Both<strong> Choquequirao and Vilcabamba</strong> took part of the last refuge, during the Spanish occupation in <strong>Cusco</strong>, it became a very important place for <strong>Incan resistance</strong>, ordered to build by <strong>Pachacutec</strong> and completed by his descendant (<strong>Tupac Inca Yupacky</strong>) who was another statist rulers. Later on at the middle of 16th century <strong>Manco Inca</strong> fled to this place taking refuge and organizing the resistance against Spanish. Later on in 1572 taken by Spanish troops finally ambushed the area capturing the last <strong>Inca ruler Tupac Amaru I</strong>.
Get ready for a difficult but life changing experience on the <strong>Choquequiraw trek</strong>. Also known as “<strong>Machu Picchu’s Sister City</strong>” sharing similar structures and architecture, <strong>Choquequiraw</strong> is an excellent choice for someone who wants a challenge and to complete a trek that has far fewer tourists and a more intimate experience. Choquequiraw is a sprawling complex for those that wish to have a more personal experience while <strong>exploring the ruins</strong> which are only 40% excavated. In the peak season, while <strong>Machu Picchu</strong> has 3000 visitors daily, Choquequiraw is much more exclusive having maybe 30 visitors daily with only 4,500 visitors for all of 2016. The time to accomplish this trek is now because part of the untouched natural beauty and exclusivity of this trek is due to the isolation and difficulty in accessing the site due to the need to trek in on foot which takes approximately two days.
<p>Early in the morning at 4:30 am. we will pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation, and drive to the starting point (Cachora community, 4 hours approx.), along the way we will be able to appreciate the beauty of the scenery, and several local villages, and districts of Curahuasi, San Luis, and Sayhuite until we get to Cachora where we will meet horsemen and horses, they will be packing our duffle packs and all our equipment on the horseback, getting time to get ready our backpacks for our adventure Choquequirao – Machupicchu for 8 days. Here we start our trekking to Chiquishca (1850m). From Cachora we are going to walk for about 2 hours and a half, where we’ll find a good place named Capuliyoc, where we will have our lunch enjoying the splendid views of the mountains Padrilloc and Ampay, then we will continue trekking downhill for about 3 hours to Chiquishca our campsite (1850m).</p><p></p><p> Meals: Lunch/Dinner</p><p> Accommodations: Camping at Chiquisca</p><p> Lowest Elevation: 1,900 m/ 6,270 ft</p><p> Highest Elevation: 2,915 meters/9,564 feet</p><p> Distance to walk: 8 km / 5 miles</p><p> Approximate walking time: 3-4 hours</p><p> Level of Difficulty: Moderate</p>
<p>After an early breakfast, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550 m/5,117 ft) for 1 hour. We will cross the bridge to the other site of the Apurimac river from where we will start trekking ascending for about 4 hours and a half to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850 m/9,350 ft) where we have lunch while enjoying the spectacular views of the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3,150 m/10,397 ft).</p><p></p><p>After lunch, we hike for 1 hour and a half, with gentle up and down segments to our camp. It is a magnificent camp 45 minutes from Choquequirao. We will arrive at the camp around 4 PM. We will relax, have happy hour and then dinner.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner</p><p> Accommodations: Camping at Choquequirao</p><p> Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft</p><p> Highest Elevation: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft</p><p> Distance to walk: 14 km / 9 miles</p><p> Approximate walking time: 8 – 9 hours</p><p> Level of Difficulty: Demanding</p>
<p>Setting off for a beautiful hike today, we climb over a ridge for around 2 hours to Abra Choquekiraw (3,318 m / 10,883 ft). From this vista, we will see the Vilcabamba mountain range and the breathtaking snowcapped Choquetacarpo glacier.</p><p></p><p>This is followed by a 2 hours descent to the ruins at Pinchinuyoc, We will take a short break at these ruins to admire the majestic views. From there, we will descend to the Rio Blanco (1,990 m/ 6,527 ft), a further 1.5 hours steep descent. Here you can luxuriate in the river and take a bath if you would like. This is where we will have lunch.</p><p></p><p>Then we will start a difficult climb to a small cleared agricultural area on the mountain, Maizal. For many people, this is the most difficult section of the whole Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. The climb is a difficult 3 to 4 hours zig-zag uphill. Maizal is located at 3,000m/9,842ft. Maizal is our camp for the night.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner</p><p> Accommodations: Camping at Maizal</p><p> Lowest Elevation: 1,990 m/ 6,527 ft</p><p> Highest Elevation: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft</p><p> Distance to walk: 18 km / 11 miles</p><p> Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours</p>
<p>After breakfast in Maizal, we climb 4 to 5 hour uphill through cloud forest to the Victoria Mines. This ascent takes you from an altitude of 3,000 m to 4,000 m! We’ll take a short rest here and admire the shine of the outcropped rocks illustrating the high concentration of minerals and metals, and the reason for the ancient mines. We will then continue our climb to the pass of Abra San Juan (4,130 m/ 13,546 ft). This is our lunch spot. This is also the best place to see Andean condors. We can also see the Vilcabamba Valley, which is the lowest city of the Incas, as well as the Pumasillo glacier.</p><p></p><p>After lunch, as we descend to the charming village of Yanama (4,100 m/13,541ft), a 2 to 3-hour walk. This is our campsite for the night.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner</p><p> Accommodations: Camping at Yanama</p><p> Highest Elevation: 4,130 metres/ 13,546 feet</p><p> Distance to walk: 12 km</p><p> Approximate walking time: 8 to 9</p>
<p>From Yanama, we begin a 4 to 5-hour ascent. The first 4 hours are gentle and the last hour is steep, to reach the Yanama pass at 4,672 m/15,324 ft, the highest point of our trek. We will see many waterfalls on the way up and meet local individuals. At the top, we will see Apu Salkantay and part of the Salkantay Trek. We will then descend for two hours and have lunch along the way. After lunch, we hike 2.5 hours downhill to our camp at Totora 3,398 m /11,445 ft.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner</p><p> Accommodations: Camping at Totora</p><p> Lowest Elevation: 3,398 m /11,445 ft</p><p> Highest Elevation: 4,672 m /15,324 ft</p><p> Distance to walk: 14 km / 9 miles</p><p> Approximate walking time: 8 to 10 hours</p>
<p>We will begin the day by taking our private van from Totora to Colpapampa. We will hike 5 to 6 hours on gentle up and down segments. We will be hiking through the rain forest, following the path of the Santa Teresa River. We will have the opportunity to see multiple coffee plantations, banana plantations, and fields of passion fruit. Along with this path, you will also see the most beautiful waterfall along the trek.</p><p>We will reach Lucmabamba, our campsite for the evening, around noon. Here we will relax and enjoy a delicious lunch! After lunch, we will do an incredible coffee tour at the plantation adjacent to the campsite. We will begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans, and picking our own beans. There are also several fields of tomatoes and avocados. We will pick vegetables that the chef will use for dinner that night.</p><p>After picking our beans, we will roast them and grind them. Finally, we will brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner</p><p> Distance Covered: 14 km (8 miles)</p><p> Time: 5 to 6 hours</p><p> Lowest elevation: 2,050 m /6,725 ft</p><p> Highest elevation: 3,398 m /11,445 ft</p><p> Area: Rain Forest</p>
<p>We will wake up early and have breakfast. Today´s hike starts with a moderate 3.5-hour climb through the rainforest until we reach the Llactapata Inca site at 2,700 m/8,856 ft, where we will have a thorough tour. This is the location where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu in the far distance. You will also have a first look at the mountain you will hike tomorrow, Wayna Picchu!</p><p>Leaving Llactapata, we begin a 2.5-hour descent to Hydroelectric, where we will have lunch. At 3 pm we will board the train for a 40 minute trip to Aguas Calientes.</p><p>On arrival at Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel. Dinner will be at Indio Feliz.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner</p><p> Walking distance : 13 km /8 miles</p><p> Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours</p><p> Lowest elevation: 1,800 m /5,905 feet</p><p> Highest elevation: 3,100 m /10,170 feet</p><p> Area: Cloud Forest</p><p> Difficulty: Moderate</p>
<p>Early in the morning after breakfast, you will take the bus up to visit Machu Picchu citadel. Make sure you are carrying your passport the one you have booked with, once in the citadel, your guide will give you a background information about the Inca city, then he will show you the most important sectors in the citadel, after 2 hours guided tour you will have plenty of time for further exploring.</p><p></p><p>Note: If you purchased the admission tickets to climb Wayna Picchu Mt or Machupicchu Mt, your guide will give you some instructions about where and what time you should be there, it could take 1.5 to 2 hours back and forth.</p><p></p><p>The guide will meet you at Aguas Calientes town for lunch. Afterward, we take our return train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting for us, we drive 2 hours back to Cusco</p><p></p><p> Meals: Snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included today.</p><p> Estimated walking time: 2 guided tour in Machu Picchu.</p><p> Walking distance: Exploring in Machu Picchu.</p><p> Machu Picchu Elevation: 7.874ft. /2.400m.</p><p> Accommodation: Back to your hotel in Cusco.</p><p> Difficulty: Easy.</p>
Items Included in this tour
- Pick up from Hotel and transfer to the trailhead with our private transportation
- Profesional English Spanish speaking tour guide
- Cook, porters, horsemen, and horses.
- Personal Porter up to 10kg/20pounds (we provide duffle bag)
- 4 man tent for 2 people, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, table, foam mat.
- All meals, breakfast, lunch, happy hours, dinner, and snacks each day.
- Vegetarían meal available
- Drinking water each day (you can fill up your water bottle 3 times a day at breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Prívate portable toilet
- First aid kit and oxígeno tank
- Train from Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes town
- Entrance tickets for Choquequiraw Inca ruins and Machupicchu ruins.
- Last night hotel In Aguas Calientes town.
- back and forth bus tickets to Machupicchu.
- Guided tours in Machu Picchu and Choquekiraw.
- Train back to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Taxes
Items not Included in this tour
- Sleeping bag (available at Viajes LA for rent)
- Inflatable sleeping pads for extra comfort (available at Viajes LA for rent)
- Trekking poles (available at Viajes LA for rent)
- Last Lunch and Dinner
- Tips
<ul>
<li>Original valid passport and ISIC card, if you are student.</li>
<li>Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c (rentable for $35 for duration of the trek)</li>
<li>Trekking boots</li>
<li>Warm clothes and hiking pants.</li>
<li>Layers of clothes for variable temperatures especially at night</li>
<li>head lamp or flashlight with extra batteries</li>
<li>Camera with extra memory card.</li>
<li>Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses</li>
<li>Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool cap for cold night</li>
<li>Insect repellent</li>
<li>Extra plastic bags especially in the wet season</li>
<li>Water proof clothings</li>
<li>Water bottles and purifying tablets – Optional</li>
<li>Personal medical kit with a simple whistle</li>
<li>Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips</li>
<li>Walking sticks (available at Viajes LA for rent)</li>
<li>Inflatable mattress (available at Viajes LA for rent)</li>
<li>Toiletries</li>
<li>Sandals or flip-flops and bathing clothes</li>
</ul>
Answer
Important Considerations Much of this trek is isolated and rugged. It is advised that trekkers acclimate by spending a few days at Cusco (3300m) or similar before attempting the trek.
The trail crosses several high passes, and has multiple days that cover significant distances and elevation changes. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and be experienced hikers. Additionally, weather and trail conditions can vary. Temperatures range from warm and humid to below freezing. Trekkers should be prepared for changes to the itinerary and to meet unexpected challenges with an open-mind and sense of adventure.
Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain is an excellent addition to a trip to Machu Picchu. It offers superlative views, but it is a steep climb that can take about three hours. Entrance to Huayna Picchu is limited and only at scheduled times. If you would like to consider doing the climb, it is important to book it in advance.
The last two days of the trek are through areas with heavy tourist traffic.
2 trekkers: $1000.00 per person
3 trekkers: $940.00 per person
4 trekkers: $940.00 per person
5 trekkers: $890.00 per person
6 trekkers: $890.00 per person
7 trekkers: $860.00 per person
8+trekkers: $860.00 per person
<h4><strong>DISCOUNTS</strong></h4>
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time you do tour, or visit Machu Picchu, <strong>students</strong> 18 and above, <strong>need the ISIC card</strong> to qualify for the discount. Students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Email us a copy at <strong>info@viajesla.com</strong>
<ul>
<li>Student Discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$25.00</li>
<li>Under 15 years will pay as student: US$25.00</li>
<li>Under 10 years Discount: US$25.00</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>GROUP BOOKINGS</strong></h4>
*More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as <strong>free tours in Cusco</strong> <strong>city</strong>, free items for <strong>camping activities</strong>, and personal discounts. <strong>contact us</strong> at <strong>info@viajesla.com</strong>
<h4><strong>RENTALS & EXTRAS
</strong></h4>
The following list of prices fixed in the items, are adjusted to the <strong>Choquekiraw 8Days/7Nights</strong>. However, we consider discounting the price for each item, for more than 10 participants in the group.
<ul>
<li>Hiking poles – US$ 30.00</li>
<li>Sleeping bag – US$ 35.00</li>
<li>Inflatable mattress – US$ 30.00</li>
<li>Extra Tent supplement– US$60.00</li>
<li>Waynapicchu mountain ticket – US$25.00</li>
<li>Machu Picchu mountain ticket – US$25.00</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>UPGRADES</strong></h4>
<strong>Viajes LA</strong> includes 3 stars hotel room in <strong>Aguas Calientes town</strong> and <strong>Expedition train service</strong> back to <strong>Ollantaytambo</strong>, however, you can upgrade your the services for an additional cost shown below.
<ul>
<li><strong>Vistadome Train</strong> (back to Ollantaytambo) + US$65.00</li>
<li>Single Accommodation at Machupicchu town + US$40.00</li>
<li>4 stars hotel at Machupicchu town + US$ 75.00</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>DETAILS</strong></h4>
<strong>Viajes LA</strong> provides the best quality of items for our customers, for a better experience during the trekking, we concern about the <strong>safety</strong>, <strong>comfort</strong>, and <strong>satisfaction</strong> in every trekking activity.
<ul>
<li>Four season (Eureka k-2 tx) tents, for two people in each.</li>
<li>Black Diamond Trekking Poles.</li>
<li>Sleeping bags according to route requirement.</li>
<li>We use 3* hotels in Aguas Calientes, if you don’t want to share the twin bedroom, select Single Accommodation when Booking.</li>
<li>If you are nature lover and landscapes, <strong>vista dome train service</strong> is the choice, wider windows, and glass ceilings to see the mountains.</li>
</ul>