Brief Itinerary
1st day: LIMA - CUSCO (Free Day)
Flight Lima-Cusco, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Free day.
Afternoon briefing regarding the tour and for those interested a demonstration of how to prepare the typical Peruvian cocktail: Pisco Sour. Overnight in Cusco.
2nd day: CUSCO (Sacsayhuaman)
We visit the impressive Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park.
In the late afternoon we visit the Centre of Native Art to enjoy typical music and dances of the region.
Meals included: Breakfast.
3rd day: CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISKA
An early morning scenic bus ride over the Andes brings us in about 4 hours to the village of Cachora where we meet up with our wranglers.
Here we start with a gentle hike along an old mining road to the Kapulyoq Pass. After a rest we start our appr. 3 hours descent on a dusty rural path towards our first camp at the oasis of Chiquiska.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
4th day: CHIQUISKA - CHOQUEQUIRAO
We continue our descent to the valley floor where we cross the thundering Apurimac river over a modern suspension bridge. From here we climb a long, steep and hot path (appr. 5 hours) to our destination: The enigmatic and impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
5th day: CHOQUEQUIRAO
During the morning we visit the restored section of Choquequirao and explore the parts that are still covered by the lush cloud forest vegetation.
After lunch those who choose to can visit the Cascade House. From the highest point, El Usno, we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the magical Apurimac canyon and with luck a majestic condor may pass by.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
6th day: CHOQUEQUIRAO - MAIZAL
We start hiking early as we have a long distance ahead of us. A short but steep climb brings us up to the ridge from where we have a last panoramic view of Choquequirao and the Apurimac canyon below. A 1 hour descent leads us to the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, still covered by vegetation.
Camp at Maizal.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
7th day: MAIZAL - YANAMA
Once again we take advantage of the cool morning air to start hiking. From the San Juan Pass we can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding snow peaks, including Pumasillo (Puma's Claw), until we reach the community of Yanama. From here it's a gentle climb to our campsite.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
8th day: YANAMA - BATIA PAQUISKA
Today we hike amid snowy peaks, climbing up to La Rinconada Pass.
In the afternoon we start our long descent towards high cloud forest, arriving in the late afternoon at our beautiful campsite at Batía Paquiska.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
9th day: BATIA PAQUISKA - LA PLAYA
An easy walk along the Salkamayo River. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp at the village of la Playa.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
10th day: LA PLAYA - LLAQTAPATA - AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast we cross the river and start climbing - passing through coffee plantations- up to el Mirador (2860 m) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu, from an unusual angle. We enjoy our last lunch at the vantage point of Llaqtapata.
A 2 hour descent brings us to the hydro-electric plant of Machupicchu from where we reach the village of Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon. Activities.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
11th day: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO
We take the first bus up to Machupicchu. We enjoy this enigma in the company of an expert guide and have enough free time to explore the site by ourselves or do some hikes.
Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.
12th day: CUSCO-LIMA
Transfer Htl-Apt. for national flight Cusco-Lima and international connections. (B)
Meals included: Breakfast.
