Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu 6 Days

Overview

1. Day 1

   Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca

   • •Departure from Cusco
   • •Pampas de Anta (Yawar Pampa)
   • •Town of Limatambo
   • •Tarawasi Archaeological Site
   • •Cunyac Bridge (Apurímac River)
   • •Town of Curahuasi
   • •San Pedro de Cachora
   • •Capuliyoc Viewpoint
   • •Chiquisca Campsite
2. Day 2

   Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao

   • •Descent to Playa Rosalina
   • •Ascent to Santa Rosa
   • •Arrival in Marampata
   • •Camping at Choquequirao
3. Day 3

   Choquequirao – Marampata

   • •Choquequirao Archaeological Complex
   • •Agricultural terraces
   • •Llama Sector (stone sculptures)
   • •Camping in Marampata
4. Day 4

   Marampata – Coca Masana

   • •Descent to the Apurímac River
   • •Lunch by the river
   • •Ascent to Coca Masana
   • •Camping at Coca Masana
5. Day 5

   Coca Masana – Cachora – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

   • •Return to Cachora
   • •Transfer to Ollantaytambo
   • •Train to Aguas Calientes
   • •Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
6. Day 6

   Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

   • •Bus to Machu Picchu
   • •Guided tour of Machu Picchu
   • •Optional hike to Huayna Picchu
   • •Optional visit to the Aguas Calientes hot springs
   • •Train back to Ollantaytambo
   • •Transfer to Cusco

Itinerary

• 1

  DAY 1Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca

  We depart from Cusco early (5:00 a.m.).

  Heading northwest, we cross the famous Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa (“Blood Plain,” named after the fierce battle between the Inca and the Chankas for control of Cusco). We continue through the mountains and descend to the warm town of Limatambo (2,600 m / 8,530 ft), where the archaeological site of Tarawasi is located.

  We then proceed to the Cunyac Bridge over the Apurímac River, the natural border between the Cusco and Apurímac regions, and continue to the town of Curahuasi, famous for its aromatic liqueur, Anis Macerado.

  Our last stop is the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), approximately 4 hours from Cusco by transport. Here we meet our muleteers (“arrieros”) and begin our trek. We cross the Cachora stream and ascend through a refreshing eucalyptus forest and native vegetation until reaching the dirt road accessible by vehicles. From here, the trail is mostly flat until the Capuliyoq viewpoint (2,850 m / 9,350 ft).

  The estimated hiking time to this point is about 3 hours. At the viewpoint, where we will enjoy our lunch, we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Apurímac River and Choquequirao.

  We then descend for approximately 3 hours along a zigzagging path, crossing forests and later an area of native trees known as Phaty.

  Finally, we arrive at our first campsite, Chiquisca (1,930 m / 6,332 ft).

  After about 6 hours of hiking, we can expect a warm night in the valley.

• 2

  DAY 2Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao (1930-1550-2850 m.a.s.l.)

  After breakfast, we begin our descent to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), followed by a steep zigzag ascent up the hillside to Santa Rosa (2,095 m / 6,873 ft).

  After a short rest, we continue towards Marampata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), a relatively flat area where we can recover under conditions similar to Santa Rosa while enjoying a splendid view of Choquequirao.

  The trekking time from the Apurímac River to this point is approximately 4 to 5 hours. The terrain varies from nearly flat to very steep. The trail starts off relatively level and then includes several sections of ascent and descent before reaching our campsite at Choquequirao (3,033 m / 9,951 ft). This campsite offers basic facilities, including toilets and cold-water showers.

• 3

  DAY 3Choquequirao – Marampata (2850 m.a.s.l.)

  We will have a full day to explore the vast Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.

  Your guide will aim to show you the most recently discovered areas, the agricultural terraces, and the Llama Sector, a more remote area featuring sculptural elements. Archaeologists are still uncovering new sections of the complex, many of which remain hidden under dense jungle vegetation.

  You will also have free time to explore the site on your own.

  In the late afternoon, we begin our return hike and head back to our campsite in Marampata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), a journey of approximately 2 hours.

• 4

  DAY 4Marampata – Coca Masana

  After breakfast, we continue our return journey with a steep descent to the Apurímac River, where we will stop for lunch.

  In the afternoon, we begin an uphill hike of approximately 4 hours, after which we will set up camp in Coca Masana (2,150 m / 7,054 ft). This ascent is easier compared to the second day’s climb.

• 5

  DAY 5Coca Masana – Cachora – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

  After breakfast, Day 5 marks the final day of trekking. We will enjoy the impressive Apurímac Canyon as we follow the trail through the gorge back to the starting point of our hike.

  We arrive in Cachora (2,850 m / 9,350 ft) and take our transport to Ollantaytambo.

  In the evening, we board the train (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

• 6

  DAY 6Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

  Early in the morning, we take the bus from Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,726 ft) to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

  Optional (at your own expense): You will also have the opportunity to hike the challenging trail up Huayna Picchu (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks Machu Picchu and offers spectacular panoramic views. From Huayna Picchu, it is even possible to see the snow-capped peak of Apu Salkantay.

  The guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel lasts approximately 2 hours. Machu Picchu allows us to appreciate the high level of development achieved by the Inca civilization.

  It also reflects their advanced knowledge of astronomy and astrology. Understanding the rainy and dry seasons through the solstices was essential for agricultural development, which was the foundation of life in the Andes.

  In the afternoon, guests may enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

  Finally, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue our transfer to Cusco.

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