4 Days
Daily Tour
16 people
English, Espanol, Portuguese
We will collect you from your Cusco hotel at approximately five in the morning and start a private transfer to San Pedro de Cachora (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). We will pause for a leisurely breakfast during the roughly three-hour drive. The rest of our trekking crew, including the cooks, muleteers, and their horses, will meet you when you arrive.
Our journey starts with a strenuous 6- to 7-hour hike that covers about 15 km (9.3 miles) in total. From verdant cloud forests to the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc, the trail traverses a variety of Andean landscapes and climatic zones, offering breathtaking views and photo ops. Our guide will share fascinating information about the local ecosystem while pointing out native plants and animals.
Our first significant vantage point will be Mirador Capulichayoc, which provides stunning views of the world's deepest canyon, the Apurímac Canyon, and the meandering Apurímac River below. While enjoying our first lunch here, we will catch early views of Choquequirao across the valley.
Following lunch, the trail descends for roughly three hours (5 km / 3.1 miles) in the direction of Chikisca (1,800 m / 5,905 ft), where we will spend the night. After a long day of hiking, this tranquil location, which is tucked away in the center of the Apurímac Canyon, is the ideal place to unwind, take in the scenery, and rest. We will enjoy dinner and tea in the evening before getting some much-needed rest.
Estimated walking time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Gain or loss in altitude: 2,800 m (9,186 ft) to 1,800 m (5,905 ft)
We will start our climb to Marampata (2,950 m / 9,678 ft) after a filling breakfast. The 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) uphill hike takes about 4 to 5 hours. We will travel through a variety of Andean landscapes and be treated to breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon and the river that meanders far below.
When we get to Marampata, we'll pause for lunch and take in the breathtaking scenery. We then start a thorough guided tour of Choquequirao, sometimes referred to as the "Cradle of Gold." Choquequirao, which is 1,500 meters above the Apurímac Canyon and Machu Picchu overlooks the Urubamba Canyon, is frequently referred to as the sister city of Machu Picchu because of its similar architecture and design. Both locations were important Inca cities and share the same latitude. Only a third of Choquequirao, which spans more than 8 hectares, has been excavated, and archaeologists frequently find new structures.
The urban area, agricultural terraces, and the religious zone are the three primary sectors that we will examine during our visit. If we are fortunate, we may be able to see the Andean condor soar majestically above the canyon. Following the tour, we head back to our Marampata campsite, where we will relax and reminisce about the day's events while sipping tea and savoring a delectable dinner.
Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours (including the visit to Choquequirao)
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Campsite altitude: 2,950 meters (9,678 feet)
We will be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over our campsite and the Inca ruins at dawn. We start our journey down the trail from Marampata after a filling breakfast. The hike begins with a descent to Playa Rosalina, where we will pause for lunch in this picturesque setting encircled by the Apurímac Canyon.
Following lunch, we resume our climb back to Chiquisca, traversing a variety of terrain while taking in breathtaking views of the neighboring valleys and mountains. When we get there, we'll camp at Chiquisca (1,800 m / 5,906 ft), unwind, and have tea and dinner in the evening.
Estimated walking time: Five to six hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Campsite elevation: 1,800 meters (5,906 feet)
We will have breakfast at six in the morning while the Apurímac Canyon is illuminated by the first rays of sunlight. We start our last hike back to Cachora after breakfast, following a portion of the trail from the earlier days. Along the way, there are gentle ascents and descents in a variety of terrain.
About halfway through the hike, we will pause at Capulichayoq for lunch. After that, we travel the remaining distance to Cachora (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), from where we will return to Cusco in private transportation. Transfers will be made to your individual hotels upon arrival in Cusco, bringing this incredible journey to an end.
Estimated walking time: 5–7 hours
Total distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Endpoint elevation: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
For the tour, you should bring lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable hiking boots. It’s also a good idea to pack a rain jacket, sunglasses, and a camera.
Wear layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed as temperatures change. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer. Opt for quick-drying fabrics to stay comfortable.
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for extra energy between meals. However, avoid bringing items that are difficult to carry or that may attract wildlife.
The tour will continue even if it rains, so be prepared with waterproof gear. A rain jacket and waterproof cover for your backpack will help keep you dry. The itinerary may be adjusted if weather conditions are severe.
The tour is moderately to highly demanding, with significant hiking involved. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to handle the elevation changes and varying terrain. Training prior to the tour can help improve your experience.
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