Overview
Choquequirao Machu picchu Trek 9 Days is a routes that unites the two beautiful Inca cities, each with their own unique characteristics and special beauty. In addition, we will be able to see en-route one of the deepest canyons in the world: the Apurimac. We will also cross two of the sacred rivers of the Inca, the Apurimac and the Wilcamayu (Vilcanota).
Itinerary
Itinerary Choquequirao Machu picchu Trek 9 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
The trek begins with a pickup at the hotel in Cusco with our private transport, taking the main road to Abancay for San Pedro de Cachora, where we arrive after around 4 hours. On the way we will have great views of the beautiful Andean landscapes and the amazing Salkantay, the highest mountain in the Vilcanota range.
Before our walk we will visit the archaeological complex of Saywite, where we will be able to see Inca constructions and a monolith with zoomorphic, antromorphic and phytomorphic figures carved in the stone.
We then arrive at San Pedro de Cachora, where we meet with the rest of our team, the horsemen and horses and then begin our excursion. After three hours walking we will arrive at the natural viewing point of Capuliyoc from where we’ll be able to appreciate the Apurimac canyon in all its natural splendor. We will also have a great view of the snowcapped peaks Padreyoc and Wayna Cahora.
After these marvelous views we descend until we get to Chiquisca, which will be the place of our first campsite.
where we will have a short break. The temperature is warm here, unlike Cachora. From here we continue descending until we arrive at Playa Rosalina which will be the place of our first campsite.
Day 2: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa – Choquequirao.
On this day we begin early in the morning with a good breakfast, as this will be one of the most demanding compared to the rest.
From Playa Rosalina the trail heads upwards through the Apurimac canyon, with the first village to visit being Santa Rosa, where we will be able to rest and have time to enjoy the famous CAMBRAI.
We then continue along a sinuous trail, climbing until we arrive at Marampata, where will stop for lunch and can make out the Inca city of Choquequirao in the distance.
We continue our walk for two more hours and finally arrive at Choquequirao itself, where we will have a two-hour guided tour around the main constructions of the site. We’ll see a stunning sunset over the canyon and if we are lucky, also get to see the majestic flight of the condor. At the end of the day we return to our campsite.
Day 3: Choquequirao Trek Full Day
On this day we will visit the great Inca city of Choquequirao, the archaeological complex has several important sectors and we will have time to visit each of them.
Day 4: Choquequirao – Pinchaunuyoc – Maizal
We start the day with a hearty breakfast and then continue our trek, leaving behind the amazing Inca city, ascending for three hours, reaching 3330m and then the trail descends to the archaeological site of Pinchaunoyoc.
This site was discovered in the 90s and today is a tourist attraction. We continue our trek until we get to the Rio Blanco river where we will be able to refresh ourselves and then head on towards one of the most delightful campsites of the route, Maizal.
From here we can appreciate the beautiful valleys and spectacular mountains of the Vilcanota range.
Day 5: Maizal – San Juan – Yanama
After breakfast, we begin our hike uphill arriving at San Juan pass, passing through the cloud forest and then some extensive scrublands, called “Ichu”. We then arrive at the Victoria mines where minerals and metals are extracted, stop for a break before continuing our walk by way of the Inca trail that forms part of the route.
We will also have some nice views of the mountain Choquetakarpo, then at the end of the day we will arrive at Yanama, a small village, where we will camp for the night.
Day 6: Yanama – Totora
On this day our trek will arrive at the highest point of the whole route, the Yanama pass at 4800m. As we ascend the view of the landscapes around us becomes wider as the Vilcabamba mountain range begin to make their appearance.
Also, if the climate is favorable, we may be able to see Condors. The nearest mountain to us will be Sacarayoc. The route then goes downhill through some beautiful forests until we get to Totora village, where we will make our camp.
Day 7: Totora – Playa Sahuayaco
After an energizing breakfast, helping us recover from the previous day, we will begin an easier walk. We cross through coco, coffee and banana plantations and will also be able to see some stunning waterfalls.
The climate is warmer as we get closer step by step to our destination: Machupicchu.Today we will camp at Playa Sahuayaco, the biggest village to be found along the route, and which also has several small shops.
Day 8: Playa Sahuayaco – Aguas Calientes
Today we start the day with plenty of enthusiasm as this will be our last day of trekking! We leave Playa Sahuyaco, heading for Hidroelectrica and then a further two hour walk to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night at our accommodation.
Day 9: Machu picchu – Cusco
After a good breakfast we will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Inca city of Machupicchu. Here we will have a guided tour where we will visit the main locations around the site, after which you will have time to take a look around on your own.
Bear in mind that you have to be at the train station 30 minutes before the train leaves for Ollantaytambo, where we will be waiting with our transport to take you back to Cusco. Our Choquequirao Machu picchu Trek 9 days services end here.
Included
INCLUDED
- Professional bilingual guide (English-Spanish).
- Cook.
- Mules to carry the camping gear and your belongings (5kg).
- Horsemen.
- Information briefing.
- Pickup from your lodgings.
- Private transport from Cusco to Cachora.
- Double tents and foam mattresses.
- Camping gear (dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, bathroom tent etc).
- All foods, snacks, tea and coffee.
- First aid kit.
- 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners.
- Entrance ticket to Choquekirao Archaeological Center.
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
- Return train to Cusco.
- Transport from the train station to your accommodation in Cusco.
Not Included
NOT INCLUDED
- Waynapicchu ($10 pp extra).
- Sleeping bag.
- Breakfast on the first day. Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Entrance and transport to the termal baths in Santa Teresa.
- TIPS, for guides, cooks, horsemen (for information, see below).
Recommendations
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Backpack.
- Walking shoes.
- Warm clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho for the rain.
- Plastic bags for your used clothes.
- Sleeping bag (can be rented at Choquequirao Travel Agency).
- Flashlight with batteries, pocket knife, matches.
- Camera.
- Water bottle, preferably made of metal that can withstand heat.
- Hat or cap to protect from the sun and cold.
- High factor sun cream and insect repellant.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks (cookies, energy bars, chocolate).
- Towel.
- Cash.
- Tips for horsemen, guides and cooks.
- Personal first aid kit.