THE CHOQUEQUIRAO MACHUPICCHU TREK 9DAYS/8NIGHTS

On this 9 day trek, we will explore two of the major archeological sites in the Sacred Valley area of Choquequirao and Machupicchu.
Choquequirao was united and in communication with Machupicchu by a Complex Network of trails. On the 2nd day of this trek, we arrive at Choquequirao to spend 2 days exploring this ancient wonder. The trek continues down and around the magnificent, lush green mountain of the Sacred Valley, passing through small Andean Villages to arrive at our final destination of Machupicchu on the 8th day, to spend 2 days exploring this mystical Inca City.

Itinerary

DAY 1.- We meet our horsemen and crew and have breakfast in the village of Cachora at 7:00 am. The trek begins quite flat with stunning views of surrounding farmland and snow-capped mountains. We stop for lunch where we may see condors if it is our lucky day. After lunch, we trek until the Apurimac River. Then ascend towards Santa Rosa, our first camping site.

DAY 2.- After rising early and having breakfast we walk for 5 hours to Choquequirao. The first few hours are challenging but becomes easier. After lunch we will begin to explore this ancient Incan archeological site. In the afternoon we will set up camp in Raqaypata.

DAY 3.- After waking and having breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour to Choquequirao. Then, we will trek for 3 hours to Pinchinuyoc Ruins which was recently discovered in 1998. These ruins appear very mystical as they appear and disappear through the cloud forest. We spend the night camping here.

DAY 4.- After breakfast we trek through the dry Andean Highland forest, arriving at the Victoria river and cross the river walking through it, as there is no bridge. Trekking on we ascend to Maizal, where we will enjoy lunch while taking in the stunning views of lush green valleys and snow peaks. You will have plenty of time to relax here and this is where we will spend the night.

DAY 5.- Today we head off for the San Juan pass. Trekking for a while through a cloud forest, we come across the Victoria mines, where you will find metals and shining stones gleaming from all directions. Enjoying our lunch, we will enjoy views of Choquetakarpo. After lunch we’ll head towards our next camp, a small Quechuan community called Yanama, and spend the night there.

DAY 6.- After breakfast we continue walking to the highest point of the 6 day trek, The Yanama pass, at 4500 masl. Around this area we might see condors and walk on the snow. In the afternoon we will camp at the little village of Totora.

DAY 7.- We start our day with a descent of 2000 mts and 7 hours trekking to the village called La Playa, where we pass beautiful orchids, waterfalls, and observe a diverse range of birdlife along the way. The climate and vegetation here change as we are now bordering on more tropical rainforest areas. You will see small plantations of coffee and bananas. We set up camp in Santa Teresa,right next to the hotsprings where you can relax after a long day.

DAY 8.- After breakfast we take a thrilling cable-car ride through the sub--tropical zones, stopping for lunch in the hydro-electric train station where we are able to see our first pre-view of Machupicchu. From here we take the train to Aguas Calientes, the cosy village nestled at the bottom of Machupicchu. We spend the night in hostel accommodation,and again you will have the chance to relax in the thermal hotsprings with a cocktail if you like.

DAY 9.- Meeting a tour guide after breakfast and taking the bus to Machupicchu you will be taken a guided tour of the site for 2-3 hours. You will then be given free time to explore this ancient city by yourself or if you choose you can climb the ajoining mountian of Waynapicchu.We then meet up with our guide in the afternoon, where we take the train back to Cusco, and you will be dropped back to your hostel.

INCLUDES:

• 8 Breakfast
• 8 Lunches
• 8 Dinners
• Snacks
• (Breakfast on day 1 and lunch in Aguas Calientes not included)
• English/Spanish speaker official tour guide.
• Collection from Hotel to Train Station and vice-versa
• Return transportation back to Cusco in tourism train
• Transportation by bus to the start of the trek.
• Bus transfer between Aguas Calientes and Machupicchu.
• Hostal accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance Tickets to Machupicchu .
• Porters.
• Cook
• Drinking Water
• Dinning Tents, tables, chairs.
• Tents.
• Mattress.
• Oxygen Bottle
• Firs Aid Kids
• Horses and horsemen (To carry equipment)

YOU NEED TO BRING:

• Hiking boots
• Sleeping bag (We hire out for $10)
• Hat/Sunscreen
• Rain poncho
• Warm clothes for night/T-shirt for day
• Camera
• Torch
• Walking stick (We hire out for $5)
• Insect Repellent
• Toiletries
• Swimsuit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Snacks
• Passport and student card (if paying student rate)

SEE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURES

Prices are per person 2009: 2 persons US$840, 3 persons US$810, 4-5 persons US$735,    6-8 persons US$620, 9-11 persons US$600, 12-16 persons US$550.

We can offer a US$25 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.