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. With luck we may get the latest news regarding discoveries, excavations, cleaning and restoration process from the archaeologists of COPESCO working on site. After lunch those who choose to can visit the Cascade House (restored constructions and terraces some 300 m below the main constructions of Choquequirao) and we can help with the preparation of a typical Pachamanca (traditional earth oven dish). 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
After a fortifying breakfast 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. After visiting the constructions we continue our dusty descent to Rio Blanco, where we can refresh ourselves during our lunch break. A steep, dusty and hot climb brings us to our camp at Maizal in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
7th day: MAIZAL - YANAMA
Once again we take advantage of the cool morning air to start hiking. During our climb over rural and Inca paths we gain altitude quickly and the vegetation changes from cloud forest to high Andean grassland. From the San Juan Pass we can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding snow peaks, including Pumasillo (Puma's Claw). After a delicious lunch we continue our hike with a 2 hour descent, passing some abandoned silver mines (narrow paths with sheer drops) 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 where we have lunch. 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, through increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp at the village of la Playa (2155 m), where we can refresh ourselves in the river before dinner.
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 (2650 m) from where we can view both Machupicchu and Salkantay and take a good rest. 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. Here we can choose to relax in the natural hot springs before dinner and a well-earned rest in our hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
11th day: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO
After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machupicchu to enjoy sunrise in this magical place before the first tourists arrive from Cusco. 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 before we descend to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel and overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast.
12th day: CUSCO-LIMA
Transfer Htl-Apt. for national flight Cusco-Lima and international connections.
Meals included: Breakfast.
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