Choquequirao Machupicchu - Trekking in Cusco, Machu Picchu - Peru
Tour type: Trekking 
Countries: Peru
Cities: Cusco, Machu Picchu
Tour operator: Axel Tours ( Peru Machupicchu ) - Cusco, Peru
This lost city, whose name means 'cradle of gold' in Quechua was one of the last refuges of the Incas in times of the conquest and fascinated 19th century explorers like Hiram Bingham who visited it two years before he discovered Machu Picchu. Long ago abandoned and taken over by the lush vegetation of the cloudforest it has only been cleared and restored partially over the last couple of years and there is still a lot to discover about this enigmatic site. In this adventurous expedition over long ago abandoned Incan Roads off the beaten paths, climbing high passes and exploring the mysteries of the rich cloudforest, we combine the 2 mayor archaeological groups in the area: Remote Choquequirao that is seldom visited with the famous and legendary Machupicchu. A unique adventure that brings you back to the fascinating past of this area and makes you want to explore more. Itinerary CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISQA: An early morning scenic bus ride over the Andes brings us in about 4 hours to the village of Cachora where we meet up with our wranglers. Here we start with a gentle hike along an old mining road to the Kapulyoq Pass (2800 m) from where we can enjoy the first breathtaking view of the deep Apurimac Canyon and the majestic surrounding snow peaks. After a rest we start our appr. 3 hours descent on a dusty rural path towards our first camp at the oasis of Chiquiska (1800 m). CHIQUISKA - CHOQUEQUIRAO: After breakfast we continue our descent to the valley floor where we cross the thundering Apurimac river over a modern suspension bridge (1495 m). From here we climb a long, steep and hot path (appr. 5 hours) to our destination: The enigmatic and impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We arrive just in time to enjoy a fantastic sunset over the deep canyon and the surrounding mountains (3000 m). CHOQUEQUIRAO: During the morning we visit the restored section of Choquequirao and explore the parts that are still covered by the lush cloud forest vegetation. With luck we may get the latest news regarding discoveries, excavations, cleaning and restoration process from the archaeologists of COPESCO working on site. After lunch those who choose to can visit the Cascade House (restored constructions and terraces some 300 m below the main constructions of Choquequirao) and we can help with the preparation of a typical Pachamanca (traditional earth oven dish). From the highest point, El Usno, we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the magical Apurimac canyon and with luck a majestic condor may pass by. CHOQUEQUIRAO - MAIZAL: After a fortifying breakfast we start hiking early as we have a long distance ahead of us. A short but steep climb brings us up to the ridge from where we have a last panoramic view of Choquequirao and the Apurimac canyon below. A 1 hour descent leads us to the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, still covered by vegetation. After visiting the constructions we continue our dusty descent to Rio Blanco, where we can refresh ourselves during our lunch break. A steep, dusty and hot climb brings us to our camp at Maizal in the afternoon. MAIZAL - YANAMA: Once again we take advantage of the cool morning air to start hiking. During our climb over rural and Inca paths we gain altitude quickly and the vegetation changes from cloud forest to high Andean grassland. From the San Juan Pass we can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding snow peaks, including Pumasillo (Puma's Claw). After a delicious lunch we continue our hike with a 2 hour descent, passing some abandoned silver mines (narrow paths with sheer drops) until we reach the community of Yanama. From here it's a gentle climb to our campsite. YANAMA - BATIA PAQUISKA: Today we hike amid snowy peaks, climbing up to La Rinconada Pass where we have lunch. In the afternoon we start our long descent towards high cloud forest, arriving in the late afternoon at our beautiful campsite at Batía Paquiska. BATIA PAQUISKA - LA PLAYA: An easy walk along the Salkamayo River, through increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp at the village of la Playa (2155 m), where we can refresh ourselves in the river before dinner. LA PLAYA - LLAQTAPATA - AGUAS CALIENTES: After breakfast we cross the river and start climbing - passing through coffee plantations- up to el Mirador (2860 m) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu, from an unusual angle. We enjoy our last lunch from the vantage point of Llaqtapata (2650 m) from where we can view both Machupicchu and Salkantay and take a good rest. A 2 hour descent brings us to the hydro-electric plant of Machupicchu from where we reach the village of Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon. Here we can choose to relax in the natural hot springs before dinner and a well-earned rest in our hotel. MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO: After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machupicchu to enjoy sunrise in this magical place before the first tourists arrive from Cusco. We enjoy this enigma in the company of an expert guide and have enough free time to explore the site by ourselves or do some hikes before we descend to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel and overnight.
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FAQ/INFO ABOUT TOUR MINIMUM GROUP: 02 PAX What is included: § Collection from your hotel in the morning § Bus to the start of Cachora village § Choquequirao and Machu picchu entrance fees § English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 08 persons) § Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks § Double thickness foam mattress § Cook and Cooking equipment § Meals (07B,07L,07D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. § Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn) § Horses for equipment (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment) § Dining tent with camp tables and chairs § Kitchen tent § Accommodation for our Horseman and cooks § First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle § Return train to Cusco. What is not included: § Breakfast on the first morning. § Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas CalientesUS$5.( last day optional) § Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$16 for the 8 day trek. § Tips for the guide, cook and horseman What you need to bring/carry: § Backpack § Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$2 per day). § Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this) § Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars) § Strong, comfortable footwear § One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below) § Sweater and jacket (something warm) § Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco) § Flashlight and batteries § Hat or cap to protect you from the sun § Sun block (sun protection cream) § Insect repellent § Toiletries, towel and toilet paper § Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc. § Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries § Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek) Notes: 1. Your arrival date in Cusco must be at least 2 days prior to trek departure since you have to pay the trek balance before 8pm 2 days before you start the trek. Arriving 2 days prior to the trek also ensures that you are better acclimatized to the high altitude. However 3 days is recommended. 2. A free airport to hotel transfer is provided for groups of 2 persons or more. A single supplement of US$5 will be charged for single travelers. Obviously if you want an airport to hotel transfer we will require your flight arrival details: Airline, flight number, expected arrival time and date. (to be confirmed at least 5 days in advance). 3. In order to qualify for a student discount you must be under the age of 26 and be in possession of a valid international student identity card ISIC. You must bring the ISIC card to the office when you pay the trek balance and take it with you on the Choquequirao and Machu picchu as it will be checked several times by government officials. Unfortunately no other forms of student identity are acceptable (university cards, international youth cards etc). If you forget your ISIC card or lose it then you will have to pay an additional US$5 for a standard trek permit. The government has recently become more fastidious with respect to lost ISIC cards and on several occasions has not given permission to the person to enter the choquequirao and Machu picchu. 4. If you have a hotel reservation in Cusco please include the name of your hotel on the reservation form. This allows us to locate you if there are any problems with your arrival. You will also be asked to confirm your hotel in Cusco when you come to the office to pay the trek balance.
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INFO ABOUT TOUR OPERATOR
The Inca Trail is Peru's best known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. The star of the Sanctuary is the spectacled bear - a shy, herbivorous animal that is extremely rare and close to extinction.
Essentially the Inca Trail is a mountainous jungle hike leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45km trek is usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
The trek is rated moderate and any reasonably fit person should be able to cover the route. It is fairly challenging nevertheless, and altitudes of 4200m are reached, so ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco (3 days is better) prior to commencing the trek. This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit the City of Cusco and nearby Inca ruins at Sacsayhuamn, Quenqo, Pucapucara & Tambomachay as well as spending a day or two exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting the tradition market town of Pisaq, and the fascinating Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo |
