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Country: peru
Locations: Cusco, cachora, playa Rosalinda,chiquisca,yanama,rio blanco,colpapampa,la playa,llactapata,aguas calientes.
Price: below  note: All Taxes are included
special discounts:Note :10% DISCOUNT FOR GROUPS OF 6 PEOPLE OR MORE
SAE: 5% on full program price (valid South American Explorers Club membership card required). This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is offered http://www.saexplorers.org/club/home
•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).
students discounts: US$ 20.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC )and must be below 26 years of age. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid).

CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU INFO- CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU MAP- CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU FLORA - CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU FAUNA- CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU VIA LLACTAPATA- CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU - INKA TRAIL CHOQUEQUIRAO MACHUPICCHU - CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU 8/D - CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU VIA LLACTAPATA- CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU VIA SALKANTAY
 

This expeditions will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area and Peru: CHOQUEQUIRAO and MACHU PICCHU. The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are already all over the world. Since its re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discussions and research about the Incas, and finally in 1981 the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, same that in 1983 where honored by UNESCO as World Heritage. As much one can find of writings and histories about Machu Picchu, the little one can find about the latter, but not less interesting ruin complex of Choquekirao.
The archaeological site of CHOQUEQUIRAO is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. Choquekiraw is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salcantay, at 3035 m.a.s.l., surrounded by the snow capped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Panta on the right side of Apurimac river in the Santa Teresa district, the Convention province of the department of Cusco. Choquekiraw is an Inca town formed by small sites spread out in rubblework that in its adjoining constructs a complex metropolis similar to those of the other regions placed on the crest of the hill by the same name- Choquekirao.

FIRST DAY : Arriving at Cachora town at 7.00 in the morning where we will have our breakfast while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. Already from the village of Cachora we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km or 10 hours. On the way we will observe Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora snow covered peaks. We can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains. The walk starts quite flat with views to snow covered peaks and small farms on the step mountainsides. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarftree forest we have lunch brake at Chiquisqa (1950 m.a.s.l.). From here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River in 1550 m.a.s.l. in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short brake at the river we start the steep climb towards Santa Rosa, where we camp for the night in a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m.a.s.l.).

SECOND DAY: Early morning after breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquekiraw. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep, but then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive to the archaeological place CHOQUEKIRAO after 5 hours. After a good lunch and a little break we will walk to the main square of Choquekirao, to enjoy this majestic place, where we will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin. Approximately at 3 o'clock in the afternoon (depends of the weather) • we can be lucky to appreciate "the flight of the Condors". The guide will decide where to set our camp in Raqaypata (2910 m.a.s.l.).

THIRD DAY: After breakfast we have good time to enjoy the majestic archaeological place. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca-town. Besides we see the ruin in progress of excavation and finally areas unexplored- that can tell us about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. After the lunch we walk through Choquekirao, with all equipment going to our next camp. We follow the old water canal for a while before we start the 3 hours walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins found in 1998. First we walk through cloud forest, but then all becomes steep open prairie with open views of the Mountains and valleys. Pinchinoyoc - these ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layer of mosses and other vegetation that covers it. Here we spend the night basically on the old Inca Terraces.

FOURTH DAY: This morning we walk down through an interesting vegetation know as Dry Andean Highland Forest. Trees and plants here look different to what we have seen before. We arrive to the river Victoria after a few hours and use the brake here to get a refreshing bath in the cold and clear river water. We cross walking through the river, since there are no bridges. After our brake we start the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas. On the way up we catch our breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetations on the way up. In Maizal we have our lunch and enjoy, that we can relax this afternoon- with only optional physical activity. Maizal is properly the camp in the most beautiful location of them all. From here we see 3 valleys and a great snow peak right across from us. A good place to lean back and think.

FIFTH DAY: We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan pass. Again a long climb, but we walk in a amazingly beautiful area- first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass. We rest at some of the Victoria mines, where metal shining stones tell about a high concentration of minerals and metals. On our way through the Puna we walk on very well preserved Inca trails, among other characteristics with the classic zigzag. We take lunch at the pass in 4000 m.a.s.l. with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, before we start the descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains.

SIXTH DAY : We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, The Yanama Pass in 4500 m.a.s.l. On the way we have a good view of the snow capped Sacsarayoc. Once again we have the chance to see condors, and this mornings smooth climb bring us through new landscapes- especially the wet grass fields under the snowline that distinguish from everything else seen on the tour. In the pass we might walk in snow, and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields- and bush areas and crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora, where we spend the night.

SEVENTH DAY: We now walk the about 2000 meters down through the changing vegetations to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approx. 7 hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and get a refreshing natural bath. The area also has a big variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations have changed totally, and now we see plants recognizable from the living rooms in Europe and several types of orchids. The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas.

EIGHTH DAY: From the Playa to the Hydroelectric at the Urubamba River. This morning we will work up one newly opened Inca trail. This trail originally was used to transport agricultural products to the population on Machu Picchu and it takes us through an area with coffee plantations and subtropical fruits and crops. As we come up higher the trail the vegetations changes between dry and grassy with flowers and moist cloud forest. In the pass we are suddenly in a cool dense wood full of trees covered with thick mosses. Shortly hereafter we see for the first time the impressing Machu Picchu on a mountain saddle further into the valley. 10 minutes more and we arrive to our lunch spot called Llactapata. He we have our lunch while enjoying the views of Machu Picchu and the beautiful mountains. Then we walk the last part downhill and along the river to the Hydroelectric. Here we can visit on fine Intihuatana while waiting for the train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes where we arrive in the afternoon. We spend the night in a nice hostel.

NINTH DAY: From Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes where we take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from here bus to Cusco. In Cusco we go to at central placed hotel close to the colonial style Plaza de Armas.
 

  INCLUDES:

• Professional English speaking private choquequirao to machu picchu trek tour guide
• Collection from your hotel (we pick you up where you are staying from) from 5:00 to 5:30 am
• Bus to cachora ( trailhead)
• Tourist train (cerrojo-backpacker ) back to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco) see below the train timetables.
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao and Machu picchu
• Food: 8 breakfasts, 8lunches, 8 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 8 dinners
• We have 4 people tents for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your rucksacks
• Camping equipment ( cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables )
• FOAM sleeping mattresses
• Cook who is charge of making the food and cooking equipment
• Horseman , mules or porters (they carry all the food ,cooking stuff , camping equipment and your personal stuff up 8 kilos each one )
• 1 night accommodation in a hostel Aguas Calientes
• Oxygen balloon for any emergency
• First Aid kit
• *Vegetarian/special diet options available
• NOTE: Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo-Backpacker (from aguas calientes to Ollantaytambo) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 12:26 and being the 9:20pm the last train. Quechuas expeditions will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

• Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train to ollantaytambo ) for an increased us$30 let us know please.

( click to see details)  BACKPACKER  –  VISTADOME

 DOESN'T INCLUDE:

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
• Entrances to the hot spring waters ( Santa Teresa (10 soles ) Aguas Calientes(10 soles )
• Sleeping bag with thermal fleece bag for the first night ( coldest and highest camping spot )
• you can hire from us .
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu (optional) US$14 round trip
• ( one way US$7 and you can Buy it at the Aguas Calientes bus station)
• Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack. 

 WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING :

• Original passport and Student card (ISIC VALID INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CARD)
• Travel Insurance is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun protection cream
• Insect Repellent
• Water ,Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
• Toiletries
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries 

 OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING :
• Shorts
• Walking poles(can be hired from us )
• Plasters and bandages
• trekking Sandals

HOW TO BOOK AND SEND YOUR TREK DEPOSIT (Click here and read carefully what you must do)

Choquequirao - Machu Picchu's Sacred Sister

Exploring the Last Inca Refuge

Just below the equator lies a place of mystery and romance. Raging glacier fed rivers roar through deep canyons slicing the igneous spine of the Andes. Towering ice peaks hover like sentinels over mist-shrouded jungles. Lost civilizations and forgotten cities beckon the adventurous. An immense area on the eastern slope of the Andes, The Vilcabamba, remains unmapped and one of the least explored areas on Earth.
In the year 1536, three years after the fall of the Inca empire to Spanish adventurer Francisco Pizarro, the Incas staged a rebellion against the Conquistadors. Manco Inca, grandson of the great emperor Huayna Capac, led his followers in retreat from a failed siege of Cusco. The rebels established court in the remote Vilcabamba triangle, maintaining vestiges of Inca tradition, religion and statehood out of reach of Spanish authorities. A centuries old conflict has raged concerning the location and identification of Manco's capital, Vilcabamba Vieja and other important sites including Machu Picchu.
During May 1994 and October 1995, my self, a Peruvian trained archaeologist/historian from Westcliffe, Colorado, and British ornithologist/explorer, Barry Walker, who lives in Cusco, led an expedition searching for Manca's bastion. Together we had logged more than twenty-five years studying the ancient civilizations of Peru, and we were determined to follow previously unstudied Inca highways to Choquiquirao. We hoped to solve the mystery surrounding the location of the last Inca cities and a sacred ceremonial center, probable refuge of the last Inca ruler. We now believe that Choquiquirao is that center.
Eco-tourism, a concept of using paying participants to fund operations, supported our expeditions. In 1994, ten guests, twelve support staff and twenty eight horses and mules accompanied us on a rugged 15 day adventure across ridges and valleys at altitudes varying between 4,000 and 15,000 feet. I returned with a group the following year. Using a Garman GPS navigational computer, we charted the new finds and plotted Inca roads. Working with Peruvian archaeologist, Perci Paz, members helped clear and excavate a temple.
Findings of the expeditions indicate that Choquequirao is a much more important site than had previously been thought. The central area represents complexes of carefully constructed stone ceremonial buildings associated with baths, fountains and canals. Other areas contain compounds of multiple storied dwellings and store houses. Massive stone-walled agricultural terraces dominate the approaches. Analysis of building material suggests a unique architectural style necessitated by brittle metamorphic rock differing from that of Machu Picchu and the Cusco area. The discovery of the remains of an Inca town and temple near Choquiquirao indicated the presence of a substantial population.
The expeditions established that a major Inca road connected Choquequirao with Vitcos, fitting the description given by the only known visitor to the area during the time of the last Incas. Recent identification of important Inca sites with sacred geography places Choquequirao as one of the most important of ceremonial centers. An artificially truncated hill near the principal plaza served as a ritual platform and celestial observatory affording sighting to six different ice peaks considered sacred to ancient Peruvians.
The equatorial sun, The Inca God Inti, sets directly over Nevado Panta, closest of the high peaks. Like the famous Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is perched on a high ridge overlooking one of the two great rivers, sacred Apu or gods to the Inca, that rush downward to the Amazon. Choquiquirao is three times higher above the river, 6000 feet in all, than Machu Picchu. First visited and described to the western world by a French explorer during the eighteenth century, Choquequirao is best known from a visit by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1910. Remoteness and inaccessibility have discouraged visitors and serious study. It is estimated that fewer than 150 outsiders have viewed the site in this century.
A Peruvian archaeological team with limited funding has recently mapped out the major site complex and has begun restoration and preservation of part of the structures. Although only limited excavation has yet been undertaken, ample evidence exists that Choquequirao was continuously inhabited and that construction continued after the arrival of the Spanish to Peru in 1532. Choquequirao appears to have been abandoned undiscovered by Spanish authorities.
Suggested Reading
Lost City of the Incas: The Story of Machu Picchu and its Builders, Hiram Bingham. Atheneum, 1972.
The Incas and Their Ancestors, Michael Moseley. Thames and Hudson, 1992
The Conquest of Peru,William H. Prescott. New American Library, 1961. A CLASSIC
The Conquest of the Incas , John Hemming. Hartcourt Brace 1970.
Machu Picchu, The Sacred Center, Johan Reinhard. Nuevas Imagenes, Lima. 1991