Choquequirao (Machu Picchu) Trek
Choquequirao (Machu Picchu) Trek
25 May - 6 June 2024
TOUGH
An 8 day walk in the Andes mountains to one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. On route we explore another refuge of the Incas, Choquequiraw "La Cuna de Oro". We are supported by mules and porters and will be "glamping" at night. On route we reach a high point at of 4,600m. The walking is arduous with walking days of 7-9 hours.
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Itinerary
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Collected at airport and taken to our hotel in Cusco. Briefing on the trek in the hotel early evening and then we go out to dinner.
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The adventure to Machu Picchu begins early in the morning with a drive from Cusco to Cachora (3100 m) where we have the opportunity to buy supplies and water. On the way we pass Limatambo with some very picturesque archaeological sites that visit. From Cachora we begin our hiking towards Chiquisqa (2000 m) for 6-7 hours. Along the road we pass the two small villages Capuliyoc (2800 m) and Cocamasana, and in one of these places we have lunch. On arrival at Chiquisqa we camp, eat dinner together and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the forest of Chiquisqa and all its different types of fruits. A good sleep is important so we can be ready for the hike to the imporatant Inca site of Choquequirao the next day.
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Today we experience the amazing city of the Incas; Choquequirao (3150 m). Initially we walk downhill for an hour until we reach the bridge of Rosalina. Thereafter the hike takes us uphill for two hours to Santa Rosa Baja, where we will have a little break to collect some energy before we ascend the for two more hours to Marampata, where we can enjoy the view of the landscape. From here we hike for 1.5 hours to the archaeological site of Choquequirao where we have a late lunch and set up our camp. In the evening we can experience the mystical atmosphere of Choquequirao where the gods of the Incas once ruled and their spirits still drift around.
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Early in the morning we wake to see the sun rise over the ruins, throwing a wonderful light over the site. After breakfast we visit the magnificent ruins of Choquequirao with its mystical atmosphere, incredible surroundings and the unique llama-walls which were recently discovered in 2006. With some luck we can also spot the condor bird. From Choquequirao we will begin our journey to the magnificent Inca city Machu Picchu which begins with a hike uphill for 1.5 hours until we reach the mountain peak. From here we descend for 4 hours until we hit Rio Blanco, passing the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, which will give us a fantastic view of how the Incas built terraces which were used for agriculture. Once we are down at Rio Blanco we will enjoy a nice lunch before we begin another 4-hour-hike uphill. At the end of the day we will arrive at Maizal (3000 m) for the night.
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Early in the morning the guides will wake us up with the traditional wake-up-tee and breakfast, so we can have an early start to what will be a long day. First we will ascend for 4 hours until we reach the mountain peak, where we take lunch and enjoy the view of the green mountains. From here we descend for 6 hours until we reach the village of Yanama, where we we have dinner and get settled for the night.
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The day begins with a hike uphill for 5 hoursuntil we reach the peak of Abra Yanama (4620m), where we enjoy lunch on the top of the mountain. From here we descend for 3 hours through a beautiful landscape with striking flora and fauna, until we reach the community of Totora, where we can experience how the local people live their daily life. Here we have a dinner together and set up our camp.
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Today we have a hike for 6 hours to the village of Playa. The first hour of the hike is flat and the rest goes downhill. Along the way we will find a nice place to enjoy our lunch and the surroundings together. When we arrive to Playa we will set up our camp and have a dinner.
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Today we will arrive to the village of Machu Picchu after many hours of hiking. We start with a descent for 2 hours to the village of Lucma Bamba followed by a climb for 3 hours to the archaeological site of Llactapacta, where you can enjoy the view of the ruins and terraces of the Incas. Here we have lunch before we get back on the track and hike downhill for 2 hours until we get Hidroelectrica. From Hidroelectrica there is a beautiful 3 hour hike to Aguas Calientes, which is one of the most picturesque parts on the trek. In Aguas Calientes we will get comfortable in our hotel and have dinner and earlyish night, so we can be ready for the big day, where we will experience "the lost city of the Incas".
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Today we visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. We wake at 4 am and initially hike for 1.5 hours to the magnificent Machu Picchu. Once we arrive the guide will give us a tour through "the lost city of the Incas" and all its temples and sacred sites lasting around 2 hours. Thereafter we will have some free time to explore this amazing city by ourselves and walk around in the labyrinth of ruins. After this "unforgettable" visit, a bus will take us down to Aguas Calientes, where we take the train to Ollantaytambo, departing at 6.35. The train journey takes 1 hour and 40 min. In Ollantaytambo a bus will be waiting for us to take us back to Cusco, also taking just over 1 hour and 30 min. In Cusco we will check back in to our hotel, say farewell to our guide and porters, and dine in Cusco that evening.
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We will be collected from the hotel and dropped off at the airport.
Costs
£2,850 per person
Included
All accommodation
All Meals other than in Cusco
Guiding and transport
Not included
Flights
Drinks
Meals in Cusco
Tips for the guide and porters
Visa
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If you have any questions or would like to discuss any details regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us.