Discover Choquequirao and Machu Picchu |
code: CHQTRE9- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Night
- Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventure
- Transport: private transportation, walking, train
- Accommodation: Camping (7 Nights), Hotel (1 Night)
- Treking Grades: Moderate/Demanding ?
- Group Size: Minimum 2, Maximum 12
- Type Service: We run only private groups ?
Highlights:
Choquequirao archeological site, Machu Picchu, the alternative Inca Trail trek, lost Inca fortress of Choquequirao, hike through Apurimac Canyon, finish in Machu Picchu
Difficulty degree of this hike:
Moderate/Demanding - the route has steep ups and downs, with changes of altitude in one day of over 1600m/5200ft and usually warm weather during the day due to the lower altitude vs Cusco.
Choquequirao is considered as "the Last Refuge of the Incas"
The archaeological site of Choquequiraw is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley. Today we can trek to Choquequirao via a modern footbridge across the Apurimac River. The journey is as awe-inspiring as ever, taking us through an astounding range of ecological zones, from Andean farming valleys, descending through a hot and arid canyon environment featuring kapok trees, cactus and agaves, and climbing again to a region of lush cloud forest, beneath the dizzying snowcaps of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.
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- Additional Services ?
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Day 1 - Cusco, Cachora / Chiquisca
Pick up from the Hotel at 05:00 and transfer in our private transportation to Cachora (2850m/9348ft) the journey will take around 4hrs. While the group is having breakfast the crew will arrange the horses for the trek. We start to walk from Cachora observing the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peak, the highest (5482m/17980ft). The hike on this first day is 16 km around 6hrs walking starts by flat part. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc where it might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon, and the vegetation changes from Agave and Tunacactus to dwarf tree forest, having lunch at Cocamasana, then we continue to Chiquisqa (1950m/6398ft), campsite in ChiquiscaTotal distance 16 km (9, 93 miles)
Estimated walking time 5- 6 hours
Maximum altitude point (2850m/9348ft)
Day 2 - Chiquisca / Choquequirao Archeological Site
Breakfast; early in the morning we start to walk from here and continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River (1550m/5028ft) in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short rest continue the hike going up to Choquequirao Archeological Site. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep until Santa Rosa, then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. Lunch at Maranpata (2850m/9348ft) then continue to Choquequirao (3033m/9948ft) after 2hrs walking arrival to our camping place from where we have a spectacular view of the canyon, it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite near ChoquequiraoTotal distance 14 km (8, 70 miles)
Estimated walking time 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point (3033m/9948ft)
Day 3 – Explore Choquequirao
Breakfast; this day enjoying a complete guided tour of the Choquequirao complex means “Cradle of Gold” visiting the high parts (Hanan), and the lower parts (Urin), and some areas that are still covered in wild foliage and ready to be restored into the way it was when the Incas owned it. The steep mountainside below the main plaza features several clusters of newly-discovered buildings, including the so-called Ridge Group, and the Waterfall Temple, an intriguing ceremonial complex facing the cascades of a steep ravine.Day 4 - Choquequirao / Maizal
Breakfast; on this day trekkers walk uphill for a while up to 3400m/11152ft the first Choquequirao pass and then descending to Rio Blanco (1909m/6262ft), first walking through cloud forest, arriving to Pinchayunuyoc Arquelogical site. Resting and observing basically on the old Inca Terraces the flora and fauna; arrival to the Rio Blanco or white river to have a break some rest, swim and lunch. After the lunch starting the hike up the steep climbing up to Maizal village high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas for about 3 hrs, camping in Maizal (3400m/11152ft)Total distance 16 Km (9, 93 miles)
Estimated walking time 7 hours
Maximum altitude point (3400m/11152ft)
Day 5 - Maizal / Yanama
Breakfast; from here start walking uphill passing by the impressive Inca mines called Minas Victoria and towards the Victoria Pass (4200m/13776ft). A long climb the trail, walking in an amazingly beautiful area first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known Ichu grass, trekkers can appreciate original paved Inca trails until Victoria Pass. Taking the box lunch at the pass in 4200m/13776ft with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, trekkers can appreciate the flight of the condors depending on the climate, and finally descending to Yanama community (3500m/11480ft) where we spend the night.Total distance 15 km (9, 32 miles)
Estimated walking time 7 hours
Maximum altitude point (4200m/13776ft)
Day 6 - Yanama / Colpapampa
Breakfast; climbing slowly to the higher pass called Yanama (4550m/14924ft), again the view is amazing, trekkers are surrounded by snowcapped mountains the Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoc. Continuing from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, once more having the chance to see condors and this morning smooth climb bring through new landscapes –crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora where we have the lunch, then continue to Colpapampa (2890m/9479ft), our camping site, a beautiful spot with some natural hot springs to relax inTotal distance 15 Km (9, 32 miles)
Estimated walking time 7 hours
Maximum altitude point (4550m/14924ft)
Day 7 - Colpapampa / Lucmabamba
Breakfast; today we continue our hike with an easy walk along the Santa Teresa River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. We pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, and then we continue to La Playa (2155m/7068ft) where we have our lunch, after lunch we continue until LucmabambaTotal distance 12 Km (7, 45 miles)
Estimated walking time 6 hours
Day 8 – Lucmabamba / LLaqtapata / Aguas Calientes
Breakfast; start climbing for around 3hrs up to El Mirador or Abra Q’elloqasa (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, from a different angle. Then we continue to Llaqtapata archeological site (2650m/8692ft) from where we can view both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain and take a good rest, enjoying the added value of the Llactapata, which have recently been restored. A 2hrs descent towards the Aobamba River crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations brings us to the hydroelectric plant of Machu Picchu from where we board a train that takes us to Aguas Calientes (short, scenic 40-minutes train ride) spend the night at Hotel in Aguas CalientesTotal distance 10 Km (6, 21 miles)
Estimated walking time 5 hours
Maximum altitude point (2860m/9381ft)
Day 9 - Machu Picchu / Back to Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel; full day Excursion to Machu Picchu, early transfer to the Bus Stop for the short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you'll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.
Opportunity to walk (approx 1 hour) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or climb to the top of Wayna Picchu, with a magnificent view of the whole Sanctuary, return in the afternoon by train to Cusco and transfer to your hotel
Meal Include: Breakfast -
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Hotels to use for this trek:
Students: US$ 20 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card)
Teenagers: US$ 20 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
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What is included?
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Private transport to Cachora, head of the Trek
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
- English Speaking Professional Guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
- 4 Season tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent
- Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
- Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses (Max. 12 kilos/ 25 lbs per person)
- One emergency horse every two persons
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Dining tent with tables, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food without extra pay)
- Accommodation for all our staff
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Backpacker train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Vistadome Class upon request)
- One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes with Tourist Class or Superior Tourist Class Hotel ( upon request)
- Transfer from the train station to your hotel
- Sleeping bag (can be hired in our office for US$ 54 for the 9 day trek)
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters
- Domestic airfare to and from Cusco (+/- US$ 290 per person round trip)
- Visa fees (if required)
- Passport & Visa Costs
- Vaccination Costs
- Personal Spending Money
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Airport departure taxes
- Border taxes or fees
- Machu Picchu extensions
- Cusco Add Ons (Hotel and tours)
- Lima Add ons (Hotel and tours)
- Amazon Jungle Trips
- Northern Peru
- Lake Titicaca
- Lima City stop over or Arequipa extension
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Equipment List / Check List:
- Travel documents: original passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, vouchers
- Health requirements arranged
- Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold, Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs and Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water -sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
- Small towel
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
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Book now with Sun Gate Tours
Step 1
Before make any booking, you must read carefully our Booking Terms & ConditionsStep 2: Check your personal information
The following client information is requested for any Trip booking:- Complete names and surnames
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Student with ISIC card: Yes/No
Details should be filled in for each group member. Please do not make a reservation until you have all the details below. We cannot accept a booking without all the names, nationalities, passport numbers, ages, etc
Also you have to check if you need any additional service like:
- Upgrade the train to Vistadome Class
- Sleeping bag during the tour ( -10°C)
- Extra night at Aguas Calientes after the trek
Step 3: Check the availability on the calendar
As soon you have all the information above, please check the availability and click on Check Availability CalendarStep 4: Deposit to secure the trip
To secure a booking with Sun Gate Tours, the client must deposit minimum US$ 200 per person. The deposit is non-refundable.