Introduction
An encounter in two Incan cities
The Apurimac and Urubamba valleys are parallel to one another, sheltering the rivers with the same names, which are both principal tributaries of the Amazon. These valleys lie two of the most important and majestic Incan cities: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. In this hike we cross through both valleys, as well as the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, appreciating its beautiful snow-capped peaks, and finally when we descend into the edge of the jungle we will pass through the cloud forest cross a number of different ecosystems. We will see animals like the spectacled bear, Andean deer and the red fox as well as more than 300 species of birds and 200 species of orchids.
Itinerary
DAY 01   
Arrive in Cusco. Our private transportation and guide will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. Time to rest; in the evening, a welcome dinner.
DAY 02
In the morning we will take a tour of Cusco and visit the ruins near to the city, including, Sacsayhuaman, Quenco, Puca Pucara y Tambomachay.
DAY 03
We will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, leaving early from Cusco we will make our first stop in the town of Pisac where we will visit its beautiful ruins and artisan market. We will eat lunch and continue on to Ollantaytambo, an Incan pueblo with amazing ruins. We will return to Cusco for a hot shower. Dinner
DAY 04  
Leaving early from Cusco we will drive northeast for 4 hours towards Cachora, a small town where the majority of the people are farmers and muleteers. Here we will have an amazing view of Salcantay ( 20,500 feet). Here our guides will prepare the equipment that the mules will carry. We will then walk for 2 and a half hours until we arrive at the Capulivoq Pass (9,560 feet), from here we will have a beautiful view of the Apurimac Valley, as well as the Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora peaks. Then we will eat lunch. Finally we will walk a bit more, descending via the Apurimac River until we arrive at the campsite, Chiquisa ( 5,900 feet). (B+L+D)
DAY 05
We will walk for half an hour until we arrive at the bank of the Apurimac River. Then we will begin to climb up to Santa Rosa, eating lunch on the trail. Today we will walk approximately 6 or 7 hours finally arriving at the city of Choquequirao (9,960 feet). We will camp near to the ruins. (B+L+D)
DAY 06
Today we will spend the entire day exploring the Choquequirao ruins. Our guide will explain to us the history and importance of the city as we tour the various sectors of the city. We will enjoy a bath in the waterfalls and tour the various types of orchids native to the area. We will sleep at the same campsite. (B+L+D)
DAY 07
We will leave early and walk for 7 or 8 hours. First we will climb up to 11,483 feet and then descend into the Rio Blanco ravine. Then we will again climb up to the El Maizal campsite. For here we will have an amazing view of the junction of the Yanama River, Blanco River and the Apurimac River. (B+L+D)
DAY 08
Leaving early from the campsite, El Maizal, we will pass by a number of ancient silver mines until we reach Mina Victoria. We will ten descend via the Yanama Valley where we will find our next campsite. Beginning here we will begin to see a number of different species of birds including falcons, black chested eagles, woodpeckers and others. (B+L+D)
DAY 09
Today we will pass through the highest point of our trip, the Yanama Pass (15,000 feet); then we will descend into the hamlet of Totora. We will have the opportunity to see Andean condors among other carnivorous species of birds. Next, we will enjoy a typical Peruvian dish called Pachamanca: the earth is the pan.” We will walk for approximately 8 hours and camp at Totora. (B+L+D).
DAY 10
We will descend via the town of Totora into the Santa Teresa Valley passing by the Colpapama hot springs. Finally we will arrive at Wiñaypoqo, our campsite, on the bank of the Santa Teresa River. Here we will find ourselves on the edge of the jungle, entering the cloud forest. Around us the flora and fauna changes and we begin seeing toucans and parrots. (B+L+D)
DAY 11
We will continue descending through the Santa Teresa Valley, penetrating a forest with a variety of species of bamboo, crossing through banana and other fruit tree plantations, and finally descending through immense coffee plantations. Finally we will arrive at our campsite, Llactapata, where we will see for the first time, the ruins of Machu Pichu. (B+L+D)
DAY 12
Walking 6 hours we will descend into the Urubamba Valley; finally we will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy the hot springs and spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 13
After a delicious breakfast we will go up to Machu Picchu (7,600 feet) for a guided visit of the ruins. We will eat lunch in Aguas Calientes and return via train to the city of Cusco. |
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