ANDEAN TREKS

ANDEAN TREKS

Information

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We offer various Andean treks to Machu Picchu and other sites. 2 to 5 day treks and even 8 day treks are available.

All fotos seen on our website and in our programs have been taken on our treks.

Cachicata
Trek

4 day tour

This Andean trek takes us through beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley with Inca sites and snow capped mountains. Highest point: 4450 m

Lares Trek &
Machu Picchu

4 day tour

This trek is a very scenic and diverse Andean Trek. You pass through natural forest and by andean lakes and climb two passes with spectacular mountain view.

Choquequirao
Trek

4 day tour

This trek takes you to one of the last retreats of the Incas: Choquequirao (3.033 m). The complex is situated high above the impressive Rio Apurimac Canyon.

Salkantay
Trek

4 day tour

This trek takes you over a high pass (4570 m) close to the impressive Salkantay mountain and then down through cloud forest to Aguas Calientes. On day 4 you visit Machu Picchu.

Lares Trek &
Machu Picchu

3 day tour

This is a shorter trek through typical Andean landscape, passing by glacial lakes and snow capped mountains. Highest point: 4600 m

Choquequirao
Trek

5 day tour

This trek takes you to one of the last retreats of the Incas: Choquequirao (3,033 m), it’s an archaeological complex where investigation is still in progress. Highest point: 3033 m

Yanacocha
Trek

2 day tour

A beautiful trek with old polylepis forest and great views. You visit an andean lake with views of the Sacred Valley of the Inkas.

Huchuy Qosqo
Trek

2 day tour

This trek takes you over the Puna highlands and down to the Sacred Valley. Includes the visit to the arqueological site of Huchuy Qosqo.

Choquequirao – Machu Picchu Trek

8 day tour

This trek takes you to the Inca site of Choquekirao and then onwards through impressive Andean scenery and over high passes to Machu Picchu.

CACHICATA TREK – 4 DAYS

CACHICATA TREK – 4 DAYS

Cachicata Trek with Machu Picchu

4 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This Andean trek takes us through beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley with Inca sites and snow capped mountains. Highest point: 4450 m

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

Pick up at your hotel at 6:00 am. Our minibus takes us through the market town of Izcuchaca and onwards to the village of Huarocondo, with great views of the Veronica and Salkantay mountains. After about 2 hours we reach the village of Soqma, at 3200 m (10500 ft). Here we meet the horses and horsemen. While we have breakfast our staff packs the horses and we start walking uphill for about 1 hour 45 min. towards Perolniyoc. This community is known for its inca site and an impressive waterfall; we have time to enjoy the waterfall and the surroundings. Afterwards we walk one more hour to reach the village of Perolniyoc, we see the inca sites of Q’anabamba and Willkarakay and explore the ruins of Patallaqta with our guide. After lunch our hike takes us through a fertile valley, where the locals cultivate different varieties of potatoes and quinua. In the afternoon, we arrive at the community of Rayan (3700 m). This is a farming area and we may visit a local family and get an impression of rural life. You can see the typical adobe houses, where local families keep guinea pigs. We have our tea time at the camp. Later we enjoy dinner and our guide briefs us for the next day.

Today we have breakfast at 06:00 am and then start trekking up through a valley where we can see native crops. We climb up for about 3.5 hours to reach the first pass Pukaccasa at 4380 m (14,370 ft.). We take a rest and enjoy the beautiful views, afterwards we descend for about 40 minutes to a nice place where we have lunch and a little break. From here our trail continues for two hours walking up and down. We then walk on a high plateau (altiplano) through a strange landscape with glacial moraine (piles of rock from the ice age) to the second and highest pass of the trek named Kuychiccasa pass at 4450 m (14,665 ft). Again, we take a moment to rest and see the Sacred Valley below and several snowcapped mountains like: La Veronica, Chicon, Pitusiray and others. Then, we start our descent of about 2 hours to the archaeological site of Inti Punku (sun gate). We stop for a snack and learn more about the Incas before we continue descending for 1 hour and 30 min to Cachicata, which was a stone quarry used by the Incas. We set up our camp nearby and enjoy the scenery with a hot drink.

Hiking distance: approx. 13 km

After breakfast, we explore the area of Cachicata. Probably stones for the nearby fortress of Ollantaytambo have been prepared here. We can see buildings as well as the quarry with carved stones. We also see small chullpas which are burial towers or tombs. After the tour, you have free time to explore. Then, we have an early lunch to then descend through a wide trail for about 2 hours to reach the town of Ollantaytambo. Here we can have a look around the old town or just relax until we take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes (2050 m). Reception upon arrival and briefing with the guide about the visit to Machu Picchu the next morning. Night in a Hostal (DWB).

Hiking distance: approx. 11 km

We meet our guide early to walk up (aprox. 1 hour 15 min.) or take the bus (not included) up to Machu Picchu (2400 m); the site opens at 6 am. We start with our guided tour of the archeological complex (2 – 2.5 h). Afterwards we have free time to explore on our own and enjoy the views, or maybe climb Wayna Picchu. In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to the Sacred Valley or Cusco, transfer to your hotel.

Note: This itinerary is variable and may be modified according to the progress of the group, weather conditions etc.

Included

  • private transport: Cusco – Soqma
  • English speaking, professional guide for the trek and Machu Picchu
  • all meals (till lunch of day 3), boiled water for drinking (vegetarian meals on request)
  • cook and cooking equipment
  • camping equipment (quality double tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs)
  • horses to carry food, cooking & camping equipment + 5 kg of personal luggage p.p.
  • emergency horse (with saddle)
  • entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • First Aid Kit
  • one night in hostal in Aguas Calientes (dwb) including breakfast
  • tourist train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
  • transfer from train station to Cusco

Not included

  • sleeping bag (for rent at our office in Cusco)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • drinking water (partially, especially on day 4)
  • entrance fee to Wayna Picchu (18 US$ p.p., limited spaces)
  • dinner and lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • extra horse for personal luggage
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LARES TREK – 4 DAYS

LARES TREK – 4 DAYS

Lares Trek & Machu Picchu

4 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This trek is a very scenic and diverse Andean Trek. You pass through natural forest and by andean lakes and also climb two passes with spectacular mountain views. We visit machu picchu on day 4. Highest point 4600 m.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

We pick you up at 5:30 am to take you to the starting point of the trek in Huaran (3000 m) in the Sacred Valley; this is 1.5 hours by private minibus. While we have a small breakfast the horsemen pack the horses and we start to walk northward. The trail climbs gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards the community of the same name. This walk through the valley is very impressive, we see cultivated fields and pass through old Polylepis forests; this type of vegetation is very interesting for bird life like Hummingbirds, Flycatchers and Tit tyrants. After about 5 hours we reach Cancha Cancha village, with its typical stone houses. We set up our camp at the village or a little bit further up, at about 3850 m.

After an early breakfast we continue up hill. This is the hardest day of the trek because we pass the highest point: the Pachacuteq Pass at 4700 m. The view from here is overwhelming: we have the Pitusiray (5800 m) and Sahuasiray snowcapped mountains right in front of us. Then, descending into the valley we pass by several glacial lakes, which are the habitat of Andean Ibis, Andean Goose and the rare Giant Coot. On this day we can see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep and it is also possible to see Gray Brocket Deer, Viscachas, the Puna Hawk or maybe the impressive Andean Condor. This night we camp at 3800 m close to Quishuarani village. (If we arrive in Quishuarani early we can continue to the second pass (Willcaccasa) today and camp near Cuncani.)

Today we start early to follow another valley and climb up to the second pass at Willcaccasa mountain, 4350 m for about 3 hours. Again the views of the Andes, turquoise lakes and beautiful valleys are impressive. We walk downhill passing by some other lakes and after 1.5 to 2 hours we arrive at Cuncani village (3800 m). From here we continue downhill towards the Lares Valley and the hot springs where we can have a well deserved bath. Our bus picks us up to take us to Ollantaytambo train station in the afternoon. Here we take the train to Aguas Calientes. Reception upon arrival and briefing with the guide about the visit of Machu Picchu the next morning. Night in a Hostal (DWB).

We meet our guide early to walk up or take the bus (not included) up to Machu Picchu; the site opens at 6 am. We start with our guided tour of the archeological complex (2 – 2,5 h). Afterwards we have free time to explore on our own and enjoy the views, or maybe climb Wayna Picchu. In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to the Sacred Valley or Cusco, transfer to your hotel.

Note: This itinerary is variable and may be modified according to the progress of the group, weather conditions etc.

Included

  • private transport: Cusco – Huaran, Lares – Ollantaytambo
  • English speaking, professional guide for the trek and Machu Picchu
  • all meals (till lunch of day 3), boiled water for drinking (vegetarian meals on request)
  • cook and cooking equipment
  • camping equipment (quality double tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs)
  • horses to carry food, cooking & camping equipment + 5 kg of personal luggage p. p.
  • emergency horse (with saddle)
  • entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • First Aid Kit
  • one night in hostal in Aguas Calientes (dwb) including breakfast
  • tourist train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
  • transfer from train station to Cusco

Not included

  • sleeping bag (for rent at our office in Cusco)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • extra drinking water (especially on day 4)
  • entrance fee to Wayna Picchu (18&nbspUS$&nbspp.p., limited spaces)
  • dinner and lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • extra horse for personal luggage
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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 4 DAYS

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 4 DAYS

Trek to Choquequirao ruins

4 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This trek takes you to one of the last retreats of the Incas: Choquequirao (3033 m), it’s an archaeological complex where investigation is still in progress. It is situated close to the holy Salcantay mountain (6271 m) and above the impressive Rio Apurimac Canyon. You hike through spectacular andean scenery and see flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Highest point: 3033 m.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

4:30 am pick up from your hotel and travel to Cachora (3100 m, aprox. 4 hours by private van). While we are having breakfast the crew packs the horses for the trek. On this day we walk 22 km, first going down, then a little uphill, passing Abra Capuliyoc, from where we have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon. Then we have a flat part near Coca Masana (2250 m) to finally descend to playa Rosalina on the banks of the Apurimac River, the main tributary of the Amazon River. Campsite at 1550 m.

In some occasions we may spend the first night in Chiquisca (1900 m).

After an early breakfast we start walking. After crossing the bridge oder Rio Apurimac the trail climbs up on the opposite mountain, first through Opuntia plantations and later through cloud forest. The trail is steep but with great views, we arrive to the camp around 3 pm. The ruins are close to the camp so we start exploring them after arriving. There are several terraces at the beginning and houses in the central part. The view of the canyon is spectacular and with a little luck it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite at Choquequirao, 3033 m.

In the morning, after breakfast, we have another opportunity to see the ruins. Our guide can also take us to the terraces with llamas made of stones. We then start our way back down towards Santa Rosa, where we have lunch, and then further on to Playa Rosalina. If the river situation is appropriate we can enjoy a refreshing bath in the turbulent waters of the Apurimac River. Alternatively we can camp in Chiquisca a little bit further.

After an early breakfast we start climbing back up to Chiquisca and then further on to Cachora. During the hike we have a great view of the Padrejoc mountain and of the Apurimac canyon. In Cachora we have lunch and take our bus back to Cusco. Arrival in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Included

  • private minibus transport Cusco – Cachora – Cusco
  • English speaking, professional guide
  • double-tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs
  • cook and cooking equipment & all meals during the trek, drinking water
  • horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food & cooking equipment & 5 kg luggage p.p.)
  • emergency horse (with saddle)
  • entrance to Choquekirao archaeological site
  • First Aid Kit

Not included

  • sleeping bag (for rent at our office)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • extra drinking water (or purifying tablets, if you need very much water)
  • extra horse for personal luggage
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SALKANTAY TREK – 4 DAYS

SALKANTAY TREK – 4 DAYS

Salkantay – Machu Picchu Trek

4 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This trek takes you over a high pass (4570 m) close to the impressive Salkantay mountain and then down through cloud forest to Aguas Calientes. On day 4 you visit Machu Picchu.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

We pick you up at 4:30 am at your hotel and travel by private minibus to the village of Mollepata (arrival around 7 am). From here we continue uphill to Soraypampa (3850 m), at the end of the road, where we meet the horses and horsemen. While we have breakfast the staff packs the horses and we start walking uphill towards the pass at 4600 m. Here we have beautiful views of the snow capped Salkantay Mountain (6240 m). Then we descend on the other side of the pass and in the afternoon we camp at Chaullay (3000 m) or at another camp a little bit further down. We have a teatime snack and eat dinner later.

After breakfast we continue our trek downhill to Collpapampa and we then we follow the Rio Santa Teresa valley towards Lucmabamba. On our hike today we pass through spectacular scenery, with waterfalls and great mountain views. Going down the vegetation in the valley starts changing with many orchids, begonias and many different varieties of birds. Camp at Lucmabamba, 1950 m. In the afternoon the guide gives us a briefing for the next day. Teatime and dinner.

On this day we continue downhill passing through different plantations like coffee, banana, yucca and passion fruit. After Lucmabamba we climb up to Llactapata (2650 m) for about 3 hours, where we can visit a small Inca site. This place has a special view: we can appreciate the impressive Machu Picchu on the opposite slope of the mountain. We then descend to Rio Urubamba. In this area we have good chances for seeing Toucans, Andean Cock of the Rocks, Quetzals, Hummingbirds and Torrent Ducks. We have lunch and then follow the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. If you are tired there is the option to go to Santa Teresa and through the Urubamba Valley, which is easier and you may take a car and train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (not included). In the late afternoon we arrive to Aguas Calientes town (2050 m). We have a briefing with the guide about the visit of Machu Picchu the next morning. Night in a hostal (DWB).

We meet our guide early to walk up or take the bus (not included) up to Machu Picchu; the site opens at 6 am. We start with our guided tour of the archeological complex (2 – 2.5 h). Afterwards we have free time to explore on our own and enjoy the views, or maybe climb Wayna Picchu (extra ticket). In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco, transfer to your hotel.

Note: This itinerary is variable and may be modified according to the progress of the group, weather conditions etc.

Included

  • Pickup at your hotel
  • private transport to Soraypampa
  • English speaking, professional Guide for the trek and Machu Picchu
  • cook, cooking equipment & all meals (till lunch of day 3), snacks, drinking water
  • one night in hostal in Aguas Calientes (dwb) including breakfast
  • entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • train ticket “expedition” from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo & transfer to Cusco
  • First Aid Kit
  • horses to carry food & camping equipment & 5kg of personal luggage p.p.
  • emergency horse
  • camping equipment (quality double tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs)

Not included

  • sleeping bag, hiking poles (for rent at our office in Cusco)
  • dinner and lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • extra horse for personal luggage
  • entrance fee to Wayna Picchu (18 US$ p.p., limited spaces)
  • drinking water (partially, especially on day 4)
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LARES TREK – 3 DAYS

LARES TREK – 3 DAYS

Lares Trek & Machu Picchu

3 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This is a shorter trek through typical Andean landscape, passing by glacial lakes and snow capped mountains. Highest point: 4600 m

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

At 4:30 am we pick you up to travel 3.5 hours to the starting point of the trek, Quishuarani village at 3750 m. After breakfast we start our trek, walking through Andean landscapes with lakes and up towards the Pachacutec Pass at 4700 m. The view from here is overwhelming: we have the Pitusiray and Sahuasiray snowcapped mountains right in front of us. Descending into the valley we pass by several glacial lakes. We can see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep, it is also possible to see Gray Brocket Deer, Viscachas, Andean Goose, or with some luck the rare Giant Coot, Puna Hawks and the impressive Andean Condor. This night we camp at 3850 m, near Cancha Cancha village with typical stone houses.

After breakfast our horsemen pack the horses and we start to walk southwards, the trail descends gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards Huaran (3100 m). On this walk along the river we see cultivated fields and pass through old Polylepis forests; this type of vegetation is very interesting for bird life like Hummingbirds, Flycatchers, Tit tyrants and the valley itself is very impressive. The walk today is around 5 hours till we arrive to Huaran, in the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon our private van takes us to Ollantaytambo train station. Here we catch a train to Aguas Calientes. Reception upon arrival, night in a Hostal (DWB) in Aguas Calientes.

We meet our guide early to walk up or take the bus up to Machu Picchu; the site opens at 6 am. Once inside we start with our guided tour of the archeological complex (2 – 2.5 h). Afterwards we have free time to explore on our own and enjoy the views, or maybe climb Wayna Picchu. In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to the Sacred Valley or Cusco, transfer to your hotel.

Note: This itinerary is variable and may be modified according to the progress of the group, weather conditions etc.

Included

  • private transport: Cusco – Quishuarani & Huaran – Ollantaytambo
  • English speaking, professional Guide for the trek and Machu Picchu
  • all meals (till lunch of day 2), boiled water for drinking during the trek (vegetarian meals on request)
  • cook and cooking equipment
  • camping equipment (quality double tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs)
  • horses to carry food, cooking & camping equipment and 5 kg of personal luggage per person
  • emergency horse (with saddle)
  • entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • First Aid Kit
  • one night in a hostal in Aguas Calientes (DWB) including breakfast
  • tourist train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back, transfer to Cusco

Not included

  • sleeping bag (for rent at our office in Cusco)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • drinking water (partially, especially on day 4)
  • entrance fee to Wayna Picchu (18 US$ p.p., limited spaces)
  • dinner and lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • extra horse for personal luggage
Download PDF
Get more information
Book now

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 5 DAYS

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 5 DAYS

Trek to Choquequirao ruins

5 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This trek takes you to one of the last retreats of the Incas: Choquequirao (3.033 m), it’s an archaeological complex where investigation is still in progress. It is situated close to the holy Salcantay mountain (6271 m) and above the impressive Rio Apurimac Canyon. You hike through spectacular andean scenery and see flora and fauna of the cloud forest. This trek gives you a full day to explore the Inca site. Highest point: 3033 m.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

4:30 am pick up from your hotel and travel to Cachora (3100 m, aprox. 4 hours by private van). While we are having breakfast the crew packs the horses for the trek. On this day we walk 22 km, first going down, then a little uphill, passing Abra Capuliyoc, from where we have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon. Then we have a flat part near Coca Masana (2250 m) to finally descend to playa Rosalina on the banks of the Apurimac River, the main tributary of the Amazon River. Campsite at 1550 m. In some occasions we may spend the first night in Chiquisca (1900 m).

After an early breakfast we start walking. After crossing the bridge over the Rio Apurimac the trail climbs up on the opposite mountain, first through Opuntia plantations and later through cloud forest. The trail is steep but with great views, we arrive to the camp around 3 pm. The ruins are close to the camp so we start exploring them after arriving. There are several terraces at the beginning and houses in the central part. The view of the canyon is spectacular and with a little luck it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite at Choquequirao, 3033 m (2 nights).

Today we have a full day to explore the archaeological site as well as the nearby stone terraces with lamas. The site has still been under exploration, so new things may be seen. We also hike through the cloud forest that surrounds the ruins, so we can learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Also keep an eye open for condors, if the weather is good we may see some over the Apurimac Canyon.

In the morning, after breakfast, we begin our way back down towards Santa Rosa, and then further on to Playa Rosalina. If the river situation is appropriate we can enjoy a refreshing bath in the turbulent waters of the Apurimac River. In the afternoon we hike further up to our camp in Chiquisca (1900 m).

After an early breakfast we start climbing back up to Coca Masana and then further on to Cachora. During the hike we have a great view of the Padrejoc mountain and of the Apurimac Canyon. In Cachora we have lunch and take our van back to Cusco. Arrival in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Included

  • private minibus transport Cusco – Cachora – Cusco
  • English speaking, professional guide
  • double-tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs
  • cook and cooking equipment & all meals during the trek, drinking water
  • horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food & cooking equipment & 5 kg luggage p.p.)
  • emergency horse (with saddle)
  • entrance to Choquekirao archaeological site
  • First Aid Kit

Not included

  • sleeping bag (for rent at our office)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • extra drinking water (or purifying tablets, if you need very much water)
  • extra horse for personal luggage
Download PDF
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YANACOCHA TREK – 2 DAYS

YANACOCHA TREK – 2 DAYS

Yanacocha Trek

2 days

Group size: 4 – 8 persons.

A beautiful trek with old polylepis forest and great views. You visit an andean lake above the Sacred Valley of the Inkas.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

We pick you up at your hotel at 6:30 am to drive for about 1 hour to Huayo Kari in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Here we meet the horses and horsemen. We start walking uphill towards Yanacocha, which will take us about 4.5 hours. During the hike we may see birds such as hummingbirds and ducks and we walk through typical Polylepis forest and enjoy the view towards the valley. Later we reach the Yanacocha lake and spend the night nearby at 3750 m.

(If we arrive at the lake early, we may continue for another 2.5 hours up to 4000 m at the foot of the Chicon mountain. We can camp nearby and like this we only need to walk downhill the next day, to get back to the Sacred Valley.)

After breakfast we walk another 45 minutes up towards a lookout point. Here we enjoy the great view of the Sacred Valley. After a short break we start our descent to the village of Yucay. On the way we can also see the town of Urubamba. Upon arrival in Yucay we have lunch. Our van is waiting for us to take us back to Cusco or to Ollantaytambo, from where we can take the train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival in the afternoon.

Included

  • Private transport Cusco – Huayo Kari – Cusco (or Ollantaytambo)
  • professionel english speaking Guide
  • horses to carry food and camping equipment  as well as  max. 5 kg personal luggage
  • horse men, emergency horse
  • Camping equipment (tents, mats, tables and chairs)
  • Cook and all meals during the trek (till lunch of day 2), snacks
  • First Aid Kit

Nicht inbegriffen:

• Schlafsack (können Sie bei uns ausleihen)
• extra Trinkwasser
• alkoholische Getränke

If you wish to combine this trek with a visit to Machu Picchu, please contact us for details.

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HUCHUY QOSQO TREK – 2 DAYS

HUCHUY QOSQO TREK – 2 DAYS

Huchuy Qosqo Trek

2 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This trek takes you from Cusco over the Puna highlands and down to the Sacred Valley. It’s a trek with few tourists and with interesting landscape, including the visit to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

We pick you up at your hotel at 7 am for a short private bus ride to Sacsayhuaman or Corao, where we meet the horses and horsemen. Today we walk about 6 to 7 hours, hiking uphill up to 4000m and to the village of Pukamarka. On the way we enjoy spectacular views. We walk through puna grassland with potato plantations and pass by two lakes: Suyllo Cocha and Qori Cocha, where we may see the Andean Gull, Neotropical Cormorants, Puna Teal und Mountain Caracaras. On the grassland we also find grazing lamas and sheep. In the afternoon we follow the river to reach Pukamarka (3100 m) where we set up our camp. At the edge of the village we can see some original Inca walls.

After breakfast we continue for about 1.5 hours to Huchuy Qosqo. Leaving Pukumarka we walk through an impressive gorge with wooden bridges. Further down we can already see the terraces of Huchuy Qosqo. Arriving at the site, the guide will explain about the ruins and the inca culture. From here the view over the Sacred Valley is fantastic. After exploring the site we start the descent towards the village of Lamay, which takes about 2 hours. Our van is waiting for us to take us back to Cusco or to Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo we can take an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).

Included

  • private transport: Cusco – Sacsayhuaman/ Corao, Lamay – Cusco (or Ollantaytambo)
  • English speaking, professional Guide
  • entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
  • all meals (till lunch of day 2), boiled water for drinking
  • cook and cooking equipment
  • camping equipment (quality double tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs)
  • horses to carry food, cooking- and camping equipment & 5 kg of personal luggage p. p.
  • emergency horse
  • First Aid Kit

Not included

  • sleeping bag (for rent at our office in Cusco)
  • drinking water (partially)
  • extra horse for personal luggage

If you wish to combine this trek with a visit to Machu Picchu (day 3), please contact us for details.

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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 8 DAYS

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 8 DAYS

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

8 days

Group size: 2 – 6 persons.

This trek takes you to one of the last retreats of the Incas: Choquekirao (3033 m) and then onwards through Andean scenery, over high passes and through scenic valleys all the way to Aguas Calientes. A little frequented trek with great views but also with strenuous climbs. On day 8 we visit Machu Picchu. Highest point 4668 m.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

4:00 am pick up from your hotel and travel to Cachora (4 hours by private bus). While we are having breakfast the crew will arrange the horses for the trek. On this day we walk 22 km, first flat to Chiquisca and then a little uphill, passing through Abra Capuliyoc, from where we have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon. Finally we descend to Playa Rosalina on the banks of the Apurimac River, the main tributary of the Amazon River. Campsite at 1550 m. On some occasions we camp in Chiquisca, a bit higher than Playa Rosalina.

After an early breakfast we start walking uphill – through Opuntia-plantations and later through cloud forest – towards Choquequirao. The first part of the trail is very steep but with great views, we arrive to the camp around 3 pm. The ruins are just next to the camp so we start exploring them after arriving. The view of the canyon is spectacular from here; it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite at Choquequirao, 3033 m.

On this day we walk uphill for a while up to 3299 m and then descend to Rio Blanco, 1909 m. On the way we pass by Pinchiunuyoj ruins with Inca terraces. The changes of habitats are very spectacular and it is a good area for seeing birds, different varieties of orchids and coca plants at around 2750 m. From Rio Blanco we climb up to Maizal for about 3 hrs. Our camp is at 3000 m.

From here we start walking uphill passing by impressive Inca mining sites called Minas Victoria which were exploited until the 20th century. Almost on the top of our trail we can appreciate original paved Inca trails. We pass over 4154 m and then descend to our campsite in Yanama at 3800 m.

After breakfast we start climbing slowly to our highest pass 4668 m; again the view is amazing as we are surrounded by snow capped mountains: the Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoj. Our campsite today is at 3632 m.

Today we descend to the Totora River. As we go down we reach cloud forest vegetation and the birdlife is very interesting, especially with hummingbirds and woodpeckers as well as many species of orchids and begonias. We set up camp at 2125 m in Playa, which is located in the valley, so it is warm.

On this day we walk our last uphill to Llactapata at 2810 m which takes around 3 hours; from here the view of Machu Picchu on the opposite mountain is fabulous. After a rest we walk down to the Hydroelectric plant on the Urubamba River and from here we walk through the valley to Aguas Calientes or take the train (not included). Night in a hostal.

After an early breakfast we walk up or take the bus to Machu Picchu, here we have a 2 – 2.5 hour guided tour; afterwards we have free time to explore on our own, maybe to visit the Inca Bridge or climb up to Wayna Picchu. We return to Aguas Calientes (on our own) to take the return train in the afternoon.Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Note: This itinerary is variable and may be modified according to the progress of the group, weather conditions etc.

Included

  • private transport to Cachora
  • English speaking professional guide
  • horses to carry food and equipment
  • emergency horse (with saddle)
  • double tents and mats, tables, chairs
  • all meals during the trek, drinking water
  • entrance to Choquequirao & Machu Picchu ruins
  • 1 night at Hostal in Aguas Calientes including breakfast
  • tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
  • transfer from train station to hotel
  • First Aid Kit

Not included

  • sleeping bag (for rent at our office in Cusco)
  • hiking poles
  • drinking water (partly, especially day 8)
  • meals in Aguas Calientes
  • entrance to Wayna Picchu (+ 18 US$)
  • horse for personal luggage (if more than 5 kg)
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