Peru trek
9-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek |
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Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive from Cusco to trailhead at Cachora, hike to Chiquisca, camp overnight.
Visiting: Cusco, Cachora, Chiquisca
Leaving Cusco due north on the main highway towards Lima, we leave the city behind, cross into Antapampa with views of Mt. Salkantay and Humantay at first and as we leave this high plateau area, Mt Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica come into view. Once we begin to descend into Limatambo we will visit the Inca site of Tarawasi located in the outskirts. The road continues until we reach the Apurimac River, an impressive gorge. Past the village of Curawasi, visiting the Sayhuite stone, a carved map of the Inca empire, it is said. A small side road over a ridge brings us down to the village of Cachora, where we start todays hike. Taking our day packs we start walking along the edge of the mountain. At Capuliyoc, we get our first view of the Apurimac canyon and the trail that lies ahead. We begin our descent and camp by the river at a small campsite next to the river at Chiquisca at 2,450 meters (8,036 feet). (Distance: 12 kms, Time: 6-7 hours hiking).
- Meals: LD
- Budget Lodging: Campsite
Day 2 : Hike to Marampata, camp overnight
Visiting: Chiquiska, Apurimac, Marampata
The crossing of the river on a footbridge marks the start of the day. From here an uphill walk of half the day brings us to Inkamisana, a small meadow where we have lunch. As we ascend on the steep trail we begin to appreciate the canyonland vegetation and environment on both sides of the Apurimac canyon. The afternoon hike is not as steep a trail as we approach the hanging valley where the site of Choquequirao is found. We camp at the available flat area of Marampata. (Distance: 10 kms, Time: 8 hours.)
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Campsite
Day 3 : Explore the archaeological site of Choquequirao, return to Marampata, camp overnight.
Visiting: Choquequirao, Marampata
We will spend the whole day exploring the various archaeological sites located at different points on the hillside overlooking the Apurimac River. We pass the stream of Chunchumayo, the views from here to the other side of the Canyon are spectacular. The restored buildings were areas used for storage, living quarters, a garrison, and the ceremonial sites are impressive. First reports of a visit to this complex are from 1768 with many more later-explorers, scientists and treasure hunters all the way through 1909 when Hiram Bingham also visited the area reportedly his first contact with a lost citadel of the Incas. We will have time to wander through this extended settlement spending most of the day looking at the different buildings, some were living quarters, ceremonial centers, garrisons or warehouses. Return to our campsite at Marampata at the end of the excursion.
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Campsite
Day 4 : Hike to Maizal, camp overnight.
Visiting: Marampata, Maizal
We start our ascent from our campsite to the Pass of Choquequirao (3,250 meters / 10,660 feet), entering cloud forest where we find polylepis trees, epiphytes and bromelids. On the other side as we descend the Yuracmayo river we pass some terracing that supplied Choquequirao and finally arrive at the river bed, which we cross. We continue our ascent until reaching Maizal, a balcony with an impressive view of the Yurahmayo and Yanama gorges, as they join and rush towards the Apurimac Canyon. It is a natural viewpoint, looking out to the west with beautiful sunsets where we camp. (Distance: 5 kms, Time: 6 hours).
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Campsite
Day 5 : Hike to village of Yanama, camp overnight.
Visiting: Maizal, Mina Victoria, Yanama
The trail starts climbing steeply towards Mina Victoria, an Inca and later colonial mine. We hike along a hill called Qoriwayrachina, where recent archaeological explorations have taken place. Once over the pass at (3,900m / 12, 792 ft), we have lunch and begin our descent to the village of Yanama with views of the mountain country and Mt. Pumasillo towering above us and our campsite below. (Distance: 10 kms, Trek: 7 hours)
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Campsite
Day 6 : Hike to Totora village, camp overnight
Visiting: Yanama, Totora
Heading up the Yanama valley, past fields of farmers we reach the trailhead below the Quiswar pass at (4,180m / 13,710ft). Cross over the pass, beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and Humantay on a clear day. Descend on the winding trail to the valley of Totora below, camping in the vicinity of the Village. (Distance: 10 kms, Time: 8 hours)
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Campsite
Day 7 : Hike to Lucmabamba, camp overnight
Visiting: Totora, Lucmabamba
Leaving our campsite we continue downhill passing small settlements to Colpapampa (2,850 meters / 9,348 feet). As the trail slowly borders this valley the vegetation becomes cloud forest passing small plots of farmers growing coffee and tropical fruits. After lunch, we continue our descent along the Santa Teresa Valley, passing by San Ignacio, the road head at Playa and to Lucmabamba, where we camp at (2135 meters / 7002 feet) (Time: 6 hours, Distance: 8kms).
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Campsite
Day 8 : Hike to the hydroelectric plant, train to Aguas Calientes, overnight hotel
Visiting: Lucmabamba, Machu Picchu
Traversing dense cloud forest with a chance to hear bird calls, we pass a pre-Inca site of Paltallacta. From here, we get a magnificent view of Machu Picchu from its northern face. We descend down to the Urubamba Valley, with a chance for a refreshing dip in the stream following the path to the hydroelectric plant. In the afternoon, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night at a local hotel.
- Meals: BL
- Budget Lodging: 3-star hotel
Day 9 : Guided tour of Machu Picchu, return by train to Cusco.
Visiting: Machu Picchu, Cusco
All day spent exploring the famous citadel of the Incas, perched above the Urubamba River gorge in the heart of the Sanctuary, a protected area part of the National Park system of Peru, 65,000 acres in size. You will have guided tour of this extraordinary complex. A ticket to climb Huayna Picchu (hill overlooking the site) in the morning is included. After lunch, you may explore on your own, with an optional hike to the sun-gate (Intipunku). Afternoon train ride to Cusco, and transfer to your hotel of choice.
- Meals: BL
