MAGIC 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: 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 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 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 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 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 4: 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 5: 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.

INCLUDED

In and out transfers

All applicable taxes.

Bilingual guided tours (English/Spanish).

Entrance fees for the excursions mentioned above.

All meals as indicated in the itinerary.

04 Nights camping (double tents)

Private transport Cusco-Cachora (roundtrip)

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

Bilingual guide, cook, porters (for personal gear too), wranglers,

Mules for equipment and support saddle horses,

Bus ticket Machupicchu-Aguas Calientes (roundtrip),

Train ticket Aguas Calientes-Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

Baggage excess.

Additional nights for bad weather 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)