Choquequirao Vilcabamba MachuPicchu 11/10

Description

Choquequirao Vilcabamba MachuPicchu 11/10

Choquequirao Vilcabamba Machu Picchu Itinerary  The Choquequirao Vilcabamba MachuPicchu 11/10 is a challenging and rewarding trekking route in Peru that takes you through some of the most spectacular and remote areas of the Andes Mountains. This trek combines three ancient Inca sites: Choquequirao, Vilcabamba, and Machu Picchu, offering a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. you’ll hike for several days to reach Choquequirao, an impressive Inca citadel known as the “sister city” to Machu Picchu. Choquequirao is perched high on a ridge and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Vilcabamba: After exploring Choquequirao, the trek continues through the Vilcabamba mountain range. This section of the trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, remote Andean villages, and high mountain passes. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the traditional way of life in the Andes. This trek that joins these 3 Inca cities represents the beginning, the development, and the end of the great Inca empire that spread throughout Latin America. Choquequirao is believed to have been a city to control the onslaught of its neighbors, the Chanka tribe, in the beginning, then the city of Machupicchu was a city built in full expansion and finally, we have Vilcabamba, which is a district of Cusco in the province of La Convención. that its name originates from the Quechua Wilka: sacred and pampa: plain. This was formerly the lost capital of the Incas that at the time of the reign of Manco Inca after a bloody fight in the current city of Cusco for the domain of the empire, the Inca army was defeated by the conquering army led by Francisco Pizarro. Then the family, army and the surviving people escaped into the jungle finding refuge in this inhospitable place “Vilcabamba”.Choquequirao Vilcabamba MachuPicchu 11/10
Manco Inca and his sons resisted for 60 years, frustrating each conquering excursion, with the death of Manco Inca in 1559 at the hands of soldiers of the Almagrista faction, the resistance lost its leader and culminated years later with the capture and execution in the current main square of the last heir of the Inca dynasty “Tupac Amaru”.Choquequirao Vilcabamba MachuPicchu 11/10
You can relive that history walking through these wonderful places and what better way to choose to travel with us, then we show you our itinerary.

Day 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – SANTA ROSA.
Very early we will start with this long adventure in the mountains, we will pick you up from your hotel at 4 am and make sure you take all your equipment to the Vilcabamba trek. Then we will take our tourist transport to go to Cachora in 3 hours of travel, then we will continue 1 hour more in our transport to Capuliyoc (3000 masl) where we will have our breakfast and it will also be the beginning of our walk. Here we will meet with all the equipment that will accompany us on the trek (muleteers and horses), from Capuliyoc we will have the first view of the Vilcabamba chain with its glaciers in the distance. We will begin to descend the mountain for 2 ½ hours along a zigzag path, we will pass through small towns such as Cocamasana and Chiquisca (1,800 masl) At this last point it will be our lunch and then we continue our walk to the Apurímac River and cross the point of Playa Rosalina (1,500 masl), then we start to climb uphill for 2 ½ hours on average until we reach Santa Rosa, our first camp.

Distance: 16 km.
Weather: Warm and sunny.
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Minimum altitude: 1500 masl Rosalina beach.
Maximum altitude: 2100 masl Santa Rosa Camp.
Time: 6 hours (approximately)
Difficulty: Demanding.

Day 2: SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
This will be a day full of adrenaline to ascend to the Inca city of Choquequirao. After a very energetic breakfast at 6:00 a.m. We will begin our 3-hour hike up a narrow path to Marampata (3050 masl). During our tour, we will observe the dense vegetation of the tropical rainforest and different species of orchids around the route until we reach Marampata where we will take a short break. Then we continue the 2-hour walk until we reach the camping area of the Choquequirao archaeological park. With a privileged view and a delicious lunch, we begin to visit the first sectors within Choquequirao, such as the agricultural terraces sector, the waterfall, and the water temple. This is how a day full of activities ends.

Distance: 14 km.
Climate: Mild and cold (at night).
Walking time: 7 hours.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
Minimum altitude: 2100 masl Camp Santa Rosa.
Maximum altitude: 2,900 masl Camp Choquequirao
Difficulty: Demanding.

Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO EXPLORING FULL DAY
You will have the entire day free to explore the Choquequirao Archaeological Park, both accompanied by our guide and independently. This Inca city is composed of administrative, residential and religious sectors, a ceremonial platform (known in Quechua as an usnu), a main square and a series of buildings originally used to store harvests. With luck, from the ceremonial platform we may see a condor or two, as they often take advantage of thermal currents to soar above the Apurímac canyon.
Altitudes: Choquequirao campsite: 2870 meters / 9416 feet; Choquequirao ruins: 3040 meters / 9974 feet
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PINCHANUYOC
Today you will wake up with the first songs of the birds, after breakfast we will start with the visit of the temple of the astronomer, the famous terraces of the llamas, the house of the Inca, the main temple in the first part to wait for the lunch that our cook will bring to Choquequirao. In the second part, we will reach the upper part where the water temple is located and then begin our ascent to the highest point and have a unique view of the entire Choquequirao complex and take some photos. Later we will start the tour this time downhill for 2 hours until we reach Pinchinuyoc.

Time: 6 hours of walking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camp: 2200 masl Pinchinuyoc Camping.
Minimum altitude: 2200 masl Pinchinuyoc.
Maximum altitude: 2891 masl Cornfield.
Distance traveled: 16 km Pinchinuyoc – Maizal.
Climate: Temperate, Hot.

Day 5: PINCHANUYOC – MAIZAL.
After a refreshing rest and a good breakfast, we will continue descending the mountain until we reach the Blanco River (1900 masl), there we will stop to rest and take a good bath in the cold waters of the river that come from the glaciers.

After our bath, we will return to the opposite side of the valley and begin to ascend towards our camp in Maizal (2891 masl) where we will have lunch and spend the night.

Time: 2 hours of descent and 3 hours of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camp: Maizal 2891 masl.
Minimum altitude: 1990 meters above sea level Río Blanco.
Maximum altitude: 2891 masl Cornfield.
Distance traveled: 16 km Pinchinuyoc – Maizal.
Climate: Temperate, Hot.

Day 6: MAIZAL-SAN JUAN PASS- YANAMA.
Today we will get up with a hot coca tea to give us the energy to continue our journey. After having breakfast and packing our luggage and saying goodbye to the family that lives in Maizal we continue the walk.
The uphill climb today is around 4 hours, in this section full of exuberant vegetation with flowers of different colors, birds of different sizes as you go up the landscape changes in the highest part you can see the chain of glaciers of the mountain range Vilcabamba we will sit down to appreciate this natural wonder at a height of (4200 masl) in the Victoria pass. The descent is 2 hours to the next point, the village of Yanama at a height of (3800 masl), surrounded by houses of local families, where we will have our lunch and spend the night.

Walking distance: 20 km.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Cold weather.
Camp: Yanama.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4630 masl.
Minimum altitude: 2900 masl.

Day 7 : YANAMA – QUELLQA MACHAY
Today we start the day with another coca tea, saying goodbye to Yanama and its friendly people, we will follow an ancient Inca trail for approximately 3 ½ hours through the Quellqa Machay valley on smooth terrain and surrounded by the surrounding forests and mountains until we reach to Mesa Paw place for our lunch. Then we will climb another 3 hours to Quelca Machay (4000 masl), where we camp and have dinner at night. Here the nights are cold and can reach minus 4 degrees Celsius below zero.

Walking distance: 24 km.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Cold weather.
Campsite: Quellqa Machay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4000 masl. Quellqa Machay.
Minimum altitude: 3800 masl. Yanama.

Day 8: QUELLQA MACHAY – CHOQUETACARPO PASS – HUANCACALLE.
Today after the traditional coca tea and a very hot breakfast, we will continue our adventure walking through some narrow trails to the highest point of the route, El Paso Choquetacarpo (4600 masl), this is a spectacular pass with an incredible view of the entire valley.
At this point, we will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos walking along an almost perfectly preserved Inca route. On this journey, you will marvel at the skill of Inca engineering that created these unique trails. From this point we begin the descent for approximately 2 hours to Collpa, resting place and our lunch, on the way we will see how the vegetation appears again as we go forward and at the end of the day we will arrive at the town of Huancacalle (2900 masl).

Walking distance: 25 km.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Cold weather.
Camp: Huancacalle (2900 masl).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4600 meters above sea level.
Minimum altitude: 2900 meters above sea level.

Day 9: HUANCACALLE – VITCOS ROSASPATA – EXPLORING FULL DAY
After a good night’s rest, our day will once again start early, at approximately 7:30 am. From here, we will go up to visit the interesting Inca cities of Vitcos-Rosaspata and the temple of Ñustahispana, during the morning, in which our guide will share information about the life of the last Inca kings who lived in these places fighting against the conquering excursion.

Back in Huancacalle

Traveled distance: 5 km.
Walking time: 3 ½ hours approximately.
Warm weather.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch-dinner.
Maximum altitude: Huancacalle (2900 masl).

Day 10.-VITCOS ROSASPATA SANTA TERESA AGUAS CALIENTES
Total Walking Distance: 0km
Total Walking Time: 0h / Total Driving Time: 5h
Minimum Altitude: 2040m (6693 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2900m (9514 ft)
Altitude of hotel: 2040m (6693 ft)
This morning we can relax and reflect on the journey we’ve just taken along the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trail, from the verdant valleys and plunging canyons to the high mountain passes at San Juan and Choquecatarpo.

Huancacalle is a quaint rural village, where you might spot pigs and their adorable piglets wandering the streets. Isolated in the mountains, you might feel a sense of nostalgia for a forgotten time as you take in the peaceful lifestyle. This is a stark difference from what awaits us in Aguas Calientes, a busy city bustling with tourists eager to visit Machu Picchu.

From here we will take private transport over narrow, winding mountain roads to Santa Teresa (1550m / 5085 ft). The 5-hour drive is an amazing journey in itself, as you go from high Andean plains down to the lush vegetation of the jungle, passing villages and then banana, tea and coffee fields. The final leg of the journey sees us traveling along the edge of the rushing Vilcanota River – a reminder of the powerful natural forces that are a constant presence in the Andes.

Please note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco.

From Santa Teresa we take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. This will feel like a nice change of pace after days of hiking from Choquequirao to Vilcabamba and finally, Machu Picchu, including hours of driving! Peek up as the train winds along the canyon and you might get a tantalizing glimpse of the lower reaches of Machu Picchu!

Arriving at Aguas Calientes, a soak in the thermal baths might just be the perfect recipe for aching muscles! We’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes before turning in early in anticipation of the next day’s centerpiece: Machu Picchu.

Day 11: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.
Today we achieve what for many is a lifelong dream: a visit to the Imperial Inca City of Machu Picchu! In the pre-dawn hours, we’ll take the bus up to the site to enjoy the ruins at sunrise. Your guide will give you a 2-3h walking tour of the historic citadel. If you’re feeling adventurous you may wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but take note: this requires an extra permit, and they can sell out well in advance! Be sure to tell us at booking if you would like to add one of these hikes. For more tips on what to see, check out our Visiting Machu Picchu page.

Want more time to explore? Consider our Extra Day Upgrades.

We return to Cusco in the afternoon by Expedition (tourist class) train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where we will be met by our driver who will transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco. Total travel time is about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Traveled distance: 5 km.
Walking time: approximately 3 hours.
Guided visit to Machu Picchu: 3 hours.
Climate: Warm – temperate.
Transfer to Cusco: 2 hours by train and 2 hours by minivan from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Maximum altitude: 3399 meters above sea level.
Minimum altitude: 2050 meters above sea level. hot waters.

What is Included?
Accommodation
7 nights of camping. Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
Basic foam mattress. If you would like greater comfort during the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
Toilet tent
1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a Standard Hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hotel with breakfast included and private bathroom. You can also upgrade to a higher quality hotel.
Meals
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your guide if you have certain preferences! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes
Lunch on the last day is included in this itinerary.
Transport
Collection from your hotel on the morning of your trek departure
Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead and return at the end of the trek (Please note that some private transport on the road is lower quality than in Cusco)
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Trekking Team
English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 10kg/22lbs per person).
Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals
Safety
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower.
Additional inclusions
Pre-trek briefing
Entry fees to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao
What is Not Included?
Meals
Breakfast on the first morning.
Dinner on the last night.
Equipment
Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you.
Additional horses for your personal luggage
Optional Activities
Entrance to the Aguas Calientes and Cocalmayu hot springs
Permit to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Other
Tips for the guide, cook and muleteers
Flights to/from Cusco
Travel Insurance

Price.Person
Prices are per person in USD, based on group size. We do not have fixed-date group departures.2024
2 PEOPLE $2915
4-6 PEOPLE $1890
7-8 PEOPLE $1620
9-12 PEOPLE $1580.

If you’re feeling adventurous you may wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but take note: this requires an extra permit, and they can sell out well in advance! Be sure to tell us at booking if you would like to add one of these hikes.

We return to Cusco in the afternoon by Expedition (tourist class) train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where we will be met by our driver who will transfer you directly back to your hotel in Cusco. Total travel time is about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by Inca Land Adventures is included.

TIPS FOR OUR PORTERS
IMPORTANT: Some of the reasons that our price may be higher than that of other agencies are the following:

We ALWAYS book the maximum number of porters possible (according to Inca Trail regulations) so that our porters
are not overloaded.

Also, We are the only travel operator in Peru that supplies porters with proper tents, sleeping pads and
adequate food for this type of activity.
We always we take care our hosremans and horses during our alternative treks so tiping it will be the seim as
for the porters

Beware of this when booking they might be cheaper because of this!

2 people (minimum group size) should have a maximum of 7 porters and 16 people (max group size) should have 22
porters.
** Tips for porters, cooks or guides are optional and are NOT included in our price. However our advice is that
you tip our staff based on their performance, service and knowledge. Our guidelines for tipping our staff is the
following:
Each porter gets 100 Soles, each assistant cook 150 Soles, the Main Chef gets 300 Soles.make sure to tip more if
your trip it is more than 5 days or if it is luxury treks
Assistant Tour guides can be tipped collectively by the members of the group, we suggest a 5% of the total cost
of the tour.
Main guides are tipped on a one on one basis and based on their performance. Tour guides are professional people
who spend a lot of time training in different other fields such archaelogy, history and WFA. We suggest people
to consider tipping our guide a 10% to 15% of the value of your tour.
Train included in all tours is the Expedition train (to Ollanta). Train times will only be confirmed once full
amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 2:55 PM and the 9:20 PM being the last train
(high season June to September). We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU 

Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER  BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days  the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.