We leave Cusco around 6am, arriving at the town of Cachora in approximately 5 hours. Arriving at Capuliyoq we organize our equipment on mules and horses, and after lunch we start the hike. On the way we can appreciate the majestic, snowy peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora, while in the distance it is possible to appreciate the path that will be followed for the first day and second day.

We begin the descent through a zigzagging path, crossing thickets and the imposing Apurimac Canyon. Later, in a forest of native trees called Phaty, after approximately four-hours, we will arrive at our first camp called Chiquisca (1,930 m). We can expect a warm night in the valley.

TREK LOG. 5.3 miles/8.53km. Cumulative ascent 285ft/87m. Cumulative descent 3622ft/1014m. Maximum altitude 9815ft/2993m. Campsite 6155ft/1877m.

After breakfast, we descend to Playa Rosalina (1550m), where we pass a checkpoint and cross the bridge over the Apurimac River. The time to this point will be approximately 1 hour. 

We begin our ascent by zigzagging along the path to Santa Rosa (2095m), where we can take a refreshing break. We continue the hike to Marampata (2850m), a flat place where we can rest in similar conditions to Santa Rosa, enjoying a splendid view over Choquequirao. The ascent time from the Apurimac River to Marampata is approximately 4 to 5 hours. The gradient varies from almost flat to very steep. 

We follow the trail between flat parts with small ups and downs to reach our campsite in Choquequirao. This campsite has toilets and a cold water shower.

TREK LOG: 6.4 miles/10.3km. Cumulative Ascent 4800ft/1464m. Cumulative Descent 1370ft/418m. Max elevation 9540ft/2906m.

Today we will walk about 7 to 8 hours in rather warm weather, with a total distance of 14 km.

We start the day with a delicious breakfast, then we have enough time to enjoy the majesty of this archaeological zone. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this Inca citadel. We will also have the opportunity to visit the terraces, decorated with llama stonework, right at the top of the Apurimac canyon. It is also possible to see the flight of the majestic Andean condor, as these areas are part of its extensive habitat.

In the afternoon we can see the area is in the process of excavation, and unexplored areas that can give us more understanding of the last refuge of the Incas.

TREK LOG: 5.4 miles/9.3km. Cumulative ascent 1263ft/385m. Cumulative descent 1440ft/439m. Max elevation 10,024ft/3122m.

After breakfast we walk through Choquequirao, with all of our equipment to continue to our next camp. We follow the Incan water channel, and after approximately 5 hours of walking, we find Pinchinuyoc.

This day we hike through a beautiful cloud forest, and then everything turns into steep open meadows, with open views of the mountains and valleys. 

Pinchinuyoc is located 2450 meters above sea-level and means “water leaping forward” – this archaeological site is decorated with beautiful ritual fountains. 

The terraces in Inca times were used for agricultural purposes. It is worth mentioning that the sunset in this place is incredibly beautiful.

TREK LOG. 4.6 miles/7.4km. Cumulative ascent/descent 1320ft/402m. Max elevation 10200ft/3110m.

After breakfast we walk through vegetation which is very interesting, typical of the mountain forest. After completing the descent, we arrive at the banks of the white river, which cascades from the mountains; we will make a stop to refresh ourselves and then continue. We cross the river on foot, as there are no bridges. After a well deserved rest, we start the long and steep ascent to our camp in Maizal, high above the river near the sacred Apus of the Incas. In Maizal we have our lunch and then time to enjoy the afternoon. From here we can see 3 valleys and a snowy peak right in front of us. Hiking time is approximately 6 hours.

TREK LOG: About 10.5miles/16.8km. Cumulative Ascent 5050ft/1540. Cumulative descent 4600ft/1403m. Max altitude 10800ft/3293m.

This day, after our delicious breakfast, we continue to the San Juan pass (4200m) where our team will be waiting for us with a nutritious lunch. This route is uphill, and after passing the cloud forest we reach the highlands, where the temperature decreases along with the vegetation. In this itinerary, it will be possible to see part of the silver mines called Victoria. This mineral is still extracted in an artisanal way, by local people.

From this place we will have the opportunity to see the imposing glacier mountains, such as Choquetacarpo. There are also good chances of seeing the Andean condor.

After lunch we start the descent to Yanama (3530m), a small isolated village at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by mountains. This place has an indescribable beauty and tranquility to it. Hiking time is approximately 9 hours.

TREK LOG: – 8.8miles/14.2km, Cumulative Ascent 4140ft/1262m. Cumulative Descent 1925ft/587m. Max altitude 13645ft/4160m.

On this day we have motorized transport, which will take us to the Mariano Llamocca pass located at 4600m. In this journey we will have stops to photograph the beautiful landscapes, and from here we are ready to walk a downhill path, keeping in front of us the highest mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, such as the Nevado Salkantay (6200m) and the Humantay (5900). 

After approximately 2 hours, we again take our vehicle that bring us to our next camp in Lucmabamba, where we will have the opportunity to learn about the production of coffee and other fruits.

We will also have a special lunch called Pachamanca, which will be prepared by our expert chef.

In the afternoon we have the option to visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, this activity is not included in the program; but we can organize it if you desire.

After a well-deserved rest and a delicious breakfast, we prepare to ascend for approximately three-hours to the Llaqtapata viewpoint. From here we will have the opportunity to see for the first time, and in the distance, the lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a spectacular view, and a few minutes later arrive at the archaeological remains of Llaqtapata, where we will have an introductory explanation about Machu Picchu.

Then we arrive at our lunch place, even with the impressive view, after that we get ready to walk the descent that will take us to the train station in the town called Hidroelectrica.

After a 40-minute ride, we arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a spacious and comfortable hotel.

TREK LOG (Lucmabamba to Hydroelectrica railway station). 8.5miles/13.7km. Cumulative ascent 2650ft/808m. Cumulative descent 3525ft/1075m. Max altitude 9260ft/2823m.

After breakfast we will take the bus that will bring us to the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a guided tour of 2 or 3 hours, enough time to enjoy the Historical and Natural Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Once our tour is over, we prepare to return to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch, and then we take the train and bus consecutively that will bring us back to the city of Cusco.

Upon arrival in Cusco each passenger will be transported to their respective hotels where we finish this beautiful adventure.

A final comment on this trip also by Hernest Goddard: “This has been an immensely rich experience and a huge adventure that we’re still trying to fully grasp. Over nine days we walked about 72miles/115km, climbed 23350ft/7119m and descended 25370ft/7735m.  Along the way – mostly courtesy of Claudio – we learned a great deal about the amazing Incas who, in not much more than a 100 years, left such an indelible mark on Peru and South America. We were lucky to go when we did because it seems likely that Choquequirao will be developed for mass tourism, and the sanctity of this Andean aerie will be forever lost”.