Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Cusco, KE Land Only package services begin with a group transfer to our centrally located hotel. In the afternoon we will have a guided walking tour of this fascinating ancient city. Overnight in the group hotel in Cusco.
Day 2: Today we drive to Cachora village situated high above the Apurimac Canyon, where we meet our trek crew. After an early lunch we start down into the canyon, a spectacular 1600 metre descent. We set up camp near the village of Chikiska.
Day 3: An early start to avoid the heat of the day in the lower part of the Canyon. We complete our descent and cross the roaring river before beginning the long steady climb out of the canyon on the other side. We make camp just below Choquequirao. A long but spectacular day.
Day 4: A full day to explore the amazing ruins of Choquequirao, which are more extensive than Machu Picchu and occupy a much more dramatic location.
Day 5: Beginning our trek out, we have a long and tough day, crossing a pass, descending into the Rio Blanco Valley and climbing to camp at Maizal.
Day 6: Today, we cross the Abra San Juan passing the silver mines of Mina Victoria. Camp at the village of Yanama.
Day 7: Hiking up the Yanama Valley we climb towards our final challenge - the Totora Pass - highest point of the trip at 4500m with spectacular views of snow-capped Sacsayraoc. Camp below the pass.
Day 8: A day of descent to our camp at the village of Lucmabamba. We follow the Rio Santa Teresa and enjoy views of waterfalls, birdlife, and exotic vegetation.
Day 9: Our final day of hiking through pristine cloudforest continues on an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata, a newly excavated Inca site. From Urubamba, we take the train to our hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 10: A full day at Machu Picchu, with a guided tour of the site. We take the afternoon train to Poroy from where we drive back to Cusco.
Day 11: Full free day in Cusco, where there is much to see and do. Options include exploring Inca ruins, visiting colonial churches, bargain hunting in the markets or simply relaxing. Overnight in our hotel.
Day 12: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. A single-timed transfer to the airport in Cusco is provided. Most groups will take the early morning flight from Cusco to Lima connecting from there to international flights.
Altitude
This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude.
