Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 8 days

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru 8 days. Discover hidden Choquequirao Inca ruins Peru & hike to Machu Picchu Citadel in 9 days, trek off the beaten track, majestic Glaciers, Clouds forests, Llactapata. Explore the majestic fortress of Choquequirao, discover the spectacular Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

Discover the most demanding and unknown route to the other Machu Picchu- You seek out new experiences and embrace the unknown Choquequirao trek

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO-CACHORA-CHIQUISCA
We will leave Cusco early in the morning at about 5:30 am. after 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: CHIQUISCA-PLAYA ROSALINA-MARAMPATA-CHOQUEQUIRAO
After breakfast, we will 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 go to 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. After, 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 br

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 spectacular 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 - Yanama (4670m). If we are lucky 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

DAY 6: TOTORA PAMPA-LUCMABAMBA
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 be in La Playa (2100m/6890f) or in Lucmabamba (2020m/6627f).
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.
Climate: warm whit mosquitoes
Hiking time: 7 hours

DAY 8: AGUAS CALIENTES -MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO
Waking up early we'll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We'll have a 3 hours guided tour of the site during which you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
Climate: moderate warm

HIGHLIGHTS

INCLUDED

EXPLORE ADVENTURES DIFFERENCE

THE EXPLORE ADVENTURES PERU® DIFFERENCE - DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
Explore Adventures Peru® has been setting the standard for Trekking Peruvian Andes since 2010. As one of the few specialist companies organizing high quality expeditions, we are recognized as one of the best operators on the Peruvian Andes. Come see why we are the premier Andes outfitter. When you travel with us, you gain access to people and places. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and guides, and by local experts we meet along the way. And you give back. Simply by taking a trip with Explore Adventures Peru, you support the work of our explorers and indigenous Quechuas villages.

WE HAVE A 99.8% CLIENT SATISFACTION RATE!
Undoubtedly, the most honest and accurate feedback comes from our clients themselves. With the goal of constantly improving our service, a post-Hiking survey is taken from each client in order to assess our staff, equipment, and food.

LOCAL GUIDES
KNOWLEDGE: LET OUR EXPERTS GUIDE YOU
• Professional, experienced, licensed local Quechuan guides
• Our guides are formed by expert Photographers, Explorers, History teachers, Archaeologists
• Honest, hardworking, team oriented support staff
• Over 600 times hikes on Inca Trail success experiences and client satisfaction

QUALITY EQUIPMENT
HIGH QUALITY EQUIPMENT & SERVICE.
• Rugged, four season North face, Mountain Hardwear, Doite, Vango tents
• Super warm North face, Mountain Equipment, Mountain Hardwear -30F sleeping bags
• Spacious mess tents and private toilets
• Outdoor utensils in stainless steel

FANTASTIC MEALS
• Delicious meals made from fresh, local ingredients
• Clean water treated with Water Guard
• we customize our menus depending on the preferences of the group,
• we never use freeze-dried backpacking meals
• Hearty, delicious meals that will optimally fuel and inspire you during your trip!
• We also regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, kosher, non-gluten and other specialty diets

FOCUSED ON SAFETY
WE HAVE MANY LAYERS OF SAFETY BUILT INTO OUR OPERATIONS TO MINIMIZE THE RISKS ON INCA TRAIL AND BEYOND .
• We have established protocols for handling emergencies on the mountain, including rescue and evacuation
• Certified Wilderness First Responders
• Certified of the oficial firemen of Peru
• Daily pulse and oxygen saturation monitoring
• We provide evacuation by helicopter Andes Corp. For hikers seriously injured or sick.
• Emergency oxygen, portable stretchers and medical kits
• Emergency horse available in all our Alternatives treks

RESPONSIBLE TREKKING
GIVE BACK: WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
• Environmentally and socially responsible company
• Member of Inca Trail Porters Welfare
• Member of Leave No Trace
• Fair and ethical treatment of porters
• Empowering Peruvian women

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION BY EXPLORE
Instead of local buses, which other companies use to reduce their costs,
we always provide private transportation. This service allows our clients
flexibility and privacy.

HAPPY CUSTOMERS
• "Great experience!"
• "Very well planned & organized"
• "Excellent service all around"
• "A solid company"
• "Highly recommended!"
• "Genuine, authentic, and flexible with deep local knowledge!"
• "Absolutely Amazing!"