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Ecological Sustainable Adventure Travel Tours
Quechuas Expeditions Authorized Inca Trail Adventure Tour Operator
Under Local Mountain-jungle & cultural Multilingual Guides Management
QUECHUAS EXPEDITIONS Highly Recommended By:

Large groups Fixed Departure 2010 - 2011 ( by clicking here)
we just need two of you to open a new departure date:
AVAILABLE CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHUPICCHU 9D/8N  FIXED DEPARTURE 2010-2011

AVAILABLE FIXED DEPARTURE ON JULY 2010  ( Fridays: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 )
AVAILABLE FIXED DEPARTURE ON AUGUST 2010  ( Fridays: 6, 13, 20, 27 )
AVAILABLE FIXED DEPARTURE ON SEPTEMBER 2010  ( Fridays: 3, 10, 17, 24 )
AVAILABLE FIXED DEPARTURE ON OCTOBER 2010  ( Fridays: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 )
AVAILABLE FIXED DEPARTURE ON NOVEMBER 2010 ( Fridays: 5,12,19, 26 )
AVAILABLE FIXED DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 2010  ( Fridays: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 )
AVAILABLE FIXED DEPARTURE ON JANUARY 2011  (  Fridays: 5,12,19, 26 )

CHOQUEQUIRAO MACHU PICCHU INFORMATION
This expeditions will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area and Peru: CHOQUEQUIRAO and MACHU PICCHU. The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are already all over the world. Since its re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discussions and research about the Incas, and finally in 1981 the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, same that in 1983 where honored by UNESCO as World Heritage. As much one can find of writings and histories about Machu Picchu, the little one can find about the latter, but not less interesting ruin complex of Choquequirao. 

The archaeological site of CHOQUEQUIRAO is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. Choquekiraw is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salcantay, at 3035 m.a.s.l., surrounded by the snow capped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Panta on the right side of Apurimac river in the Santa Teresa district, the Convention province of the department of Cusco. Choquekiraw is an Inca town formed by small sites spread out in rubblework that in its adjoining constructs a complex metropolis similar to those of the other regions placed on the crest of the hill by the same name- Choquequirao.

 DAY BY DAY CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU ITINERARY

	FIRST CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY : Arriving at Cachora town at 7.00 in the morning where we will have our breakfast while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. Already from the village of Cachora we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km or 10 hours. On the way we will observe Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora snow covered peaks. We can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains. The walk starts quite flat with views to snow covered peaks and small farms on the step mountainsides. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarftree forest we have lunch brake at Chiquisqa (1950 m.a.s.l.). From here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River in 1550 m.a.s.l. in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short brake at the river we start the steep climb towards Santa Rosa, where we camp for the night in a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m.a.s.l.).
SECOND CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY: Early morning after breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquekiraw. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep, but then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive to the archaeological place CHOQUEKIRAO after 5 hours. After a good lunch and a little break we will walk to the main square of Choquekirao, to enjoy this majestic place, where we will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin. Approximately at 3 o'clock in the afternoon (depends of the weather) • we can be lucky to appreciate "the flight of the Condors". The guide will decide where to set our camp in Raqaypata (2910 m.a.s.l.).
	THIRD CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY: After breakfast we have good time to enjoy the majestic archaeological place. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca-town. Besides we see the ruin in progress of excavation and finally areas unexplored- that can tell us about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. After the lunch we walk through Choquekirao, with all equipment going to our next camp. We follow the old water canal for a while before we start the 3 hours walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins found in 1998. First we walk through cloud forest, but then all becomes steep open prairie with open views of the Mountains and valleys. Pinchinoyoc - these ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layer of mosses and other vegetation that covers it. Here we spend the night basically on the old Inca Terraces.
FOURTH CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY: This morning we walk down through an interesting vegetation know as Dry Andean Highland Forest. Trees and plants here look different to what we have seen before. We arrive to the river Victoria after a few hours and use the brake here to get a refreshing bath in the cold and clear river water. We cross walking through the river, since there are no bridges. After our brake we start the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas. On the way up we catch our breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetations on the way up. In Maizal we have our lunch and enjoy, that we can relax this afternoon- with only optional physical activity. Maizal is properly the camp in the most beautiful location of them all. From here we see 3 valleys and a great snow peak right across from us. A good place to lean back and think.
	FIFTH CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY: We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan pass. Again a long climb, but we walk in a amazingly beautiful area- first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass. We rest at some of the Victoria mines, where metal shining stones tell about a high concentration of minerals and metals. On our way through the Puna we walk on very well preserved Inca trails, among other characteristics with the classic zigzag. We take lunch at the pass in 4000 m.a.s.l. with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, before we start the descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains.
SIXTH CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY : We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, The Yanama Pass in 4500 m.a.s.l. On the way we have a good view of the snow capped Sacsarayoc. Once again we have the chance to see condors, and this mornings smooth climb bring us through new landscapes- especially the wet grass fields under the snowline that distinguish from everything else seen on the tour. In the pass we might walk in snow, and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields- and bush areas and crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora, where we spend the night.
	SEVENTH CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY: We now walk the about 2000 meters down through the changing vegetations to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approx. 7 hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and get a refreshing natural bath. The area also has a big variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations have changed totally, and now we see plants recognizable from the living rooms in Europe and several types of orchids. The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas.
EIGHTH CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY: From the Playa to the Hydroelectric at the Urubamba River. This morning we will work up one newly opened Inca trail. This trail originally was used to transport agricultural products to the population on Machu Picchu and it takes us through an area with coffee plantations and subtropical fruits and crops. As we come up higher the trail the vegetations changes between dry and grassy with flowers and moist cloud forest. In the pass we are suddenly in a cool dense wood full of trees covered with thick mosses. Shortly hereafter we see for the first time the impressing Machu Picchu on a mountain saddle further into the valley. 10 minutes more and we arrive to our lunch spot called Llactapata. He we have our lunch while enjoying the views of Machu Picchu and the beautiful mountains. Then we walk the last part downhill and along the river to the Hydroelectric. Here we can visit on fine Intihuatana while waiting for the train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes where we arrive in the afternoon. We spend the night in a nice hotel.
	NINTH CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DAY: From Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes where we take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from here bus to Cusco. In Cusco we go to at central placed hotel close to the colonial style Plaza de Armas.

Note: All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions and flight schedules.

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure choquequirao & machu picchu briefing at Hotel or Office *Give us details of the place you are going to stay in cusco please.
• Professional Quechua Spanish and English speaking choquequirao & machu picchu tour guide
• Collection from your hotel (we pick you up where you are staying from) from 4:30 to 5:00 am
• Private Transportation Van Cusco to Cachora ( trailhead) molle pata
• Local Transportation from la playa to Santa Teresa (2 hours aprox. )
•Tourist train (cerrojo-backpacker ) back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (2 hours aprox.) and then bus back to Cusco(1 and half hours aprox. )
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao and Machu picchu
• Food: *8 breakfasts,8 lunches, 8 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 8 dinners (click here to see a sample of quechuas expeditions food)
• 4 season HIGH QUALITY PROPER MOUNTAIN TENT (Best Mountain Hardwear & kayla Doite Tents ) (We use only the finest quality aluminum tent poles)4 man tent for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your backpacks (click here to see details of quechuas expeditions Camping Equipment)
• Camping equipment (tent for the staff, cooking and eating tents. Chairs and tables )
• THERM-A-REST self-inflating air Sleeping mattresses ( a whole new way to sleep in comfort.)(click here to see details of quechuas expeditions Camping Equipment)
• Cook who is in charge of making the food,
• Horsemen , mules or porters (they carry cooking stuff and camping equipment ) plus 7 kilos for your personal belongings.
• 1 emergency horse to ride every 3 persons - days 1 to 5
• 1 night accommodation in a hostel Aguas Calientes (click here to see the hostal in aguas calientes town)
• Health Insurance for our porters, cooks,guides, field crew and Quechuas Expeditions staff
• Wake up coca tea each morning in your tent for a gentle start
• Quechuas Expeditions Free duffel bag for your personal stuff
• Oxygen balloon for any emergency
Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• Transfer train or bus station-hotel in Cusco
• First Aid kit and Free Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco. Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our quechuas expeditions office.
• *Vegetarian/special diet options free available

NOTE: Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo-backpacker (Aguas calientes to Ollantaytambo) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 14:00 and being the 9:00 pm the last train. quechuas expeditions will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on www.perurail.com click here to see timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train to ollantaytambo ) for an increased price.of US$ 30 let us know please.

(click Below to see Train details)
| Backpacker Train | Vistadome Train | Hiram Bigham Train |

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU DOESN'T INCLUDE:

• Breakfast on the first morning (ask at your hotel)
• Entrance to the hot springs water Santa Teresa / Colcalmayo 15 soles or Aguas Calientes 10 soles(click here to see hot springs)
• Sleeping bag (goose down) -15ºC-extreme it can be hired from us US$ 40 for all trek mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 25 trips
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu (optional/ instead of walking) ( one way US$7 and you can Buy it at the Aguas Calientes bus station) aguas calientes to Machupicchu.
• Last Lunch in aguas calientes town
• Bus down tickets from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes town US$ 7 one way
• Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please):Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING ON CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU :

• Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) green card if you are student ). Note ( you have to bring your student card to machu picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machupicchu control point
• Travel Insurance card is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included)
• hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Sun hat and gloves
• T-shirts / shirts
• Comfortable hiking zip off trousers
• Rain pants
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes)
• Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
• Insect Repellent ( for mosquitos )15 % of deet at least
• Water bottle.
• Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended)
• Toilet paper and wet wipes
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (flashlight) we recommend headlights
• Extra contribution suggested in soles money for tipping horseman, cook and guide. and for any emergency.
Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING ON CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU :

• Short pants , Plaster and bandages
• Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us
NOTE walking poles are not allowed into machu picchu city.

Options:

(1) Single room at Aguas Calientes town (evening on day 4) the accommodations at Aguas Calientes on the 4th night is based on double or triple occupancy
(DWB or TWB). If a client would like to have a single room, need to add US$15.00 to the base price of the tour. You must decide if you want to have a single room in advance and let Us know when making your trek reservation since we need to purchase the hotel booking in advance as well. You cannot decide it at a later date or once you arrive in Cusco.
(2) An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged for you if required. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. It is best to make your hotel reservation directly.

(3) Vegetarian Meals. We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least 2 days prior to trek departure.
(4) Single tent.if you don't want to shared your tent with somebody extra cost of US$15 a day
(5) Sleeping bag hire. If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the the to Peru with you then we have sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$ 5 a day .

Reservation details:
All trek reservations must be made at least specially classic inca trail .2 or 3 months in advance (however 3 months in advance is recommended especially during the peak season May, June, July , August and September)

Other information:
(1) Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco. Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our office.
(2) Time of arrival in Cusco. Unless you plan to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to your hotel in Cusco for approximately 10:30 pm on the last day of the trek.
(3) Trek Itinerary: For a detailed description of our trekking tour itinerary see above.

NOTE ABOUT CAMPSITES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU
Please note that we are not in control of the campsites we are issued with from the Institute of National Culture. In general your campsite allocation is depends on how early you book, or rather, how many inca trail permits are left. The first 250 spaces are generally given to Winay Wayna (3rd campsite 2 hours far from machupicchu and 1 hour away from sungate) and thereafter you will have a longer walk to Machupicchu on the last day and it could mean you do not make it for sunrise. Do not let this disappoint you as Machupicchu is marvellous in itself!

CAMPSITES ON THE ALTERNATIVES TREK TO MACHU`PICCHU
campsites are going to be according to the progress of the group (how fast you walk) our guides will try to get the best places to camp.

UP TO DATE INCA TRAIL PERMIT AVAILABILITY
If you wish to check on permit availability you can view spaces at : INCA TRAIL The Inca Trail is regulated by 500 spaces per day including support staff. Availability can shift very quickly so we advise you to book well in advance especially for the peak season months of May, June, July and August.

IMPORTANT NOTE: personal inca trail porters
Our Porters carry a maximum load of 15kg, but we kindly ask you to not exceed your 6kg stated allowance as we need to adhere to the INC regulations and more importantly not damage the health and welfare of our Porters! Please note that if you want to hire a personal porter you need to tell us this at the time of making your reservation as our Porters also require permits to enter the trail and we cannot add on more porters after we have obtained your permits!
and if you want to hire an horse for any of our alternative inca trail will cost you US$20 a day.

INCA TRAIL AND ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAILS SERVICE:( TO CLOSE YOUR GROUP)

If you would like your group to be "closed", no other persons added to it, then this is possible to arrange for an extra $80 per person. With this service you are given more flexibility to walk at your own pace, you will have the guide to yourselves and an all round more personal service! At the time of making your reservation kindly indicate to us that you would prefer this option.

STUDENTS DISCOUNTS:
If you have a valid ISIC Student Card you are entitled to US$30 discount for classic inca trail and US$ 20 for alternative inca trails. When making your booking please send us a scanned in version of your Student Card to entitle you to the discount.

INCA TRAIL REGULATION:
The national historical sanctuary is protected by law to conserve its biodiversity as well as the Inka ruins. Machupicchu comes under intense pressure, with over 300,000 visitors each year. From May to September, an average of 2000 people explore the ruins daily, of whom 150 / 200 have hiked the trail, and the rest by train.
Compared with many other tourist attractions, the Inka trail is well maintained. The Peruvians have worked hard at limiting the erosion, litter and other damage caused by its popularity. This is a long term campaign which needs and deserves your support. By choosing an environmentally conscious tour operator and be careful about handling litter, where you go the toilet, and the use the poles you can help them preserve this wonderful place. Fortunately, controversial plans to build a cable car and large hotel at machupicchu have been widely opposed, and the rules announced in 2000 were being enforced from 2001.
• All hikers must be acompanied by a licensed tour guide.
• Entry fee...for the full trail ...for some other treks ...
• Group size must not exceed 16 visitors.
• A maximum of 500 people per day will be allowed to embark on the inca trail.
• inka trail Porters are not allowed to carry more than 25 kg.
• The inka trail will be closed for one month each year for maintenance (from February 2002).
• Since you are walking on ancient stones, the rule about protecting pole tips makes sense.
• No disposable water bottles may be used to reduce the litter problem.
• When visiting ruins, never climb on the stones or put your rusksack anywhere except on the ground.
• Although you may not see the rucksack rule displayed local guides enforce it, as well as being a precaution against damage, it is a courtesy to other hikers.
• Other rules prohibit acts of vandalism (such as picking wild flowers, camping in the archeological sites or making open fires) that no readers of this would consider.
• Additional rules govern machupicchu itself.
Choquequirao - Machu Picchu's Sacred Sister
Exploring the Last Inca Refuge

Just below the equator lies a place of mystery and romance. Raging glacier fed rivers roar through deep canyons slicing the igneous spine of the Andes. Towering ice peaks hover like sentinels over mist-shrouded jungles. Lost civilizations and forgotten cities beckon the adventurous. An immense area on the eastern slope of the Andes, The Vilcabamba, remains unmapped and one of the least explored areas on Earth.
In the year 1536, three years after the fall of the Inca empire to Spanish adventurer Francisco Pizarro, the Incas staged a rebellion against the Conquistadors. Manco Inca, grandson of the great emperor Huayna Capac, led his followers in retreat from a failed siege of Cusco. The rebels established court in the remote Vilcabamba triangle, maintaining vestiges of Inca tradition, religion and statehood out of reach of Spanish authorities. A centuries old conflict has raged concerning the location and identification of Manco's capital, Vilcabamba Vieja and other important sites including Machu Picchu.
During May 1994 and October 1995, my self, a Peruvian trained archaeologist/historian from Westcliffe, Colorado, and British ornithologist/explorer, Barry Walker, who lives in Cusco, led an expedition searching for Manca's bastion. Together we had logged more than twenty-five years studying the ancient civilizations of Peru, and we were determined to follow previously unstudied Inca highways to Choquiquirao. We hoped to solve the mystery surrounding the location of the last Inca cities and a sacred ceremonial center, probable refuge of the last Inca ruler. We now believe that Choquiquirao is that center.
Eco-tourism, a concept of using paying participants to fund operations, supported our expeditions. In 1994, ten guests, twelve support staff and twenty eight horses and mules accompanied us on a rugged 15 day adventure across ridges and valleys at altitudes varying between 4,000 and 15,000 feet. I returned with a group the following year. Using a Garman GPS navigational computer, we charted the new finds and plotted Inca roads. Working with Peruvian archaeologist, Perci Paz, members helped clear and excavate a temple.
Findings of the expeditions indicate that Choquequirao is a much more important site than had previously been thought. The central area represents complexes of carefully constructed stone ceremonial buildings associated with baths, fountains and canals. Other areas contain compounds of multiple storied dwellings and store houses. Massive stone-walled agricultural terraces dominate the approaches. Analysis of building material suggests a unique architectural style necessitated by brittle metamorphic rock differing from that of Machu Picchu and the Cusco area. The discovery of the remains of an Inca town and temple near Choquiquirao indicated the presence of a substantial population.
The expeditions established that a major Inca road connected Choquequirao with Vitcos, fitting the description given by the only known visitor to the area during the time of the last Incas. Recent identification of important Inca sites with sacred geography places Choquequirao as one of the most important of ceremonial centers. An artificially truncated hill near the principal plaza served as a ritual platform and celestial observatory affording sighting to six different ice peaks considered sacred to ancient Peruvians.
The equatorial sun, The Inca God Inti, sets directly over Nevado Panta, closest of the high peaks. Like the famous Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is perched on a high ridge overlooking one of the two great rivers, sacred Apu or gods to the Inca, that rush downward to the Amazon. Choquiquirao is three times higher above the river, 6000 feet in all, than Machu Picchu. First visited and described to the western world by a French explorer during the eighteenth century, Choquequirao is best known from a visit by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1910. Remoteness and inaccessibility have discouraged visitors and serious study. It is estimated that fewer than 150 outsiders have viewed the site in this century.

A Peruvian archaeological team with limited funding has recently mapped out the major site complex and has begun restoration and preservation of part of the structures. Although only limited excavation has yet been undertaken, ample evidence exists that Choquequirao was continuously inhabited and that construction continued after the arrival of the Spanish to Peru in 1532. Choquequirao appears to have been abandoned undiscovered by Spanish authorities.

Suggested Reading

Lost City of the Incas: The Story of Machu Picchu and its Builders, Hiram Bingham. Atheneum, 1972.
The Incas and Their Ancestors, Michael Moseley. Thames and Hudson, 1992
The Conquest of Peru,William H. Prescott. New American Library, 1961. A CLASSIC
The Conquest of the Incas , John Hemming. Hartcourt Brace 1970.
Machu Picchu, The Sacred Center, Johan Reinhard. Nuevas Imagenes, Lima. 1991

Reviews of choquequirao to machu picchu

We had an excellent time on our trek to Choquequirao to Machu Picchu with Quechuas Expeditions. There are so many different tour operators to choose from, we felt really fortunate that we made the right choice! The price was very reasonable, especially considering there were only two of us on the trek, and it was still about the same price as large group treks with other companies. We were picked up from the airport, and they even helped us book a hostel that was in our price range after we arrived in Cusco. Very helpful when you are jet lagged after a long flight. Before we left for our trek we were able to meet our guide and he briefed us on the adventure we had in store for us so we knew what to expect. The whole process was very organized, including the transportation, making it easy to just enjoy the experience without having to deal with the nuances.

The trek itself was absolutely amazing. The scenery was breathtaking and we saw very few tourists on the trail for the first 6 days. Choquequirao is so great because you actually can walk around and explore it without being bombarded by a million tourists. The ruins are so large that you can actually walk around without bumping into many people at all giving you time to truly enjoy it, and at your own pace. We were really pleased that we chose this trek because you really have time to enjoy the granduer of the Andes and see how people live in the mountains of Peru. It truly is a beautiful place.

Hmmm, what else can I rave about? Oh yeah, the food! Seriously, we were truly impressed. We are vegetarians, and a lot of times vegetarian food in S. America can be rather bland. This was definitely not the case with Quechuas. We had amazing meals three times a day, including snacks while we were walking and tea time prior to dinner every night. The equipment was also great. The tent was nice and big enough for us and all of our stuff. We definitely experienced every kind of weather while we were on the trek, including torrential downpours and freezing temperatures and we slept great every night.

Last but not least, our guide Percy was fantastic. It was basically like we were hiking with a buddy, except he knew EVERYTHING. We had a great time talking and joking, but he also told us interesting things around every turn. He knew about the mountains, flora, fauna, history, archeology.......you name it.

I definitely recommend this trek and this company. You will have the adventure of a lifetime that you will not forget!

Emily Whiteman emilywhiteman@gmail.com
Portland, Oregon USA

INCA TRAIL INFORMATIONS: Inca Trail Introductions / How to Book iInca Trail /How to Get Winayhuayana as your last Inca Trail camping spot /Inca Trail Day 1 / Inca Trail Day 2 / Inca Trail Day 3 / Inca Trail Day 4 / Weather & Trek Preparations / inca trail via llactapata / Inca Trail Porters/Inca Trail Food/Inca Trail Equipment/camping equipment |
INCA TRAIL TREKS: Classic Inca Trail (4D) | Inca Trail Private (4D) | Inca Trail (5D) | Short Inca Trail (2D) | inka trail via salkantay (7D) | Inca Trail (3D) |short inka trail via llactapata (2D) |
ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL TREKS: Lares Valley Trek (4D) | Salkantay Trek (5D) |Salkantay Trek (4D) | Mandor Pampa & Putucusi (2D) | Ausangate Trek (6D) | Choquequirao Trek (4D) | Choquequirao (5D) | Choquequirao to machupicchu (9D) | Inka Jungle Trail (4D)
SALKANTAY TREK : salkantay trek (7D) | salkantay trek Private (5D) | salkantay trek (5D) | salkantay trek (2D) | Salkantay inka trail (7D) | salkantay trek (3D) | salkantay trek (2D) | salkantay trek (4D) | salkantay trek (10D)
INKA JUNGLE PERU : Inka jungle peru camping (4D) | Inka jungle peru Private (4D) | Inka jungleTrail (5D) | Inka jungle peru (2D) | Inka jungle peru(7D) | Inka jungle peru Trail (3D) | Inka jungle cusco Trail (2D)
LARES TREK : lares trek (4D) | lares trek Private (4D) | lares trek (5D) | lares trek patacancha and willoq(2D) | lares trek (7D) | lares trek (3D) | lares trek to huaran(4D) | lares trek (7D) | lares trek peru (6D) | lares trek communities (5D) |
CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHUPICCHU : choquequirao trek (4D) | choquequirao trek Private (4D) | choquequirao trek 5D) | choquequirao /machupicchu trek (9D) | choquequirao trek (7D) | choquequirao trek to Huanipaca (5D) | choquequirao trek (6D) |
AUSANGATE TREK : ausangate trek (4D) | ausangate trek Private (4D) | ausangate trek to singrinacocha (5D) | ausangate trek (3D) | ausangate trek (7D) | ausangate trek (12D) | ausangate ice climbing trek (11D) |
MANU NATIONAL PARK : manu jungle trip (3D) | manu jungle trip Private (4D) | manu jungle trip (5D) | manu jungle trip (6D) | manu jungle trip (7D) | manu jungle trip (8D) | manu jungle trip (9D) manu jungle trip (10D) | manu jungle trip (12D) | manu jungle trip reserved zone(8D) |
PERU CULTURAL HOLIDAYS: sacred valley of the inkas | cusco city tour | machupicchu by train | machupicchu by car | south valley tours| |  Maras & Moray Tours | Machupicchu full day
PERU SPORT HOLIDAYS: Whitewater rafting Urubamba | Whitewater rafting Apurimac | Whitewater rafting jungle |Biking Maras & Moray Tours | paragliding over the sacred valley | horseback riding cusco peru - sacred valley of the incas |
PERU OTHER SERVICES: hotel peru | hostels cusco | lodges cusco peru | rental shops cusco | camping shops | camping equipment to sell & rent | freelance tour guides to machupicchu | free maps cusco peru | free information | disco night clubs cusco peru |restaurant cusco peru | local markets cusco peru | Booking Bus and Train Tickets| Booking Flights Booking Bus and Train Tickets| Booking Flights |
PERU TRAVEL INFORMATION: Peru package holidays | southamerican package holidays | Weather | Health | Machu Picchu | Choquequirao | Salkantay | Inka Jungle | Lares | Hotels | About Cusco | About Peru | Calendar Events of Cusco | Community of Canacchimpa |Aymaras Expeditions lodges Peru | rafting machupicchu | quechuas lodges | Peru maps | trekking holidays itineraries | jungle holidays intineraries | cultural holidays intineraries |

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