Choquequirao & Vilcabamba, 13-day trek to Machu Picchu, from Cusco

We will leave Cusco at 5:30 in the morning. First we will go to the pretty village of Cachora (2850m) surrounded by mountains and the majestic glacier Padreyoc (5571m). Here we also meet the team of muleteers who will accompany us throughout this unforgettable trip. After crossing the village of Capuliyoc (2800m), we continue the descent to our camp, Chiquisca (1930m).

After breakfast, we will start our tour to Playa Rosalína (1550m) and then we will go up the village of Marampata (2850m). From here we will have a beautiful view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m). If we are lucky, we will see condors. Our camp is located in Choquequirao, about 20 minutes from the ruins.

Early in the morning we will visit the citadel of Choquequirao, “Cuna de Oro” (the golden cradle) to enjoy the silence. We will explore the archaeological site, of which only 30% has been restored. We will visit the palace sections, the fountains, the temple, the lamas section and the Usnu. Then we will continue our ascending path to the Choquequirao pass (3270m) and we will pass by the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m). Finally, we will arrive at the deepest point of the ravine, Río Blanco, or Río Silvestre (1900m), where we will spend the night.

After a full breakfast, we will begin the climb in the middle of the rainforest. This part of the road is relatively difficult and we will spend the night in the community of Maizal (3000m). Maizal is a recommended place to observe spectacular glaciers such as the Qori wayrachina (5512m).

Our tour continues following the famous Inca Trail, which is unfortunately in bad summer due to erosion. First we will climb to the Col de San Juan (4170m). From here we will have a beautiful view of the valleys, mountains and glaciers. The ecosystem is constantly changing, so the Vilcabamba Mountains are located in one of the most complex areas of Peru. Our campsite will be in the small village of Yanama (3530m).

In Yanama we will experience the Andean life, the traditions and customs of the locals. Our path will go up and down among the tropical forest of Urpipata, Yutupata (3300m) and Tucarhuay, and will lead us to the Quellccamachay cave. Our camp is at Lazuna Pampa (3800m).

After our breakfast we start our ascent to the Choquetacarpu pass (4600m). Here we will take a short break to savor and explore the places. Then we will descend again to the village of Pillaupata (3200m), where our camp is located.

It is a delight to visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosasapata (3080m) and Ñustahispana (Yurac Rumi) (3050m). After the visit, we will climb to the Azutina pass (4000m), then descend to our camping site, Inca Wasi (3600m).

During this day we will find the remains of Inca Trail, which will take us to the Raccachaca community (3700m), where we will have lunch. This small village is very welcoming, people will come out to meet us to encourage us in this beautiful adventure. Our camp is at Hatum Pampa (4000m).

This day will be both the most arduous and the most beautiful part of our adventure. We will pass Yanacocha passes (4420m), Tullu Tacana (4500m) and Mojón (4500m). Then we will descend to the Laco Cocha Lagoon (3600m). Our camp will be in Mutuypata cloud forest (3250m), the habitat of the Andean bear, called the spectacled bear.

In the morning, we will enjoy the biodiversity of orchids, bromeliaceae and other plants of the region. We will also see coffee, avocado and papaya plantations. In Yanatile (2100m) we will take a transport to go to Santa Teresa (1850m). We will spend the night in a family hotel. You can enjoy the hot water pools if you wish.

From Santa Teresa, we will walk to the Hidreléctrica station. On the way we will pass the waterfall of Mayubamba and the mountain of Machu Picchu. Arrived at Hidroeléctrica, we will have lunch, then we will take a train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

We will leave the hotel after breakfast at 5:30 and we will ride to Machu Picchu (2400m) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 06:00. After a guided tour of the archaeological site (including information about life and culture of the Incas), you will have time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace, as well as the Huayna Picchu if you wish. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train at 14h55 or 18h20, until Ollantaytambo, then a bus will take you to your hotel in Cusco. While waiting for the train, you will have the time to have lunch in one of the restaurants of the city. In addition, you can enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax before your departure.