DAY 1: Cusco – Ccachora – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4 a.m. for the four hour drive to the trail head, where you will have breakfast with your trekking staff. Here, you will meet with your horsemen and horses and have the opportunity to give them your duffel bags. After breakfast, you will start your expedition to Machu Picchu. The first four hours are downhill, until your reach your lunch stop at Chikiska-Chikiska. This is a small village with fruit plantations. Along the way, you will have great views of the Apurimac River and the valley, as well as the snow-capped peaks. After lunch, the weather gets much warmer, since you have already descended quite a bit. It will be another two hours until we arrive at the bottom of the valley, and see the famous Apurimac River. Following, you will pass a bridge, and have a two hour, uphill hike to the campsite at Santa Rosa.

• Walking Distance: 18 km
• Campsite Elevation: 1,800 m
• Weather: Hot and dry

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquekiraw

After an early breakfast you will continue your expedition, starting with a two hour, uphill hike to Marampata. Take note that this section has many zigzags. Marampata is at an elevation of 3,100 meters, where you will see amazing views of the canyon and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. It will be another two hour, gradual downhill hike until you arrive at the famous Choquekiraw Inca site, where you will enjoy lunch. After lunch, you will visit the Inca site and explore the most important places, such as the religious area, the observatory area, and llama terraced sections. You will also enjoy the sunset over the valley and mountains. Following, you will return to your campsite for the night.

• Walking distance: 10 km
• Camp site elevation: 3,300 m
• Weather: Hot and humid

Day 3: Choquekiraw – Choquekiraw Pass – Pinchawniyoc – Rio Blanco – Maizal

You will have an early breakfast with your team, and prepare for today’s expedition, starting around 6:30 a.m. It will be about 40 minutes, uphill, to reach the first pass of Choquekiraw at 3,500 m. This is a great place to look through the dense vegetation for the famous orchids and flowers, which bloom here most of the time. Then, it will be about 30 minutes of flat, elevated walking, before starting to descend along the zigzag path for an hour and a half, where you will arrive at the Inca site of Pinchauniyoc. Pinchauniyoc was used as an agricultural site by the Incas, as well as a rest stop when they traveled on their expeditions to Machu Picchu. After a brief explanation by the guide, you will keep walking downhill for another hour and a half until you get to the River, Calle Rio Blanco, at 1,750 m, where we will have lunch. Be sure you bring a good mosquito repellent, especially for this segment. After lunch, we’ll take a four hour, uphill hike until we reach the campsite at Maizal. Here, we’ll see amazing views of the Andean mountains.

• Walking Distance: 14 km
• Campsite Elevation: 2900 m
• Weather: Humid

Day 4: Maizal – Minas Victoria – Condor Pass – Yanama

You will be woken up with a hot drink, followed by breakfast and the magical sunrise over the mountains. After stocking up on water and snacks, you will start the day’s activities. We’ll start with a four hour, uphill hike along a rocky path. In some sections there will be great views of the surrounding mountains, lush, green valleys and also some arid mountain peaks. Once you reach the top of the pass (at 4,200 m), you will enjoy a packed lunch, provided to you by your trekking chef. The views will include snow-capped peaks, valleys, and perhaps some condors (the largest bird of the Andes). After snapping a few fantastic pictures, you will start a three and a half, downhill hike to our campsite at Yanama-Yanama. This is a small, indigenous village where, if you have time, you can visit some local homes to learn about how people live and the ancient traditions that they have kept intact for hundreds of years.

• Walking Distance: 15 km
• Campsite Elevation: 3,800 m
• Weather: Humid, dry and cold

Day 5: Yanama –Mariano Llamocca Pass – Totora

Your team will wake you up early in the morning, so you'll have time to pack for the day. At around 6 a.m. you will start your expedition. Today, we will scale the famous Vilcabamba mountain range, the last city of the Incas. It will be five hours until we reach the pass, but the views along the way are amazing. There will also be some rest stops and guided explanations along the way. Once we reach the pass at 4,500 m, we will enjoy a packed lunch provided by your chef. Since this is the last leg of your journey to Machu Picchu, you will especially enjoy the views of Salkantay and Humantay. Grandfather glacier peaks are a special sight. It will be five hours until we reach the campsite. The paths can sometimes be slippery in the rainy season, or dusty and rocky in the dry season. Along the way, you may see some black bears and Andean birds, such as, falcons, eagles, hawks, condors, and geese. Finally, we will arrive at the campsite and enjoy hot drinks and a delicious dinner.

• Walking Distance: 16 km
• Campsite Elevation: 3500 m
• Weather: Cold, dry and humid

Day 6: Totora – Ccolpapampa – La Playa

Your team will wake you up with hot drinks. After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a three hour downhill hike to Ccolpapampa, where you may meet up with the Salkantay Trek trekkers. At Ccolpapampa, we’ll enjoy lunch, then depart from our horsemen, as it is time for them to go back home. From here, your porters will continue by car and you will continue on your adventure by foot. It will take five hours for you and your tour guide to arrive at the campsite at La Playa. Along the way, you will see waterfalls and fruit plantations, as we come into the more tropical forest, from the cloud forest and the high mountains. Today, we may also visit some coffee plantations.

• Walking Distance: 16 km
• Campsite Elevation: 2,400 m
• Weather: Hot and dry

Day 7: La Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Today is your last hiking day. It will end around lunch time. This climb along the Inca Trail takes about six hours. It is three hours uphill, along the hillside with great views of the Santa Teresa Valley and some coffee and passion fruit farms. Once we arrive at the top of this mountain, we will be at the famous Inca site of Llactapata, which was built by the Incas. They used it to observe the sunrise during the winter solstice. You will also see Machu Picchu for the first time from this location, as well as views of the surrounding areas, such as, the valleys and mountains of Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains). Then, we will walk the last three hours, descending down to the hydroelectric station. Here, we will enjoy our last lunch and say goodbye to your trekking chef and porters. You will retrieve your duffel bags and catch the train around 3:30 p.m. After a one hour ride to Aguas Calientes, you will be taken to your hotel for a hot shower. If you would like, you can visit the famous hot springs at Aguas Calientes (the entrance fee is $3 per person), then enjoy dinner at a restaurant.

• Walking Distance: 12 km
• Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 m
• Weather: Hot and humid

Day 8: Machu Picchu - Cusco

You should arrange for an early wake up call in order to get to Machu Picchu early to enjoy the sunrise. You’ll have breakfast at the hotel and then you can either get one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, or walk up to the city with your tour guide (you must coordinate this with your trekking guide the night before). Once you arrive into Machu Picchu, your guide will head to the most famous places, so you can get beautiful pictures. You will also enjoy the sunrise (weather permitting). After this, your guide will do a walking tour and visit the most important places in the Machu Picchu complex, such as the Temple of the Sun. The walking tour lasts two or three hours. Following, if you have booked permits to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, you will have the opportunity to climb this mountain (which will be during the second slot, at 10 a.m. and finish around noon). Following, you’ll still have time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Around 3 p.m., you should take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to grab lunch at one of the many restaurants. You will then pick up your bags from the hotel and walk to the train station. The two hour train ride departs at 4:20 p.m. (tourist/Expedition class) and will take you to the town of Ollantayatmbo. You will be met by our driver at the train station drive you back to Cusco. You will be dropped off at your hotel at around 8:30 p.m.

Note: Lunch is not included on day eight.

1. On this trip, we use horses to carry the camping equipment and your duffel bags, so be sure you bring a small day pack to carry your personal items needed during the daytime.
2. One thing we want to highlight is that the weather is extremely variable and changes often from hot to cold to humid. Also, be sure you bring good mosquito repellent.

What is included

• Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the town of Cachora
• Transport from la Playa to Santa Teresa and the hydroelectric station (for all camping and personal luggage)
• Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
• Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
• Basic hotel in Santa Teresa
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao
• Entrance fees to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• High quality camping
• . Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
• Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer's luggage (Up to 7kg)
• Emergency horse
• First-aid kit
•  oxygen bottle

What is not included

• Entrance in the Sacred Valley
• Lunch in the Sacred Valley ( ask our guide for a good  recommendation
• Sleeping bag
• Lunch on the last day in Machu Picchu
• Extra night at Aguas Calientes
• Last lunch in Machupicchu
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain

What do you need to bring

• Backpack with rain shelter.
• Original passaport and extra money in soles.
• Sleeping back.
• Personal medications.
• ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
• Rain pants and lightweight pants.
• Trekking shoes.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Woolen or synthetic socksand a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
• Rainponcho and a hat.
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries.
• Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
• Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes - once gotten wet - won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.

Flash light, torch with extra battery

PACKING LIST

• Day pack
• Copy of your passport
• Good hiking gear: hiking boots, warm jackets, gloves, hat warm fleece and socks
• Sleeping bag
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Hat and gloves
• Warm clothes: layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
• T-shirts
• Comfortable trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent
• Re-usable plastic/metal water container, or camel bags
• Water for the first four hours of the trek, then we will provide you with drinking, previously boiled water
• Toiletries
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Walking stick
• Bathing suit for the hot springs
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips

Hotel upgrades in Aguas Calientes will depend on the hotel you choose to upgrade to. Hotels that are included in our price will depend on availability, but we frequently book in the following hotels: Intipunko Inn, Waman Hotel, El Presidente, or Casa Andina. All of them have private rooms with private bathrooms, a hot shower, wifi, breakfast and storage to leave your luggage in, while you visit Machu Picchu.

• 360° panoramic train to return: $75
• Huayna Picchu climb: $30 per person

you have to know

• An extra horse to carry your personal items: US$ 20.00 Per Day. A horse can carry up to 30 kg.
• Sleeping bag rent: US$ 5.00 Per Day. Our sleeping bags are –18ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form and include a sleeping liner.
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($2.00 per day, per stick) Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Single tent supplement (ie you don’t want to share a tent) $25.00 per person

Aguas Calientes Extra Day Upgrade Package (optional): This package provides clients the opportunity to stay in Aguas Calientes for an extra night: Price: USD $50 Per Night.

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

Choquequirao Trek to Machupicchu.

This Trek 08 Day Choquequirao Trek is a really fascinating walk which goes into the Apurimac canyon. It is the distant and little visited “Lost City of the Incas”. The meaning of the name in Quechua is “the Golden Cradle” and is considered as the place where the last Inca rulers went after losing the city of Cusco during the Spanish conquest. This Inca archaeological site is considered as “The Sister of Machu Picchu”.

During the tour, you will appreciate beautiful landscapes and mountains, remote ancient villages celebrated in the last century by the ranchers, a very special Inca town built on the top of the hills by the mitimaes of Chachapoyas to honor the great Pachacutec. The route offers biodiversity of flora and fauna, so that along the trail you will experience different microclimates and ecosystems. It is currently a hidden gem that is not easily accessible to visitors but not impossible either.