Choquequirao and Machupicchu 9d

Expedition to Choquekirau and Machu Picchu

Expedition to Choquekirau and Machu Picchu:

A nine day trek of the beaten path

This trek leads to the other lost city of Choquekirao and continues to Machu Picchu. During the trek we will see panoramic views of spectacular mountain scenery with glaciers, ice flutes, pass through cloudforests and small communities.

Next departures:

month	date
April	29
May	20
June	09
July	22
July	27
August	27
September	16

Or any day you want with a minimum of 4; departures with less then 4 persons at additional cost.

Please contact us for further information about this expedition.

See more photos of the hike to Choquequirao and Machupicchu in our photo gallery

Itinerary:

day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca
day 2: Chiquisca - Choquekirao
day 3: Choquekirao - Pinchaumuyoc
day 4: Pinchaumuyoc -Maizal
day 5: Maizal - Yanama
day 6: Yanama - Totora
day 7: Totora - La Playa -
day 8: La Playa - Palltallacta - Hydro electrica - Aguas Calientes
day 9: Visit Machupicchu - return to Cusco

Itinerary 9 day Expedition Choquequirao to Machupicchu

A 9 day expedition from Choquequirao to Machupicchu

day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca

We leave Cusco in the early morning to journey by road to the small village of Cachora. On the way we will have an opportunity to visit Saywite, a fascinating and unique Inca site some 47 kilometres from Abancay. Saywite is a limestone outcrop about four metres in diameter on which the Incas carved a model of their empire, Tawantinsuyo. The stone, upon which images of the flora, fauna, topography and customs of the empire of the sun were traced, was used in ceremonies dedicated to the worship of water. Several other similar rock outcrops lie scattered across the surrounding area, along the vestiges of an Inca highway.

On arriving in Cachora we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear on the horses and mules before we begin our first day's hike. With the great Salkantay massif in front of us on the other side of the canyon, we will head along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, with the river almost 2000 metres below us. About half-way through the day we will begin our winding descent to the river. As we descend the heat becomes intense, and we will arrive hot and tired at the bridge which crosses the river, where we will be able to bathe to refresh ourselves. We will camp at the rivers edge that night.
(distance: 12 km, hiking time: 6 hours).

day 2: Chiquisca - Choquekirao

Today we will make the steep 1800 metre ascent up to the ruins of Choquekirau. The path will lead us through dense cloud forest for about two hours, when we will finally get our first view of the citadel on a spur ahead of us. Another two hours walk, with Choquekirau now almost constantly in sight, leads us to our destination. Here we will have the rest of the day to relax, explore the ruins and, hopefully, see some condors. These great Andean birds, with a wingspan of up to three metres, tend to rise up from the floor of the canyon on the afternoon thermals, providing visitors on the central plaza of Choquekirau with a magnificent show.
That night, after an unforgettable sunset and a good meal, we will camp close to the ruins.
(distance: 12 km , hiking time: 8 hrs.)

day 3: Choquekirao - Pinchaumuyoc

An early rise will give us the opportunity to see sunrise over Choquequirao. We will climb the Usnu from where we can enjoy the majestic views over the site. Tea and coffee will be served. Then return to the campsite for our breakfast.
We then have ample time to discover newly excavated sections of the ruins and will be exploring the site till lunch.
After lunch we continue our hike through dense cloud forest. After approximately 4 hours on foot we will reach our next camping site, Pinchaumuyoc another Inca ruin which is still waiting to be excavated.
(distance: 5 km , hiking time: 3 - 4 hrs.)

day 4: Pinchaumuyoc - Maizal

From Pinchaumuyoc we follow for some two hours a steep and narrow trailhead till we arrive at the bottom of the canyon. Here we have to cross the river which can be a kind of adventure. After crossing the river we'll take a break for a refreshing plunge into the water and enjoy the views.
Another 4 hours of walking uphill and we arrive and our campsite for tonight, Maizal, where we will arrive at approximately 4:00 pm. From Maizal we can enjoy an amazing scenery of snowcapped mountains around us.
There a few traditionally roof thatched houses here. If you wish, the friendly owners will happily prepare the traditional "cuy" (guinea pig) for you.
(distance: 5 km , hiking time: 7 hrs.)

day 5: Maizal - Yanama - Qiswarpampa

After an early breakfast we start ascending towards Mina Victoria. On this part of the Incatrail we pass through lush and dense cloud forest and can enjoy spectacular views along the way.
The abandoned Silver Mines of Victoria were used in Inca and later colonial times. Along our hike to Qoriwayrachina, we will follow the well preserved Inca Trail. The pass (3900m / 12.800 ft ) is a good place for a break and offers stunning views of the surroundings.

After the pass begins our descent to the small village of Yanama where we will have lunch. From Yanama it is another 3 hours over a mainly flat trail section to our campsite close to Qiswarpampa.
(Distance: 12km, hiking time: 9hrs)

day 6: Qiswarpampa - Totora - Colcapampa

Our trail starts with a gentle walk through the Yanama valley before we reach the Qyuiswar pass (4200 mtr / 13.700 ft). It can be windy and chilly on the pass so it is a good idea to bring some warm clothes and a pair of gloves for this part of the trek.

Once across the pass, on clear days we can admire striking views of Mount Humantay and Mount Salkantay. Descending on the Inca trail we finally arrive at Colcapampa, our campsite for tonight. On a short walking distance (some 20 minutes) we can relax in the hot springs, a warm welcome after a long day hiking. (distance: 10 km , hiking time: 8 hrs.)

day 7: Colcapampa - La Playa

From Colcapampa the vegetation becomes lush and dense on this part of the Inca trail, as we enter cloud forest. Most of the trailhead for today will be a slowly descending path, offering us a relaxing walk along the riverside. On our way we pass farmers with small coffee plantations and growing tropical fruits. In the afternoon we arrive at La playa, where lunch is served. Campsite La playa. (distance: 11 km , hiking time: 8 hrs.)

day 8: La Playa - Lucmabamba - Hydro electrica - Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning we continue our last day of the trek on an Inca Trail. In approximately one and a half hour we arrive at the pass of Lucmabamba, traversing dense cloud forest. After the pass we have we have our first possibility to get the views of Machupicchu, lying in front of us.

After a relaxing break, we now descend to the Urubamba valley, passing a footbridge and arriving early afternoon at he hydroelectric plant with its small railway station.
Here we can have a simple lunch, served in one of the restaurants along the station.
In the afternoon we take the short train ride to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hostal.
(distance: 8 km , hiking time: 6 hrs.)

day 09:Visit Machupicchu - return to Cusco

We take the first bus in the morning to Machupicchu which allows us to arrive before the first hordes of tourist arriving from Cusco by train. A full day guide tour at the Sanctuary of Machupicchu and if time allows we can walk to the Inti Punku, the Sun gate.

In the afternoon (around 3:00 pm) descend by bus to Aguas Calientes and train to Cusco (4:00 pm). Arrival in Cusco around 8:30 pm and transfer to your selected hotel.

Note: The guide may decide to change the program if weather conditions or other reasons show up, in order to maintain the safety of the group.

See more photos of this expedition to Choquequirao and Machupicchu in our photo gallery

Included in the Expedition to Choquequirao and Machupicchu:

Included

pick up at your hotel
private transport to Cachora
breakfast on day 1 in Cachora
entrance fee Sayhuite
entrance fee Choquequirao
entrance fee for Machu Picchu
1 overnight in hotel in Aguas Calientes
mules for carrying equipment (you will only carry your daypack)
emergency horses
cook preparing the meals
professional bilingual Guide
large tents (4person igloo tents for 2 persons)
self inflatable mattresses (Insulmat 1.5 inch thick Max MTN)
cooking equipment, mess tent, dining tent, chairs, tables, toilet tent
accommodation for the muleteers and cook
all meals during the trek, food is adjusted for trekking and rich in carbohydrates.
boiled water provided at meal times to refill your water bottle
first aid kit, emergency oxygen, radio communications
returning Train Ticket, Machupicchu to Cusco

Excludes:

sleeping Bag (can be rented in our office in Cusco)
water purifying tablets
tips for the porters, cook and guide
lunch on day 9
meals in Aguas Calientes

Group-sizes:

min group-size 4
max group-size 8