyon. After an hour of walking we reach Playa Rosalinda (1400 masl) and then cross the Apurimac canyon.

Then we climb through a zigzag path to the Choquequirao Inca settlement (2800 masl). During the walk we will observe the Apurimac canyon, which in Quechua means "God who speaks", one of the most revered rivers during the Inca times. Also along the way we will see different farming communities dedicated to growing sugar cane and producing alcohol from the plant.

Day 3 Choquequirao – Pinchu Unoyoc (6,20km)

We will devote the whole morning to visiting and exploring the different sections of temples, places and terraces that are part of Choquequirao. After this we will head towards the site of Pinchu Unoyoc (2400 masl), an Inca settlement recently restored and open to the public. From this location we can see the route of the Apurimac River. This archaeological site mainly consists of terraces, fountains and enclosures that were built for domestic, agriculture and ritual use. The group will spend the night here

Day 4 Pinchu Unoyoc – Maizal (5,91 km)

We leave the camp early in the morning and head towards Maizal (2822 masl). First we will descend into the narrow gorge of Rio Blanco (1864 masl) and then climb towards the small village of Maizal. Our efforts will be rewarded by the spectacular view we can enjoy of the Apurimac Canyon and the surrounding mountains.

Day 5 Maizal – Yanama (10,87 km)

On this day, our goal will be to get to the San Juan pass (4100 masl), from where we can see the mountain chains of Sacsarayoc and Choquetacarpo whose peak reaches 5991masl. Near the pass we can see the Victory Mines, exploited intensively in the era of the haciendas, a feudal form of land ownership which were in practice until the beginning of the 1970s. After reaching the pass we will go down to the rural community of Yamana (3500 masl) where we spend the night.

Day 6 Yanama – Totora (24 km)

This day we reach the Yamana pass at 4655 masl, on the way we will enjoy the view over the Sacsarayoc mountain range and also observe the fields of the agricultural communities who cultivate potatoes on a grand scale and they use the land on a rotational basis. These communities practice Ayni, an ancient ancestral reciprocal system based on mutual help.

When we reach the Yamana pass we see the snowcapped Salkantay, one of the most worshiped and respected mountain by the local people. Then we will make our descent towards the town of Totora (3450 masl) where we will spend the night.

Day 7 Totora-Playa (10.72 km)

This day we will walk through the subtropical valley of Santa Teresa, characterized by its warm climate and exuberant vegetation composed mostly of orchids, ferns, bromeliads, bamboo plants and various native trees. This valley is full of beautiful waterfalls. At the end of the day we arrive at the village of Playa Sahuayaco (2100 masl). In this village, which is one of the largest settlements in this area, the local people cultivate coffee, avocados, passion fruits, etc. We spend the night here.

Day 8 Playa - Aguas Calientes (14,30 km)

The last day of our epic journey will be crowned with a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. On this day we will climb the mountain of Llactapata (2816 masl). In recent years explorers and archaeologists have discovered, through archaeological research, a number of enclosures of domestic and ritual purpose. In this location there is a platform called ushno from where Machu Picchu can be seen through a door. From the same place you can see the entire landscape surrounding the Citadel as if it were a jewel set in a crown. It is really an incredible view!

A downhill path will take us to the Aobamba gorge where we can still see some coffee plantations. In a short while we will arrive to the train station of Hidroelectrica (1800 masl) where we will finish our trek. Here we board the train to Aguas Calientes (2000 masl), and once there your guide will take you to your hotel.

Day 9 Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco.

Early in the morning your guide will take you to the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400 m). We will board the bus at Aguas Calientes and arrive at Machu Picchu to enjoy a full day guided tour. In the afternoon we leave Machu Picchu, and return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Here we board the train to Poroy station, which is close to the city of Cusco, and our transportation will be waiting for you here to take you back to your hotel.

What is Included?

• Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the starting point of the trek.


• Accommodation in tents for up to two people (individual tents can be arranged upon request).


• Roll-up mattresses


• Dining tent, toilet tent, table and chairs, kitchen equipment


• English speaking guide specialized in first aid & CPR


• Support staff consisting of cook and carriers for handling the animals


• Five meals a day, breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner, hot drinks (food in Aguas Calientes not included). Special diets, in the case of allergies or vegetarian orders can be prepared well in advance with no extra cost


• Boiled and filtered water throughout the trek and after each meal you can refill your waterbottle


• First aid kit including oxygen bottle


• Kit de primeros auxilios incluido una botella de oxígeno.


• A horse in case of emergencies


• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo


• Transfer by private car from the train station to your hotel in Cusco

¿What is not included?

• Food in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu


• Tips for staff


• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes. This will be organized separately so you can coordinate the type of hotel of your preference.


• Any other activity or unexpected event must be paid by the guest himself. In case of medical emergency the guest needs to cover the costs of medical transportation from the mountain to the hospital. Our company is well-prepared to deal with such events in a fast and professional way.


• Sleeping Bag

What to bring?

• Trekking Boots - rain poncho or waterproof jacket


• Sufficient clothing for the whole trip - Warm clothes


• Sandals for the campsites


• Sleeping bag


• Torch/flashlight


• Camera & batteries & charger


• Hat/cap


• Sunscreen


• Water bottle


• Insect repellent


• Tissues – Anti-bacterial gel


• Towel - Swimwear


• Walking sticks


• • Extra cash, it is recommended to take Soles (local currency) as there are no facilities to change dollars along the way. ATM´s are only available in Aguas Calientes.