| ITINERARY |
| DAY 1: | CUSCO – CACHORA – CHIQUISKA | | An early morning scenic bus ride over the Andes brings us in about 4 hours to the village of Cachora where we meet up with our wranglers. Here we start with a gentle hike along an old mining road to the Kapulyoq Pass (2800 mts/9’250 ft) from where we can enjoy the first breathtaking view of the deep Apurimac Canyon and the majestic surrounding snow peaks. After a rest we start our appr. 3 hours descent on a dusty rural path towards our first camp at the oasis of Chiquiska (1800 mts/6’000 ft) (B/L/D) | | DAY 2: | CHIQUISKA – CHOQUEQUIRAO | | After breakfast we continue our descent to the valley floor where we cross the thundering Apurimac river over a modern suspension bridge (1495 mts/5’000 ft). From here we climb a long, steep and hot path (appr. 5 hours) to our destination: The enigmatic and impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We arrive just in time to enjoy a fantastic sunset over the deep canyon and the surrounding mountains (3000 mts/9’900 ft). (B/L/D) | | DAY 3: | CHOQUEQUIRAO | | During the morning we visit the restored section of Choquequirao and explore the parts that are still covered by the lush cloud forest vegetation. With luck we may get the latest news regarding discoveries, excavations, cleaning and restoration process from the archaeologists of COPESCO working on site. After lunch those who choose to can visit the Cascade House (restored constructions and terraces some 300 mts/1000 ft below the main constructions of Choquequirao) and we can help with the preparation of a typical Pachamanca (traditional earth oven dish). From the highest point, El Usno, we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the magical Apurimac canyon and with luck a majestic condor may pass by. (B/L/D) | | DAY 4: | CHOQUEQUIRAO – MAIZAL | | After a fortifying breakfast we start hiking early as we have a long distance ahead of us. A short but steep climb brings us up to the ridge from where we have a last panoramic view of Choquequirao and the Apurimac canyon below. A 1 hour descent leads us to the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, still covered by vegetation. After visiting the constructions we continue our dusty descent to Rio Blanco, where we can refresh ourselves during our lunch break. A steep, dusty and hot climb brings us to our camp at Maizal in the afternoon. (B/L/D) | | DAY 5: | MAIZAL – YANAMA | | Once again we take advantage of the cool morning air to start hiking. During our climb over rural and Inca paths we gain altitude quickly and the vegetation changes from cloud forest to high Andean grassland. From the San Juan Pass we can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding snow peaks, including Pumasillo (Puma’s Claw). After a delicious lunch we continue our hike with a 2 hour descent, passing some abandoned silver mines (narrow paths with sheer drops) until we reach the community of Yanama. From here it's a gentle climb to our campsite. (B/L/D) | | DAY 6: | YANAMA – TOTORA | | Today we hike amid snowy peaks, climbing up to La Rinconada Pass (4650 mts/15’300 ft) where we have lunch. In the afternoon we start our long descent towards high cloud forest, arriving in the late afternoon at our beautiful campsite at Totora. (B/L/D) | | DAY 7: | TOTORA – LUCMABAMBA | | An easy walk along the Salkamayo River, through increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp at the village of Lucmabamba (2155 mts/7’100 ft), where we can refresh ourselves in the river before dinner. (B/L/D) | | DAY 8: | LUCMABAMBA – LLAQTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES | | After breakfast we start climbing – passing through coffee plantations- up to el Mirador (2860 mts/9’500 ft) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu, from an unusual angle. We enjoy our last lunch from the vantage point of Llaqtapata (2650 mts/8’750 ft) from where we can view both Machupicchu and Salkantay and take a good rest. A 2 hour descent brings us to the hydro-electric plant of Machupicchu from where we reach the village of Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon. Here we can choose to relax in the natural hot springs before dinner and a well earned rest in our hotel. (B/L) | | DAY 9: | MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO | | After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machupicchu to enjoy sunrise in this magical place before the first tourists arrive from Cusco. We enjoy this enigma in the company of our expert guide and have enough free time to explore the site by ourselves or do some hikes before we descend to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B) | |
| OUR SERVICE INCLUDES: |
| Private transport Cusco-Cachora, bilingual guide, cook, wranglers, pack mules and support saddle horses, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen- and toilet tents, mats, etc.), meals (8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners and snacks), entrance fees to Sanctuary of Machupicchu, bus ticket Aguas Calientes-Machupicchu (roundtrip), 1 night hotel (3-4*, double rooms), train ticket Aguas Calientes-Cusco and transfers Cusco |
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| NOT INCLUDED: |
| Sleeping bags, not mentioned meals and extra services such as tips and entrance fees to hot springs in Aguas Calientes |
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| SEASON: |
April-November |
| DURATION: |
9D/8N
Cusco - Cusco |
| FITNESS-LEVEL: |
Active Strong (Heights, long distances, occasional narrow paths with sheer drops) |
| DEPARTURE DATES 2010: |
Daily |
| TRIP COST 2010 | 2-3 Participants | 4+ Participants | Single Supplement | | Private Service | US$ 0.--/Pers.
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| For special group discounts or customized tours contact us: info@culturasperu.com |
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