Choquequiraw - machupicchu 9d/8n

highlights

CHOQUEQUIRAW is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salcantay, at 3035m.a.s.l. surrounded by the snowcapped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo, and Panta on the rigth site of Apurimac river in the Santa Teresa district, the convention province of the departament of cusco. CHOQUEQUIRAW is an Inca town formed by small sites spread out in rubblework that in its adjoining constructs a complex metropolis similar to those of the other regions placed on the crest of the hill by the same name of CHOQUEQUIRAW

itinerary

DAY 1:  CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISCA
Early morning departure from Cusco  in our private transportation that will take us to the town of Cachora where our arrieros (horsemen), mules and horses are waiting. We will hike for about 6 hours down into the Apurimac canyon camping at Chiquisca (1800 mts)
Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: CHIQUISCA - MARANPATA - CHOQUEQUIRAW
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 CHOQUEQUIRAW, where we camp. CHOQUEQUIRAW (Cradle of Gold) is considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu, 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAW - MAIZAL
Early morning departure walking through CHOQUEQUIRAW, finding our way behind the upper plaza, going up though high cloud forests to the Choquequiraw 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: MAIZAL - YANAMA
Early morning trek around the Qorihuayrachina glacier, important due to some archeological remains such as Inca channels. Then we pass through Mines of 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: YANAMA - TOTORA
We will trek surrounded by the high mountains of the Vilcabamba Range full of Ichu grass and of Tarwi bush, 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: TOTORA - WIÑAYPOCO
Early departure following the Totora river to enter an area of high cloud forest by passing the hamlet of Lluscamayo 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 - LLACTA PATA
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 Llacta Pata, 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: LLACTAPATA – MACHUPICCHU TOWN
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 Machupicchu Town. Where we will spend the night in a nice hotel and you will have time to soak yourselves in the local hot springs.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: MACHUPICCHU TOWN - MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO
Early walk or bus to the Citadel of Machupicchu, guided tour for 2 hours and plenty of free time to explore more, optional time to explore all around the site like Huayna Picchu, the Sun gate, or Inka bridge after that we take the bus down to Machupicchu town where you have lunch and take the train back to Cusco.
B.

what is included

• Transfer from/to Hotel.
• Private transportation: Hotel – Cachora
  
• Private transportation: Train station hotel
  
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide, 2 guides over 10 people
  
• Horsemen and horses: for your equipment ( the horses will carry 08 kilos per our client belongings)
  
• Double occupancy tents: dining tent kitchen tent, tables and stools Hostel: double accommodation in a nice place
  
• Train tickets: from Machupicchu Town to Cusco
• Entrance fee:Choquequiraw.
  
• Entrance fee: Machupicchu Sanctuary
  
• Bus ticket: Machupicchu town – Machupicchu – Machupicchu Town
• Cook in Charge of meals.
  
• Meals: 9 breakfasts / 8 lunches / 8 dinners
  
• Cook: and assistant in charge of meal preparation
• First aid kit (Oxigen Bottel)
  

what is not included

• First breakfast, the most of hotels offer this service
• Last lunch.
  
• Sleeping Bag: US$ 28 per 7 days

important

WHAT WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING.

• water bottle or canteen, water purification tablets,
  
• sun hat, sun glasses, sun cream, binoculars,
  
• hiking boots, long trousers,
  
• warm clothes and jacket or sweater, rain gear,
  
• torch or flashlight/batteries, large day pack,
  
• energy snacks, rubbish bag, toilet paper, shorts, sandals, wool hat
  
• insect repellent , extra film , pocket knife
  
• original passport
  
• extra money like ( emergency )
  
• first aid kit, personal medication.