Day 1: Cusco to Chiquisca

We’ll take private transport early in the morning from Cusco to Cachora, an Andean community located 4-5hrs from Cusco at 2800m , and the trailhead of our hike. After meeting the horsemen & horses, we will walk for around 2.5 hours towards Abra Capuliyoc at 2750m, where we will be greeted with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. From there, we’ll descend for about 2 more hours towards Chiquisca (1850m, where we’ll set-up camp and spend the night.

Day 2: Chiquisca to Choquequirao

We will leave Chiquisca very early so as to avoid the heat of the day. After hiking down to the Apurimac River for about an hour, we’ll cross the river and then continue up the other side, towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope for about 2 hours. From Santa Rosa, we’ll continue climbing slowly for about 4.5 hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3,085m), where we’ll set-up camp.

Day 3. In Choquequirao

We have the entire day to explore this stunning Inka settlement and take a well-earned rest.

Day 4: Choquequirao to Maizal

We’ll start the day by gradually climbing out of Choquequirao to a low pass (3299m), followed by a descent to the Rio Blanco (white river) at 1909m. The beginning of the hike consists of walking through cloud forest but the descent will be through steep, open prairie, with wide views of the mountains and valleys. You’ll be able to cool off in the river, if you wish, before beginning another long, steep climb up to our campsite in Maizal. It will take us around 3 hours to reach Maizal (3000m) which is located high above the river, close to some of the sacred Apus of the Inkas.

Day 5: Maizal to Yanama

We’ll start today’s hike by walking uphill, passing by the impressive Inka mines, Minas Victoria, and walking through cloud forest and Andean pampa grass. It is a long climb to the top of the Victoria Pass (4200m) but we’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the mountain, Choquetakarpo. As we get close to the top of the pass, we will be walking on original Inkan road. Crossing the pass, we’ll descend to our campsite, a small, isolated village, Yanama (3800m), at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains. Today will be a long day of hiking, roughly 6-7 hours.

Day 6: Yanama to Totora

After breakfast, we’ll begin slowly climbing to our highest pass: Yanama Pass (4668m). We’ll be surrounded by snowcapped mountains e.g. Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoj and may even see condors. Our long descent for the day will be through grassy fields and bushy areas until we reach the community of Totora (4100m), where we will spend the night. This will be another day of 6-7 hours of hiking.

Day 7: Totora to La Playa

Starting with a descent today, we’ll drop around 2000m to the Totora river. As we go down, you’ll notice the interesting birds and flowers e.g. hummingbirds, woodpeckers and the many different species of orchids and begonias. We’ll then gradually climb to reach a warmer campsite than previous nights, in the village of La Playa (2400m). Approx 7 hours hiking.

Day 8: La Playa – Aguas Calientes

From La Playa, we’ll take local transport for approximately 20 minutes to Lucma, or we’ll hike if there is no local transport available. From Lucma, we’ll climb for about 3 hours to Llactapata, a newly discovered Inkan site, which is famous for its “great condor view of Machu Picchu”. Afterwards, we’ll hike downhill for about 2.5 hours to the Hydroelectric Station, arriving around 3:00pm approximately. From the Hydroelectric Station, we’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes (45-minute journey), where we’ll stay for the night and where you will be able to enjoy a relaxing swim in the town’s famous hot springs or aguas calientes.

Day 9: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

After an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes, we will walk or take the bus to Machu Picchu. We will receive a 2-3 hour guided tour and then you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the site, perhaps climb Huayna Picchu mountain, or visit the beautiful moon temple. We’ll then meet up again in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and take the train back to Cusco.