*Daily Departures with a minimum of 2 people!
Overview:
If you book the 5-day package, on Day 1 please make your own way to Milhouse Hostel upon arrival to Cuzco for your included overnight accommodation before your trek starts. On Day 2 (Day 1 for our 4-day package) you will depart from Cuzco and trek your way to Chicquisqa. On Day 3 you will hike up to 3110m to reach the Choquequirao archaeological site before descending to Santa Rosa (2095m) on Day 4. Hike to Cachora Village and return to Cuzco on Day 5.
**Please note that both 4-day and 5-day packages have a mandatory pre-departure briefing the day before your trek starts.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Cuzco & Pre-departure briefing
Arrive to Cuzco anytime, enjoy the day to walk around town and make last minute preparations for your big trip ahead. Make your own way to our Cuzco office to attend your pre-departure briefing. Get a good night’s sleep at Milhouse Hostel. (This day is only available in the 5-day package, the 4-day package starts on Day 2)
Day 2: Depart Cuzco - Camp at Chicquisqa (1836m) (L/D)
We depart Cuzco around 5:00 am in a private car. If there is time, we will visit the archaeological site of Saywite before descending to the mountain village of Cachora (2909m), a last minute opportunity to buy supplies. After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.
Accommodation: Camping at Chicquisqa (1836m)
Day 3: Hike to Choquequirao archaeological site (3110m) (B/L/D)
After an early departure, we descend to Playa Rosalinas and the magnificent Apurimac River (1550m) about 1 hour of hiking where we begin our steep climb to Santa Rosa (2095m). Here we can take a refreshing break, rest and buy water. Then we continue upwards, towards Marampata (2913m), a plateau where we will eat lunch and rest enjoying a splendid view of Choquequirao. After lunch, we will hike for about 2 more hours to reach the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3110m) where we will spend the evening exploring the site and watching condors fly overhead at sunset.
Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite (bathrooms and cold water showers)
Day 4: Explore Choquequirao archaeological site - Hike down to Santa Rosa (2095m) (B/L/D)
Today, we will have a chance to explore the Inca site more in-depth and with some free time to rest in the morning. In the afternoon we return along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, descending to our tropical campsite at Santa Rosa (5 hours hiking).
Accommodation: Camping at Santa Rosa (2095m) or Chiccisqa (1836m)
Day 5: Hike to Cachora village - Return to Cuzco (B)
Early in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the Apurimac Canyon, we descend to the raging river, and then begin an arduous climb that is rewarded with spectacular views. We climb for about four hours, and have lunch in Capuliyoc (2915m). The final two hours of our hike we will continue the trail into the village of Cachora along a refreshingly flat and picturesque trail through pretty farming countryside where our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cuzco (4-hour drive). We will arrive to Cuzco between 7 or 8pm.
Typical Meals on the Trek:
We search for the best cooks who put forth their best effort to provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain.
All of our cooks pride themselves on their delicious specialty menus with the freshest local ingredients available. Every meal is prepared fresh with plenty of variety and an abundant quantity of food including a vegetarian option for every meal (please advise prior to departure). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.
Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance).
BREAKFASTS:
Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, egg omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk.
LUNCH & DINNER:
First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes
Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew).
Deserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk.
SNACKS:
Boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.
Additional Information:
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: Bring or Rent in Cuzco: sleeping bag, hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card, charger (limited to no electricity available during trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle, water purification tablets or filter. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, gatorade which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.
