Inca Rivers Trek - Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you are free to rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation to the altitude. Our hotel is located in the historic centre so you may also use this time to explore the city. In the evening you will meet with your guide at 6pm at your hotel for an initial trip briefing. Overnight: Abittare Hotel or similar.

Meals: Nil

Today we have a guided tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro's men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. We explore the city by foot to appreciate its superbly constructed Inca walls and architecturally extravagant colonial churches and palaces. This also includes a visit of Koricancha, the Golden Temple of the Sun, in ancient times. After this we take a short drive to visit the monolithic walls of Sacsayhuaman along with Tambomachay, better known as ‘the bath of the Inca. Both sites are spectacularly set above the city. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open-air artisan markets and shops. Overnight: Abittare Hotel or similar.

Meals: B

We leave Cusco and head to the Chinchero Plateau to explore Chinchero, an important town in Inca times. The most striking remnant of this period is the massive stone wall in the main plaza which has ten trapezoidal niches. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salcantay dominating the western horizon. Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Next we visit the mysterious concentric circular terraces of Moray which, according to some scholars, could have been an agricultural research centre. From here we head to the salt mines of Maras. This village is a salt-producing centre that dates back all the way to pre-Inca times. There are thousands of salt pools all carved into the mountain side. Due to a change in regulations, visitors are not allowed to walk through the salt mine anymore to avoid contamination of the salt. We will go to a lookout point from where we have stunning views of the salt pools. From here we will walk for about 1 hour mainly downhill to Pichingoto. Enjoy this rarely walked path and soak up the incredible setting of the Sacred Valley. Our car will be waiting for us in Pichingoto and we drive to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the beauty of this famous town. Overnight: La Casona Yucay or similar

Meals: B

Today we spend a full day exploring the beautiful Andean landscapes. Starting from the heights of Lamay, the trail will take us through farmlands, with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and lakes of many colors. We will see herds of alpacas, llamas and Huallatas, Ccara-Ccaras, (Andean gulls) perhaps we will also see eagles and other migratory and native birds that will shape our path. Stunning views of mounts Pitusiray, Sahuasiray, and Chicon (glaciers), will leave you breathless. Shepherds and farmers will share their smiles and warm greetings along our way. Overnight: La Casona Yucay or similar

Meals: B

Today we are learning all about Peru’s ancient cultures along with a visit to a friendly local community. Transferring across to Urco we have a gentle 2.5 km walk through the agricultural terraces at the crest of the surrounding farmlands, all covered by the shadow of Pitusiray Mountain. Stopping to visit the Urco Archaeological Site, where special knowledge of the cosmos and weather patterns were employed in past centuries to assist in farming crops. The highlight of the site is an intriguing stone figure, resembling a snake with a carved water channel running between its eyes. After we head to the Inkariy Museum, a recent museum opened in 2015 which displays more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history. The museum walks you through the timeline of ancient civilizations, from the Caral to the Incas exploring in depth the contributions of these cultures with dramatic displays depicting typical textiles, sculptures, ceramics, and clothing of each civilization. After exploring these intriguing exhibitions it’s time for lunch where we will enjoy an attractive outdoor seating area plus a full menu full of local offerings. From here we head out to visit Lamay where we will spend a delightful afternoon learning about life in this serene Sacred Valley community. We will visit the Lamay Cathedral, which dates from the 1600’s and is replete with religious works of art. Visit the belltower and learn also how the church bells’ various rings connote different occasions. We will visit the local bakery, where we can learn about the breadmaking process, and then observe how the traditional Andean activity of raising guinea pigs, or “cuy” has become something of a cottage industry for this region. We will explore the process of making Chicha de Jora, a fermented corn beer, and of course, have a chance to sample this typical beverage of the Andes along with a traditional local snack. Your visit to this community is part of a project of sustainable tourism that directly supports communities like Lamay to thrive in their traditional ways. Return to your accommodation. Overnight: La Casona Yucay or similar

Meals: B,L

Today we are heading out to begin out trek, heading north on the main highway via a fertile agricultural valley. Once we begin to descend into Limatambo, we will visit the Inca site of Tarawasi, which has some beautifully precise Inca geometry that can be found in its structures and stone walls. The road continues until we reach the Apurimac River, an impressive gorge, where we can observe the frothy river winding below. We will drive on to the Sayhuite archaeological site. Among its features there is an enormous monolithic rock carved with various geometrical and animal figures. Some archaeologists consider it to have been a kind of engineering map that showed the extensive hydraulic systems and irrigation channels used to convey water in the area. A small side road over a ridge brings us down to the village of Capuliyoc, and onto the roadhead where we start our hike. Here we will meet the rest of our field crew and we’ll be able to see our first view of the Apurimac Canyon with the snow-capped peaks of Nevado Padreyoc front and center, and Nevado Qoriwayrachina to the left. We begin our descent and make camp at a cozy site on the riverside at Chikisca (1,850m) Overnight: Wilderness Camp Distance: 7.4km

Meals: B,L,D

A hearty breakfast awaits you today as we get up with the sunrise to begin today’s trek, heading across the river over a footbridge. Heading up we trek up for half a day to end up at a small meadow where we can enjoy a picnic lunch. As we continue to ascend in the afternoon you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Apurimac Canyon. Likely the afternoon is less steep than our morning as we approach the hanging valley through verdant misty forests to the site of Choquequirao. Setting up camps at the level ground of Marampata we begin out explorations of this incredible Inca site and the surrounding cloud forest. We will head to the main plaza of Choquequirao which features a network of terraces with llama figures, “the Llamas of the Sun”. Overnight: Wilderness Camp Distance: 12.8km

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a full day exploring the many archaeological sites located at different points on the hillside overlooking the Apurimac River. Passing by the stream of Chunchumayo which has spectacular views of the other side of the canyon. We will take the time to explore some of these restored buildings including living quarters, a garrison, storage facilities and impressive ceremonial sites. In 1768 the explorer Cosme Bueno wrote the first reports of visits to the complex. He was followed by a variety of explorers, scientists, and treasure hunters through 1909, when Hiram Bingham also visited the area, even before his historic re-discovery of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, after exploring the ruins, we will head to our campsite ascending to the Pass of Choquequirao (3,250m) and entering the moist cloud forest where we’ll find Polyepis trees, bromeliads, and epiphytic plants including exotic, colorful orchids, and bright green ferns. We’ll descend to Pinchiunuyoc, a terraced agricultural complex that supplied Choquequirao with agricultural products and prepare our camp for the evening. Overnight: Wilderness Camp Distance: 1.8km

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will continue our descent to the gushing Yuracmayo River, finally arriving at and crossing the riverbed. After stopping to catch our breath, we begin our ascent to Maizal, a vista with panoramic views of the Yurahmayo and Yanama gorges, as they join together and rush towards the Apurimac Canyon. The landscape in front of us sweeps out to the Cordillera Vilcabamba range, from where the Inca staged a rebellion after the Spanish conquest. At this natural west-facing viewpoint, we can observe a beautiful sunset before getting settled for the evening. Overnight: Wilderness Camp Distance: 1.8km

Meals: B,L,D

We are off nice and early today to visit the Inca mine and later a colonial copper mine of Mina Victoria. We’ll hike along Qoriwayrachina Hill, a ruin that was used as a way station for travelers during the time of the Inca, where recent excavations have taken place. Once over the pass (3,900m), we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch and begin our descent to the village of Yanama, with panoramic views of Mt. Pumasillo in the distance. This night we will camp at Yanama. Overnight: Wilderness Camp Distance: 10km

Meals: B,L,D

We will drive along a recent road that was built from Yanama to Machu Picchu Hydroelectric, where you will take the train directly to Machu Picchu Village. If you prefer to hike, you can also choose to go on a soft hike through the railways that lead you to Machu Picchu Village. Overnight: El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we start early to explore these remarkable and truly enigmatic ruins. We will enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary followed by time to explore this fascinating site at your own pace (with the accompaniment of the guide). In the afternoon or early evening we depart from Machu Picchu for the train ride back to Ollantaytambo where we transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Cusco. NB: Depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals: B,L

A good day to relax, do your washing and re pack after the trek and perhaps a chance to do some ‘tourist shopping’, selecting from a great variety of expertly made craft work - including alpaca sweaters and hats, ceramics, weavings and traditional Andean instruments. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar.

Meals: B

Today you will have a quiet day or alterneratively take advantage of the many day trips popularised by the region. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar

Meals: B

You will be transferred to the airport in Cusco for your flight where your trip concludes.

Meals: B