CHOQUEKIRAO TO
MACHUPICCHU 8 DAYS
Introducction:
 This so called lost
city, whose name means "cradle of gold" in Quechua was one of
the last refuges of the Incas in times of the conquest. This
prodigy of architecture fascinated the 19th century explorers
like Hiram Bingham who visited it two years before discovering
Machu Picchu.
Long time ago
abandoned and taken over by the lush vegetation of the
cloudforest, it has only been cleared and restored partially
over the last couple of years and there is still a lot to
discover about this enigmatic site. On this adventurous route
abandoned since long ago, we`ll experience from the Incan roads
off the beaten paths, climbing high passes and exploring the
mysteries of the rich and enigmatic cloudforest, we combine the
two major archaeological sites in the area: the remote
Choquequirao that is seldom visited with the famous and
legendary Machupicchu. A unique adventure that brings you back
to the fascinating past of this area and makes you want to
explore more.
Itinerary
CUSCO -
CACHORA - CHIQUISQA:
Early in the morning we`ll take a scenic bus which in a
ride over the Andes we`ll take 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
breath-taking view of the deep Apurimac Canyon and the majestic
surrounding snow peaks. After a rest we start our approx. 3
hours descent on a dusty rural path towards our first camp at
the oasis of Chiquiska (1800 m).
CHIQUISKA -
CHOQUEQUIRAO:
After having breakfast we continue our descent to the valley
floor where we cross the thundering Apurimac river over a modern
suspension bridge (1495 m.a.s.l.). 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).
CHOQUEQUIRAO:
During the morning we`ll 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 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.
CHOQUEQUIRAO
- MAIZAL:
After a fortifying breakfast we start hiking early as we have a
long distance ahead of us. A short but steep climb brings us up
to the ridge from where we have a last panoramic view of
Choquequirao and the Apurimac canyon below. A 1 hour descent
leads us to the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, still
covered by vegetation. After visiting the constructions we
continue our dusty descent to Rio Blanco, where we can refresh
ourselves during our lunch break. A steep, dusty and hot climb
brings us to our camp at Maizal in the afternoon.
MAIZAL -
YANAMA:
Once again we take
advantage of the cool morning air to start hiking. During our
climb over the rural and Inca paths we gain altitude quickly and
the vegetation changes from cloud forest to high Andean
grassland. From the San Juan Pass we can enjoy fantastic views
of the surrounding snow peaks, including Pumasillo (Puma's
Claw). After a delicious lunch we continue our hike with a 2
hour descent, passing some abandoned silver mines (narrow paths
with sheer drops) until we reach the community of Yanama. From
here it's a gentle climb to our campsite.
YANAMA -
BATIA PAQUISKA:
Today we hike amid snowy peaks, climbing up to La Rinconada Pass
where we have lunch. In the afternoon we start our long descent
towards the high cloud forest, arriving in the late afternoon at
our beautiful campsite at Batía Paquiska.
BATIA
PAQUISKA - LA PLAYA:
An easy walk along the Salkamayo River, through the increasingly
lushy vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee
plantations. In the afternoon we arrive at our campsite at the
village of la Playa (2155 m.a.s.l.), where we can refresh
ourselves in the river before dinner.
LA PLAYA -
LLAQTAPATA - AGUAS CALIENTES:
After having breakfast we cross the river and start climbing -
passing through coffee plantations- up to the Mirador (2860 m.)
from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the
Incas: legendary Machupicchu, from an unusual angle. We enjoy
our last lunch from the vantage point of Llaqtapata (2650 m)
from where we can view both Machupicchu and Salkantay and take a
good rest. A 2 hour descent brings us to the hydro-electric
plant of Machupicchu from where we reach the village of Aguas
Calientes in the late afternoon. Here we can choose to relax in
the natural hot springs before dinner and a well-earned rest in
our hotel.
MACHUPICCHU
- CUSCO:
After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machupicchu
to enjoy the sunrise in this magical place before the first
tourists arrive from Cusco. We enjoy this enigma in the company
of an experienced guide. We`ll have enough free time to explore
the site by ourselves or do some hikes before we descend to
Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco,
transfer to the hotel and overnight.
CHOQUEKIRAO TO MACHUPICCHU 8 DAYS Code: A - 1 PRICES 2010
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