Choquequirao, located in the Vilcabamba Range, is perhaps one of the best-preserved major Inca ruins in southern Peru and rivaling in importance with the world-famous Machu Picchu citadel. This is a challenging and rewarding adventure: great landscapes, high mountain passes, amazing views, and impressive Inca ruins. Our trip ends with a visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 01 Arrival in Cusco
Upon arrival in Cusco airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Lodging in Cusco
Day 02 Cusco – Cachora (B, D, BB)
The day starts from Cusco with an early car ride towards the town of Cachora. Along the way, we visit the archaeological sites of Sawite and Tarawasi. We will spend the night at San Pedro de Cachora village, where we will get the first glimpse of the breathtaking Vilcabamba range.
Day 03 Cachora – Santa Rosa (B, D, BB)
After breakfast we start our today’s hike to our next camp at Santa Rosa. During our trek we enjoy the impressive landscapes of the dramatic Apurimac Canyon. Continuing downhill along the trail to the Apurimac River, we cross a bridge and begin to ascend the trail on the opposite side. We will camp at Santa Rosa.
Day 04 Santa Rosa – Choquequirao (B, D, BB)
Today we make a steep hike up the rugged trail to the remarkable archaeological complex of Choquequirao, located at 3300m/10824ft, perched 1500m above the Apurimac River. During the ascent we enjoy spectacular views of the natural landscape that surrounds this amazing Inca city. We set up camp near the ruins.
Day 05 Choquequirao – Pinchaunuyoc (B, D, BB)
In the morning, we will have plenty of time to explore the extensive agricultural terraces, the ceremonial dwellings and the sacred temples of the Choquequirao archaeological complex. Then we start hiking following an Inca water canal out of the citadel and through the cloud forest and highland prairie with enjoyable views of the Vilcabamba Range and the sub-tropical valley below. In the afternoon we arrive to the recently discovered stone remains (covered in moss) at the place known as Pinchaunuyoc. Camp.
Day 06 Pinchaunuyoc – Maizal (B, L, D)
In the morning and after a hearty breakfast, the trail will take us through dry Andean highland forest and then descends into the Rio Blanco valley. From the river, we make another steep climb to Maizal a nice view point where we will be rewarded by amazing views of three converging valleys and the great snowy peaks of Mount Padreyoc (5771m), Mount Corihuairachina (5400m) and far away we can see the steep west side of the impressive Mount Salcantay. This is one of the most beautiful camps during our trek.
Day 07 Maizal – Yanama (B, L, D)
The day begins with a long climb through cloud forest and over dry puna covered by ichu grass. This will take us to the pass of San Juan (4050m). From here we can spot remnants of the Victoria mines and a network of well-preserved Inca trails. Then we descend to a valley from where we will climb up towards our second pass at Choquetacarpo (4000m) and finally we descend to the small village of Yanama, located at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Day 08 Yanama – Totora (B, L, D)
After a relaxing morning, today we start our hike with an ascent to the Yanama pass at 4500m and following the snowline into a grassy valley. With little luck we will have the opportunity to spot Andean Condors circling above us or along the rim of the nearby high Andean snow capped peaks. The landscape is really fantastic. Later on we make a long descent to the small community of Totora where we will set up our camp.
Day 09 Totora – Wiñaypoko (B, L, D)
Today’s trek will take us down first to the small village of Colpapampa where we find a nice spot with hot water springs. After lunch and soaking in the medicinal water, we will continue our descent through beautiful cloud forest area until we will reach our camp at the place known as Wiñaypoko. Late in the afternoon will be time to go to river for a well deserved refreshing bath.
Day 10 Wiñaypoko - La Playa (Miscabamba) Village – Lucmabamba (B, D, BB)
In our last trekking day at we will hike for 3 hours down to the place known as La Playa (1800m/5904ft). This trek takes us along the north side of Santa Teresa River. On the way down we will observe banana, coffee, and avocado plantations. The sound of flocks of parrots will accompany us during the hike and on the river perhaps we can observe the fast flight of the king fisher birds. Arriving at La Playa, we cross the river to finally reach Cochapampa village from where a one hour hike will take us to Lucmabamba settlement where our camp is (1700m/5576ft).
Day 11 Lucmabamba – Llactapacta – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (B, BB)
Following an Inca road, our last three hour trek will take us from Lucmabamba towards the Inca Ruins of Llactapata (2800m/ 9184ft) where we will spend about one hour visiting this interesting archaeological site with terraces, agriculture storage areas, etc. From here and weather permitting we can observe the northwest side of the Machu Picchu citadel and the summit of Huayna Picchu hill. After having our box lunch and following a steep mountain side, we will then continue for two more hours down to the place known as La Hidroelectrica (operation area of the hydroelectric power plant). Here we will have time to rest and later on board the local train to the town of Aguas Calientes (2012m/6600ft) where we will arrive after a one hour ride. Then our guide will take you to your hotel for a well deserved rest.
Day 12 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco (B)
In our last day a public bus transport will take you up to the main entrance of Machu Picchu (2400m/7872ft). A guided tour will show you this beautiful Inca City, one of the most famous in the world. You will visit the Intihuatana, the temple of the three windows, temple of the moon, the terraces, the ceremonial fountains, the sun gate and other sectors of the impressive citadel. In the afternoon we take the public bus down to Aguas Calientes and by train you will return to Ollantaytambo from where our transport will take you back to Cusco (accommodations in Cusco not included).
