Cusco, Cachora, Marampata, Choquequirao, Machu Picchu
- Time 6 days / 5 nights
- Tour Type Hike
- Altitude 3500 m.s.n.m.
- Place Cusco
- Difficulty Hard
Trip Description
On this special trip, you will have the opportunity to explore two of the most recognized and relevant archaeological sites in Peru: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. These ancient cities are very important for the Incas, considered as settlements of the nobility and priests. During this exciting adventure, you will have the chance to learn about the legends that the Incas abandoned and listen to the stories that the majestic mountains have to share with you. These cities were abandoned before the Spanish conquistadors could plunder their treasures, marking the beginning of the end of the Inca empire.
Join us on this hike to discover the unaltered beauty of these sites and walk through the last steps of one of the most predominant ancient cultures in the world: the Inca culture. you will also have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, such as deep canyons, cloud forests, majestic glaciers and a rich biological diversity. live a unique experience full of culture and nature. join us for an unforgettable experience!
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
Start your tour with a day in which you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas and observe the Apurimac River and valley. Then, you can spend the night in Marampata.
Day 02: Chiquisqa – La Playa – Santa Rosa – Marampata
In the morning, head to Marampata and enjoy the impressive views of the site before arriving at the Inca fortress of Choquequirao.
Day 03: Marampata – Choquequirao full day visit – Marampata
After breakfast, you will spend the whole day touring the impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
Day 4: Marampata – Santa Rosa – La Playa – Chikiscca – Coca Mazana
Say goodbye to Choquequirao as you head to Santa Rosa to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Chiquisca camp, where you can rest a bit and share with local families.
Day 05: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will head to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will stay at our hotel.
Day 06: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
During the morning, you will take a guided tour to explore Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before taking the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Cusco.
Complete Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina – Marampata
The Rap Travel team will pick you up early in the morning, between 4 and 4:30, to start the trip to Capuliyoc from Cusco, which can take between 4 and 5 hours. If you stay awake during the ride, you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of the mountains from the window. Once you arrive at the trailhead, you will meet the team who will help you along the way and enjoy breakfast. During today’s hike, you will have magnificent views of the valley and the Apurimac River. The hike begins with a 2-hour walk, mostly downhill, to the lunch spot at Coca Mansana. After lunch and a siesta, you will return to the road for another 2 hours downhill until you reach our first campsite, Chikiscca, a small agricultural village with a good climate. There, you will enjoy a happy hour with tea and popcorn, followed by dinner and an early night’s rest.
- Time: Approx. 6 hours of hiking.
- Climate: Temperate, Cold
- Maximum Altitude: between 2, 920 – 3, 800 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Huacawasi
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Exploration and visit to Choquequira – Marampata
Tomorrow you will wake up at 5 a.m. and a member of the Green Machine team will come to your tent to offer you a cup of hot tea. Once you’re ready, you’ll have breakfast and start your morning hike. The 1.5 hour trek will be downhill to La Playa, located near the river, which will be the warmest point of the trail due to its low altitude. Be sure to dress appropriately for this. After crossing the Apurimac River, you will climb for 2 hours to Santa Rose for lunch. This part of the hike is a bit demanding, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the canyon as you continue climbing. Lunch will be at a homestay where you will sample a sugar cane-based drink prepared by the locals. Then, after a short nap, you will continue climbing for 2-3 hours, considered the most challenging section of the trail. However, with the help of your Alpaca Expeditions guide, you will be able to enjoy it. Finally, you will reach Marampata, which offers unique views of the Andes, the valleys and, with luck, some condors flying. After dinner, be sure to look up at the sky, as this is the best place for stargazing.
- Time: Approx. 8 hours of hiking.
- Distance: 14 Km.
- Climate: Cold
- Maximum Altitude: 3, 800 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Qelcanca
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalina – Cocamasana
Today you will also have to get up early for breakfast, but it is not necessary to pack everything as you will spend another night at the same campsite. The plan for today is to explore the incredible ruins of Choquequirao. Before leaving, you will be provided with a packed lunch to enjoy at the ruins, which you will reach by walking for 1.5 hours on flat terrain. Once there, your guide will introduce you to the archaeological site, considered the last Inca city and sister of Machu Picchu, and explain some of its highlights. After this, you will have free time to explore on your own. This is especially special as it is not yet well known and away from the crowds that visit Machu Picchu.
You will also have time to enjoy your lunch before descending to the newer section of the Choquequirao agricultural terraces. You will be impressed by how these terraces were built for agriculture. After you have explored as much of Choquequirao as you want, you will begin the hike back to the camp, which will take 1.5 hours. You will have time to enjoy happy hour and dinner before going to sleep in your tents.
- Time: 7 Hours Approx. of trekking.
- Distance: 14 Km.
- Climate: Cold – Temperate
- Maximum Altitude: 3, 800 masl. – 2040 masl
- Difficulty: Moderate – Low
- Overnight stay: Aguas Calientes Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Capuliyoq – Cachora – Cusco
I hope you had a good night’s sleep, as today will be the longest day of hiking. The morning will start early, at 6 AM, with a delicious breakfast. The hike will start with a two hour downhill hike from Marampata to Santa Rosa, followed by another hour to La Playa. Because it is all downhill, walking poles will be a great help in this area. At noon, after an hour of uphill hiking, you will arrive at Chikiscca for lunch and a rest. After the siesta, it will only be one more hour of hiking to Coca Mazana camp, where you can relax with a well-deserved rest, a drink and dinner. Keep in mind that it will be a little hotter today, so it is important that you carry enough water to keep you hydrated.
Day 05: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Ollantyatmabo – Aguas Calientes
After another early breakfast, you will start walking for 2 hours to reach the trailhead at Capuliyoc. This will be the last time you will see the beautiful views that the Apurimac River has to offer, so be sure to enjoy them. When you arrive at the trailhead, you will have your last lunch with all your gear, while the riders will say goodbye. After lunch, you will drive for 4 hours to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where you will have your last dinner prepared by your trekking chef. Say goodbye to the rest of the team and coach to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you will finally have the opportunity for a hot shower and a night’s sleep in a bed.
Day 06: Machu Picchu y regreso a Cusco
After an early breakfast, you will hike for 2 hours to reach the starting point of the trail in Capuliyoc. This will be the last time you will be able to appreciate the breathtaking views of the Apurimac River, so it is advisable to enjoy them to the fullest. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will enjoy your last meal with the entire team while saying goodbye to the riders. After lunch, you will embark on a 4-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, where your trekking chef will prepare the last dinner. After saying goodbye to the team, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes and finally take a hot shower and rest in a comfortable bed.
Including
Including:
- Transfers In/ Out Hotel
- Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the beginning of the trekking in our transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide ( English – Spanish)
- 03D-03AL – 03S -03C
- First Aid Kit.
- Oxygen Balloon.
- Pack horses and muleteer.
- Camping equipment “Triple waterproof tents for each 02 people and personal sleeping bags”.
- Camping equipment for the guides, cook and muleteer.
Not included:
- Sleeping bag (rentals available at RAP Travel).
- Inflatable air mattresses for comfort: 3 inches / 8 cm thick (rentals available at RAP Travel)
- Trekking poles (rentals available at RAP Travel)
- Last lunch
- Tips for your crew
Recommendations
What to bring
- Original passport
- CIIU (student discount card), in case you have one
- Small backpack
- Rain poncho
- Good hiking pants, hiking boots, sun, hat and sunglasses
- Camera batteries and extra
- 2 liters of water
- Extra money
- Insect repellent
- Trekking poles
- Snacks
Note:
We can help you with the rental of certain equipment such as:
- Sleeping bag US $ 25.00 for the whole trip.
- Walking poles US $ 15.00 for the whole trip
- Extra horses to carry your personal equipment US $ 70.00 for 04 days.
- Supplementary single tent for camping nights US $ 30.00.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE TOURTrek Choquequirao + Machu Picchu PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people | |
Tour Summary
What is included in the Tour
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Important note:
Differential prices for students, children, infants.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions from Travelers
What is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to travel to Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C. Nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C, especially in June and July
The rainy season in Cusco runs from November to March, and during this period you can expect regular rains, especially in January and February. Rainfall can be heavy and can cause disruptions to transportation and tourist activities.
Keep in mind that, although the dry season is the best time to visit Cusco in terms of weather, it is also the busiest time in terms of tourism.
What is the weather like in Cusco?
The climate in Cusco varies according to the time of the year.
- The dry season (April to October): During this time, the weather in Cusco is generally dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 20°C. Nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 5°C. This is the best time to visit Cusco, as weather conditions are ideal for exploring the city and outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking.
- Rainy season (November to March): During this season, Cusco experiences frequent rainfall and cooler temperatures, with an average temperature of 16°C. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping as low as 3°C. Rainfall can be quite intense and prolonged, which can make outdoor activities difficult.
It is important to keep in mind that the weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, even during the dry season. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and rain.
What to bring on my trip to Cusco?
If you are planning a trip to Cusco, there are some important items you should take with you to make sure you are comfortable and prepared for any situation. Some of the items you might consider bringing are:
- Appropriate clothing: Due to the variability of the climate in Cusco, it is important that you bring clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Include warm clothes for cold nights, comfortable clothes for walking, and comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring the ruins and trails.
- Sunscreen: Cusco’s altitude means that the sun can be very strong during the day, so it is important to bring sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Water bottle: The altitude can also cause dehydration, so it is important to stay hydrated.
- Medications: If you take any medications regularly, make sure you bring enough for your trip. It is also a good idea to bring some basic medications for headaches, upset stomachs and colds.
- Cash: Although most places in Cusco accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash in Peruvian soles for shopping in local markets, paying for cabs and tipping.
- Plug adapter: If you are coming from another country, you may need a plug adapter for electrical outlets in Peru.
- Camera: Cusco is a beautiful place with many interesting landscapes and tourist attractions, so you will want to capture many memories in photos or videos.
