Complete Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Adventure for 6 days

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ID: GYG504218-889003
Category:
Country: Peru

Duration: 6 days


Description

The archaeological site of Choquequirao is larger than Machu Picchu, but is actually a hidden gem and not easily accessible, we have combined this wonder with the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu!
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Capuliyoc - Chikiscca
We will start the excursion with an early pick up, between 4 and 4:30 in the morning. The trip from Cusco to Capuliyoc takes between 4 and 5 hours. If you are awake during the trip, lean out of the window to take in the spectacular mountain views. Once you arrive at the trailhead, you will meet the team that will help you along the way and then enjoy your first breakfast.

The hike offers magnificent views of the valley and the Apurimac River. The hike begins with a 2 hour trek, mostly downhill, to the lunch spot at Coca Mansana. After lunch and a short siesta, you will be back on the trail for another 2 hour downhill hike to our first campsite, Chikiscca. Chikiscca is a small farming village, with good weather. You will have your first happy hour with tea, dinner and then an early night.

Day 2: Chikiscca - La Playa - Santa Rosa - Marampata
Our day begins at 5 a.m., where a team member will meet you at your tent and offer you a glass of hot tea. Once you are packed, dressed and ready, you will enjoy breakfast and depart for the morning hike. It will be approximately 1.5 hours downhill to La Playa, located next to the river. This will be the warmest weather you will have on the Trail (lower altitude), so be sure to dress for it. You will cross the Apurimac River and begin your 2-hour ascent to Santa Rosa for lunch. This part of the hike is a bit challenging, but as you continue uphill, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the canyon.

Lunch will be at a homestay, where you will sample a sugar cane-based drink prepared by the locals. After a short siesta, you will continue uphill for 2-3 hours. This last section is considered the most challenging, but with the help of your guide you will enjoy it. You will finally reach Marampata, with its unique views of the Andes, the valleys and, with luck, some condors flying overhead. After dinner, be sure to look up at the sky: this is the best place for stargazing.

Day 3: Marampata - Choquequirao full day visit - Marampata
While today is another early breakfast, you have the luxury of not packing up at all because you will spend a second night at the same campsite. Today you will be able to explore the incredible ruins of Choquequirao. Before taking off, you will be given a packed lunch to enjoy at the citadel, which will be a 1.5 hour flat walk to the ruins where your guide will introduce you once you enter. This archaeological site is considered the last Inca city, sister of Machu Picchu. You will walk with your guide explaining some of the highlights of the area and then have plenty of free time to explore on your own. This is really special, as it is still relatively unknown and away from the crowds that visit Machu Picchu.

You will have some time to enjoy your packed lunch before heading to the lower part of Choquequirao, which is the most recently discovered section of agricultural terraces. You will be impressed by how they build these terraces for agriculture. Once you have explored as much of Choquequirao as you can, you will begin your 1.5 hour hike back to camp. You will have time for a happy hour and dinner before returning to your tents for a good night's sleep.

Day 4: Marampata - Santa Rosa - La Playa - Chikiscca - Coca Mazana
Hope you had a good night's rest, because today will be your longest day of trekking. You will wake up at 6 AM with a good breakfast. When you begin your hike, you will start with 2 hours downhill from Marampata to Santa Rosa and then another hour to La Playa. As it is all downhill, walking poles are especially useful in this area. You will finish the morning with a 1 hour hike up to Chikiscca for lunch. After your siesta, it is only 1 more hour to Coca Mazana camp, where you will finally have time for a well-deserved rest, happy hour and dinner. It will be a little warmer today, so make sure you have plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

Day 5: Coca Masana - Capuliyoc - Ollantyatmabo - Aguas Calientes
After another early breakfast, you will start walking for 2 hours to reach the trailhead at Capuliyoc. This will be the last time you will see the beautiful views that the Apurimac River has to offer, so be sure to enjoy them. When you arrive at the trailhead, you will have your last lunch with all your gear, while the riders will say goodbye.

After lunch, you will drive for 4 hours to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where you will have your last dinner prepared by your trekking chef. Say goodbye to the rest of the team and coach to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you will finally have the opportunity for a hot shower and a night's sleep in a bed.

Day 6: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will take the bus to Machu Picchu, where your guide will take you to observe the viewpoint and landscape of Machu Picchu. It is here that you will have the opportunity to take postcard photographs of Machu Picchu.

After this, you will take a 2 to 3 hour tour of Machu Picchu with your guide, then, if you have booked the Huaynapicchu mountain hike, you will do it on your own.

Then, you will walk to the exit and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy lunch on your own here. Then, be ready to take the train to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Here you will take the 2-hour ride to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Highlights

  • choquequirao the twin sister of machu picchu
  • visit two very important sites in only 6 days
  • get out of the routine and find new ways of getting to know peru

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.