Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour 9 Day.

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1 Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour 9 Day. This unique Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour combines challenging and spectacular hiking routes traversing one of the most diverse regions of the southern Peruvian Andes and two of South America s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. The world famous site of Machu Picchu, perched high in the Vilcabamba mountains and surrounded in all directions by spectacular mountains is justifiably famous and a key part of visitors itineraries when visiting Peru. Discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham while on an expedition for Yale University, Machu Picchu World Heritage Site is now considered one of new 7 wonders of the world, and a unique example of an Inca City undamaged by the Conquistadores. Not as well known but covering a much larger area the Inca city of Choquequirao invites exploration, and gives the opportunity to explore an import archaeological site in quieter, more meditative surrounds. Sitting above the roaring Apurimac River there is a real possibility to observe Andean Condors in this region. 1 Day 1 Cusco to Santa Rosa. Early in the morning we transfer to the small village of Cachora to begin our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour adventure in this relatively remote area of the Southern Peruvian Andes. At roughly 07.00am we have breakfast as our trekking team readies the mules and horses, checks and packs supplies. From the village of Cachora it is often possible to see the spectacular snow peak of Padrayoc rising high above the Apurimac Canyon to the North. Today s trek will be long, more 21 km over a 10 hour period, but the spectacular scenery more than makes up for this small farms cling to the steep slopes of the Apurimac along our route. As we descend into the Canyon we have a chance to spot Condors near Capuliyoc. There are also some excellent examples of high altitude dry forest to explore on the route. Descending to around 1500m we cross the Apurimac River and begin ascending the far side of the valley towards the small community of Santa Rosa. After a steep 1-½ hour climb we reach our destination near the village where we set up camp. It may be possible to purchase some supplies at a small shop in the village. (B.L.D.) Day 2 Santa Rosa to Choquequirao. After an early breakfast we continue climbing a further 2 to 3 hours to the viewpoint of Marampata. The waterfall of Huanpaca can be seen across the valley. From this point the trial flattens out, following the contours of the Apurimac Valley through some beautiful areas of cloud forest.

2 ...Continuing from Day 2. After around 5 hours of trekking we arrive at our first destination, the vast Inca complex of Choquequirao, sitting on a ridge overlooking the valley at almost 3000m. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to explore this huge site, with the upper and lower plazas and the fine stonework of the outlier building below the main complex being considered particular highlights. Our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour camp will be set up close to the ruins. (B.L.D.) Day 3 Choquequirao to Pinchinuyoc. This morning we have additional time to explore the Choquequirao site before having lunch. Heading into the cloud forest after midday we begin our afternoon Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour, traversing sometimes steep but spectacular trail sections. This entire Andean region is crisscrossed with ancient Inca trails and water channels, and it s one of these water channels that we be following this afternoon. Emerging from the Cloud Forest we enter a region of open Andean grasslands, and after 3 hours we reach the moss encrusted ruins of Pinchinuyoc. Here we camp for the night. The original Inca water channels are still functioning here after hundreds of years providing fresh water. We camp on the old Inca terraces at the site. (B.L.D.) Day 4 Pinchinuyoc to Maizal. From Pinchinuyoc we set out through Dry Andean uplands, after a couple of hours walking the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour we descend towards the Quebrada Victoria, a fast flowing river and an ideal location for a very refreshing bath! On the far side of the Quebrada we once again enter dense cloud forest. It s now a steep climb for 3 4 hours to our camp at Miazal, a outstanding location at 3500m, overlooking converging Andean valleys. Camping at Miazal for the night, this is truly a fantastic moment to appreciate the spectacular Andean environment and the resilient people who still call this land home. (B.L.D.) Day 5 Maizal to Yanama. Today we reach the first of two major passes on our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour, the San Juan Pass at around 4200m. Starting from Maizal we climb through cloud forest in an area rich in wildlife. According to locals the highly endangered Spectacled Bear, unique to the Andean region of South America and the inspiration behind Paddington Bear, still survives in this valley nated by tough ichu grass. 2

3 ...Continuing from Day 5. Here the path follows an original section of Inca Trail, passing abandoned mine shafts etched into the landscape. On reaching the San Juan Pass, about 4 hours from Maizal a new vista reveals itself. On a clear day there are superb views of the Choquetacarpo and Sacsarayoc snow peaks, and far below the Yanama River flowing through the valley. 3 ½ hours of decent brings us to the traditional village of Yanama where we will spend the night. (B.L.D.) Day 6 Yanama to Totora. Today we climb to the highest point on our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour, the 4800m Apacheta pass. We ascend the Yanama River valley, a water rich region punctuated with bogs, streams and waterfalls flowing down from the snowline above. After around 4 hours of hard trekking we reach the top. There are good views of the snow capped peaks Padrayoc (5584m) and Sacsarayoc (5991m), and given clear weather you may even be able to see Salkantay (6271m), the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range. The descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields, bush areas and crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora. We spend the night in Totora. (B.L.D.) Day 7 - Totora to La Playa. Today we descend almost 2000m through increasingly lush green vegetation and cloud forest. The habitat in this section of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour is relatively undamaged and this is a great area for spotting a wide variety of Peruvian bird species and orchids. There is also the prospect of a refreshing bath at the foot of a high waterfall that breaks up the days hiking and may make you feel more presentable for your return to civilization! After a 7 hour trek we camp in the lush and relatively warm surrounds near to the large village of La Playa. (B.L.D.) Day 8 La Playa to Aguas Calientes. Following a section of Inca trail we head towards Aguas Calientes, the town located just below Machu Picchu. This morning we walk up the newly opened Inca trail. This part of the trail was originally used to transport agricultural products and it takes us through an area with coffee plantations and subtropical fruits and crops. Ascending an area of cloud forest we reach our last Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour Pass from where we have our first views of the Machu Picchu site itself. Within 10 minutes from the pass we arrive to eat lunch at Llactapata site. 3

4 ... Continuing from Day 8. After lunch we descend the last part of the trail until hydroelectric station and continue on to Aguas Calientes by trail. In Aguas Calientes we enjoy a night at a comfortable hotel and maybe head out to enjoy the towns well known thermal baths. (B.L.D.) Day 9 Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and on to Cusco. Starting early we take a 25 minute ride above Aguas Calientes to the truly awesome Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the site during an archaeological expedition. This then much of purpose and nature of this site has remained a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the site on your own and if you re feeling energetic there s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. Returning to Aguas Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. End of our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour service. (B.L.) 4 What is included Staff/Crew. Bilingual certified guide. Mules to carry our camping and trekking gear, plus a maximum of 10kg of personal gear per client. Well rested horses in case of emergencies. Friendly horseman hired from local communities. Professional trail cook. Our guides carry first aid kits, an oxygen bottle and a satellite phone in case of any medical emergencies. Accommodation. Good quality tents, self inflating sleeping mattresses, dining tent with camping table and chairs, toilet tent. The last night is at a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes all rooms have private bathrooms and 24 hour hot water. Local Tours and Activities. Guided tours of Machu Picchu and Choquequirao Archaeological Sites are included (entrance fees are included in the price). Transport. Transport from your Cusco hotel to the trail head and buses to and from Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes are provided. On the last day of the tour you will return to Cusco by train, and be transferred to a hotel of your choice on arrival. Meals. Excellent nutritious meals will be provided by cook while on the trek (if you have specific dietary requirements or would prefer vegetarian options please specify this when booking the tour). We also provide energy snacks in between meals. Dinner in Aguas Calientes is also included. 9 Breakfasts. 9 Total Lunches. 8 Dinners

5 What is not Included A warm Sleeping Bag (these can be hired locally) Travel Insurance is not included a good policy covering all tour activities and possible health emergencies is highly recommended and should be considered a priority. Some money for staff tips (generally expected in Peru, although not essential). Alcoholic beverages. Things to Bring Note: On this trek mules will carry up to 10kg of personal gear per client, so please try and keep baggage to a minimum. If you require an extra mule for additional gear please inform us when booking your tour. A good strong day back (around 30 litres is a reasonable size) Good hiking boots. Sandals for relaxing around camp at night. Wind and water proof jacket (Gore-Tex is good) Water bottle. Water purifying tablets Camera (water proof case is useful) Extra batteries for camera Extra money for your own expenses dollars are easily exchanged, there are ATM s in major cities and travelers checks are a secure method of carrying funds A photocopy of your passport/travel documents A copy of your travel insurance Mosquito repellent (DEET is good) Sun block. Sunglasses. Sunhat Flashlight with extra batteries. Swimsuit Binoculars (good for wildlife watching!) Weather/Altitude/Geography/Temperature. Weather: May to October is generally considered the dry season (best time to visit) in the Peruvian Mountains and Jungle, however it can be cool and misty on the Peruvian coast at this time of year. Altitude means that even within the tropics it can be very cold high up (above 2000m) bring warm cloths and light clothes for lower, more tropical parts of the tour. Temperatures can range from below freezing in the highlands to around 35 C in the tropical lowlands. On arrival in high altitude areas clients should drink plenty of water and relax for the first couple of days until fully acclimatized. Culture/language. Peru possesses a mix of both Colonial European and Indigenous Cultures. Spanish is almost universally spoken, with the Indigenous Languages of Quechua, Aymara and other languages used within ethnic groups. Health/precautions. This is quite a demanding trekking tour and clients should possess a good standard of fitness and some hiking/country walking experience. Don t drink tap water purify or buy bottled water (water will be boiled on the trek). Consult your doctor for the latest advice regarding regional health risks/immunisations. Although a generally safe country, always be aware of the possibilities of theft/robbery consult local staff for further information. 5 Machete Tours Contact details/emergency phone number. Cusco office phone: Lima office phone: Europe phone: (Sweden) 24 Hour emergency numbers: (Lima), (Cusco) ronald@machetetours.com