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DAY 1: CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISCA
Early morning departure from Cusco in our private transportation that will take us to the town of Cachora where our arrieros (horsemen), mules and horses are waiting. We will hike for about 6 hours down into the Apurimac canyon camping at Chiquisca (1800 ma.s.l.)
L/D
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DAY 2: CHIQUISCA - MARANPATA - CHOQUEQUIRAO
After a good breakfast we will start our strenuous hike up hill for about 5 hours to our lunch spot at Maranpata, and then for another hour and a half to Choquequirao, where we camp. Choquequirao (Golden Cradle) is considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu, because of several similarities, it hangs 1,500 meters above the Apurimac Canyon, and Machupicchu hangs above the Urubamba canyon. It was a religious and administrative center. It is at the same latitude and it is a large citadel with more of 8 hectares, only one third has been uncovered and every day archeologists are finding new things.
B/L/D
3
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO - MAIZAL
Early morning departure walking through Choquequirao, finding our way behind the upper plaza, going up though high cloud forests to the Choquequirao Pass. Afterwards the trail continues through some agricultural terraces or (Andeans) called Pichiyoc which means (water jumping forward) this terraces have some curious ritual fountains. Also this terraces in the Inca Times where cultivated to provide food for the locals. We will continue up toward the Rio Blanco for lunch. In the afternoon we enter to another Andean valley to the hamlet of Maizal where we will camp.
B/L/D
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DAY 4: MAIZAL - YANAMA
Early morning trek we walk around the Corihuarachina glacier, important due to some archeological remains such as Inca channels. Then we pass through Minas Victoria, a place that during the colony, silver was extracted from a mine. After we continue our trek to the valley and town of Yanama. We will camp at the shadow of the Pumasillo Glacier.
B/L/D
5
DAY 5: YANAMA - TOTORA
We will trek surrounded by the high mountains of the Vilcabamba Range full of Ichu grass and of Tarwi brush, we go up to the Yanama Pass (4580 m.a.s.l.), the highest pass on the way. In the afternoon we will continue down river arriving at the hamlet of Totora, where we will camp. This place has indescribable beauty, tranquility and pure nature surrounded by the glaciers Salcantay, Padreyoc, and Pumasillo.
B/L/D
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DAY 6: TOTORA - WIÑAYPOCO
Early departure following the Totora river to enter an area of high cloud forest by passing the hamlet of Lluscamayo and arriving at Collcapampa known for its hot springs. Then we descend the trail on the left side of the Santa Teresa river where we will see small plantations of bananas, coffee, etc., arriving later at the grassy slopes of Wiñaypoco where we camp.
B/L/D
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DAY 7: WIÑAYPOCO - PALTALLACTA
arly morning start following the trail down the left side of the Santa Teresa River through more plantations of bananas, avocados, oranges, coffee, cacao and more, arriving to Miscabamba where we cross the river, then we go across the road that goes to the town of Santa Teresa, continuing on the slope of the hill to our right going through an Andean cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass, then descending through grass land and fruit trees where there is a lot of cattle. Then we will arrive at Paltallacta, where we will camp. The panoramic view from this place is breath taking; you could see a different angle of Machupicchu and the Acobamba canyon, where another Inca trail can be seen.
B/L/D
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DAY 8: PALTALLACTA - AGUAS CALIENTES
Early morning descent through orchids and ferns, until we reach the Acobamba river, then crossing a metal bridge with views of an impressive water fall that goes to the Hydroelectric plant. Arriving at the rail road tracks and then taking a two hour walk on the rail road tracks to Aguas Calientes. Where we will spend the night in a nice hotel and you will have time to soak yourselves in the local hot springs.
B//L/D
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DAY 9: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Early walk or bus to the Citadel of Machupicchu, guided tour for 2 hours and plenty of free time to explore more, optional time to climb the mountain Huaynapicchu, Temple of the Moon or the Sun gate, after that you have to take the bus to go down to Aguas Calientes, where you have lunch and take the train to Cusco, then transfer to the hotel.
B
INCLUDES:
- Private transportation: Hotel – Cachora
- Private transportation: Poroy Train station - hotel
- Guide: Professional English speaking guide, 2 guides over 12 people
- Horsemen and horses: for your equipment ( the horses will carry 8 kilos per our client belongings)
- Double occupancy tents: dining tent and toilet tent, tables and stools plus all the plates and silver ware
- Hostel: double accommodation in a nice place
- Train tickets: from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
- Entrance fee: Machupicchu
- Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes
- Meals: 8 breakfasts / 9 lunches / 8 dinners
- Cook: and assistant in charge of meal preparation
DOESN’T INCLUDE:
- First breakfast, most of hotels offer that service
- Sleeping bag.
EXTRAS:
- US$ 20 Sleeping bag rental (-10°C) for the whole trek
- US$ 30 single accommodation