Give yourself a splurge of Andean and natural history with this 9 Day Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu and visit this best two archeological Inca sites near Cusco.
The Combo Expedition will take you to the Citadel of Choquequirao, and to the world famous Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We are giving you the opportunity to enjoy a 9-day expedition in the midst of time, vegetation, imposing snow-peaks and deep valleys.
You will also have the opportunity to experience remote native communities before reaching the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Bring your photographic equipment along, as this journey is the most picturesque trip offered in the Cusco area. The trip is supported with horses for your convenience and we provide you with top quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energetic diet. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure -the Combo Expedition will go beyond your dreams!!!!!
Day 1- Cusco / Cachora / Capulliyoc / Chiquisca
4.00am we depart Cusco to arrive at Cachora town around 9am. Today we have a 7 hour hike ahead of us, stopping for lunch in a place called Capulioc. During today's walk we will observe Apurimac canyon with its impressive depth, amazing views of mountains, peaks and a semi-tropical valley. We will set up campsite today in Chikiska.
Day 2- Chikiska / Choquequirao
5.00am wake-up then the trek will lead us to the great ruins of Choquequirao (3,577m) where the view itself justifies the great effort of today. Here you will see 3 levels of excavated ruins, where we will have some time to explore parts of this late magical Inca town, sacred fountains, and 'torreones'. If we are lucky, we might even spot "the flight of the condors".
Day 3- Choquequirao / Maizal.
After breakfast we have a short ascent to the Choquequirao pass (3300m) then descending to our lunch place in Rio Blanco (1909 mt). After lunch we hike up for three hours to Maizal (3000mt) where we camp.
Day 4- Maizal / Minas Victoria / Yanama
From Maizal campsite we make an early morning start to Victoria pass (4200m), from where we can have a breathtaking view of the snow peaked mountains of Humantay (5700m) and Salkantay (6271m). Half way going to the top we start stepping over the original Inca trail, and finally we descend to our campsite at Yanama (3800m).
Day 5- Yanama / Totora
Hiking the last highest pass of the journey Yanama Pass (4668m), this is a challenging day, as we ascend to the pass the walking gets harder but the views get spectacular. Campsite is at Totora
Day 6- Totora / Wiñaypoco
After a gradual descent into the rain forest the vegetation changes very quickly. Arriving at Collpapampa our body will appreciate the beneficial natural hot springs then afterwards we continue to our campsite at Wiñaypoco.
Day 7- Wiñaypoco / Lucmabamba
Early breakfast then the trail continues down the valley into the forest. After 2.5 hours we will arrive to a tiny place called La Playa where we will enjoy a small break and fresh picked fruits. Tonight we will set up our campsite on a school field in Lucmabamba.
Day 8- Lucmabamba/Hydroelectric-Puente Ruinas (AguasCalientes)
Early wake up as usual and we walk uphill to Llactapata for lunch where you can observe the ancient ruins of Machu Pichhu. We have a 3 hour decent until reaching the Hydroelectric town, then following the train tracks up the Urubamba Valley to our last camp site – PuentesRuinas (AguasCalienties).
Day 9-Puente Ruinas / Machu Picchu / Cusco
5am breakfast then at 5.30am we get the bus to Machu Picchu. We need to depart early so those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu will need to sign up before the 2 hour guided tour. During your visit to these ancient ruins you will see clouds fly past and Machu Picchu will disappear with in them, so make sure you take pictures whilst the ruins are visible. After the tour you will have free time to explore the mountain of Huayna Picchu overlooking all of Machu Picchu - by far the best view! Huayna Picchu will take approximately 2 hours return trip. It is now your choice to enjoy lunch just outside the ruins or take the bus back to AguasCalientes to explore this small and quaint village. The train back to Cusco departs late afternoon so your estimated time of arrival is approximately 9pm
Included:
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
- Private bus transfer from your hotel to the beginning of trek point
- Entrance fee Machu Picchu
- Horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and 6kgs of personal items)
- One emergency horse
- Cooks for: 9 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners, 8 Lunches (food includes: pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. Hot drinks: Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, including coca leaf tea that is excellent for altitude!)
- Tea time/ Snacks: coffee/ tea, popcorn and biscuits
- Bilingual & professional tour guide
- Tents for 2 people (but has capacity for 3), so there is plenty of space for your backpacks
- Accommodation for crew
- Sleeping mats, table(s) & chairs, kitchen tent
- Short bus from Machu Picchu to AguasCalientes (return)
- First Aid including spare Oxygen
- 8 nights in a tent
- Backpacker train to Cusco – Ollantaytambo (Vistadome train available upon request
Not Included:
- Sleeping bags (we have for rent at $4 per day and they are good for -15)
- Flashlight
- Lunch on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Hot Springs in AguasCalientes
- Tips for guide, cook and porters
What to bring:
- Original Passport (same one you made the reservation with)
- Waterproof hiking shoes or boots recommended
- Backpack and/or Daypack (You may need one for the horse and one to carry. We do have duffel bags available for hire if need)
- Sleeping bag for up to -8 degrees Celsius (available for rent at $4 per day)
- Warm clothing (layers recommended)
- Thermals (woolen hat, socks and scarf are recommended)
- Flashlight Camera and film
- Batteries
- Sun protection (hat, sun screen, sun glasses)
- Insect repellent -minimum recommended 20% DEET (no malaria has been reported
- Rain jacket or Poncho
- Water proof back pack cover
- Water bottle
- Water purifying tablets (in case you want to pick up water from the rivers)
- Personal medical kit
- Passport and ISIC card if you are a student (originals required)
- Money for souvenirs, drinks and tips (easier in smaller change)
- Toilet paper
- Snacks such as chocolate, muesli, energy bars, dried fruit etc.
- Travel towel
- Swim suit
- Walking poles if you think you will want them
Options and Rentals:
- Single tent supplement $10 per day
- Extra night in AguasCalientes $35 (or email us for alternate options). We will just need to arrange your train back to Cusco for the following day. Please tell us before final booking process.
- Sleeping bag rental ($4 per day)
- Vegetarian meals
- Personal horse and horsemen for riding or carrying extra personal belongings while on the trek. Extra cost is $50 for the 4 days
Students:
Take advantage of our $20US discount for students if you hold a valid International Student Identity card (ISIC). You must send us a scanned copy of this when making your reservation and present the original to the entrance control office. Failure to do so will result in a loss of permit and denied entrance to the Machu Picchu.
Single Travelers:
If you are traveling single we will pair you up for sleeping arrangements with someone of the same sex. If you prefer to have your own tent the surcharge is $10 per day.
