CHOQUEQUIRAU

CHOQUEQUIRAU / MACHUPICCHU (9D/8N)

The Vilcabamba range with  its highest peak, The Salcantay at 6,150 mts. (20,295 feet), runs North to South though the South American Continent, forming a barrier with different ecological niches with diverse climates and animals species, such as the Spectacle Bear, Fox, Llamas, Condor and many others. You will go from the depths of the Apurimac river canyon at 1550 meters passing through beautiful  Andean valleys to high passes over 5,017 meters, over (16,500 feet)

These valleys are surrounded by high mountains and glaciers where early Andean  inhabitants condition them in harmony with nature, establishing civilizations with  high social and technological order. Becoming one of the greatest civilized centers of the world, where glaciers and high jungle plus Amazonian meet. Choquequirau , (Golden Cradle) is the sister city of MachuPicchu, located at similar settings above a river canyon almost inaccessible, with spectacular views and interconnected with well done Inca Trails.  

Choquequirau / Machupicchu Trip Itinerary:

DAY 1:  CUSCO / CACHORA / CHIQUISCA:

Early morning departure from Cusco. Our private transportation that will take us to the town of Cachora where our mule wranglers, mules and horses are waiting. We will hike for about 6 hours down into the Apurimac canyon camping at Chiquisca  (1800 mts) (L,D)

DAY 2:CHIQUISCA / MARANPATA /CHOQUEQUIRAU:

After a good breakfast we will start our strenuous hike up hill for about 5 hours to our lunch spot at Maranpata, and then for another hour and a half to Choquequirau, where we camp. Choquequirau (Golden Cradle) is considered the Sister City of MachuPicchu, because of several similarities, it hangs 1,500 meters above the Apurimac Canyon, and Machupicchu hangs above the Urubamba canyon. It was a religious and administrative center. It is at the same latitude and it is a large citadel with more of 8 hectares, only one third has been uncovered and every day archeologists are finding new things. (B,L,D)

DAY 3:  CHOQUEQUIRAU / MAIZAL:

Early morning departure, walking through Choquequirau, to find our way behind  the upper plaza , going up though  high cloud forests to the Choquequirau Pass. Afterwards the trail continues through some agricultural terraces or ( Andeans) called Pichiyoc which means (water jumping forward ) this terraces have some curious ritual fountains . Also this terraces in the Inca Times where cultivated to provide food for the locals. We will continue up toward the Rio Blanco for lunch. In the afternoon we enter another Andean valley to the hamlet of Maizal. Where we will camp.(B,L, D)

DAY 4: MAIZAL  / YANAMA:

Early morning trek around the Corihuarachina  glacier, important due to some archeological remains such as Inka channels. Then we pass through Minas Victoria , a place that during the colony, silver was extracted from a mine. Continuing our trek to the valley and town of Yanama. At the shadow of the Pumasillo Glacier where we camp.(B,L,D)

DAY 5. YANAMA / TOTORA :

We will trek surrounded by the high mountains of the Vilcabamba Range full of Ichu grass and  of Tarwi brush , we go up to the Yanama Pass ( 4580 meters),  the highest pass on the way. In the afternoon we will continue down river arriving at the hamlet of Totora, where we will camp. This place has  indescribable beauty, tranquility and pure nature surrounded by the glaciers Salcantay, Padreyoc, and Pumasillo. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 : TOTORA / WIÑAYPOCO:

Early departure following the Totora river to enter an area of high cloud forest by passing the hamlet of Lluscmayo and arriving at Colcapampa known  for its hot springs. Then we descend the trail on the left side of the Santa Teresa river where we will see small plantations of bananas, passion fruit, bananas, coffee, etc., arriving later at the grassy slopes of Wiñaypoco where we camp.(B,L,D)

DAY 7. WIÑAYPOCO / PALTALLACTA:

Early morning start following the trail down the left side of the Santa Teresa River through more plantations of  bananas, avocados, oranges, coffee, cacao and more, arriving to Miscabamba where we cross the river, then we go across the road that goes to the town of Santa Teresa, continuing on the slope of the hill to our right going through an Andean cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass, then descending through grass land and fruit tress where there is a lot of cattle, arriving at PaltaLlacta, where we will camp. The panoramic view from this place is breath taking, you can see a different angle of MachuPicchu and the Aobamba canyon, where  another Inca trail can be seen.(B,L,D)

DAY 8: PALTALLACTA / AGUAS CALIENTES:

Early morning descent through orchids and ferns, until we reach the Aobamba river, then crossing a metal bridge with views of an impressive water fall that goes to the hydroelectric plant. Arriving at the rail road tracks and then taking a two hour walk on the rail road tracks to Aguas Calientes. Where we will spend the night in a nice hotel and you will have time to soak yourselves in the local hot springs. Dinner on your own.(B,L)

DAY 9: MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO:

Early morning bus up to visit this archeological world marvel. Late afternoon train back to Cusco.

   INCLUDES:

• Transportation to the head of the trail.

• Professional English speaking guide

• Mule Wanglers and mules for your equipment

• One or two emergency saddle horses.

• Double occupancy tents, Dining tent and latrine tent

• Tables and stools plus all the plates and silver ware

• All the meals during the trek

• Cook and assistant

   DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Entrance ticket to Machupicchu

• Train back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

• Landry, liquor, meals while in the city , Tips

- If you want to ride, saddle horses are available for us $ 15 a day.