Choquequirao comfort trek - Full itinerary and inclusions

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora.

We depart Cusco around 9am in a private car. First we will take a break to visit the ruins of Tarawasi Limatambo in the lower valley and then continue onto the archaelogical site of Saywite, an incredible Inca carved boulder, boasting many animal, plant and town figures carved in it. We will stay the night at the Los Balcones hostal in Cachora, which is a rustic, charming hostel which also offers modern conveniences. They have a full service restaurant: enjoy pizza cooked in an authentic wood oven, or an outdoor barbeque.  They have comfortable beds, hot and showers. After lunch, the afternoon is free for you to wander the traditional mountainsides (with advise from your guide) or simply rest in the charming village. Enjoy the views of the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. In the evening your meal is at the Tres Balcones restaurant.Accommodation: Tres Balcones hotel, Cachora http://www.choquequirau.com/index2.html

Day 2: Cachora - Santa Rosa

Today we will meet our arrieros, and with full mule support we descend 1600m into the Apurimac canyon, passing by Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet) 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 and then onto Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft). After lunch we descend to Playa Rosalinas and the magnificent Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet) about 1 hour of hiking. We the begin our steep climb to Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft); Total hours hiking: 7 hours Accomodation: Camping at Santa Rosa

Day 3: Santa Rosa - Choquequirao

Starting early, we continue upwards, towards Marampata (2913m / 9557ft), a flat place where we can rest in similar conditions to Santa Rosa; enjoying a splendid view of Choquequirau. The climb from Santa Rosa takes about 4 hours and is tough. Along the route we can see the ruins of Choquequirao, (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) We will arrviate at lunch at the ruins, so can spend the afternoon and evening in the ruins, where we will watch the sunset and have the chance to see condors. Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite (bathrooms and cold water showers) Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 ml Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hrs

Day 4: Choquequirao - San Ignacio.

In the morning we will have a second visit to the archaelogical site of Choquequirao, further understanding its importance within the Inca Empire. After a rest, we will begin our descent to cross the Apurimac River over the San Ignacio Bridge. The descent is very very steep and so we take our time, descending slowly. This path will demonstrate how steep this river valley is, as well as exposing some impressive and unforgettable views (approx 4 hours to descend). We will rest at the ex Hacienda San Ignacio, after crossing the river and climbing a gentle hill. this is the lowest point fo the trek at 1450m. From here its a gentle climb upwards along the river valley of theTambobamba river for 2 hours towards the hotel at Villa de Los Loros. Villa de Los Loros lodge was designed to be in full harmony with the surrounding environment. While it has a rustic and natural feel, it also has very comfortable installations, including bungalow style bedrooms and a cozy dining room. It has 24 hour hot water.

Distance Travelled: 16 km Approximate Walking Time: 6 hours Accomodation: Villa de los Loros

Day 5: Villa Los Loros - Huanipaca – Cusco

Today allows us a sleep in, and then we can visit some of the surrounds of Villa de Los Loros, including a working farm. You can see some of the activities here http://www.choquequiraolodge.com/index-en.htm

* Note - If this lodge is booked out, we will camp for this night in the vicinity. We encourage early bookings.

We will have an early lunch, around 11am, so that when our private car arrives, we will be ready to go. Its approximately 6 hours back to Cusco from Villa de los Loros.We will arrive in Cusco between 5 and 6pm.

**Optional extra (no extra cost, but must be booked at the time of booking or at the latest during your briefing) About 3 hours from Cusco we will take a small detour to the hot springs of Conoq... a little known hot spring popular with local people. You can take a soak there before getting back in the private van for the rest of the drive back to Cusco.

Itinerary Notes - Choquequirao Comfort Trek

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• Choquequirao is probably the toughest hike in the region. Please read our client reports to see what other people have thought, but nearly all of them find that its harder than they expected. This trek shoud not be attempted by those who do not have some experience in trekking, plus a solid level of fitness

** Machu Picchu Extension * Makes whole trip 6 days long*

Day 5: Itinerary as above.

From Huanipaca, we will drive about 5 hours to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, in the afternoon or evening you will take the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes, where your guide will accompany you to your hotel.  In the evening you will have a celebratory dinner at one of Aguas Calientes numerous restaurants.  Accomodation: Hostal, Aguas Calientes.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early in the morning (before dawn) we will take a bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. (Bus included in price) so that you can appreciate this famous city in the dawn light and before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2.5 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. After your tour you can further explore the ruins by yourself or climb Huayna (Wayna)Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. Please note that new regulations (designed to protect the ruins and for the safety of visitors) mean that there are two entry times to Huayna Picchu - at 7am and 10am, and each time has a limit of 400 enries. Also try to fit in a visit to the Temple of the Moon or Uyna Huayna Picchu while visiting Huayna Picchu.
Normally, during high season those people who climb Huayna picchu spend a extra day at the ruins just to get in the queue for the mountain and then spend a good amount of time on this classic mountain. If you don't get to do Huayna Picchu, other options are:

• Inti Punku (gate of the sun) this is the location where the classic inca trail arrives.
• Inca Bridge
• Machu Picchu mountain.

We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for the vegetation and also the audacity of its builders. Its a 1.5 hour walk back to the village of Aguas Calientes. We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive in Cusco approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes

Pricing for Choquequirao with Machu Picchu extension.

the final price depends on the number of people in your group.

As a guideline, use the prices for the 2 day (Overnight) Machu Picchu found here

http://www.apus-peru.com/tours/index.html

Choquequirao and the Inca Trail extension. * Makes whole trip 7 days long*

Day 5: Itinerary as above.

From Huanipaca, we will drive about 5 hours to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo we will stay in a Standard Hotel (ie Kuychipunku) for the night.

Day 6: Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu

Day 7: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

For full details see the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu itinerary

Please email us directly for pricing. .

......................................................................................................................................................

Practical Information

What's included?

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

• Pre trek briefing
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in private car
• Entry fee to Saywite and Choquequirao
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
• Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest)
• 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 and sleeping bag (up to 7 kg/15lbs per person).
• 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
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• 1 night accomodation on a twin share basis at Tres Balcones, Cachora. (if you are a single traveller you will need to pay a supplement) If the hotel is booked out, accomodation will be camping.
• 1 night accomodation on a twin share basis at Villa de los Loros Lodge. (if you are a single traveller you will need to pay a supplement) If the lodge is booked out, accomodation will be camping.
• Private transport from Cachora to Cusco
• Lunch on the last day is included in this itinerary.

What is not included?

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Dinner on the last night.
• Sleeping bags - 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.

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.
• It gets hot in the Apurimac canyon, you should also be prepared for hot conditions on this trek.
• 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, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash - sufficient for tips and souvenirs, or any drinks or snacks you might want to buy along the way.
• Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity 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 to you.

• Extra mule to carry YOUR things - $10.00 per trip day
• Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it - $18 per trip day
• Sleeping Bag suitable for – 10deg $4.00 per trip day
• Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -15deg. $5.00 per trip day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($2.00 per day, per stick) Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable mattress - $4 per trip day
• Inflatable pillow - $2 per trip day
• Comforting Camping trek upgrade $40.00  per trip day
• Single tent supplement (ie you don’t want to share a tent) $25.00 per person

HIRE POLICY:

• When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’
• If you hire equipment and break it – you are responsible for price of replacement /or repair. (please do the right thing!)

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative)

• 5% discount on treks only for members of South American Explorers Club (SAE)
• Students: US$ 20.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

TO MAKE A BOOKING

Please visit our Make a Booking page.

You will need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit. For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our Make a Booking page. * For organisational reasons, we require one week to organise your booking, prior to departure.