Choquequirao & Machu picchu Trek

There are many roads to Machu Picchu. The most frequently used is the Inca Trail, probably one of the best known treks in the world. Everyday 500 people set out on this 4-day walk along an old inca road to the famous archaeological site and to do it you need to book months in advance.you can possibly imagine 500 people on a track at the same time, so This tour is  a quieter way to walk to the iconic incan citadel of Choquequirao and  Machu Picchu, a favourite for inclusion in the list of the seven new wonders of the world. The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek fitted the bill exactly; longer, higher, more diverse and with an extra incan archaelogical site or two to boot.

This expedition will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area: CHOQUEQUIRAO and MACHU PICCHU. The legend of Machu Picchu is already known all over the world. Since the re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discusion and research. Finally, in 1981, the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and in 1983 the Sanctuary was named by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
While Machu Picchu is well known, less is known about the Choquequirao ruin. The archaeological site of CHOQUEQUIRAO is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas, it was linked to Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. Choquequirao is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salkantay, at 3035 m.a.s.l., surrounded by the snow capped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquequirao, Pumasillo and Pants on the right side of Apurimac river. Choquequirao is an Inca town formed by small sites, forming a complex metropolis placed on the crest of the mountain called Choquequirao.

PLEASE NOTE:WE ARE TAKING THE PATH OF CAPULIYUC  TO GET BETTER VIEWS AND WE ARE SKIPPING THE DUSTY ROAD OF CACHORA  WHERE THE  CARS PASS 

Day 0 : Evening Briefing In Cusco

Meet & greet with other guests where you receive important information for a great trekking experience.

Day 1 : Cusco – Capuliyuc -Chiquisca

We will leave Cusco early in the morning at about 5:30 am. First we will head for the little village Cachora (2850m/9350f), a nice place surrounded by beautiful mountains and the majestic glacier Padreyoc (5571m/18278f). Here, we will also meet our horsemen who will accompany us during the trip. After having passed the overlooking Capuliyoc (2800m/9186f), we will continue descending to our campsite called Chiquisca (1930m/6332f).
Climate: warm
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours

Day 2: Chuiquisca – Playa Rosalina -Maranpata -Choquequirao

After breakfast, we will first descend to La Playa Rosalina (1550m/4921f) and then climb up to the village of Marampata (2850m/9350f). From here, we will have a nice view of the archeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m/9951f). If we are lucky, we will even see a condor flying at nightfall. Our camping site in Choquequirao is about 25 minutes from the ruins at 2950m/9678f.
Climate: both warm and cold
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 3 : Choquequirao -Choquequirao Pass – Rio Blanco

At dawn, we will first head for the citadel of Choquequirao (3033m/9950) called “Cuna de Oro” – the ‘Cradle of Gold’ – and enjoy the quietness at this place. Beyond, we will explore this archeological site, of which only 30 % is restored, in more detail: we will visit the section of the palaces, the liturgic fountains, the temple of the high priest, the section of the llamas and the Ushnu. Thereafter, our trek continues towards the pass of Choquequirao (3270m/10728f) and passes the archeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m/8038f). Finally, we will head down to the deepest point of the small canyon known as Río Blanco (1900m/6234f) or Río Silvestre where our camping site is situated.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 4 : Rio Blanco – Maizal – San Juan Pass -Yanama

Due to the ecosystem’s constant changes, this day is both the most ardous and the most spectacuChoquequirao Treklar one. In Maizal (3000m/9843f) we will have a short break to catch some breath and to enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape. Since the Inca trail in this region is not in good conditions during the rainy season, we ask you to watch your steps carefully. In San Juan (4170m/13681f) we will enjoy the beautiful view of the valleys, the mountains and the glaciers, from which some of the latter peak more than 5000m/16404f. Our camping place will be in the little village of Yanama (3530m/11581f).
Climate: warm and cold with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 5 : Yanama – Yanama pass – Totora Pampa

Early in the morning, we will head for the highest pass of this trip – the Yanama (4670m). If we are lucYanamaky we will even see a condor flying. During the day, we will enjoy frequently the view of snow capped mountains such as Salkantay (6264m) and Pintuyu (5450m). Our camping place will be in the valley of Totora pampa (3200m).
Climate: warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 8 hours
Note: According to the group’s whishes, it is possible to change the itinerary a bit and visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa (1830m/6004f) this day.

Day 6 : Totora Pampa – La Playa

In Totora pampa we will get the chance to meet Quechua-speaking Andean people who live from agriculture and cattle breeding. The vegetation on our way gets more and more bizarre and reveals its diversity of orchids, bromelains and other plants. We will also see some plantations for coffee, papaya, passion fruit and avocado. Our camping site will either be in La Playa (2100m/6890f) or in Lucmabamba (2020m/6627f).
Climate: warm whit mosquitoes
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 7 : La Playa – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica -Aguas Calientes

Our journey starts early in the morning. First, we will follow the Inca Trail till Llactapata (2650m/8694f). This archeologic site is situated amidst a bizarre vegetation and offers an exceptional view of the mountain Machu Picchu. Our trek continues towards the hydroelectric station (1950m/6398f) from where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f). In Aguas Calientes we will spend the night in a hotel.
Climate: warm
Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 8 : Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco

From Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes where we take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from here bus to your hotel . end of our service.
Climate: moderate warm
Hiking time: 02 hours

IMPORTANT NOTE :

• Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
• All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions and flight schedules.
• Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo-backpacker (Aguas calientes to Ollantaytambo) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 14:00 and being the 9:00 pm the last train. Machu Picchu exploring Peru will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus)..

Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu  Includes :

•  Pre-departure lares trek briefing in our  Office
•  Professional Quechua Spanish and English speaking lares trek tour guide
•  Collection from your hotel (we pick you up where you are staying from) from 6:30 to 7:00 am
•  Transportation Van to Capuliyuc( trailhead)
•  Tourist train round trip (cerrojo-backpacker ) from Ollantaytambo – aguas calientes – Ollantaytambo (2 hours aprox.) and then bus back to Cusco(1 and half hours aprox. )
•  Entrance fee to Choquequirao and Machu picchu
•  Choquequirao Machupicchu Food: * breakfasts ,lunches, afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and dinners
•  4 seasons HIGH QUALITY PROPER MOUNTAIN TENT (Best Mountain Hardwear & kayla Doite Tents )(We use only the finest quality aluminum tent poles) 4 man tent for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your backpacks
•  Camping equipment (tent for the staff, cooking and eating tents. portable chairs and tables )
•  THERM-A-REST self-inflating air Sleeping mattresses ( a whole new way to sleep in comfort.
•  choquequirao machupicchu Cook ,who is in charge of making the food,
•  Horsemen, mules or porters Weight allowance: Our horses will carry up to 16 pounds or 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
•  If you would like to hire a private horse, ( let us know at the time of booking)(they also carry cooking stuff and camping equipment )
•  1 emergency horse to ride every 3 persons – days 1 to 2
•  1 night accommodation in a hostel Aguas Calientes
•  Health Insurance for our porters, cooks,guides, field crew and Machupicchu Exploring Peru staff
•  Wake up coca tea each morning in your tent for a gentle start
•  Machupicchu Exploring Peru Free duffel bag for your personal stuff
•  Oxygen balloon for any emergency
•  Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
•  Boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
•  Two-hours guided tour upon your arrival in Machu Picchu( to explore every important temple of the Santuary).
•  Single Tents and vegetarian meals available upon request with no extra cost
•  Transfer train or bus station-hotel in Cusco
•  First Aid kit for Emergencies.

Choquequirao Trek Includes Dosen’t Include :

•  Breakfast on the first day at Choquequirao (ask at your hotel)
•  Entrance to the hot springs water Aguas Calientes 10 soles
•  SLEELING BAG it can be hired from us  for all trek They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 25 trips
•  Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu (optional/ instead of walking) ( one way US$12 and you can Buy it at the Aguas Calientes bus station) aguas calientes to Machupicchu.
•  Last Lunch nad Dinner  in aguas calientes town
• Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish.

Upgrade & Additional Things to Hire :

• Extra Horse to Carry extra things/10kg-
• Extra Horse To Ride /90kg-Weight Limit  Day 1 & 2 and Includes an Horseman to control the horse.
• Walking sticks(Black Diamond) : it can be rented from us. (02 poles –  for the entire trip)
• Sleeping bags: it can be rented from us.(for the entire trip)
• Airport pickup in Cusco USD

What You Need To Take :

• Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) green card if you are student ). Note ( you have to bring your student card to machu picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machupicchu control point
•  Travel Insurance card is essential
•  Sleeping bag (not included)
•  hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
•  Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
•  Warm jacket
•  Sun hat and gloves
•  T-shirts / shirts
•  Comfortable hiking zip off trousers
•  Rain pants
•  Bathing suit (for hot springs in lares valley and Aguas Calientes)
•  Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
•  Insect Repellent ( for mosquitos )15 % of deet at least
•  Water bottle.
•  Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended)
•  Toilet paper and wet wipes
•  Personal medication
•  Camera and films
•  Torch with spare batteries (flashlight) we recommend headlights
•  Extra contribution suggested in soles money for tipping horseman, cook and guide. and for any emergency.

Appropriate clothing along this hike
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the fourth day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the“What we recommend that you bring” list.

Choquequirao & Machu picchu Trek 8D 2016 – 02017 

• GROUP SERVICE BY BUS : USD$ per person & Students US$ per person (08-10 ppl Average – 16ppl Maximum over 10 ppl 02 Guides) /02 person to open a new group & any day you suit. (Based on availablity)If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
  Note :Travelers MUST be back at the Hydroelectric power plant by 3:00 pm AT THE LATEST! If this time window is missed you will be responsible for purchasing transportation back to Cusco (either by train or other private transport).
• GROUP SERVICE BY TRAIN : US$ per person & Students US$ per person (04-08 ppl Average – 12ppl Maximum over 10 ppl 02 Guides) /02 person to open a new group & any day you suit. (Based on availablity) If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
• PRIVATE SERVICE BY TRAIN: From 02ppl US$0 per person .From 03ppl US$0 per person.From 04ppl US$0 per person.From 05-06ppl US$0 per person. From 07-10ppl US$0. you can leave any day you suit. The Sleeping bag and walking poles included in the price . (Based on availablity)If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.

To Book: we need you to send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of US$150 per person by Paypal or Western Union .(CLICK HERE TO SEE METHOD OF PAYMENTS )

DISCOUNTS:

• Students: Discount of USD 20.00 dolars.To the students with valid card International Student Identity Card (ISIC) In case to be a student, the card must be properly scanned and send digitally to our e- mail before you pay the initial deposit for the reservation, in order to qualify for the discount .
• Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 8 or more: Completely free !! Sleeping bags and trekking poles for groups of 8 or more. Groups must book together at the same time.

ALL DEPARTURES 100% GUARANTEED AND WE LEAVE WITH 02 PEOPLE MINIMUM.
ENERO 2017: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
FEBRUARY 2017: ONLY PRIVATE TOURS
MARCH 2017: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
APRIL 2017: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
MAY 2017: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
JUNE 2016: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
JULY 2016: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
AUGUST 2016: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
SEPTEMBER 2016: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
OCTOBER 2016: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
NOVEMBER 2016: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
DECEMBER 2016: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.
JANUARY 2017: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30.

What will the weather be like on a Choquequirao trek?
The Andean weather can be unpredictable, despite the sharp divide between dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from May to October or November; the rainy season goes from December through April. Nevertheless, Choquequirao lies in the forested fringes of the Amazon basin, where showers can occur at any time of year. Therefore, even in the “dry” season, your daypack should always include full rain gear (both jacket AND trousers).
Daytime temperatures can vary greatly, with daytime highs ranging from 10ºC/50ºF to 32ºC/90ºF and nightime lows ranging from 10ºC/50ºF to a cold 4ºC/40ºF, though seldom much lower. The floor of the Apurimac Canyon gets very hot during the day. Bring your swimsuit for a delicious dip in the river.
Who should NOT hike Choquequirao?
This is a good hike for almost anyone with overnight hiking experience. The well-tramped trail is steep — but relatively easy if you hire pack animals. Those with chronic knee, ankle or back injuries should choose another hike. There may be rough & muddy sections. Evacuation is difficult.
What’s the most difficult section?
We expected the 1800+m (ft) climb from the Apurimac River up to Choquequirao to be excruciating.Yet for us it did not seem difficult. (Perhaps it was the excitement of finally arriving at the ruins.)If you hike one of the longer routes, the day following your visit to Choquequirao may well be the most difficult.
Should I bring a GPS?
It is a great idea if you are doing one of the longer routes. Keep a record of your route. We could post it on this website.
Do hikers ever get lost?
Yes, it is possible to get lost between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. This is good reason to hire an arriero or guide.If you are only hiking Cachora to the ruins, return — no problem. There is more signage here than on any trek in the world! Two competing series of coloured distance markers, both inaccurate, may confuse you.
What special gear should I bring?
Don’t forget:
Sunglasses
Toilet paper
Waterproof jacket
Sufficiently warm clothing
Lip protection from sun and wind
Cash
Disinfectant alcohol gel
We recommend disinfectant gel (sometimes called instant hand sanitizer) which you use to clean your hands before snack breaks & after toilet stops in the woods. Alcohol gel is essential hiking gear.
Stove fuel for almost any stove system can be purchased in Cuzco. Do not fly with it, obviously.
What footwear is best for Choquequirao?
You want to wear what fits you best & what works for you. No blisters! Most experts recommend hiking boots. Modern boots are remarkably light & comfortable. A pair of good boots & gaiters make you feel invincible in the mud. Some arrieros, by the way, hike in recycled-tire sandals! hiking boot abandoned on the Trail.
Do I need a water filter?
You definitely must treat water. Much of the trek is in grazing land.
Some make a distinction between these two:
Water filter removes protozoa & most bacteria
Water purifier removes protozoa & bacteria and deactivates viruses
Viruses are too small to be filtered so purifiers add something to disinfect them.
Make sure your purifier is well maintained & frequently cleaned.
You must either filter, boil, use iodine or water purification tablets.