MAJESTIC CHOQUEQUIRAO

ABOUT CHOQUEQUIRAO:

Choquequirao, which means "cradle of gold" in Quechua, sits high above the thundering Apurimac river amid lush tropical cloud forest. Almost inaccessible, it was one of the last refuges of the Incas after the Spanish invasion. The route to Choquequirao takes us through breathtaking scenery, from arid slopes to dense forest - watched over always by soaring snow wreathed peaks. A taste of exploration in one of Peru's remotest mountain regions.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: LIMA

Reception at Lima Airport and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to rest and prepare for starting your trip around our magical country.

DAY 2: LIMA - CUSCO

Breakfast.

Transfer to Lima's Airport. Flight Lima- Cusco,

Reception at Cusco Airport and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time available to rest and so avoid altitude sickness.

In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral ( built between 1560 and 1664 is considered one of the most imposing strutures in the city). and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha (the most important temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun and whose walls were plated with sheets of gold). Take a pleasant walk in the bohemian District of San Blas, home to the best known craftsmen of Cusco. Visit its beautiful church, to admire its impressive carved wooden pulpit, with images of local fruits carved into it in filigree. Pop into some of the craft shops in its small Main Square. On your way back to the Centre of Cusco go through Hatunrumiyoc Street with its famous Twelve-angled stone.

Then, we drive out of the City to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The latter site is strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco and is famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 9m / 30ft tall, and weighing over 350 tons, set together with astounding precision to form the outer walls.

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals Included: Breakfast.

DAY 3: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

Early morning bus to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way we visit a weaving centre/museum, where the local weavers explain the textile making process from shearing, spinning and dying with plant extracts to the actual weaving.

We continue our tour with a visit to the archaeological site of Pisaq, fascinating for its location and architecture. We will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful place. After a picnic with fantastic views of the valley below, we visit the colorful handicraft market in the village of Pisac. In the afternoon we drive to the typical village of Ollantaytambo, often described as a living museum, for the descendants of the Incas continue to live in the houses built by their ancestors. Return to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 4: CUSCO - MACHUPICCHU

Breakfast.

Full day excursion to the citadel of Machupicchu known as well as "The lost city of the Incas".

The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco Train Station for a three hour train journey to Machupicchu. Arrive at Aguas Calientes Station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the wonderfull Citadel. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you'll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure. Lunch at a local restaurant and Late afternoon transfer to your selected hotel in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes, the closest Town, at only 15 minutes by bus from Machu Picchu.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 5: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO

Breakfast.

Excellent opportunity to wake up early and enjoy a beautiful sunrise as well as a stroll through the Town of Aguas Calientes and visit its Hot Springs Thermal Waters.

If you want as well you can visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu for the second time. Or, if you are an adventurous person you can go up the Huayna Picchu (if it is not raining) from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.

In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in your selected hotel in Cusco.

DAY 6: 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 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). Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 7: 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).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 8: 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 9: CHOQUEQUIRAO - COCAMAZANA

After breakfast and a last optional visit of the main constructions we start our long descent towards the Apurimac River where we refresh during lunch. In the afternoon a 3 hour climb brings us up to our last camp at Cocamazana (2300 m). Here we enjoy a last exquisite dinner with spectacular views back to Choquequirao and the Apurimac Canyon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 10: COCAMAZANA - CACHORA - CUSCO

In order to avoid the heat and intensive sun we start early with the climb up to the Kapulyoq Pass (2800 m). From here we continue along an easy and flat rural road back to the village of Cachora where we arrive before noon.

After a rest we say goodbye to the wranglers and continue by bus towards Saywite (a big rock that the Incas carved as a model of all the ecosystems with their respective flora and fauna). We enjoy our last lunch in this unique surrounding before we start our drive back to Cusco, where we arrive just in time for a shower and some night activities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 11: CUSCO - LIMA

Breakfast.

At proper time transfer to the airport in Cusco.

Flight Cusco - Lima. Reception at Lima's Airport and transfer to your selected hotel.

In the afternoon sightseeing tour of Lima which consist of the best combination of attractions in Lima from pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern times.

You will have a guided tour of Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and administrative site, dating back to the IV century A.D. You will also visit Huaca Huallmarca, a typical pyramid characteristic of sacred pre-Hispanic edifications found along the Peruvian coast.

Then you will have a visit to Lima's historic downtown, including Paseo de la República , Plaza San Martín, the Main Plaza and the surrounding monuments: the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall, the Desamparados train station, the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva and the Moorish-style houses and balconies along Lima's old streets.

The next stop will be San Francisco Convent, with the best exhibition of Colonial Art in Latin America . The tour includes the Choir Hall, the Monks' Library and the Sacristy, featuring a collection of Zurbarán and Rivera oil paintings. After visiting the Main Patio of the Cloister to see its fine XVI century Seville tiles and Moorish Arches, the tour will proceed to the Underground Crypts known as the Catacombs.

Finally you will have a visit to the traditional neighborhood near the San Isidro Golf Club, the Olive Grove park and the modern LarcoMar shopping and entertainment complex, a distinctive landmark of Modern Lima offering a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean . The tour of LarcoMar features a splendid exhibit of Peruvian alpaca textiles, and jewellery and handicrafts from the many regions and civilizations of historic Peru . Lunch

Return to your selected hotel for overnight.

Overnight in Lima.

Meals Included: Breakfast.

DAY 12: LIMA - OUT

Breakfast.

At proper time transfer to the airport and assistance on your departure.

Meals Included: Breakfast.

INCLUDED

Flight Tickets Lima- Cusco - Lima.

Train ticket from Aguas Calientes - Cusco.

Bus ticket from Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes.

02 Nights accommodation at a selected hotel in Lima.

04 Nights accommodation at a selected hotel in Cusco.

01 Night accommodation at a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.

04 Nights camping (double tents)

In and out transfers

City tour in Cusco.

Full day excursion to the Sacred Valley.

Excursion to Machupicchu.

City tour in Lima.

All applicable taxes.

Bilingual guided tours (English/Spanish).

Entrance fees for the excursions mentioned above.

Entrance fees to national park & sanctuary of Machupicchu

All meals as indicated in the itinerary.

Private transport Cusco-Cachora (round trip)

Camping equipment (double-, dining- and kitchen-tents, mats, etc.),

Bilingual guide, cook, porters, wranglers,

Mules for equipment and support saddle horses,

NOT INCLUDED:

Baggage excess.

Additional nights or flights cancellation.

Sleeping bags

Alcoholic drinks soda or bottled mineral water.

Snacks.

Laundry.

Not mentioned or optional tours/meals and extra services such as tips and laundry

International or National personal telephone calls.

SEASON: All Year

FITNESS-LEVEL: Active Strong (Heights, long distances, occasional narrow paths with sheer drops)