Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
Choquequirao Trek / Machu Picchu
Trek Details:
Altitude Range : 2,680 / 4,550 m.a.s.l. (8,792 / 14,928 ft)
Duration : 10 Days / 9 Nights
Difficulty : Moderate
Season : March / January
Activity : Nature / Adventure
Program:
Day 1 Cusco / Cachora
Early departure from Cusco to Cachora, our starting point for the trek, then descend into the Apurímac River canyon 1,800 m (5,906 ft). Camping by the river.
Day 2 Cachora / Marampata
A steady ascent to the village of Marampata with a stop for lunch before continuing to Choquequirao. Free afternoon to explore this truly mystical Inca site.
Day 3 Marampata / Choquequirao
An easy morning ascent to Abra Choquequirao 3,300 m (10,827 ft), then we continue descending to Pinchi Unuyoc for lunch. In the afternoon visit to the archaeological center of Choquequirao. Camping.
Day 4 Choquequirao / Maizal
The hardest day of the trek. We will ascend all day in dry heat conditions until reaching Mina Victoria 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Camping.
Day 5 Maizal / Yanama Village
We use the morning to cross Victoria Pass 4,500 m (14,764 ft), an amazing place with views of mountains including Salkantay and Humantay. The descent takes us past many abandoned mines and Inca works before camping in Yanama village 3,400 m (11,155 ft).
Day 6 Yanama / Collpampa
A day with a high pass ascent to 4,550 m (14,928 ft), where we may observe condors, then continue to Collpampa 2,800 m (9,186 ft). Optional hot springs bath.
Day 7 Collpampa / Sahuayaco
An easy hike until reaching Sahuayaco 2,000 m (6,562 ft), where we will see coffee plantations, coca leaves, banana trees, natural flowers, orchids, etc.
Day 8 Sahuayaco / Patallacta
After a good breakfast we begin our hike and continue through Abra Aobamba 2,800 m (9,186 ft), descending to Patallacta campsite 2,500 m (8,202 ft), where we can appreciate a magnificent view of Machu Picchu.
Day 9 Patallacta / Aobamba / Aguas Calientes
This is the day of mixed transportation. A two-hour descent on foot takes us to the hydroelectric station on the Urubamba River, then we board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 10 Aguas Calientes / Machupicchu / Cusco
In the morning we ascend to the citadel of Machu Picchu for a guided visit. In the afternoon return by train to Cusco.