Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, is a spectacular walk that connects the two most important archaeological sites in the region of Cusco. Choquequirao or at the same time called "Cradle of Gold", is also considered as one of the last fortresses and refuge of the Incas and that it was used presumably, like control sentry box since it served as nexus between the Amazonian forest and the imperial city of the Cusco. It is estimated that 30% of the city has been exposed and is called the "Sacred Sister" of Machu Picchu, for its similarity in structure and architecture. Meet with us these ruins of Inca City and end up knowing the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu!
Around 05:30hrs, we will pick up our passengers from their hotels to start a journey of approximately 4 hours to the village of Cachora (2850m / 9350f approx), we will meet our muleteer and horses, we will put all our equipment on the horses and begin our walk to Capuliyoc (2800m / 9186f approx), here we will have an excellent view of the immense Apurimac Canyon and then descend to Chikiska, where will be our first camp (1930m/6332f approx).
Early morning breakfast to start our hike down about 30 minutes towards Rosalina Beach (1550m / 4921f approx) where we will find a very pleasant and very pleasant climate; then we will start the hike up the mountain to the town of Marampata (2850m / 9350f approx), where we will have a beautiful view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m / 9951f approx). Our camp tonight will be in Choquequirao about 25 minutes from the ruins approximately 2950m / 9678f. At dusk, we might be lucky to see some condors flying over the mountains.
At dawn, after having breakfast and organizing our things, we will visit the citadel of Choquequirao (3033m / 9950) called "Cradle of Gold", while we explore the area with our guide, we will enjoy the tranquility of this place. Only 30% of the complex is restored but it is enough to know different sections of the place like the liturgical fountains, the temple of the high priest, the Ushnu, among many others. At the end of the tour, we will continue our walk towards the Choquequirao pass (3270m / 10728f aprox) and we will pass by the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m / 8038f aprox). At the end of the day, we will descend to the deepest point of the small canyon known as Rio Blanco (1900m / 6234f) where our campsite is located.
With the constant changes in the ecosystem, this day is considered the most arduous but also the most spectacular. We will leave Río Blanco and ascend towards Maizal (3000m / 9843f aprox), here we will take a short rest and enjoy the spectacular scenery that surrounds us. After the pause, we will continue the ascent to Paso San Juan (4170m / 13681f aprox), we will delight with the fascinating view of the mountains, glaciers and valleys, and we will continue walking until our camp in the small town of Yanama (3530m / 11581f aprox).
After an early breakfast, we will begin the hike slowly up to the highest pass in our entire Yanama Pass tour (4,670m / 15,410 f.). We will have a spectacular view surrounded by the Sacsarayoj, Salkantay, Pintuyu, among others. After a brief stop in the mountain we will begin our descent towards the Valley of Totora where we will have the camp to the 3.200 msnm. approximately.
This day, the weather begins to be very pleasant. In the camp, we will have the opportunity to meet Quechua-speaking Andean people, who live from agriculture and cattle ranching. After breakfast, we will walk from Totora Pampa, surrounded by diverse vegetation such as orchids, bromeliads as well as some coffee, papaya and avocado plantations; until we reach La Playa (2100m / 6890f approx) or even, if time is enough, we could continue to Lucmabamba (2020m / 6627f approx). Overnight in camp.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will continue walking along the Inca Trail until we reach Llactapata (2650m / 8694f), an archaeological site that offers a spectacular view of Machu Picchu surrounded by a particular vegetation. After a pause to relax, we will go down to the train station at Hidroeléctrica (1950m / 6398f aprox), where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m / 6726f). Once in Aguas Calientes, we will go to the hotel where we will spend our last night.
Early in the morning, we will leave the hotel to take the bus that will take us to the citadel of MachuPicchu, it is a journey of approximately 30 minutes. We will have a guided tour of the archaeological site and then we will have some time to explore on our own. After the visit, we will take our bus back to Aguas Calientes to wait for our train back to Ollantaytambo. Once in Ollantaytambo, our transport will be waiting for us to return to Cusco and take us to our hotel.
Weather: Warm.
