EXTREME CHALLENGE FOR YOUR ENTIRE BEING (body, mind and spirit)
Choquequirao
The other jewel of the Incas, it is called the sister of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua Inca´s language, although this is probably not its original name.
It was another "Lost City of the Incas" rediscovered officially late in the 20th century, located high on a ridge spur almost 1,750.00 m./5,741.00 Ft. above the Apurimac River and surrounded by the snow mountains of Salkantay and Humantay.
This is an amazing trek with beautiful landscapes, high mountains and remote villages held in time. Choquequirao was probably built the last years of the Inca Empire during the government of the Inca Pachacutec.
This Inca site has constructions on different levels; there are temples, palaces, houses, aqueducts, terraces, etc.
At the east side of the complex there are more than 110 terraces with houses and squares, at the west side other 170 terraces are yet hidden and covered by the forest. On these terraces can be seen an amazing architectural work, they built white color llamas in symmetrical order, just amazing!
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Playa Rosalina
At 5:00 AM Departure from the hotel and travel by bus to Cachora 2,650 m/8,694 ft for about 4 hours, on the way we’ll visit some interesting sites like Tarawasi and Saywite. Once arriving to Cachora, we’ll meet our muleteer and horses, and pack all our equipment on the horses, then we will begin to walk; the trail is flat until Chiquisca and then we will go uphill, passing through the high pass of Capuliyoc, from there, we will have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon.
Finally we descend to playa Rosalina – 1550 m/5,085 Ft. on the banks of the Apurimac River, the main tributary of the Amazon River.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: L, D.
-
Departure from the hotel at 5.00 AM, arrive to campsite 5.00 PM.
-
Note: Daily hike will be between 6 to 8+ hours, plus stops for lunches, pictures and guided information.
Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast, thereafter we will start hike, we will cross a typical hanging bridge then we will start a gentle 3-4 hours gradual climb of 1,400 through a narrow path to Maranpata (2,900.00 m./9,514.00 ft.) passing Cactus forest, agaves and exotic local fruit trees. Here we stop for lunch surround by this beautiful landscape.
At the end of this path we will see for the first time, the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, easy walk for 2 hours to the Inca site (3,035.00 m./9,957.00 ft.), on the way you will also see a variety of plants and flowers.
As soon as we arrive to this Inca complex we will visit the farming terraces of Paqchayoc and the house of the waterfall, then we will return to our camp site near Choquequirao.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 3: Choquequirao
After Breakfast we will continue exploring all day the impressive archaeological site of Choquequirao - the "Cradle of Gold"; the enigmatic last refuge of the Incas (3,035.00 m./9,957.00 ft.) beautiful view of the deep Canyon and maybe we will see Condors soaring.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM, tour in Choquequirao and arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 4: Choquequirao - Rio Blanco - Maizal
After breakfast we’ll begin walking uphill for a while until we reach 3,300 m/10,826 Ft.
We will descend to the Apurimac Valley until Rio Blanco/White River 1,900 m/6,233 Ft.
On the way we will pass by Pinchiunuyoj archaeological site, where we will observe different species of birds, different varieties of orchids and local coca plantations - 2,750 m/9,022 Ft.
We cross the river & then start a long and steep climb of about 3 hours to our camp in Maizal, high above the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas at 3000 m/9842 ft.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM, tour in Choquequirao and arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 5: Maizal - Yanama
Early in the morning after breakfast we’ll continue walking uphill passing by the impressive Inca mines called Minas Victoria. Almost on the top, we can appreciate original paved Inca trails. We will pass over 4,150 m/13,615 Ft, then down to the small village of Yanama 3,850 m/12,631 Ft., where we’ll have the most wonderful and impressive view of the Cordillera (range of mountains) of Vilcabamba.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 6: Yanama - Totora
After an early breakfast, we will start climbing slowly to our higher pass of this hike 4,670 m/15,321 Ft., again the view will be amazing from here, will be surrounded by snowcapped mountains: The Sacsarayoj mountain and the Padreyoj mountain, we finally arrive to Totora River at 3,630 m/11,909 Ft.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 7 Totora - Playa
After breakfast we’ll continue going down to the small village Qollpapampa 2,700 m/8,858 Ft. As we go down the Natural life will be more interesting, with lots of hummingbirds, woodpeckers and many species of orchids and begonias, until we arrive to the Valley of Qollpa River and finally arrive to the small village Playa 2,125 m/6,972 Ft.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
After breakfast we will hike to the archaeological site of Llactapata 2,810 m/9,219 Ft., and have a tour for about 3 hours, from this site there is a wonderful view of Machu Picchu-The Crystal City, after it, we’ll go down to the Hydroelectric plant near Machu Picchu and take the train or walk (2 hours) to Aguas Calientes village at 2,000 m/6562 Ft.
Once we arrive to Machu Picchu village we’ll go to our hotel and have the rest of the day free.
* Optional: Hot springs are available, entrance fee not included.
O'N Hotel Santuario or similar – Machu Picchu Village
MEALS: B, L.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM, tour to Llactapata for 3 hours, arriving to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) village at 3.00 PM.
Day 9: MACHU PICCHU
Early in the morning bus to the sunlit terraces of the historical Inkan center of spiritual and political power. visit to the “The Crystal city of Machu Picchu” with your guide for about 3 hours. Thereafter there is plenty of time to for personal explorations.
Peruvian Magic Journey’s leaders will assist you in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike.
PM: In the afternoon return to Cusco, we will take the Expedition train around 3.00 PM
O'N Hotel in Cusco (Not Included on tour price)
MEALS: B.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Day 10: ONE MORE DAY TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU AND HUAYNA PICCHU.
Early in the morning we will return to Machu Picchu City to further exploring it.
We will hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
PM: In the afternoon return to Cusco, we will take the Expedition tourist train around 3.00 PM.
O'N Hotel in Cusco (Not included on tour price).
MEALS: B.
What To Bring for the Hike To Choquequirao/Machu Picchu:
- Original passport
- Sleeping bag (if not, you can rent one in Cusco).
- A backpack.
- Hiking boots, sneakers and shoes.
- Long pants and shorts.
- Long sleeved shirts and T-shirts.
- Warm clothes sweaters, jacket and fleece.
- Rain gear.
- Camera, films, batteries.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Insect repellent and sun block.
- Personal toilet items and first aid kit.
- A pocketknife.
- A water bottle and purified pills.
- Plenty of socks and underwear.
- Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold.
- Towel.
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, biscuits, dry fruits etc.
- Cash USD and local currency (no option for ATM machines).
- Swimsuit for the hot spring.
- Walking sticks with rubber covers (optional).
Included on the Tour to Choquequirao/Machu Picchu:
- Pick up from hotel and then transfer by bus to Cacchora Village (trailhead).
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao, Machu Picchu first day, Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu second day and other required places.
- Large igloo tents, on double occupancy and single if requested or booked for the whole journey.
- Mattress, one per person.
- Kitchen tent.
- Dining tent.
- Tables and chairs.
- Toilet tent (in case campsite don’t have toilets).
- English speaking professional tour guide.
- Cook.
- Wranglers, Mules and horses to carry the equipment.
- Extra horses for our group members in case of emergency.
- Full meals during the trek. (Vegetarian options available upon request).
- Daily snack bag.
- Daily afternoon tea service.
- Daily wake up call tea, and hot water for washing.
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Transfer service in out to your hotel.
- Bus up/down Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes for the first and second day.
- 3 star Hotel in Machu Picchu Village in double accommodation.
- Expedition Tourist Train Ticket Machu Picchu/Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Not Included:
- Dinner day 8th
- Lunch/Dinner days 9th in Machu Picchu (on your own).
- Entrance fee for the hot springs.
- Tips to the crew (tour leader, guides, cooks, wranglers, etc.)
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco,
Extra Services:
- Sleeping Bag Rental should be requested in advance.
- Single Tent: If you prefer to have guaranteed single tent there is an additional charge.
- Vegetarian food available on request.
- Hotel in Cusco can be arranged upon request.
REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
To reserve your space and the dates for the journey a US $ 500.00 deposit per person has to be paid immediately, 50% deposit of tour balance has to be paid 90 days prior the trip starts and 45 days the trip starts has to be paid in full. Every person has to fill out and sign the registration form of Peruvian Magic Journeys and send or bring it with them before the tour starts.
Deposit has to be made directly to a bank account or send it through Western Union to Cusco – Peru to Romulo Castilla.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Hotel Accommodations 3 STAR SUPERIOR, meals, tours, all entrance fees to archaeological sites and others, tour guides, all ground transportation as listed in itinerary arranged by PERUVIAN MAGIC JOURNEYS.
NOT INCLUDED: Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, Tour Leader, guide, airport taxes, and other things not described in the itinerary, local and international airfare to/from Lima/Peru is not included and it is responsibility of the traveler make the reservation and obtain it.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 45 days prior 50 % and less than 30 days will be charged 80 % of total fare; NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ONCE THE TOUR BEGINS.
WAIVER: I/we agree to take responsibility for all inconveniences and challenges that can happen while traveling in a third world country. I/we release Romulo Castilla and Peruvian Magic Journeys, from all responsibility and liability for unforeseen circumstances and /or changes in the schedule, weather, earthquakes, etc, acts of terrorism, and any other unforeseen events, mental/physical illnesses occurring during tour dates.
I/we are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.
