Choquequirao & Machupicchu 6D

6 Days / 5 Nights from 1400 USD


Type:

Culture/History

Distance:

60.5 km

Altitude:

4650 m.s.n.m.

Physical level:

     



Choquequirao & Machupicchu 6D

Called both of them Sacred Cities and enigmatic landscape! The famous Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is one of the most beauteous and spectactular hikes in all of Peru


Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisqa

Early in the morning we will have breakfast in the Hotel around 5:30am then the bus will pick us up from the hotel around 6 a.m. then we will start with our journey to the village of Cachora from Cusco 5 hours drive to the beginning of the trail. During our journey we will stop a moment to observe the archaeological remains of Tarawasi from the bus, continuing thereafter towards the Cunyac Bridge between the departments of Cusco and Apurimac. Next we will travel through the district of Curahuasi and Saywite Andean Comunity, arriving at Cachora 2800 masl/9186ft. at 10 a.m. approximately. Here we will meet our team (cheff, horseman) and We will begin our trek from this area, along sloping path leading to the pass of Capuliyoc 2915 m/ 9563ft meter sea level for about 2 hours, here we will have lunch and from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora, from Capuliyoc we will have the first view to Choquequirao far from us,. then We will descend toward Coca Masana 2330m/7644ft where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. Finally we arrive at Chiquiskä at 1900m/6633ft closer to the Apurimac River where we will set up camp and spend the night in tents. Here in this camping area we will find humble huts where people from Cachora live offering soda drinks to the trekkers.

  • Climate: warm
  • Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 2: Chiquisqa – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa – Maranpata

Early in the morning after the breakfast around 6:00 am, we will continue our trek, we will walk for about 1 hour down to cross the Apurimac River over the hanging bridge, then we will start climbing up the hill towards Santa Rosa (2115 m/6938ff) where we will stop for lunch. This course is the hardest and we will take three hours after which we will climb up to the Maranpata (2850 m/9350ft) that is an easier climb. During our journey we will observe the vegetation existing in the area. Then we will arrive to Maranpata beside the Chunchumayo River where we will have a short rest. Along the way we will observe many orchids and wild flowers as well as many birds, well after the hardly climbing we will arrive to Maranpata around 2pm. Here we will find humble huts and next them we will make our camp area. Camping in our tents.

  • Climate: considered cold at night
  • Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 3: Choquequirao FULL DAY

Our Andean breakfast will be very early around 7:00 am and after it we will walk from Maranpata to Choquequirao (3035m/9957ft) is a 2 hour hike. We will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the deep canyons and maybe the opportunity to see a Condor flying nearby, we will walk in the city of Choquequirao archaeological complex, here we will have whole day to explore the city, differents areas and walk to the neighborhoods, here our guide will throw a lot of explanation to you for three hours with all the details about this important Inca site. At the scheduled time around 5pm, We are going back to our campground of Choquequirao about 30min, dinner and beautiful sunset, overnight in Choquequirao camping.

  • Climate: warm
  • Hiking time: all day exploring the city

Day 4: Choquequirao - Maranpata – Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisqa

After the Choquequirao Breakfast around 7am, we will start descending to Santa Rosa (2115 m/6938ft)., where we stop for lunch. Thereafter we will continue descending to Playa Rosalina 1550 masl. Upon our arrival at Rosalina Bach, we will continue our trek to the village of Chiquiskä 1950 m/5085ft., two hours away from Rosalina beach, where we will spend the night in the tents at Chiquisqa 1950 m/6397ft, here we will find soda drinks, beers in the humble hut offered by a Young boy Uriel.

  • Climate: warm
  • Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 5: Chiquisqa – Cachora – Aguas Calientes

After our last Andean breakfast in Chiquisqa around 06:00 am, we will return along the same route to Cachora 2800 m/9186ft, the slope we had descended on the first day and which is a soft climb of two hours until the pass of Capuliyoc 2915 m/9563ft. From here, it will take us another four hours to get the village of Cachoral. arriving at 12:00 am approximately. During our journey we will observe the exotic flora and fauna as well as sights of majestic snow-capped peaks and the impressive canyon of the Apurimac. After to get Capuliyoc where the Climbing path finishes we will have lunch, then we will take our private transportation for 5 hours more in order to get Ollantaytambo train station where we are going to take the train down to aguas caliente town (Machupicchu town) passengers will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 6: MACHUPICCHU.

We will be leaving our hotel early in the morning after having had our breakfast and we will immediately take the bus to Machu Picchu at 5h30 which takes roughly half an hour. In the bus we will be amazed by the astonishing view of the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Our guide will offer you a guided visit of about 2 hours and after this you will have time to visit Machu Picchu and maybe Wayna Picchu (optional, to be reserved in advance) at your own pace. When you have survived the though climb of this mountain you will be recompensed by the astonishing view over Machu Picchu.
Tourist busses will offer you the descent back to Aguas Calientes, from where we will take the train to Ollantaytambo, where our bus awaits you to continue to Cusco.

Included

  • Private transport from the hotel to the town of Cachora and return
  • Entrance fees to Choquequirao inca site
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
  • High quality camping
  •  Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
  • Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Horseman and mules, for all camping and personal luggage (up to 7kg. per person)
  • Emergency horse
  • First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes (while hiking)
  • We supply boiled water to fill in your water bottle all the time,(while hiking) if you may need more, please request it with enough time ahead to your crew
  • Teatime the first three days (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)

2: What is included During the Machupicchu tour

  • Tour Guide
  • Collection from  the train station back to cusco (private car)
  • Round  trip train Ollamtaytambo -Aguas Calientes  (tourist train)
  • Accommodation* in Aguas Calientes in A *** star hotel  (includes private bathroom, 24-hour hot water, cable Tv and breakfast)
  • Entrance fee to the Sanctuary of Machupicchu

 Not Include

  • Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance - you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
  • Bus up or down from Aguas Calientes- Machupicchu
  • Entrance fees to Huaynapicchu

What do you need to bring

  • Backpack with rain shelter.
  • Sleeping back.
  • Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
  • Rain pants and lightweight pants.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
  • Woolen or synthetic socksand a sweater.
  • Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
  • Rainponcho and a hat.
  • Bathing suit
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
  • Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries.
  • Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
  • Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
  • Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes - once gotten wet - won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.
  • Personal medication

PACKING LIST

  • Day pack
  • Copy of your passport
  • Good hiking gear: hiking boots, warm jackets, gloves, hat warm fleece and socks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Hat and gloves
  • Warm clothes: layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun screen
  • Insect repellent
  • Re-usable plastic/metal water container, or camel bags
  • Water for the first four hours of the trek, then we will provide you with drinking, previously boiled water
  • Toiletries
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and films
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Walking stick
  • Bathing suit for the hot springs
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips
  • Sleeping Bag US$35
  • Walking Pole US$20 
  • Single Tent Supplement US$25 
  • Extra 7kg of personal items US$75
  • Entrance to Huaynapicchu US$ 30

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!


Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.


I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

 

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

 

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

 

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

 

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

 

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

 

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

Called both of them Sacred Cities and enigmatic landscape! The famous Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is one of the most beauteous and spectactular hikes in all of Peru. This is a trek for naturelovers, history enthusiasts or those that simply love a great experience! Explore enigmatic Choquequirao without the crowds, feel the power of the mighty Apurimac canyon and enjoy the stunning snowcapped Vilcanota mountain ranges. Visit little known villages on the route, and stumble upon intact portions of Inca roads high in the mountains. Simply, be blown away with this seriously beautiful trek that gives a wonderful perspective on the Inca Society

During 6 days trekking you will embrace the nature. Moreover in recent years, it is partially excavated, which has aroused the interest of the Government of Peru to restore and recover more complex, making it a much more affordable option for anyone

You have to know

  • Starting Altitude - 2900m / 9515ft.
  • Highest Altitude - 3050m / 10,005ft
  • Walking Distance - 64 km / 40 miles
  • Longest Day - Day 1, approximately 25 km/15.5 miles
  • Overall Difficulty – Difficult

Reviews