This trek is a 8 days trip starting from Cachora and ending in Machu Picchu. The route takes us through Choquequirao and several remote villages. We decided to do this combo trip because we wanted to see both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Choquequirao sits in the saddle of a high Andean ridge, 3000m./10,000 ft. above sea level and 1,500m./5,000 ft. above the roaring waters of the Apurimac River . Ringed by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, thickly forested slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center, dedicated to the worship of the mountain gods, the river and the elements of nature. Choquequirao has been called " Machu Picchu 's sacred sister", because of the striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous counterpart above the Urubamba Gorge. Yet it remains an enigmatic place whose history is a matter of speculation. One theory of its origins holds that it was a royal estate built for the emperor Topa Inca, perhaps in an attempt to rival his father Pachacuti's spectacular domain at Machu Picchu.

1. Choquequirao to Machu-picchu 8 days
(combo trip)
This trek is a 8 days trip
starting from Cachora and
ending in Machu Picchu. The
route takes us through
Choquequirao and several
remote villages. We decided
to do this combo trip
because we wanted to see
both Choquequirao and
Machu Picchu. Choquequirao
sits in the saddle of a high
Andean ridge,
3000m./10,000 ft. above
sea level and 1,500m./5,000
ft. above the roaring waters
of the Apurimac River .
Ringed by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, thickly forested
slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center, dedicated
to the worship of the mountain gods, the river and the elements of nature.
Choquequirao has been called " Machu Picchu 's sacred sister", because of the
striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous counterpart
above the Urubamba Gorge. Yet it
remains an enigmatic place whose
history is a matter of speculation. One
theory of its origins holds that it was a
royal estate built for the emperor Topa
Inca, perhaps in an attempt to rival his
father Pachacuti's spectacular domain at
Machu Picchu.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Cusco, Cachora to Chiquisca.-At 6:00 am pick up from your hotel and
travel to Cachora (4 hours by bus): While the group is having breakfast the crew
will arrange the horses for the trek. Already from the village of Cachora we can
observe the majestic Padrayoc snow capped mountain, the highest is 5482 m.a.s.l.
The hike on this first day is 19 km or 6 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.).Campsite in Chiquisca at 1550 masl. (L-D).
Day 02: Chiquisca to Choquequirao Ruins.-After an early breakfast 6:00 am. we
start walking 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 rest
we continue our hike going up to Choquekiraw. The first 2-3 hours are going up

2. 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 Choquequiraw after 5 hours, arriving around 3 pm. We explore
the ruins after arriving. The view of the canyon is spectacular, it is also possible to
see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite near at Choquequirao.
3033 masl. (B-L-D).
Day 03: Choquequirao to Maizal
On this day we walk uphill for a while up to 3299 masl considered as a first pass
and then descend to Rio Blanco, 1909 masl. 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. We will have our lunch near the Rio Blanco, we 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.
From Rio Blanco we climb up to Maizal for about 3 hrs. Camp at 3000 masl. (B-L-
D).
Day 04: Maizal to Yanama.-From camp site we start walking uphill passing by the
impressive inca mines called Minas Victoria and towards the Victoria 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, which were later used by other miners. Almost on the top we
can apreciate original paved inca trails. We take our box lunch at the pass in 4200
m.a.s.l. with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, while we had lunch we will be
able to appreciate the flight of the condores depending on the climate, before we
start the descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a
long valley surrounded by mountains. We pass over 4154 masl and finally descend
to our campsite at 3800 masl. (B-L-D).
Day 05: Yanama to Totora.-After breakfast we start climbing slowly to our higher
pass 4668 masl, again the view is amazing, we are sorrounded by snowcapped
mountains the Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoj. 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. (B-L-D).
Day 06: Totora to La Playa.-On this day we descend to the Totora river. As we
go down the birdlife is very interesting especially with hummingbirds, woodpeckers
and many species of orchids and begonias. We walk the about 2000 m.a.s.l. 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.
Campsite at 2125ma sl. (B-L-D).

3. Day 07: La playa to Aguas Calientes.-After a good breakfast we took a transport
that takes to us until the town of Santa Teresa, soon we happened through a Oroya
we cross a river of the Vilcanota, where we will take a transport to Planta de
Hidroeléctrica, place where we will have an excellent view to Machupicchu back
site, after the lunch, we walked our last trail that lasts 3 hours until arriving at
Aguas Calientes around 4:30pm where our long walk finishes. We wil spend the
night in Hostal. (B-L-D).
Day 08: Machupicchu Full day and go back to Cusco.- After an early breakfast 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
our train ticket back to Cusco.
Departures: Daily departures
are available along the year.
- transfer for youe hotel to the
trek head by private
transportation to Cachora
(starting point of the trail).
- Personal tents: 2 people in
each 4-people-capacity tent, to
allow for higher comfort and a
safe keeping of backpacks. Our
tents are 3-season, new,
highly maintained to ensure an
excellent performance in field.
- Dining tent with tables and
chairs
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao and Machupicchu.
- Kitchen tent
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) - days 1 to 6..
- 1 emergency horse every 6 persons – days 1 to 6.
- Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) - day 7.
- Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters / horsemen
- Meals (07B, 07L, 07D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day)
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water
to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested
with enough time ahead
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Bus ticket up and down Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker ).
Not included is:
- Sleeping bag.
- Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free
time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in
Aguas Calientes.
- Tips: please beware that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or

4. not according to your wish.
YOU SHOULD BRING:
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended,
especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 4.00 / day)
- Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you
- Flashlight and 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 – no malaria risk has been
reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please beware
that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete
and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a
specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers
along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink
and has not reported any health problem so far.
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage
the Inca Trail)