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Choquequiraw To Machu Picchu (8 days 7 nights)
8 days
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About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: DAY 1: CUSCO – CCACHORA – CAPULIYOC – CHIKISKA – PLAYA ROSALINA – SANTA ROSA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
The pick up is at 4:00 am from your hotel and no worries you can sleep on the 4 hour drive to the starting point of the trail, where breakfast is going to be ready for you. There you also meet the trek team, horsemen and horses, they will carry your duffel bags. After breakfast, the expedition to Machu Picchu will start.
The first 4 hours are downhill, stopping at the small village Chikiska-Chikiska to have lunch there. During the hike you will have a great view of the Apurimac River and the valley as well as the snow-capped peaks. After lunch the weather will get much warmer since we are descending, 2 hours later the Apurimac River will welcome us to the bottom of the valley. When you see a bridge that's our sign, that it is just 2 more hours of hiking uphill to the campsite in Santa Rosa.
Walking Distance: 18 km
Campsite Elevation: 1,800 m
Weather: Hot and dry
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 2: DAY 2: SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQIRAW
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
After an early breakfast and will continue the expedition with an 2 hour uphill hike to Marampata, this section has many zigzag paths, is at an altitude of 3.100m and offers a great view of the canyon as well as the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
From this point the hike is down for 2 hours to the famous Choquekiraw Inca site, it is the perfect location for lunch and to visit the Inca site. In this tour the visit is to the most important places: the religious area, the observatory, and llama terraced sections and then enjoy the sunset over the valley and mountains before returning to the campsite for the night.
Walking distance: 10 km
Camp site elevation: 3,300 m
Weather: Hot and humid
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 3: DAY 3: CHOQUEQIRAW – CHOQUEQIRAW PASS – PINCHAWNIYOC – RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
After an early breakfast, the hike will start at 6:30 a.m. To reach the first pass of Choquekiraw at 3,500m for 40 minutes uphill. Then starts the easy part of the trek, it is about 30 minutes of flat, elevated walking, before starting to descend along the zigzag path for an hour and a half, which will take to Pinchauniyoc. It is an agricultural Inca site and was a resting point for the Incas when they traveled for one of their expeditions to Machu Picchu.
The walking downhill is for another hour and a half until reach the river Calle Rio Blanco at 1,750 m of altitude for lunch time.
IMPORTANT: Always bring mosquito repellent, especially for this segment. After lunch, we’ll take a 4 hour uphill hike to Maizal, a campsite surround by Andean mountains.
Walking Distance: 14 km
Campsite Elevation: 2900 m
Weather: Humid
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 4: DAY 4: MAIZAL – MINAS VICTORIA – CONDOR PASS – YANAMA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
We´ll wake up early to a hot drink followed by breakfast. We’ll start this day by taking a rocky path for a 4 hour uphill hike, surrounded by green valleys and also some arid mountain peaks.
Once we reach the top of the pass (at 4,200 m), we’ll get a lunch box. The view will include snow-capped peaks, valleys, and perhaps some condors (the largest bird of the Andes). After some resting time we have a three and a half hour downhill hike ahead of us before we get to our campsite at Yanama. This is a small, indigenous village and if we have time, you can visit some local homes to see how people live and to learn about the ancient traditions that they have kept alive for 100 years.
Walking Distance: 15 km
Campsite Elevation: 3,800 m
Weather: Humid, dry and cold
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 5: DAY 5: YANAMA – MARIANO LLAMOCCA PASS – TOTORA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
At around 6 am is the start of the expedition. On this day the hike is up the famous Vilcabamba mountain range, the last city of the Incas. It will take about 5 hours until reach the pass, with some stops along the way to rest and listen to unforgettable information given from the guide.
Once reach the pass at 4,500 m a lunch box will be provided. This is the last stretch of the journey to Machu Picchu and the special part of this section is the view of Salkantay and Humantay. The grandfather glacier peaks.
The paths can sometimes be slippery in the rainy season, but dusty and rocky in the dry season. Along the way, you may see some black bears and Andean birds such as falcons, eagles, hawks, condors and geese. Once you get to the campsite, there are some hot drinks and a delicious dinner.
Walking Distance: 16 km
Campsite Elevation: 3500 m
Weather: Cold, dry and humid
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 6: DAY 6: TOTORA – CCOLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
After breakfast the hike will start with 3 hours downhill hike to Ccolpapampa, where is going to be the lunch and say thanks and goodbye to our horsemen, it is time for them to go back home.
From there the porters will continue by car and continue the adventure by foot, it will take about 5 hours to get to the campsite at La Playa. Along the way you will see waterfalls and fruit plantations and may also visit some coffee plantations.
Walking Distance: 16 km
Campsite Elevation: 2,400 m
Weather: Hot and dry
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 7: DAY 7: LA PLAYA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
Our last hiking day will end around lunch time. The walk is for about 6 hours, 3 of them uphill, along the hillside with a great view of the Santa Teresa Valley. Once you get to the top of this mountain, will be at the famous Inca site Llactapata, it is an observation point built by the Incas to see the sunrise during the winter solstice. Also to see Machu Picchu for the very first time, including the valleys and mountains of Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains). Afterwards the walk is for 3 hours, descending to the hydroelectric station. There is going to be the last lunch on the trail and say goodbyes to the trekking chef and porters.
The the train is around 3:30 p.m. After a one hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, you will be taken to your hotel for a hot shower. If you like, you can visit the famous hot springs at Aguas Calientes (the entrance fee is $3 per person) and enjoy dinner at a restaurant.
Walking Distance: 12 km
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m
Weather: Hot and humid
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 8: DAY 8: MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
Once again is an early day in order to get to Machu Picchu for the sunrise. The start off with a breakfast at the hotel and then either get one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu or you can walk up to the citadel with your tour guide (you must coordinate this with your trekking guide the night before).
At Machu Picchu, will head to the most famous places, so you can get beautiful pictures, also enjoy the sunrise (weather permitting). After this is a walking tour and visit the most important places in the Machu Picchu complex, such as the Temple of the Sun.
The walking tour lasts between 2 or 3 hours, if you have gotten extra permits, you may climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain after our tour. (which will be during the second slot, at 10 a.m. and it finishes around noon). Afterwards you’ll still have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Around 3pm you should take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to grab lunch at one of the many restaurants.
After lunch it is time to pick up your bags from the hotel and walk to the train station. The 2 hour train ride departs at 4:20 p.m. (tourist/Expedition class) and will take you to the town Ollantayatmbo, we’ll be waiting for you to take you back to Cusco. You will arrive at your hotel around 8:30 p.m.
Note: Lunch is not included on day 8.
On this trip we use horses to carry the camping equipment and your duffel bags, so be sure you bring a small day pack to carry your personal items needed during the day time. One thing we want to highlight is ,that the weather is extremely variable and changes often from hot to cold and humid. Also, be sure to bring mosquito repellent.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
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Day 1: DAY 1: CUSCO – CCACHORA – CAPULIYOC – CHIKISKA – PLAYA ROSALINA – SANTA ROSA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
The pick up is at 4:00 am from your hotel and no worries you can sleep on the 4 hour drive to the starting point of the trail, where breakfast is going to be ready for you. There you also meet the trek team, horsemen and horses, they will carry your duffel bags. After breakfast, the expedition to Machu Picchu will start.
The first 4 hours are downhill, stopping at the small village Chikiska-Chikiska to have lunch there. During the hike you will have a great view of the Apurimac River and the valley as well as the snow-capped peaks. After lunch the weather will get much warmer since we are descending, 2 hours later the Apurimac River will welcome us to the bottom of the valley. When you see a bridge that's our sign, that it is just 2 more hours of hiking uphill to the campsite in Santa Rosa.
Walking Distance: 18 km
Campsite Elevation: 1,800 m
Weather: Hot and dry
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 2: DAY 2: SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQIRAW
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
After an early breakfast and will continue the expedition with an 2 hour uphill hike to Marampata, this section has many zigzag paths, is at an altitude of 3.100m and offers a great view of the canyon as well as the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
From this point the hike is down for 2 hours to the famous Choquekiraw Inca site, it is the perfect location for lunch and to visit the Inca site. In this tour the visit is to the most important places: the religious area, the observatory, and llama terraced sections and then enjoy the sunset over the valley and mountains before returning to the campsite for the night.
Walking distance: 10 km
Camp site elevation: 3,300 m
Weather: Hot and humid
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 3: DAY 3: CHOQUEQIRAW – CHOQUEQIRAW PASS – PINCHAWNIYOC – RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
After an early breakfast, the hike will start at 6:30 a.m. To reach the first pass of Choquekiraw at 3,500m for 40 minutes uphill. Then starts the easy part of the trek, it is about 30 minutes of flat, elevated walking, before starting to descend along the zigzag path for an hour and a half, which will take to Pinchauniyoc. It is an agricultural Inca site and was a resting point for the Incas when they traveled for one of their expeditions to Machu Picchu.
The walking downhill is for another hour and a half until reach the river Calle Rio Blanco at 1,750 m of altitude for lunch time.
IMPORTANT: Always bring mosquito repellent, especially for this segment. After lunch, we’ll take a 4 hour uphill hike to Maizal, a campsite surround by Andean mountains.
Walking Distance: 14 km
Campsite Elevation: 2900 m
Weather: Humid
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 4: DAY 4: MAIZAL – MINAS VICTORIA – CONDOR PASS – YANAMA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
We´ll wake up early to a hot drink followed by breakfast. We’ll start this day by taking a rocky path for a 4 hour uphill hike, surrounded by green valleys and also some arid mountain peaks.
Once we reach the top of the pass (at 4,200 m), we’ll get a lunch box. The view will include snow-capped peaks, valleys, and perhaps some condors (the largest bird of the Andes). After some resting time we have a three and a half hour downhill hike ahead of us before we get to our campsite at Yanama. This is a small, indigenous village and if we have time, you can visit some local homes to see how people live and to learn about the ancient traditions that they have kept alive for 100 years.
Walking Distance: 15 km
Campsite Elevation: 3,800 m
Weather: Humid, dry and cold
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 5: DAY 5: YANAMA – MARIANO LLAMOCCA PASS – TOTORA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
At around 6 am is the start of the expedition. On this day the hike is up the famous Vilcabamba mountain range, the last city of the Incas. It will take about 5 hours until reach the pass, with some stops along the way to rest and listen to unforgettable information given from the guide.
Once reach the pass at 4,500 m a lunch box will be provided. This is the last stretch of the journey to Machu Picchu and the special part of this section is the view of Salkantay and Humantay. The grandfather glacier peaks.
The paths can sometimes be slippery in the rainy season, but dusty and rocky in the dry season. Along the way, you may see some black bears and Andean birds such as falcons, eagles, hawks, condors and geese. Once you get to the campsite, there are some hot drinks and a delicious dinner.
Walking Distance: 16 km
Campsite Elevation: 3500 m
Weather: Cold, dry and humid
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 6: DAY 6: TOTORA – CCOLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
After breakfast the hike will start with 3 hours downhill hike to Ccolpapampa, where is going to be the lunch and say thanks and goodbye to our horsemen, it is time for them to go back home.
From there the porters will continue by car and continue the adventure by foot, it will take about 5 hours to get to the campsite at La Playa. Along the way you will see waterfalls and fruit plantations and may also visit some coffee plantations.
Walking Distance: 16 km
Campsite Elevation: 2,400 m
Weather: Hot and dry
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping
Day 7: DAY 7: LA PLAYA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
Our last hiking day will end around lunch time. The walk is for about 6 hours, 3 of them uphill, along the hillside with a great view of the Santa Teresa Valley. Once you get to the top of this mountain, will be at the famous Inca site Llactapata, it is an observation point built by the Incas to see the sunrise during the winter solstice. Also to see Machu Picchu for the very first time, including the valleys and mountains of Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains). Afterwards the walk is for 3 hours, descending to the hydroelectric station. There is going to be the last lunch on the trail and say goodbyes to the trekking chef and porters.
The the train is around 3:30 p.m. After a one hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, you will be taken to your hotel for a hot shower. If you like, you can visit the famous hot springs at Aguas Calientes (the entrance fee is $3 per person) and enjoy dinner at a restaurant.
Walking Distance: 12 km
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m
Weather: Hot and humid
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 8: DAY 8: MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO
Stop At: Choquequirao, Peru
Once again is an early day in order to get to Machu Picchu for the sunrise. The start off with a breakfast at the hotel and then either get one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu or you can walk up to the citadel with your tour guide (you must coordinate this with your trekking guide the night before).
At Machu Picchu, will head to the most famous places, so you can get beautiful pictures, also enjoy the sunrise (weather permitting). After this is a walking tour and visit the most important places in the Machu Picchu complex, such as the Temple of the Sun.
The walking tour lasts between 2 or 3 hours, if you have gotten extra permits, you may climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain after our tour. (which will be during the second slot, at 10 a.m. and it finishes around noon). Afterwards you’ll still have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Around 3pm you should take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to grab lunch at one of the many restaurants.
After lunch it is time to pick up your bags from the hotel and walk to the train station. The 2 hour train ride departs at 4:20 p.m. (tourist/Expedition class) and will take you to the town Ollantayatmbo, we’ll be waiting for you to take you back to Cusco. You will arrive at your hotel around 8:30 p.m.
Note: Lunch is not included on day 8.
On this trip we use horses to carry the camping equipment and your duffel bags, so be sure you bring a small day pack to carry your personal items needed during the day time. One thing we want to highlight is ,that the weather is extremely variable and changes often from hot to cold and humid. Also, be sure to bring mosquito repellent.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
- 7x Breakfast
- 7x Dinner
- 8x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 6 nights
- Pre-departure briefing.
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation.
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent
- English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu
- Horse man (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 4.
- 1 Bag or duffle bag where you can out maximum of 6 kg per person
- Days 1 to 2(we are going to carry in our horses).
- Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
- One textile snack bag per person to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment
- Biodegradable personal hand soaps
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Machu Picchu entrance fee
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition Service)
- Transfer train station Ollantaytambo - hotel in Cusco
- ADDITIONAL INFO
- MINIMUN 2 PERSONS
- During the travel your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel both free of charge
- If you are vegetarian, please advise at time of booking
- Original passport
- Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Pocket money in Nuevos Soles
- A small rucksack
- Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers)
- Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended
- Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite)
- Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended)
- Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold)
- Sunscreen or sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Camera and its charger/batteries
- Flashlight/headlamp + batteries
- Small towel and toiletries
- Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes)
- Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
- Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill
- Please confirm your pick-up address with at least 1 week prior to departure
- UPGRADES / RENTALS
- Vistadome Train (One Way) – US$55.00
- Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability) – US$35.00
- Hiking poles – US$20.00
- Sleeping bag – US$20.00
- Sleeping bag Deluxe Package (+ Pillow & Liners) US$30.00
- Private Tent – US$30.00
- DETAILS
- Black Diamond Hiking Poles
- Sleeping bags according to route requirement
- We use 3* hotels in Aguas Calientes if you don't want to share a room (double or triple)
- select Single Accommodation in add ons when Booking
- DISCOUNTS
- STUDENT (Requires ISIC card to qualify) - 20.00 USD
Not included
- Lunch on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu
- Optional night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged easily.
- Alcoholic drinks
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Sleeping Bag
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
- If you are vegetarian, please advise at time of booking
- Original passport,
- Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable)
- Travel insurance,
- Pocket money in Nuevos Soles,
- A small rucksack,
- Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers),
- Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
- Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
- Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
- Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
- Sun cream or sun block,
- Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!),
- Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
- Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
- Small towel and toiletries,
- Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes)
- Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.) Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
- Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill.
- Vistadome Train (One Way) – US$55.00
- Single Accommodation* – US$43.00
- Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability) – US$35.00
- Black Diamond Hiking Poles. - US$20.00
- Sleeping bags according to route requirement. - US$20.00
- We use 3* hotels in Aguas Calientes, if you dont want to share a room (double or triple), select Single Accommodation in add ons when Booking.
- If you are a lover of nature and landscapes, the Vistadome train is your best choice. Panoramic windows in the walls and roofs of cars make the connection to the outside is experienced in a very vivid way.
- Student Discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$20.00
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
40%
Sport
30%
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