Choquequirao trekking towards Machu Picchu
After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca and his successors dominated the region of Vilcabamba. It included several centers and settlements built to honor the last dynasty of the Inca: Manco Inca, Sayre Tupac, Titu Cusi Yupanqui and Tupac Amaru I. According to customs and traditions of other pre-Incan cultures, a Neo Imperial state was created to preserve all knowledge in religion and astronomy. Vilcabamba is located northwest of Cusco, in the province Convención, in the eastern mountain range of the Andes. It has a chain of snow-covered peaks and high forest mountains with constant climatologic changes. The region is bounded by two very deep canyons, the canyon of Apurímac on the left and Willcamayu on the right. Through both run very fast-flowing rivers which have carved and still carve one of the most beautiful and spectacular landscapes of our Andean region.
Information
Altitude: 1550 – 4670 m/5085 – 15322f High season: May – November Duration: 08 Days – 07 Nights Level of difficulty: Difficult
KDXA17
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, Cusco Peru (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Travelling to Cusco shouldn’t be underestimated remember the Inca empire is located at 3,400 meters (11,200ft), therefore we strongly recommend to consult your doctor about altitude pills and the vaccines you may need.
From the first to the seventh day (from Cachora to La Playa) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 7 kg). On the seventh day all luggage (included your own bags) will be transferred to the hydroelectiric station by car.
Visit to Huayna Picchu: The visit of the Huayna Picchu mountain requires a booking long time in advance. However we charge an additional US $ 22.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July, 2011).
Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.
We will leave Cusco early in the morning at about 5:30am. First
we will head for the little village Cachora (2850m/9350f), a nice place surrounded by beautiful mountains and the majestic
glacier Padreyoc (5571m/18278f). Here we will also meet our horsemen who will accompany us during the trip. After having
passed the overlooking Capuliyoc (2800m/9186f), we will continue descending to our campsite called Chiquisca (1930m/6332f).
Climate: warm
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
After breakfast we will first descend to La Playa Rosalina
(1550m/4921f) and then climb up to the village of Marampata (2850m/9350f). From here we will have a nice view of the archeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m/9951f). If we are lucky we will even see a condor fly at nightfall. Our campsite in Choquequirao is located about 25 minutes from the ruins at 2950m/9678f.
Climate: both warm and cold
Hiking time: 7 hours
At dawn we will first head for the citadel of Choquequirao (3033m/9950) called “Cuna de Oro” –
the ‘Cradle of Gold’ – and enjoy the quietness at this place. Beyond we will explore this archaeological site, of which only 30 % is restored, in more detail: we will visit the section of the palaces, the liturgic fountains, the temple of the high priest, the section of the llamas and the Usnu. Thereafter our trek continues towards the pass of Choquequirao (3270m/10728f) and passes the archeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m/8038f). Finally we will head down to the deepest point of the small canyon known as Río Blanco (1900m/6234f) or Río Silvestre, where our campsite is situated.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 6 hours
Due to the ecosystem’s constant changes, this day is the most arduous and also the most spectacular one. In Maizal (3000m/9843f) we will have a short break to catch some breath and to enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape. Since the Inca trail in this region is not in good conditions during the rainy season, we ask you to watch your steps carefully. In San Juan (4170m/13681f) we will enjoy the beautiful view of the valleys, the mountains and the glaciers, from which some peak is higher than 5000m/16404f. Our campsite will be in the little village of Yanama (3530m/11581f).
Climate: warm and cold with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 9 hours
Early in the morning we will head for the highest pass of this trip – the Yanama Pass (4670m/15321f). If we are lucky we will even see a condor fly. During the day we will enjoy frequently the view of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay (6264m) and Pintuyu (5450m). Our campsite will be in the valley of Totora Pampa (3200m/ 10498ft).
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 8 hours
In Totora pampa we will get the chance to meet Quechua-speaking, andean people who live from agriculture and cattle breeding. Moreover, this day is dedicated to the region’s flora and its plantations. After descending to a dimmed forest and enjoying the diversity of species of orchids, bromeliads and many other plants, we will see coffee-, cacao- and fruit-plantations. Moreover, we will have the pleasure to meet local families of Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694f), La Playa (2100m/6890f) and Lucmabamba (2000m/6561ft). Our campsite will be in Lucmabamba. This afternoon or next day in the morning you stay in contact with a local rural family from the forest in which you will have the opportunity to witness the cultivation and processing of coffee.
Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 7 hours
Note: According to the group’s wishes there is the possibility to be relaxed at the hot spring in
Santa Teresa (1830m/6004f) this afternoon at an extra cost.
Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 7 hours
Note: According to the group’s wishes there is the possibility to be relaxed at the hot spring in
Santa Teresa (1830m/6004f) this afternoon at an extra cost.
After breakfast, we will hike up on the Inca trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata at 2650m/8694f (Beautiful scenery for discovering flora and evidence of Inca culture). From here we will have an outstanding view over Machu Picchu Mountain and Vilcanota Canyon). Afterwards we will continue descending to Hydroelectric train station (1950m/6398f), where you are able to
take the train to Machu Picchu town (2050m/6726f). Overnight in Machu Picchu town.
Climate: warm with some insects
Hiking time: 6 hours
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will
arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information
about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either around 18hrs 20. Until then you will have time to have lunch in one of the
nice restaurants. Moreover you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.
Climate: moderate warm
Hiking time: 2 hours
