Choquequirao, Machupicchu

Choquequirao

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Description

Discover the best kept secret of the Incas: Choquequirao, an archaeological jewel hidden deep in the Peruvian Andes. Known as the "sacred sister" of Machu Picchu, this ancestral citadel awaits you with its impressive terraces, temples and plazas, surrounded by a mountainous landscape of indescribable beauty.

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure as you explore the mysteries of Choquequirao, reaching dizzying heights and traversing ancestral paths that will lead you to discover the lost grandeur of this civilization. From its imposing structures to its panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, every corner of Choquequirao tells a fascinating story that will transport you back in time.

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Capuliyoc - Rosalina Beach.

The trip starts early in the morning leaving the city of Cusco and the first destination where the vehicle takes us is the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2850 m.a.s.l.), located in the district of Curahuasi; from this place we walk all the way, cross the Cachora stream and ascend through a eucalyptus forest and vegetation.), located in the district of Curahuasi; from the mentioned place we make the whole journey on foot, we cross the Cachora stream and ascend through a forest of eucalyptus and native vegetation to the observation post of Capuliyoc (2800 m) where the muleteers are waiting to transport the heaviest belongings on muleback. We continue along the road until we reach a viewpoint from where we observe the Apurimac River whose course has formed the Apurimac Canyon, considered the deepest in the world, past this point we must consider that our spiritual adventure begins having as first main destination the sanctuary of Choquequirao, so our spiritual guide will make a ritual offering asking permission to Mother Earth (Pachamama), the Apu Salkantay and other sacred mountains of the surroundings so that they can lead us on our way with harmony, peace, love and understanding. After continuing the trek for a few more hours, lunch will be served and it will be possible to rest for a moment at the stopping place. The descent towards the Apurimac River through a zigzagging path, between bushes and diverse vegetation and a forest of native trees called Phaty, takes approximately six hours until we reach the first camp of Playa Rosalina (1550 m.a.s.l.). where a harmonization meeting and an offering to the Pachamama takes place and where we can expect a warm night in the valley.
Day 2: Rosalina Beach - Marampata.

During breakfast we will have two minutes of silence to give thanks for our day and cross the bridge over the Apurimac River. Climbing a slope we will reach Santa Rosa (2095 m.a.s.l.), where we can take a refreshing break. We continue upwards towards Marampata (2850 m), a flat place where we can rest in the second camp of the trip, enjoying a splendid view of Choquequirao. In Marampata we will have an offering to mother earth and a moment of purification and spirituality accompanied by the scenic beauty of the place. The distance to be covered on the second day is approximately 12 km and is done in five or six hours, the gradients vary from flat to very steep. In the Marampata camp there are bathrooms and showers to relax before spending the night and preparing for the next day that will take us to Choquequirao.
Day 3: Marampata - Choquequirao.

After breakfast we will start our two-hour hike to the archaeological park of Choquequirao (3033 m.a.s.l.), where we will have a ceremony to cleanse our energy. Then we will visit the complex accompanied by a guide who will give us information about the history and other characteristics of the site, appreciating in the tour the housing, agricultural and ceremonial sectors. In addition, we can see the ruins in the process of excavation and finally unexplored areas. Afterwards, we will have a moment to enjoy the sanctuary individually.
Day 4: Choquequirao - Maizal.

After breakfast we must get ready to continue the journey to our next campsite in Maizal. Three hours walk away we find the archaeological site of Pinchiunuyoc, this place is something very special; its name means "water jumping forward". The terraces that make up its structure were used for the cultivation of food, as in all the places built by the Incas. Through a path between mountain forests we will advance in a long and steep ascent until we reach the camp in Maizal (3000 m.a.s.l.), site that is one of the most beautiful places of the tour, with a spectacular view of three different valleys and the peaks of the great snowy Occjoruro and Chamanayoc, right in front of us. In this place we make a payment of gratitude to the Apus Salkantay, Occjoruro and Chamanayoc.
Day 5: Maizal - Yanama.

Early in the morning, we leave our Maizal camp after a group harmonization. On our way through the puna we have lunch at the San Juan pass (4200 m) with a beautiful view of the Choquetakarpo mountain. After lunch we start the descent to Yanama (3530 m), a small isolated village at the bottom of a valley surrounded by mountains. This place has an indescribable beauty, tranquility and calm are very noticeable in this place, here we will make a payment of thanks to the Pachamama to lead and guide us on it.
Day 6: Yanama - Totora.

During breakfast we will share a ten minute moment for fellowship and meditation. We leave Yanama through the valley climbing to the highest point of the trip, crossing the Yanama pass (4600 m), where we will have a good scenic view of the snow-capped Sacsarayoc. On the other side we will descend towards our next camp in the community of Totora (3200 m.a.s.l.), where we will spend the night.
Day 7: Totora - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes.

At dawn in Totora we will have a pleasant moment of meditation and after having breakfast, we will leave for the area called Hidroeléctrica, crossing different altitudinal floors where the change of type of vegetation cover is quite noticeable, passing from the high altitude forests to the rainforests of the high jungle. On the way we will see small waterfalls and we will be able to observe - with a little luck and if we walk quietly - a great variety of birds and plants such as epiphytes and orchids. The change in climate is also noticeable as it feels warm and humid. Continuing on the trail, we arrive at the Hidroeléctrica station (1900 m) where we board the train to Aguas Calientes (2050 m), a town where we will be accommodated in the lodge or a hotel of your choice (included). After a rest and a refreshing bath, we will enjoy dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.
Day 8: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart at approximately 05:00 a.m. from Aguas Calientes to the sacred city of the Incas: Machupicchu. The tour will be done in the traditional way, by the Inca Trail, in a period of two hours. Upon arrival we will make an offering of thanks and permission to enter the sanctuary of Machupicchu (2430 m.a.s.l.), being this our last ritual of gratitude; we will enter to tour the wonder of the world accompanied by a tour guide and always accompanied by our spiritual guide for a time of two hours to know the most important details of the ancestral city. Afterwards, each person can visit the complex on their own if they wish. In the afternoon we will board the train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo station and a bus with final destination in the city of Cusco.

TOUR DETAILS

Age requirements: 12+
Physical Requirement: 4 - Demanding (High mountain hiking or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travelers).
Travel style: active
Hiking, adventures around the world for the outdoors.
Type of trip: small group
Small group experience; Max. 11 min. 05.

What should I bring?

Original passport
Backpack
Change of clothes, jacket and clothes for warm and cold climates.
Strong and warm socks.
Camera.
Non-disposable water bottle (boiled water is provided for drinking).
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Insect repellent.
Basic toiletries and toilet paper, small towel.
Cash in soles and U.S. dollars.
Optional: walking sticks / poles with rubber cover).
Selection of snacks, dried fruits and nuts, cookies, energy bars, etc.

What is included?

One way transportation by vehicle: Cusco - Cachora.
Train trains to Aguas Calientes
Entrance tickets to Machupicchu
Train train to Ollantaytambo
Return transportation by vehicle: Ollantaytambo - Cusco.
Professional guide: bilingual.
Spiritual guide (shaman).
Traditional musician
Opening offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) showing our intentions and respect for the earth and for permission and protection in our process.
Closing offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) giving thanks for her protection on our journey.
Coca leaves ceremony (unification of group energy).
Kitchen: responsible for preparing meals.
Horses: they carry tents, cooking utensils and also carry the travelers' luggage.
You should travel light, for the tour we offer you a seven kilos duffel bag, for the mules to carry on the trip for your personal items and your sleeping bag should not be carried on your back, but will be available at campsites and stops on the trip.
A saddle or an emergency horse is available.
Entrance to Choquequirao.
Lunch: 7 breakfasts / 7 lunches / 7 dinners / snacks.
We provide one liter of boiled water every day in the morning.
Lodging in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Equipment: tents (2 persons in each), inflatable mattress, dining tent, biodegradable toilet tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs.
Sleeping bag.
First aid kit.
Oxygen bottle.

Does not include:

Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.
Canes

On the way you can visit the 7 lagoons including Azulcocha Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha and Q'omercocha that make up the park, we can also see some animals such as birds, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas and with some luck the majestic Andean Condor.

Take into account that the estimated hours are an approximate, taking into consideration the physical condition of the passenger, in addition to the following services as support in the respective trekking.