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to the last bastion of the incas After two days we arrive at the Choquequirao ruins - perched high on a spur above the Apurimac canyon. From here we venture into what is little visited territory, descending to the Rio Blanco and then on up to the Inca ruins at the Victoria mines.

We continue to the isolated village of Yanama , from where the climb to the highest point of the trip - Choquecatarpo Pass - starts. This is a spectacular 4600 metre pass, which is surrounded by snow capped peaks has the added bonus of some special Inca paving en route. From Choquecatarpo we descend to Huancacalle, a charming village in the region of Vilcabamba.

The Choquequirao to Vilcabamba route was of much significance to the Incas, with Choquequirao believed to have been in operation after the Spanish conquest, and Vilcabamba the last refuge of the Incas (Espiritu Pampa). ** we now offer this tour with a Machu Picchu extension!

Get excited and enthusiastic about you own dream. This excitement is like a forest fire - you can smell it, taste it, and see it from a mile away. Denis Waitley

Day 1: We depart Cusco at 7am in a private car. If there is time, we will visit the archaelogical site of Saywite before descending to the mountain village of Cachora, After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. Our total hiking time today is about five hours. Accommodation: Camping at Chiccisqa .

Day 2: Departing early, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1550m) before beginning our climb to Santa Rosa and then onto Maranpata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the ruins of Choquequirao, from here we have two hours more hike to the ruins. We will spend the late evening in the ruins, where we will watch the sunset and have the chance to see condors. Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite

Day 3: We have a chance to more fully explore the ruins and have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we will climbing over a ridge hike to the ruins Pinchinuyoc, where we will camp the night. This is definately the easiest day of the trip! Accommodation: Camping at Pinchinuyoc

Day 4: After 2 hours of walking, we will arrive at the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1990m) where will have a rest before starting a difficult climb to our campsite of Maizal. The climb is 3- 4 hours. Accommodation: Camping at Maizal

Day 5 : We depart at 7am, and walk uphill for about 3 hours through semi-jungle, to the Victoria Mines. We visit the ancient mines and some Inca Ruins before climbing an hour more to the pass of Abra Victoria. (4130m). There are spectacular views from the pass as we descend to the charming village of Yanama. (about 2 hours walk). Accommodation: Camping at Yanama

Day 6: We depart at 7am and will walk on the pretty paths along the edge of mountainsides to our lunch spot, which is surrounded by craggy mountains. After lunch we will walk 2 hours more to our campsite of Quellqca Machay. Surrounded by snowcapped peaks, this is a spectacular, yet cold, place to spend the night! Accommodation: Camping at Quellqca Machay

Day 7: We depart Quellqca Machay at 6am, and after about 4 hours climb will arrive at the Choquecatarpo Pass (4600m), the highest and most spectacular of the passes during the trip. We will have lunch at the Lagunas during the descent and will arrive in the town of Huancacalle (2900m) about 5.30pm. The total walking time for this day is between 8 to 9 hours. Accommodation: Hostal Huancacalle

Day 8: Departing at around 8am we will visit the interesting ruins of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Nustahispaña, returning to Huncacalle around 11am. From here will travel to Quillabamba (4 hours) and then return to Cusco by night bus.

OPTIONAL ITINERARY, VISITING MACHU PICCHU

Day 8: Departing at around 8am we will visit the interesting ruins of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Nustahispaña, returning to Huncacalle around 11am. From here will travel to Santa Theresa (via Santa Maria) and then onto La Playa. (You are going in reverse from what people on the Salkantay hike do!) We will climb for about 3 hours before descending to the interesting, but largely covered ruins of Llactapacta. Orginally discovered by Hiram Bingham at the same time that he discovered Machu Picchu, modern day explorers Vincent Lee and Gary Ziegler recently established that these ruins are much bigger and more important than previously thought. We camp at the ruins of Llactapacta with a view of Machu Picchu.

Day 9: After breakfast we start our hike to Aguas Calientes. We descend steeply, passing the artificial waterfalls created by the Hydroelectric system. We have our boxed lunch at the Hydroelectric Plant. Here, we will visit an unrestored small Inca ruin named Intihuatana, which has an important role in the relationship between Llactapata and Machu Picchu. In the afternoon we will hike alongside the railway tracks for about two hours, during which time we will be able to look upwards and admire the ruins of Machu Picchu. We spend the night at a Hostel in Aguas Calientes. *If you are very tired upon arrival at the Hydroelectric Train Station you can go by train to Aguas Calientes, an extra cost of $8 per person.

Day 10: After breakfast we take an early bus up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where we have a guided visit of approximately two hours. After this you are free to explore this famous site, and if you feel energetic we recommend you to climb Huayna Picchu, however you must leave before 12 noon. This hike takes about 1 hour to climb, and less to descend and offers awesome views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding terrain. You have the option to walk down from Machu Picchu, or to take the bus. (Not included). In the late afternoon (about 4pm) we will return to Cusco by train, arriving around 8pm.

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
• It is possible to start or finish your trip in either Urubamba or Ollayantatambo, in order to make it easier for you to visit the Sacred Valley.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required for this hike in a 8 day/ 7 night itinerary. If you would like to do this tour but feel that you need more time, a longer tour is recommended
• This region is not frequently visited by tourists, therefore tourist infrastructure is limited. This tour incorporates public transport, and use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure!

What's included?

For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek.
• Transport from Huancacalle to Cusco, via Quillabamba.
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
• Entry fees: Choquequirao and Vitcos-Rosaspata
• Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
• Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
• Toilet tent
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
• Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $8 per day.
• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses plus a budget for their meals.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

What is not included?

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Entrance to the thermal springs
• Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $8US per day.

You should bring:

• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
• Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
  We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
• Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC card (if you have one).
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
• Binoculars (if you have them)
  

optional extras We can hire the following.

• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
• Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
• Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
• Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule .

The potential of the average person is like a huge ocean unsailed, a new continent unexplored, a world of possibilities waiting to be released and channeled toward some great good." Brian Tracy

If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point. ~Antonio Porchia, Voces, 1943, translated from Spanish by W.S. Merwin

the whole apus adventure began with this trek - in 2002 ariana was given a book by her inca trail guide, she used that book to visit the ruins at vitcos rosaspata, and during that visit she and her friends met a crusty old campesino farmer who engaged with her friends in a lengthy discussion in quechua. at the end of the conversation, ariana asked, "what did he say" and her friends responded that he told them that trail they were on led through the mountains to the famous city of choquequirao. about a year later, ariana and her mother mounted what was for them an epic expedition - 20 days through the cordillera vilcabamba from choquequirao to vilcabamba and then onto espiritu pampa. the people - guides felix and big willy - the arrieros uriel and mario - and the experience are all remain an important part of 'apus peru' today.

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.