Peru Adventure: Machu Picchu & Choquequirao
Peru Adventure: Machu Picchu & Choquequirao
$1745
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru with the "Peru Adventure: Machu Picchu & Choquequirao" tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Lima, followed by a flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Explore the bustling San Pedro Market, the Sun Temple, and the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins. Your trek starts in the rustic Cachora village, leading you through the breathtaking Apurimac canyon to the hidden ruins of Choquequirao. Experience the newly uncovered Picha Unuyoc ruins, the refreshing Rio Blanco, and the stunning views from the Abra San Juan pass. Conclude your trek at the iconic Machu Picchu, exploring its majestic ruins at sunrise. The tour also includes visits to the Sacred Valley, Moray, Maras, and Pisac, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Peru's rich history and culture. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, professional guides, and all necessary camping equipment for a seamless adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Miraflores 3* Hotel
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru's largest city and central metropolitan hub, and home to one-third of the country's population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian indigenous Ychsma settlement, which was conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures. Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian—especially Chinese and Japanese—influences make Lima a dynamic and exciting city to explore. Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many award-winning restaurants. Accommodation: Miraflores 3* Hotel ...more ...less
Day 2: Arrival To Cusco - Exploring The City
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Cusco, 3* Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to the Lima airport for your transfer flight to Cusco. This ancient city is the former capital of the Inca empire, which reigned from the 13th to 16th centuries after conquering the Killke settlement on the same location. Remember: you will be 11,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, so take it easy and remember to drink lots of water. Since Cusco was designed by the Incas as a city for walking, start your exploration of the narrow stone alleyways on foot. Take a walk through the plaza — if the weather is beautiful, it's a perfect place to sit on a balcony and have a cup of coca tea while adjusting to the elevation. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Cusco, 3* Hotel
Day 3: Cusco City Tour
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Cusco 3* Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's tour will begin at the local San Pedro Market. The locals shop at this market every day in order to stock up on produce and groceries making this market experience as authentic as Peru gets. The market is located indoors and includes many different food stalls and vendors. Be sure to try their endless selection of fresh fruit smoothies, which are the perfect refreshing treat. From the market, you will head to the most important temple of the Inca Empire, the Sun Temple, known as Qoricancha. Here, you can observe detailed and intact architecture, and within the temple, you will see smaller temples dedicated to the moon, rainbow, stars, lightning, and thunder, among others. From Qoricancha, you will walk to an important religious site called Sacsayhuaman, which features immense stones. Although the site was religious, the Spanish considered it a military fortress because of its location and the way it was built. After your tour, head back to your hotel for some rest. Accommodation: Cusco 3* Hotel Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 : Cusco To Chikiska
Location: Chiquisca
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from your hotel in Cusco to the rustic Cachora village where your trek will begin. After having lunch, start your trek by following a switchback trail down into the Apurimac canyon. You’ll stay the night in Chikiska, a small mountainside settlement with beautiful views down into the Apurimac valley. Accommodation: Camping Overnight: Chikiska Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 : Chiquiska To Marampata
Location: Marampata
Accommodation: Camp, Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek from Chiquiska to Marampata. A tough day of descent & ascent to the site of Marampata where you'll rest for the evening.
Day 6: Choquequirao To Machu Picchu Trek - Day At Choquequirao
Location: Choquequirao
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at your campsite, head out to visit the ruins. With few other tourists around, explore the main plaza, ritual bath, and inlaid stone llamas at the ruins of Choquequirao. The site sits atop a hill rising 1,600m above the Apurimac and was hidden from the Spanish for centuries until Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it before Machu Picchu. The site is yet to be completely excavated, with much of it still shrouded by jungle and cloud forest. In the evening, return to your campsite near the Choquequirao ruins. Accommodation: Camping Overnight: Choquequirao Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Choquequirao To Machu Picchu Trek - Choquequirao To Mayisal
Location: Choquequirao
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready for the toughest day of the trek. You’ll start by trekking 1,400m downhill from your campsite near Choquequirao to the newly uncovered ruins of Picha Unuyoc, then down to Rio Blanco where you can dip your feet in the refreshing water. You’ll then climb 1,200m back up to Maizal, a beautiful campsite at 3,000 m. Accommodation: Camping Overnight: Maizal Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Choquequirao To Machu Picchu Trek - Maizal To Yanama, Then Drive To Lucmabamba
Location: Lucmabamba
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from your campsite in Maizal and hike past long-lost silver mines through the Abra San Juan mountain pass to the highest point of the trek at 4,150m. From here, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba range, then you’ll descend down to the village of Yanama before driving over the Totora pass to the village of Lucmabamba. Accommodation: Camping Overnight: Lucmabamba Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Choquequirao To Machu Picchu Trek - Lucmabamba - Llactapata Aguas Calientes
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your last day of hiking, you’ll walk from your campsite in Lucmabamba through fields and cloud forests along an imperial Inca trail. Llactapata is a small, beautiful set of ruins hidden in the wilderness with a view across to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll continue down to the Hydroelectric power station, where you can either take a train or hike to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep for an early start to see Machu Picchu at dawn. Overnight: Aguas Calientes Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Choquequirao To Machu Picchu Trek - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Ollantaytambo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Get an early start to beat the crowds and get the best views of the ancient ruins. From Aguas Calientes, it's an easy 25-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins. This 15th-century Inca citadel is located at 7,970ft (2,430 m) and is a masterpiece of engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Incan Emperor Pachacutec and his royal court. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Built as a seasonal residence for the Inca family, Machu Picchu was rarely home to more than 800 people, and during the royals' absence, a mere 100 servants would remain at the site to maintain the grounds. Machu Picchu was abandoned 100 years after construction due to the Spanish conquest and remained largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. Your guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings and curious corners of the building complex. Approximately one-third of the site has been reconstructed into its original structure, giving visitors a sense for the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel. After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Ollantaytambo Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Maras & Moray Tour: Ollantaytambo - Urubamba
Location: Urubamba
Accommodation Name: Urubamba
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you'll depart from your hotel in Ollantaytambo for your journey to Moray. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the Andes' snow-capped peaks, lush yellow fields of wheat, and small villages. Upon arrival in Moray, you'll see the three famous amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces are carved deep into the earth in the shape of a bowl. It is believed that the Incas once used these terraces as agricultural laboratories to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops. When you are finished exploring Moray, you will head about two miles away, to the salt mines of Maras. This village is known as a former saltproducing center and is thought to date back to pre-Incan times. There are over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside, that are filled daily by a stream of water. This spectacular area is perfect for you if you wish to see something different than the ruins. After exploring Maras, you'll travel to Urubamba and check in to your hotel. Overnight: Urubamba Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: Sacred Valley Tour: Urubamba - Pisac - Chinchero - Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Cusco 3* Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will be picked up from your hotel in Urubamba to begin your second day adventure in the Sacred Valley. First, you will head to one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, Pisac, to see Inca burial grounds, ancient irrigation systems and religious centers. Upon arriving in Pisac, visit its ruins and terraces, then head down the valley to the visit the town. Here, you'll walk through the cobblestoned streets to the plaza to see locals selling produce and souvenirs in their stands. You will have some free time to browse and do some shopping. After exploring Pisac, travel to the Awanakancha Llama Sanctuary where you will see llamas, alpacas and a weaving demonstration. After, you will head to Chinchero, the small rustic Andean town where you will get to explore the ruins before making your way back to Cusco. Overnight: Cusco 3* Hotel Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: Departing Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your last day in Peru! You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to Cusco Airport, where you will transfer to your homewardbound flight. ¡Buen viaje! Meals included: Breakfast
What's Included
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Breakfast x 12
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Lunch x 10
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Dinner x 5
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Private Transport - collection & drop-off
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Professional bilingual guide
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Cook
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Horsemen & mules
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All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Walking sticks)
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Entrance to Machu Picchu & return trip bus tickets to Aguas Calientes
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Accommodation in Aguas Calientes x 1 night
What's Not Included
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International Airfares
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Adventure Travel Insurance
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Tips for crew
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Any additional extras
Mode of Transport
Travel includes private transport for collection and drop-off, domestic flights from Lima to Cusco, and train tickets to Cusco, ensuring a seamless journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-star hotels in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes, with camping accommodations in scenic locations such as Chikiska, Choquequirao, Maizal, and Lucmabamba during the trek.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I see at the salt mines of Maras?
At the salt mines of Maras, you can see over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside, filled daily by a stream of water.
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Are entrance fees to Machu Picchu included?
Yes, entrance to Machu Picchu and return trip bus tickets to Aguas Calientes are included.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation includes a mix of 3-star hotels in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes, as well as camping during the trek.
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What kind of support staff is available during the trek?
The trek includes a cook, horsemen, and mules.
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Is there a professional guide provided during the tour?
Yes, a professional bilingual guide is included in the tour.
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What kind of transport is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transport for collection and drop-off, train tickets to Cusco, and domestic flights from Lima to Cusco and back.
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What can I expect to see at the Choquequirao ruins?
At the Choquequirao ruins, you can explore the main plaza, ritual bath, and inlaid stone llamas. The site is largely unexcavated and shrouded by jungle and cloud forest.
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What activities are included in Cusco?
In Cusco, activities include exploring the city, visiting the San Pedro Market, the Sun Temple (Qoricancha), and the religious site of Sacsayhuaman.
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Is camping equipment provided during the trek?
Yes, all camping equipment is provided, including sleeping bags and walking sticks available for hire.
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What kind of meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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What is the highest point reached during the trek?
The highest point of the trek is the Abra San Juan mountain pass at 4,150 meters.
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What is the significance of the terraces at Moray?
The terraces at Moray are believed to have been used by the Incas as agricultural laboratories to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.
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What is included in the Sacred Valley tour?
The Sacred Valley tour includes visits to the archaeological site of Pisac, the Awanakancha Llama Sanctuary, and the town of Chinchero.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include exploring the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, visiting the recently uncovered ruins of Picha Unuyoc, taking a dip in the Rio Blanco, climbing the Abra San Juan pass, and exploring Machu Picchu at sunrise.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For 3 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Always
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour
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Free Date Changes
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform unu raymi tour operator & lodges, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 44 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of unu raymi tour operator & lodges charges.
Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Peru Adventure: Machu Picchu & Choquequirao
13 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Chiquisca, Marampata, Choquequirao, Lucmabamba, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Urubamba ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 15
Age range:
18-65
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Private Available:
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