Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking 8D/7N

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Tour Details

Location:	Cusco
Destinations:	Choquequirao, Machu Picchu
Lenght:	8 Days / 7 Nights
Rate:	US$ 1,197.00 * From 11 to 16 participants each one

Description

Choquequirao means "cradle of gold" in Quechua although this is probably not its original Inca name. It is another "lost city of the Incas" located high on a ridge spur almost 1750m above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.

The ruins were first visited and described to the western world by a French explorer during the 18th century. Hiram Bingham visited the site in 1910. This was his first experience of "lost cities" prior to his discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911. The remoteness and inaccessibility have discouraged visitors until fairly recently when COPESCO constructed a footbridge over the Apurimac River below the ruins. Even today the ruins are still rarely visited although, with the enforcement of new regulations on the Inca Trail, Choquequirao is destined to replace the traditional hike as the serious trekkers alternative.

Choquequirao Complex is very interesting and one of the most popular treks in Cusco area. Choquequiraw is situated in the spur of the mountain range of Salkantay, over 3030m surrounded by the Apus of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of Apurimac river. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. The reasons are many: The fantastic nature with valleys, snow-capped mountains and great variety of plants, birds and animals. Choquequiraw is considered as "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". Visitors can view a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographic location of Choquequirao in reference to other complexes of the same period would tend to indicate that its function was that of an Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The latter was a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of the Inca Pachacútec; Choquequirao was also a sacred site, but one dedicated to other functions that could have had to do with war or with the surrounding apus. Each is located beside Mt. Salcantay and both are situated above, far above, a great river: in the case of Machupicchu, the Urubamba and in that of Choquequirao, the Apurímac.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISCA

Early morning departure from Cusco . Our private transportation will take us to the town of Cachora where our mule wanglers , mules and horses are wayting. We hike down into the Apurimac canyon camping at Chiquisca (1800 mts) (L,D).

Day 02: CHIQUISCA - MARANPATA - CHOQUEQUIRAO

After a good breakfast we start our strenuous hike up hill for about 5 hours to our lunch spot at Maranpata, and then to Choquequirau, where we camp. Choquequirau ( Golden Cradle ) is considered the Sister city of MachuPicchu, because of several similarities, it hangs 1,500 meters above the Apurimac Canyon , MachuPïcchu hangs above the Urubamba canyon. It is at the same latitude and it is a large citadel with more of 8 hectares , only one third has been uncovered and every day the archeologist find something more. (B,L,D).

Day 03: LAST INCA CITY - MAIZAL

Early morning departure, walking through Chokekirau, to find our way behind the upper plaza , going up though high cloud forest to the Choquequirau Pass. Afterwards the trail continues through some agricultural terraces or ( Andenes) called Pichiyoc which means (water jumping forward ) Also this terraces in the Inca Times where cultivated to provide food for the locals. We will continue up toward the Rio Blanco for lunch. In the afternoon we enter another Inter Andean valley to the hamlet of Maizal. Where we camp.(B,L, D)

Day 04: MAIZAL - YANAMA

Early morning trek around the Corihuarachina glacier, important due to some archeological remains such as Inca channels . Then we pass through Minas Victoria , a place that during the colony , silver was extracted from a mine. Continuing the trek to the valley and town of Yanama. At the shadow of the Pumasillo Glacier where we camp.(B,L,D)

Day 05: YANAMA - TOTORA

Today we trek surrounded by the high mountains of the Vilcabamba Range full of Ichu grass and of Tarwi brush , we go up to the Yanama Pass ( 4580 meters), highest pass on the trail . You continue down river arriving to the hamlet of Totora, where we camp. This place has indescribable beauty , tranquility and pure nature surrounded by the glaciers Salcantay ,Padreyoc, and Pumasillo. (B,L,D)

Day 06: TOTORA - WIÑAYPOCO

Following the Totora river you enter an area of high cloud forest arriving at Colcapampa known for its hot springs. Then we descend the trail on the left side of the Santa Teresa river where we will see small plantations of bananas, passion fruit , coffee, arriving later to Wiñaypoco where we camp.(B,L,D)

Day 07: WIÑAYPOCO - PALTALLACTA - AGUAS CALIENTES

Following the trail down the Santa Teresa River through more plantations , arriving to Miscabamba where we cross the river , continuing on the slope of the hill to our right going through an Andean cloud forests to the Puncuyoc pass, then descending through grass land and fruit tress where there is cattle , arriving to PaltaLlacta , to camp. The panoramic view from this place is breath taken, you can see a different angle of Machu Picchu and the Aobamba canyon, where another Inca trail can be seen.

Descent through orchids and ferns,until we reach the Aobamba river, then crossing a metal bridge with views of an impressive water fall that goes to the hydroelectric plant. Arriving to the rail road tracks and then taking a two hour walk on the rail road tracks to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel and visit the local hot springs. Dinner on your own.(B,L)

Day 08: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

Early morning bus up to visit this archeological world marvel. Late afternoon train back to Cusco.

INCLUDES:

Transportation to the head of the trail.
Professional English speaking guide
Mule Wanglers and mules for your equipment
One or two emergency saddle horses.
Double occupancy tents, Dining tent and latrine tent
Tables and stools plus all the plates and silver ware
All the meals during the trek
Cook and assistant

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu trek
Train back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Landry, liquor, meals while in the city , Tips

NOTE: If you want to ride, saddle horses are available for us $ 20 a day.

COST:

• From 2 to 3 participants U.S.$ 1,487.00 each
• From 4 to 10 participants U.S.$ 1,297.00 each
• From 11 to 16 participants U.S.$ 1,197.00 each

To confirm your reservation just send us US$ 500.00 per person and your trip application Our accounting department will contact you in less than 24 hours, with your invoice and voucher.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking 8D/7N

Tour Details

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Detailed Itinerary

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