Choquequirao Machupicchu

INTRODUCTION AND ITINERARY: This lost city, whose name means "cradle of gold" in Quechua was one of the last refuges of the Incas in times of the conquest and fascinated 19th century explorers like Hiram Bingham who visited it two years before he discovered Machu Picchu.

Long ago abandoned and taken over by the lush vegetation of the cloudforest it has only been cleared and restored partially over the last couple of years and there is still a lot to discover about this enigmatic site. In this adventurous expedition over long ago abandoned Incan Roads off the beaten paths, climbing high passes and exploring the mysteries of the rich cloudforest, we combine the 2 mayor archaeological groups in the area: Remote Choquequirao that is seldom visited with the famous and legendary Machupicchu. A unique adventure that brings you back to the fascinating past of this area and makes you want to explore more.

DAY 01: CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISQA: 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 m) 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 m).

DAY 02: 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 m). 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 m).

DAY 03: 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 m 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.

DAY 04: 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.

DAY 05: 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.

DAY 06: YANAMA - BATIA PAQUISKA: Today we hike amid snowy peaks, climbing up to La Rinconada Pass 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 Batía Paquiska.

DAY 07: BATIA PAQUISKA - LA PLAYA: 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 la Playa (2155 m), where we can refresh ourselves in the river before dinner.

DAY 08: LA PLAYA - LLAQTAPATA - AGUAS CALIENTES: After breakfast we cross the river and start climbing - passing through coffee plantations- up to el Mirador (2860 m) 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 m) 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.

DAY 09: 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 an 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.

Day 1 - Cachora (2850 m / 9350 ft) to Huarac Punku (3100 m / 10170 ft) to Apurimac River (1550 m / 5085 ft)

Day 2 - Apurimac River (1550 m / 5085 ft) to Choquequirao (3000 m / 9850 ft)

Day 3 - Choquequirao (3000 m / 9850 ft) to Choquequirao Pass (3400 m / 11150 ft) to Rio Blanco (1800 m / 5900 ft) to Farm (3000 m / 9850 ft)

Day 4 - Farm (3000 m / 9850 ft) to Victoria Pass (4200 m / 13800 ft) to Yanama (3500 m / 11500 ft)

Day 5 - Yanama (3500 m / 11500 ft) to Yanama Pass (4550 m / 15000 ft) to near Totora (3700 m / 12150 ft)

Day 6 - Near Totora (3700 m / 12150 ft) to Totora (3500 m / 11500 ft) to Collpapampa (Winaypoco) (2800 m / 9200 ft)

Day 7 - Collpampa (Winaypoco) (2800 m / 9200 ft) to Lucmabamba (2000 m / 6600 ft)

Day 8 - Lucmabamba (2000 m / 6600 ft) to Aobamba Pass (2800 m / 9200 ft) to Hydroelectrica (1850 m / 6100 ft) to Aguas Calientes.

Day 9 - Machu Picchu.

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress

Please note: In an effort to reduce impact the Peruvian government has lowered the number of people allowed on the trail. For this reason it is important that you make reservations as far in advance as possible to ensure your spot.

Climate and Environment

The climate is relatively mild all year- round, with heavy rains from November to March, and dry and hot weather from April to October, which is a recommendable time to visit. The annual minimal temperature runs from 8° to 11.2°C. In the months of June, July and August the temperature can often fall below zero. I

The annual maximum temperature varies from 20.4° to 26.6°C. The terrain is fairly jagged, with many gullies and streams fed by glaciers which eventually pour into the Urubamba river, which crosses the area forming a deep valley which runs through the granite base of Vilcabamba for more than 40 km through a variety of eco-systems.

Landscape

The natural surroundings are impressive and the balance achieved between nature and Inca architecture is striking. The Vilcabamba mountain range boasts peaks higher than 6,000 meters such as Salcantay and Huamantay among others. The blend of mountains, jungles and valleys create a fantasy world where the spectacular dawn and sunset are shrouded in mystery.

Fauna

This is abundant and varied. The existence of species in danger of extinction such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos omatus), the Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks (Rupicola peruviana), the dwarf deer (Pudu mephistopheles), etc. was one of the reasons why the government decided to declare it a Conservation Unit.

The park includes species like the puma, Andean fox, river otter, Taruka (Huemul deer), wildcat, ferret, etc. There are birds like the Mountain Caracara, hummingbirds, torrent duck, parrot, wild turkey, and many other colorful smaller birds. There are also reptiles like the Jergon Bothrops and the coral micrurus snake (lethal for its venom), lizards, frogs, and numerous Andean and jungle fauna which inhabit the Sanctuary. This abundant wildlife makes the Sanctuary ideal for tourists and researchers who wish to watch or study the animals.

Flora

The large natural areas are filled with a variety of forest species which vary according to the habitat. The forest vegetation is represented by trees such as cedar, romerillo or intimpa, laurel, etc. There are also species like Ocotea, Pedocarpus, Guarea, Weinmania, Clusia, Cedropia, Cinchena, Eritrina or Pisonay, and Ilex among others. The decorative plants have made the Sanctuary famous. Experts have identified more than 90 species of orchids, and many species of begonias and puya cacti. Most of the area is covered by herbaceous, shrub like and arboreal plants. The varied conditions have created an ideal environment for the growth of diverse plant life that runs from thick jungle like the cloud forest to the sparsely covered mountain tops.

Archaeology

Apart from everything that has been mentioned, there is also the Incas cultural heritage. The trekl which was well built, crosses dense forests and deep canyons. There are archaeological complexes dotted along the trail which can be seen in all their splendor. These are made up of housing, irrigation canals, agricultural terracing, walls and shrines, which are irrefutable proof of the existence of important human.