We recommend following the basics of ecotourism. We must respect and protect the environment, as well as the archaeological complexes and local customs.

This expedition will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area and Peru: CHOQUEKIRAO and MACHU PICCHU. The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are already all over the world. Since its re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discussions and research about the Incas, and finally in 1981 the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, same that in 1983 where honored by UNESCO as World Heritage. As much one can find of writings and histories about Machu Picchu, the little one can find about the latter, but not less interesting ruin complex of Choquequirao.
Choqequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold”, is a magnificent archaeological complex located in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Cuzco area. It is thought that this mountain range was the last refuge of the Incas resisting the conquest; led by Manco Inka II.
On our trek, we will enjoy some spectacular geography, flora and fauna; native to the pluvial yunger, inter-Andean valleys and rainforest.
The temperature on this trek can range between a minimum of 5ºC at night, and a maximum of 23ºC during the day.

Day 1: CUSCO (3350m.) - CACHORA (2850m.) - CHIQUISCA (1930m.)

We leave the city of Cusco early (6:00am), driving along the road which goes north-west across the famous Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa (Blood Pampa, because of the ferocious battle between the Inkas and the Chankas over possession of Cuzco city). We cross the mountains and descend to the warm town of Limatambo where the archaeological site of Tarawasi is found.
We continue in the direction of the Cunyac Bridge over the Apurimac River, the natural border between the Cusco and Apurimac regions. We follow the road to the settlement of Curahuasi, famous for its aromatic liquor: Macerado de Anis. Our final stop is the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2850m) about 4 hours from take of in Cusco in the province of Apurimac, surrounded by majestic snow-peaks such as for example the Padreyoc (5,771m). Here we will meet our “arrieros” (horsemen), and we begin our walk, leaving the town to the north, with a spectacular view of the Nevado Padreyoq. We cross the Cachora creek and climb through a refreshing forest of eucalyptus and native vegetation to the dirt track which is passable by cars; from where the path is flat until the lookout at Capuliyoq (2800m). Estimated time to reach this point is approximately 3 hours. From the lookout, we have a spectacular view of the Apurimac River and Choquekirau. Here we will enjoy our lunch.
We begin our descent on a zigzagging footpath, crossing scrub and later a forest of native trees called Phaty, in around 3 hours. After six hours hike we finally arrive at our first campsite called Chiquisca (1,930m). We can expect a warm night in the valley.
Meals during the day: Lunch/Dinner.

Day 2: CHIQUISCA (1930m.) - ROSALINA BEACH (1550m.) - MARAMPATA (2850m.).

After a good breakfast, we begin our descent to Playa Rosalina (1550m), where we register at an INC control post and we cross the bridge over the Apurimac River. Time to this point will be approximately 1 hour. We begin our climb uphill on a zigzagging path, towards Santa Rosa (2095m); where we can take a refreshing break, and maybe buy some candy or soda. We continue upwards, towards Marampata (2850m), a flat place where we can rest in similar conditions to Santa Rosa; enjoying a splendid view of Choqequirau. Time from the Apurimac River to here is approximately 4 to 5 hours. The gradient varies from almost flat to very steep. We follow the path which begins flat, and then has several uphill and downhill sections before the INC campsite at Choquequirao. This campsite has bathrooms and a cold shower.
We hike about 7 hours today in a rather warm climate, with a total distance of 14 km to the campsite.
Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: MARAMPATA (2850m.) – CHOQUEQUIRAO (3270m.) – MARAMPATA (2850m.)

We have a full day to discover the enormous complex of Choquequirao. Your guide will try to show you the most recently discovered areas and also the agriculture terraces and sector of the Llamas sculptures that are a more remote sector. The archaeologists are still discovering new parts of the complex that is covered by intense jungle. You will also have time to explore the complex at your own. Late in the afternoon we will start the return trek, and we will make camp at Marampata (approx. 2 hours). We hike about 5 hours today in a rather warm climate
Meals during the day: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

DAY 4: MARAMPATA (2850) – COCA MASANA (2150m.)

After breakfast we will continue our return journey, beginning with a steep descent down to the Apurimac River where we will stop for having lunch. In the afternoon we will climb for approximately 4 hours and then make camp at Chikisca or Coca Masana. The walk uphill will this time be easier than on the second day. We hike about 7 hours today in a rather warm climate
Meals during the day: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

DAY 5: COCA MASANA (2150m.) – HUANCACALLE (2450m.) – OLLANTAYTAMBO (2850m.) –AGUAS CALIENTES (2050m.)

Day 5 will be the last trekking day.  We will be able to appreciate the Apurimac canyon as we follow a new trail that cross through the canyon. We will arrive at Huancacalle and take our bus to Ollantaytambo.
In the evening, you will take the train (1 hour 30 minutes), from the train station in Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a hostel. Your guide will not follow you to Ollantaytambo, but instead you will have a new guide waiting for you the next morning.
Meals during the day: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

DAY 6: AGUAS CALIENTES (2050m.) - MACHU PICCHU (2430m.) - AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO

Early in the morning we take the bus from the town of Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. We have the opportunity to climb the difficult path to the top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain- the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks Machu Picchu, which offers spectacular and different views; it is even possible to see the Apu Salkantay.
The 2.5 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu allows us to appreciate the high level of development achieved by Andean civilization through the Incas.
A supremely religious site, Machu Picchu demonstrates the superior knowledge achieved in astronomy and astrology. This knowledge of measuring the rainy and dry seasons through the solstices is indispensable for the development of agriculture; the life-source of the Andes. After our visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where we can enjoy a relaxing bath at the local hot springs.

Meals during the day: Breakfast.

You will get on a train that departs from Aquas Calientes to the train station in Ollantaytambo at 2pm or 6pm and it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. In Ollantaytambo you will have transportation by bus to your hotel in Cusco that takes aproxlymatly1 hour and 45 minutes.
You will be back at your hotel around 5.30pm to 6pm or 9:30pm to 10pm.

IMPORTANT:

• Your passport number
• If you have any special diet ( ex. Vegetarian)
• The hotel and address you stay at
• If you have any special dieses that we should be aware of (you are responsible to bring your own medicine). We will provide basic first ad kid and oxygen.

For the tour we provide a duffle bag (normal sports bag), where you can put in your personal belongings and sleeping back that you don’t want to carry at the trek, but still have with you on the tour. You are allowed to fill the bag with 7 kg, which the mules on the trek will carry. To get this duffle bag you go to Peru Travel Expedition in Plateros street Nº. 314. The office is located very close to Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

INCLUDES:

• Transportation in and out: Cusco – Cachora
• Transportation from Huancacalle to Ollantaytambo
• Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide.
• Cook: In charge of meal preparation
• Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses (Max. 15 kilos/ 33 lbs per person)
• Emergency Horse: Just in case someone needs help
• Ticket: Entrance fee to Choquequirao and Machupicchu.
• Meals: 5 Breakfasts/5 Lunches/5 Dinners/Snacks and afternoon tea.
• Provide 1 litre boiled water each day in the morning
• Equipment: tents ( 2 people in each 3-person-capacity ), Thermal-a-rest sleeping pad, dinner tent, special biodegradable bathroom tent, kitchen tent, shower tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (last day).
• Hostel: Double accommodation in   Aguas Calientes
• Tourist Train Service: Ollantaytambo -  Aguas Calientes – Cusco
• Transportation to and from: Hotel -Train station- Hotel

DOESN'T INCLUDE:

• Breakfast the 1st day, and lunch last day.
• Sleeping bag.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

Below you will find a list of equipment we recommend you bring with you.

• Original passport:
• Backpack
• Sleeping bag.
• Strong footwear
• Change of clothes; Jacket; Clothes for cold weather
• Good socks
• Camera, films and extra batteries
• Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be provided)
• Torch / flashlight, plus extra batteries
• Cap for the
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries & toilet paper, small towel
• Swimsuit, for the hot springs in Aquas Calientes
• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc.
• Cash in soles and US$ Dollars
• Binoculars.
• Optional: walking Poles/sticks (rubber covers necessary).