Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chikisca.

We leave Cusco early in the morning to journey by road to the small village of Cachora. On the way we will have an opportunity to visit Saywite, a fascinating and unique Inca site some 47 kilometres from Abancay. Saywite is a limestone outcrop about four metres in diameter on which the Incas carved a model of their empire, Tawantinsuyo. The stone, upon which images of the flora, fauna, topography and customs of the empire of the sun were traced, was used in ceremonies dedicated to the worship of water. Several other similar rock outcrops lie scattered across the surrounding area, along the vestiges of an inca highway.

On arriving to Cachora, we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear on the horses and mules before we begin our first day’s hike. With the great Salkantay massif in front of us on the other side of the canyon, we will head along the edge of the Apurímac Canyon, with the river almost 2000 metres below us. About halfway through the day, we will begin the winding descent to our first campsite, Chikisca.

Day 2: Chikisca – Choquequirao

Today we will make the steep 1800 m ascent up to the ruins of Choquequirao. The path will lead us through dense cloud forest for about two hours, when we will finally get our first view of the citadel on a spur ahead of us. Another two hours walking, with Choquequirao now almost constantly in sight, leads us to our destination. Here we will have the rest of the day to relax, explore the ruins and, hopefully, see some condors.

These great Andean birds, with a wingspan of up to three metres, tend to rise up from the floor of the canyon on the afternoon thermals, providing visitors on the central plaza of Choquequirao with a magnificent show. That night, after an unforgettable sunset and a good meal, we will camp close to the ruins.

Day 3: Exploring Choquequirao.

This morning we will begin with a visit of the most interesting sections of thearcheological site of Choquequirao. With some luck we can spot condors. These great Andean birds often soar up from the canyon floor on the morning and afternoon thermals, providing visitors on the central plaza of Choquequirao a magnificent show.After breakfast, there is the possibility for the adventurous to discover some newly discovered sections of this magnificent site. In the afternoon, there is time to relax, or we can make our way to other recently cleared sections of the site.

Day 4: Choquequirao – Chikisca.

In the morning, we bid farewell to Choquequirao and begin our descent to the bridge over the Apurimac river. As we descend, the heat will become intense, and we will arrive hot and tired at the bridge crossing the river. There, we will be able to bathe in order to refresh ourselves. Lunch will be served at the riverside. Here, we have time to relax, and in order to avoid the heat, we will wait until the late afternoon before continuing on to our campsite at Chikisca.

Day 5: Chikiska – Cachora – Cusco

An early start today will help us avoid the heat of the canyon while guaranteeing magnificent views of the Apurimac River and surrounding peaks before they become covered by clouds. We will arrive in Cachora around lunchtime, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We’ll arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon.

INCLUDE:

• Local Guides in Included Tours:
  • Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 12 people
  • Cook: In charge of meal preparation
  • Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry backpacks,
  • Emergency Horse: Just in case someone needs help
• Included Meals:
  • Breakfast (04) Lunch (04) Dinner (04)
• Accommodation:
  • Camping (04 nights)
• Transport:
  • Transportation to and from: Cusco – Cachora – Cusco
• Equipment:
  • Tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity),  dinner tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
• Entrances and Fees:
  • Choquequirao Entrance fee

Does not include:

• International Flights
• International Airport Taxes
• Visas
• Meals not listed
• Optional or Extra Activities during free time
• Transfer for optional or extra activities
• Tips
• Items for personal use
• Pre and post Accommodation
• Breakfast (day 1), usually the hotels offer this service
• Dinner (day 5)
• Sleeping Bag
• Inflated mattress
• Suggested Budget for Meals not Included:
  • USD 80.oo for not included meals.

What should I Bring?

• Passport
• Airline Tickets or printed e-ticket
• Travel Insurance
• Credit or Debit Card and some USD cash
• Camera and/or Video
• Visas and Vaccinations certificates
• Printed Dossier
• Some good books!!!
• Pocket knife
• Flash Torch
• Water and wind proof Jacket
• Sun hat or cup
• 02 Pairs of Long trousers
• 05 T-shirts
• 02 Fleece tops
• 01 Pair of Hiking Pants
• Items of personal use
• Sun glasses
• Bug Repellent
• Flip Flops
• Sleeping Bag (Its possible to rent it locally)