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This extraordinary 8-day trekking expedition is a journey through time in a remote region where the Andes meet the Amazon. Beginning in the Apurimac River district, original Inca trails lead us through Andean cloud forests, highland Puna, and sub-tropical river valleys to the important archaeological complexes of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Along the way, we traverse high mountain passes and descend into picturesque valleys while surrounded by mammoth snow-capped peaks still revered as sacred Apu spirits. Other highlights of the trek include secluded Andean villages, wild orchids, condors, and many other rare species of plants and wildlife.

According to historians, Choquequirao was the dwelling of the last rebel Incas who resisted the Spanish conquistadors, and like Machu Picchu, the Spanish were thought never to have discovered it.

Day
1

Cusco-Cachora

We depart Cusco early in the morning in our private transportation and drive to the town of Cachora. Along the way, we visit the archaeological sites of Sawite and Tarawasi. Overnight at San Pedro de Cachora village, where we get our first glimpse of the breathtaking Vilcabamba range. L, D

Day
2

Cachora-Playa Santa Rosa

Today we enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Apurimac Canyon. Continuing downhill along the trail to the Apurimac River, we cross a bridge and begin to ascend the trail on the opposite side. Overnight camp at Santa Rosa.  B, L, D 

Day
3

Santa Rosa - Choquequirao

On this day we have a steep hike up the rugged trail to the remarkable archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3300m.), perched 1500m. above the Apurimac River. During the ascent we enjoy spectacular views of the natural landscape that surrounds this fascinating Inca refuge. We set up camp near the ruins. B, L, D 

Day
4

Choquequirao-Pinchaynuyoc

 In the morning, we have plenty of time to explore the extensive terraces, ceremonial dwellings, and sacred temples of the Choquequirao archaeological complex. Later we follow an Inca water canal out of the citadel through cloud forest and highland prairie with views of the Vilcabamba Range and the sub-tropical valley below. In the afternoon we arrive to the recently discovered stone remains covered in moss at Pinchaynuyoc, where we camp for the night. B, L, D 

Day
5

Pinchaynuyoc-Maizal

Today the trail takes us through dry Andean highland forest then descends into the Rio Blanco valley. From the river, we make another steep climb to Maizal, from where we enjoy amazing views of three converging valleys and the great snowy peaks of Salkantay and Padrilloc. One of the most beautiful places on our trip, we camp here for the night. B, L, D

Day
6

Maizal-Yanama

We begin with a long clime through cloud forest and over dry puna covered in Ichu grass to the San Juan pass (4050m.) From here we can spot remnants of the Victoria mines and a network of well-preserved Inca trails. After reaching our second pass at Choqueqatarpo (4000m.) we descend to Yanama, a small village at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains. B, L, D 

Day
7

Yanama-Tortora

Today we make another ascent to the Yanama pass (4500m.) and follow the snowline into a grassy valley. We have the rare opportunity to spot Andean Condors circling above us or along the rim of other nearby peaks. Later we make the long, foggy descent to the community of Tortora where we camp for the night B, L, D

Day
8

Totora-Playa

On this day, we walk approximately 2000m. down from the highlands, passing glacial-fed waterfalls and changing vegetation to the sub-tropical jungle region. Here we encounter several species of birds and wild orchids, along with small coffee and fruit plantations. We camp in the village of Playa B, L, D. 

Day
9

Playa-Hydroelectric-Aguas Calientes

 From Playa, we hike an original Inca trail once used to transport the area’s various agricultural products to Machu Picchu. Again we climb through sub-tropical cloud forest, noticing a unique variety of flora and fauna. Reaching the top, we enter a thick, mossy forest and discover the partially-covered ruins of Llactapata. From this spot we catch a unique rear glimpse of the Machu Picchu archaeological complex on the mountain directly ahead. After lunch we take the zigzagged trail down to the hydroelectric dam on the Urubamba River and then to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night at a comfortable 3-star hotel. B, L 

Day
10

Machu Picchu - Cusco

We take the early bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary for an in-depth tour of these magnificent Inca remains. After the tour we have plenty of time to explore the terraces, dwellings, and ceremonial temples on our own. We can also climb the towering Huayna Picchu, meaning Young Mountain, for awesome views of the landscape below. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco.  B, Box lunch

Andina Travel Peru
Plazoleta Santa Catalina Nº 219 Cusco - Peru
Tel/Fax: +51 84 251892 / andinatravel@terra.com.pe

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