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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:

The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu- (with Colca Canyon & Lake Titicaca)21/D

Enjoy this tour through the very best of southern Peru, from one of the world’s deepest canyons to the highest navigable lake in the world and into the Andes. Start in Lima and then onwards towards Arequipa, the “White City”, followed by a boat trip on Lake Titicaca home to floating islands of the Uros people. Finally, hike through the Andes along the less travelled Choquequirao Trek to discover the isolated ruins of Choqueruirao and the legendary Machu Picchu.
In Colca Canyon we have the best view down into the canyon in order to observe the majestic flight of the condors rising with the morning thermals. We have plenty of time to enjoy the valley before our journey to Puno and the amazing cobalt blue waters of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat ride to the traditional island of Amantani where you’ll stay with the locals, learning more about their ancestral traditions and daily life.
Choquequirao has not yet reached the levels of popularity of Machu Picchu, meaning, in terms of visitor numbers it is at the stage Machu Picchu was at perhaps 30 years ago. Choquequirao which means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua sits 3000m above the thunderous Apurimac River in the saddle of a high Andean ridge. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and flanked by dense cloud forest the city is an awe-inspiring example of Inca architecture. Choquequirao has been called the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu” because of similarities in design and ceremonial purpose. In the time of the Incas a complex network of trails connected it to Machu Picchu.
On this trek enjoy the ascent to Choquequirao as the route passes through breathtaking scenery, from dessert-like slopes to dense forest, to snow-capped mountains which seem to fill the sky. It seems fitting that this site was dedicated to the worship of mountain Gods, the river and nature. While this is quite a tough hike, you are rewarded with spectacular views the whole way. The ruins of Choquequirao, perched on a ledge high above the Apurimac are not as extensive as Machu Picchu, but probably more fascinating and much more remote.

To really enjoy this trek it helps if you are of a reasonable fitness level.

The Choquequirao Trek - (with Colca Canyon & Lake Titicaca) -BRIEF ITINERARY

Day:1: Arrive Lima (Overnight in Lima hotel).
Day:2: Arrive Arequipa and take a visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina (Overnight in Arequipa hotel).
Day:3: Colca Canyon (Overnight).
Day:4: Puno (Overnight in Puno).
Day:5: Visit the island of Amantani on Lake Titicaca. (Overnight Amantanti home stay)
Day:6: Island Visits - Taquile & Uros (Overnight Puno)
Day:7: Journey to Cusco, on the way visiting the Inca temple Raqchi (Overnight Cusco)
Day:8: City Tour Cusco (Overnight Cusco)
Day:9: Tour of the Sacred Valley (Overnight Cusco)
Day:10 - 16: Choquequirao Trek (camping)
Day:17: Arrive Aguas Calientes (Overnight in hotel)
Day:18: Visit Machu Picchu. (Overnight Cusco)
Day:19: Cusco (Overnight Cusco)
Day:20: Arrive Lima (Overnight Lima hotel)
Day:21: Depart Peru

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY: Walking and journey times are approximate

Day 1: Arrive Lima (Overnight in Lima hotel): Transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Day 2: Arrive Arequipa (Overnight in Arequipa hotel): Fly from Lima to Arequipa where you will meet with your tour leader who will be with you for the trip. Transfer to hotel. Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city yet it maintains a laid back atmosphere and a traditional colonial style as it lies in the shadow of El Misti volcano. We take a visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. Later in the afternoon we visit the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries where we have the opportunity to view the Inca mummy known as “Juanita”.

Day 3:Colca Canyon (Overnight): Travel for approximately 3 ½ hours along a rough, rutted road through high plains flanked by extensive Inca and pre-Inca terracing en route to Colca Canyon. On our drive there are ample photo stops allowing us to enjoy some spectacular views of volcanoes, agricultural terraces and wild alpaca and vicuña herds. We spend the night in the Colca Valley allowing us time to acclimatize and take a dip in the relaxing thermal baths of La Calera.

Day 4: Puno (Overnight in Puno): After an early breakfast we depart in the direction of the famous vantage point of Cruz del Condor from where we have the best view down into the canyon in order to observe the majestic flight of the condors rising with the morning thermals. We return briefly to visit the towns of Maca and Yanque, with stops to view the marvellous Colca Canyon. After lunch we transfer by tourist bus to the city of Puno (3800m) on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where we spend the night in a hotel.

Day 5: Island Visit - Amantani (Overnight Amantanti home stay):Today we leave the port of Puno by way of a tourist boat and cruise Lake Titcaca (the highest navigable lake in the world at 3800m). Our destination – the Island of Amananti. We lunch on the island and then we split into smaller groups and billet into family homes where we stay with the locals and experience their style of living first hand for a once in a lifetime cultural exchange. In the late afternoon we can enjoy the breathtaking sunset over Lake Titicaca from the top of the island. On a clear day we will even be able to see the distant peaks of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia.

Day:6: Island Visits - Taquile & Uros (Overnight Puno): Say our farewells to our host families and return to Puno today via our first stop on Lake Titicaca is Taquile Island. The people of Taquile Island’s unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The island is characterised by the quality of their textiles. Here, the men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. We lunch on Taquile before resuming our boat trip to the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Arrive in Puno and spend the night in the hotel.

Day 7: Cusco (overnight Cusco): An 8 hour panoramic bus ride brings us over the highlands to the former capital of the Incas: Cusco. During the trip we enjoy our lunch and visit different tourist attractions like the colonial church of Andahuaylillas and the Inca temple Raqchi (dedicated to Wiracocha the most important god in Andean ideology). Arrive in Cusco and transfer to our hotel for the night (3400 m).

Day 8: City Tour Cusco (Overnight Cusco): Enjoy a city tour of this beautiful city. The tour starts at the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco, after, visit the Temple of the Sun - Koricancha. From here we go by bus the visit the archaeological Inka sites that overlook Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay.
Day 9: Sacred Valley (Overnight Cusco)Travel through the Sacred Valley and visit the towns and Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. Get a chance to learn a little about the local people, their way of life and their traditional weaving techniques. We return to our hotel in Cusco for the evening.
Day 10: Start Choquequirao Trek (camping): CUSCO - CACHORA -CHIQUISCA: We leave early this morning and take our private bus to the town of Cachora (2850m), located to the north east of Cusco (3400m). It is here that we meet the horsemen and pack the horses with their load ready for our journey. They will carry all our camping equipment throughout our trek. Taking our day packs, we walk along the edge of the mountain. At the strategic viewpoint of Capuliyoc (2800m) we can see the first views of the archaeological site of Choquequirao, as well as of the impressive Apurimac Canyon and part of the Vilcabamba mountain range. We will find an increase in temperature as we enter deeper into the canyon. Tonight our campsite is in the forest of Chiquisca (1930m). Approx. walking time 5 hours.

Day 11: CHIQUISCA- CHOQUEQUIRAO: Enjoy a full breakfast as today is our “dia dificil” and we will need the energy! We begin by descending for approximately 30 minutes to Playa Santa Rosalinda (1500m), here we start our long ascent of the mountain. We reach Marampata (2850m), where we will have a beautiful view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao and enjoy the more temperate climate of the mountainside. In the enigmatic evening of Choquequirao we may be lucky to observe the flight of Cóndor. Marampata will serve as our campsite for the night (2950m.). Approx. walking time 7 hours.

Day 12: CHOQUEQUIRAO - RIO BLANCO: We can watch the dawn rise over Choquequirao or "Cuna de Oro" and explore the ruins for ourselves. Our knowledgeable tour leader will present us with information concerning the history, ruins and recent excavations. Even now, Choquequirao (3050m) keeps many ancient secrets, because at the moment only 30% of the archaeological site has been uncovered. After the visit, we head in the direction of Choquequirao Pass (3270m), and later to the ruins of Pinchaunuyoc 2450m. There, we descend to the deepest part of the canyon known as the White River(1900m). Here we will camp for the night. Approx. walking time 6 hours.

Day 13: RIO BLANCO - MINAS VICTORIA: Early in the morning, we will ascend towards the town of Maizal (3000m); this can prove to be quite a difficult section, as the path slopes through tropical forest. Later we continue our ascent along an ancient Inca path which is worsening due to the constant natural erosions of the mountain and the intense humidity of the place. Arrive at the interesting old silver mines of Mina Victoria thought to have been worked for over 1000 years. Camp over night at Minas Victoria (4000) for the night. Approx. walking time 9 hours.

Day 14: MINAS VICTORIA - YANAMA: This is one of the easiest days of our trek as we ascend to the San Juan Pass (4200m). From this location we have a magnificent view of the glaciers of Vilcabamba (5000m). From there we descend to the charming Andean village of Yanama (3530m), where we shall set up our campsite

Day 15: YANAMA - TOTORA PAMPA: At day break we will eat breakfast and climb to the highest point of our trek known as Yanama Pass (4500m), with hopefully spectacular views of the snow capped peak Salkantay (6264m), the highest peak in the region and most important in Inca times. In this region there is always the possibility of catching a glimpse of a condor in flight. We descend to our campsite in the small community of Totora. Approx. walking time 7 hours.

Day 16: TOTORA PAMPA - LA PLAYA: Continuing on our journey we pass communities with ancestral customs and culture which has been passed on from generation to generation. This is a day of incredible changing scenery as we descend nearly 2000m to our camp beside the village of La Playa Lucmabamba, (2100m) which is semi-tropical. We follow the Rio Santa Teresa down for 6 hours hiking and the views of waterfalls, a variety of bird life and differing vegetation - Orchids and Bromelias make it all worthwhile. Lucmabamba has a small shop selling beer and soft drinks to celebrate nearing the end of our epic journey. Approx. walking time 6 hours.

Day 17: LA PLAYA - AGUAS CALIENTES: Our final day of hiking takes us through lush vegetation of coffee and tropical fruit plantations, into pristine cloud forest. We follow an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata (2650m), an Inca site that is only recently being excavated. We will also have a truly amazing view of Machu Picchu that few tourists get to see from the back. We descend to the Urubamba valley to the hydroelectric plant from where a short but spectacular train journey brings us to the bustling tourist town now know as Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes). Here we check into our hotel and enjoy a shower before heading out to sample one of the many restaurants and bars. There is also the option to enjoy the thermal springs. Approx. walking time 6 hours.

Day 18: Visit Machu Picchu. (Overnight Cusco): There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you. However, don’t be disappointed if the Sun Gate is enveloped in cloud as is so often the case. The morning is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary site of Machu Picchu, where your guide will be on hand to explain and give you an insight into the life of the Incas at Machu Picchu. For the keen, there’s also the opportunity to climb the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu. In the afternoon, we have the chance to soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cuzco.

Day 19: Cusco (Overnight Cusco): Free day in Cusco. Shop for souvenirs or take a look round Cusco’s beautiful Main Square with its colonial architecture or take an optional city tour (this and any other activities can be arranged through your tour leader).

Day 20: Arrive Lima (Overnight Lima hotel): Transfer to airport and catch our flight to Lima. Say goodbye to your tour leader at Cusco airport. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. You may want to book a city tour if you have time.

Day:21: Depart Peru : Transfer to airport to catch your international flight.
 

WHAT TO BRING:
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

Checklist:
• Original Passport (and some copies)
• Travel insurance (and some copies)
• Airline tickets (and some copies)
• USD cash and travellers cheques
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera and films
• Rechargeable batteries and adapters
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks
• Pocketknife.
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
• Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
• Sport hiking sandals
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Purifying tablets or filter
• Flashlight head light recommended
• Money belt
Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

RECOMMENDED IF YOU DO INCA TRAIL- SALKANTAY- LARES TREK – INCA JUNGLE – CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU - AUSANGATE AND OTHER TREKS THAT LAST MORE THAN 2 DAYS
Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bag)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho ,plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us )
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Money Exchange: Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit cards or debit cards will actually work in Peru. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best, although you will usually be charged a commission or given a less-favourable exchange rate for travellers cheques. Always take more rather than less.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

The Price Includes: Tour GUIDE leader (who is your guide in the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Cusco), cook who is charge of making the food , 4 season (MOUNTAIN HARD WEAR Tent performance elevated retailer ) 4 man tent for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your backpacks ,THERM-A-REST Sleeping mattresses ( a whole new way to sleep in comfort.), equipment (double-, dining- and kitchen-tents, mats, table, chairs etc.) entrance and guided tour of Machu Picchu. English speaking local tour guides at Colca Canyon and Puno. All internal transport connections.

Group Size: 4 – 16

Group Leader: Bilingual tour leader from Arequipa to Cusco.
Accommodation: Hotel (10 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay – basic with the locals (1 nt)
Transport: Train, bus, plane, boat, hiking
Meals Included: All meals while on the Inca Trail. This includes snacks and fresh drinking water. Meals while on the island tour. Breakfasts included when staying in the hotels.
Meal Budget : Allow approx. US$10 /$15 for every meal not included.
Not Included:*Sleeping bags, blow up mattresses, alcoholic drinks, tickets for the hot springs at Aguas Calientes, tips for the guides, porters and other staff. Lunch and dinner whilst staying at hotels. City tours of Lima and Cusco. All airport departure tax - Lima International Departure tax is approximately $30 USD and Lima Domestic Departure tax is approximately $6 USD. Travel insurance and things of a personal nature – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs etc.
*Sleeping bags, blow mattresses and hiking poles can be easily rented in Cusco at a price of $4 per day. Just ask your tour leader.
 

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