Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9D/8N

Accommodation check-in and free afternoon

Depart Cuzco - Hike from Cachora village (2,910m) to Chiquisca (1,836m) (L/D)
Today you will be picked up at your accommodation as we leave Cuzco early in the morning to journey by road to the small village of Cachora (2,910m) the starting point of the trek. Upon arrival to Cachora, we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear on the horses and mules before we begin our first day’s hike. We will begin hiking along the edge of the Apurímac canyon, with the river almost 2,000 metres below us and breathtaking views of the surrounding Padrayoc and Choke Takarpu mountains. Lunch will be served at Capuliyoc (2,915m) followed by a 2-hour winding descent to Chiquisca (1,836m) ending at our campsite near the Apurimac River.

Hike from Chiquisca to Choquequirao archaeological site (2,850m) (B/L/D)
Today we will have an early breakfast and then start off our day with a 1.5 hour downhill hike to Playa Rosalinda where we will cross a suspension bridge over the Apurimac River followed by an uphill hike leading to Santa Rosa (2,095m). Here we will have a rewarding lunch and have the chance to taste local "cambray" a sugarcane juice from the region. The hike will continue ascending to Marampata village (2,913m), home to shepherd families. Finally, after a challenging 3-hour trek we will reach our campsite overlooking the Choquequirao archaeological site with panoramic views of the naturally stunning Apurimac river valley and if we are lucky, we might see Andean condors flying overhead.

Hike from Choquequirao to Maizal camp (3,000m) (B/L/D)
An early start will give us the opportunity to see Choquequirao in the early morning light and will give us time to explore the "lost Inca city" of Choquequirao (3,035m). Afterwards, we will hike about 2 hours to the fully restored Pinchaunuyoc archaeological site (2,500m) which is still waiting to be excavated. From Pinchiyoc Unu, we'll follow a steep and narrow trail to reach our campsite for the night, Maizal (3,000m).

Hike from Maizal camp to Yanama camp (4,100m) (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, we'll ascend toward Paso Victoria, passing through lush and dense cloud forest while enjoying spectacular views along the way. The pass (3900m / 12,800 ft) is a good place for a break, as it offers stunning views of the surroundings. After crossing the pass, we will descend to the small village of Yanama (4,100m) where we will end our day with lunch and free time to relax in the afternoon.

Hike to the Totora community (4,100m) via High Pass (4,668m) (B/L/D)
Today we will hike from Yanama to a high pass at 4,668m with amazing views of Salkantay and Huayanay mountains and then cross over Yanama pass at 4,500m where you will feel truly immersed in the heart of the snow-capped Andean peaks. It can be windy and chilly on the pass, so it is a good idea to bring some warm clothes and a pair of gloves for this part of the trek. Here we may have the luck of seeing condors. We will descend through grassy fields to the Totora community to camp overnight (4,100m).

Hike to Sayahuaco & Transfer to Santa Teresa town (1,700m) (B/L/D)
Today we will have the chance to see vibrant regional flora and fauna as we continue our descent to the Totora River and near the town of Sayahuaco for lunch. Along the way you will notice the colourful and abundant bird and plant life where you can see hummingbirds and woodpeckers among varied species of flowers such as orchids and begonias. Traversing the tropical region we can see waterfalls, banana, avocado and coca plantations. After lunch we will take a transfer to reach Santa Teresa town (1,700m) for the night. Here you can relax in the hot springs before dinner if time allows (at an extra cost).

Hike from Santa Teresa town to Aguas Calientes (2,040m) (B/L/D)
Finally today we have an easy hike over rolling hills along the Vilcanota River in a warm and humid climate towards the Hydroelectric station (1,900m) for lunch. Another 3-hour hike will bring us to our final destination of Aguas Calientes (2,040m) for a well-deserved rest. Spend your afternoon at the town where you'll find internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a hot shower and a good night's rest.

Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cuzco  (B)
We will catch one of the first buses (5:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious site by yourself. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes at your own convenience. Have lunch and visit the local marketplace right next to the train tracks where you can shop until the train whistle blows, signaling your return to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus to Cuzco arriving back around 8:00pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice upon arrival.