Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trekking, Peru Trekking

Price

2361$ per person

Duration

13 Days

Destination

More than 1

Travellers

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Tour Plan
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A comprehensive adventure package that covers Peru’s main attractions including Choquequirao and Machu Picchu citadel. Perched on a knife-edged promontory at 10,000 feet and ringed by the snow-capped Vilcabamba Mountains is Choquequirao, a true “lost city of the Incas.” For its absolutely stunning location, Choquequirao “The Cradle of Gold” is often compared to Machu Picchu, yet this hidden Inca site has no road access, few visitors, and a haunting ambience unmatched at other Inca ruins. Sitting astride a high ridge amongst the snow-capped peaks of Peru, the Inca fortress of Choquequirao is one of the most important discoveries of Inca antiquity; we invite you to discover the secrets of this abandoned city on this classic 2 week trekking holiday. Already a rival to Machu Picchu in terms of its size and splendour, more buildings and llama-decorated terraces are being exposed at Choquequirao each year.

What's included

Destination

Choquequirao Trek , Cusco , Lima , Machu Picchu , Peru Treks Discover Destinations

Departure Location

Lima

Return Location

Cusco

Price includes

24 hour support by our local staff
Accommodation in Hotel with breakfast included
Accommodation in personal tents (camping)
All entrance fees and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All ground transportation
All transfers airport, train station or bus station transfers, Hotel pickup and drop-off
All transfers are assisted by English speaking staff
Guided tours by local quality English speaking guides
Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available)
Train tickets

Price does not include

Anything not specified in the itinerary description
Domestic flight tickets
Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Guidance in other languages
International flight tickets
Other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
Sleeping bag
Tips for guides, drivers and other staff
VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodation
Walking sticks

Highlights

Witness Peru mix the Inca and colonial architectures.
Explore Cusco’s beautiful colonial center inspired by Archaeological Sites.
Moray & Maras Salt Mines Hike.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek through the amazing mountain scenery.
Camp at Inca terraces and hike through the inspiring Apurimac Canyon.
Challenging trekking, Choquequirao is one of Peru’s most dramatic mountain ranges.
Explore Machu Picchu with Aguas Calientes overnight.

PRICES FOR THIS TOUR PACKAGE

Hotel Category	Double or Triple room	Single room option Additional cost
Tourist	US$ 2361	US$ 228
Superior Tourist	US$ 2503	US$ 319

* Prices per person in US dollars.

MORE ABOUT HOTEL CATEGORIES

Tourist

In this type of accommodation are the 2-star and 3-star hotels and some guesthouses.
For tourists looking for more than basic accommodation.
The rooms and bed are simple, comfortable and adequate.
Beds are made and rooms are cleaned daily. Clean towels are supplied.
Rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers.
Breakfast is included.
Ideal for travelers on a reduced budget.

Superior Tourist

In this type of accommodation are the 3-star and 4-star hotels.
Standard accommodation.
The rooms and bed are comfortable and adequate.
Beds are made and rooms are cleaned daily. Clean towels are supplied.
They have spacious reception with seats and other public rooms.
Some of these hotels have food and drink service; restaurant and bar.
Buffet breakfast is included.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOUR PACKAGE

Trip code	CQU14D01
Travel style	PRIVATE TOUR
Type of activities	Trekking, Adventure, Local Living.
Group size	To suit group requirements.
Physical rating	This trip will raise your heartbeat.
Trekking grade	Moderate to strenuous – this trek requires a medium level of fitness. During this trek you will be required to walk up to 5 to 8 hours in one day. Some previous experience is required. Minimum 2 days at altitude recommended.
Departure dates	Guaranteed departures any day with one person. Departures are available along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to November.
Min age	12+ All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Private tour means: The tour will run exclusively for you without strangers with private guide, vehicle and driver are for your exclusive use; no matter you are individually, or in a family or friends group.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5 - Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Trekking 8 Days
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13

Day 1

International Arrival Assistance

Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting for you at Lima airport with a customized sign containing your name. Private transfer to your hotel.
There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and rest up.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
Meals included: None.

Day 2

Lima Colonial Walking Tour

Breakfast at Hotel; free morning to rest or visit the city.
At 14:00pm pick up and transfer to Lima historical center. We'll take you to a fascinating walking tour. We will show you Palaces and castles our city hides, we also going to take you to our great Saint Francisco Monastery and the impressive underground Catacombs!
Also we visit "The Main Square", Archbishop's Palace and the Municipal Palace, other great places you will visit are: the Train Station Palace, unique old fashioned "Cordano Bar", colorful mansion palaces, Jiron del Union Pathway, Post Office Palace, Dominicans tower, Historical Rimac Bridge and lovely surrounded wooden Balconies and the next big project in the City the Under river subway.
Our historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by the UNESCO; we will show you the Original Spain Mansion Palace and enjoy its great collection of 18th Century paintings, its impressive sculptures, wooden varandas, trendy gilded mirrors and great original terrace.
After the tour we will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 3

Flight to Cusco and free day

Breakfast at hotel; at 07:30am pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas.
On arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free time to rest in hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness.
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Colorful Local Andean Village, Moray & Maras Terraces of Salt Hike

Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel at 08:00am our private transport drives us to local Andean community of Taucca populated by 20 families and located at an elevation of 3,850 meters. The villagers will share with you their traditional Andean way of life through different activities you can engage in, like weaving demonstrations, plowing with Andean tools, etc. In addition, you will see them spin and dye wool thread using natural dyes as well as weave fabric following their ancient techniques.
After having an unforgettable experience with these people we will move towards Moray archeological site. This site houses enormous circular and Pre-Incan semi-circular agricultural terraces that were constructed with the intention of being used as a botanical laboratory to carry out experiments on plant domestication and foreign crop acclimatization. The area stretches so long and widely that at least 3000 plant varieties, including potatoes and corn, may have been grown there.
Afterwards, we will carry on visiting the largest salt pans in the region “Las Salineras de Maras” that have been mined continuously, dating all the way back to the Incan Empire. This site has been exploited since the time of the Incas as a source of economic exchange.
After the salt pans, you will pass through the village of Pichingoto, which was once the top salt producer during the Spanish colonial era followed by drive through the Sacred Valley to admire its corn fields and green prairies.
Finally, we will meet our vehicle again beside the Urubamba River. Back to Cusco, arriving time to Cusco around 17:00pm.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 5 - Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Trekking 8 Days

Transport to Capuliyoc, Hike to Santa Rosa

On the first day of the Choquequirao trek, depart Cusco at 05:00am in a private car for a 4 hour drive to the charming village of Cachora (2,900m/9,514ft), situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks.
We will stop in Cachora to purchase any last minute supplies before continuing by car to just before Capuliyoc (2,920m/9,580ft) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Huayna Cachora.
We will meet our arrieros (muleteers) from here we descend steeply into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views as we descend for 3.5 to 4 hours to Chiquisca (1,850m/6,070ft), with breathtaking drops to our side. 1 hour after Chiquisca we arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1,500m/4,921ft).
From the river, we begin to climb to the Santa Rosa Campsite (1,910m/6,266ft). This is a tough climb of 2 hours but makes the next day easier! - As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can soak up the stars.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6

Hike from Santa Rosa to Choquequirao

Departing early again today to get the best out of the day (around 06:00AM) we continue upwards onto Maranpata where we will have a break. The climb from the Santa Rosa to Maranpata (2,900m/9,514ft) takes about 3 hours and is a tough uphill stretch.
A little further on from our break site we will get our first view of the ruins of Choquequirao. From here we have 2 more hours hiking to the ruins. After the rigors of the past two days, this is a gentle undulating hike.
We take our lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (2,850m/9,317ft) nearest to the ruins, before we head to the Choquequirao ruins for the afternoon.
Spending the afternoon exploring the ruins, we will watch the sunset and keep our fingers crossed for the chance to see condors.
Only around 30% of the Inca remains of Choquequirao (3,050m/10,007ft) have been excavated. What can be seen today however, is most impressive and very much worth the challenging trek to get there. The stonework in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu, because the stone found here is very difficult to carve, but the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high status.
Choquequirao evokes a sense of awe simply because of the sites’ surrounding beauty and isolation and condors can be seen frequently soaring the skies.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7

From Choquequirao to Maizal

After having breakfast, all trekkers will begin climbing uphill covering a distance of 3,340m/10,958ft going past the Choquequirao pass after which everyone will go downhill towards Rio Blanco (1,920m/6,299ft), going through the cloud forest and then arriving at the Pinchayunuyoc Arquelogical site.
Here you can rest and examine the ancient Inca Terraces and the fauna and flora.
After arriving at the Rio Blanco, also known as the white river, you can break to get some rest, go for a swim and have a hearty lunch after eating, you begin hiking up on the steep hill towards Maizal village (2,980m/9,777ft), which is high above the river and in close proximity to the Incas’ sacred Apus.
The journey takes around 3 hours, after which you can camp in Maizal for the night.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8

Hike from Maizal to Yanama

After breakfast, you will begin to walk uphill and pass the incredible Inca mines, also known as Minas Victoria, on the way going onwards to the Victoria Pass which stands at 4,150m/13,615ft.
The hike includes a long uphill climb and then a walk in a beautiful area through the cloud forest and then above Andean Puna that is known for its infamous Ichu grass.
You will be able to admire the earliest Inca trails that are paved on the path up to the Victoria Pass. You will take your boxed lunch with you to the pass at a height of 4,150m/13,615ft and get to view the mountains Choquetakarpo Mountain.
Trekkers can also admire the condors flying if the climate is favorable. Later, you can go downhill to the Yanama village to stay the night (3,530m/11,581ft).
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9

Hike from Yanama to Totora

Breakfast; hiking gradually to the upper pass, known as the Yanama, which is at a height of 4,650m/15,256ft. You will be able to enjoy breath taking views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains, Mt. Padreyoc and Mt. Sacsarayoj.
Proceeding from Yanama upwards via the valley in the direction of the uppermost point of the trip, you will again get an opportunity to watch the condors.
This morning, the smooth uphill climb will bring new landscapes into view. You can reach there by passing tiny dirt/wood bridges on your way towards the Totora village (3,380m/11,089ft).
Here, you have your lunch before resuming your journey to our campsite, Totora.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10

Hike from Totora to Lucmabamba

Breakfast, we will begin our trek this is the third day of the trek and is slightly relaxed than the rest. However, it is full of spectacular views and chances to appreciate the intriguing wildlife that populates this region.
You will commence your hike after breakfast alongside the pleasing Santa Teresa River banks. You will be able to look at coffee, banana and avocado plantations on the way and also the local flora.
You can appreciate the vegetation change which becomes increasingly lusher and greener.
Today, we resume our Salkantay Trek with a simple walk along the banks of the Santa Teresa River. We will be able to see the famous bird known as “Cock of the Rocks”, if we are lucky.
You will arrive at your La Playa (2,050m/6,726ft).
La Playa is a small town so it is not a remote camp in this camp there are many people; for this reason we move down to find a campsite more quiet and uncrowded at Lucmabamba (2,100m/6,890ft), where you can use the shower and toilet facilities.
Enjoy a peaceful evening and a tasty dinner by the cool waters of the river.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

First view of Machu Picchu, Train to Aguas Calientes

After a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,750m/9,022ft), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire.
We can see both, the Mount Salkantay as well as Machu Picchu from here and also rest for a while, the Llactapata Ruins (2,800m/9,186ft) add to the beauty of the location, which have been recently reinstated. We take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins.
A two hour downward spiral to the River Aobamba through green bamboo forests, coffee plantations and vast orchards leads us to Machu Picchu’s hydroelectric plant (1,800m/5,906ft). Here, we will eat our final lunch with the tour staff that accompanied us on the trip.
The entire staff, including the cook, will depart after lunch but we carry on to the town of Aguas Calientes with our reliable guide.
After lunch we board a train for one hour and 15 minutes journey to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,050m/6,726ft) where, an exclusive dinner and a comfortable bed await us at the Hostel of Aguas Calientes.
Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Visit Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel; at 06:00am take first bus to Machu Picchu citadel, you will ride a bus to Machu Picchu archeological site (2,430m/7,972ft) and tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets.
Around 07:30am the guided tour begins, your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered to be the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
From 10:30am to 12:00pm once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, relax, or meditate.
From 12:30pm to 13:30pm take bus to Aguas Calientes.
From 13:30pm to 15:00pm take lunch at local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Return to Cusco: later board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at the Ollantaytambo Station and then be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 13

Departure from Cusco

Breakfast at hotel; at the scheduled time our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby, transfer and assistance on your departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast.