DESCRIPTION:

Choquequirao is considered as the last Incan refuge. That Incan city resisted to the Spanish conquerers´ attacks during decades. One can appreciate its grandiose architecture and perfect aesthetics. This complex is part of the set of Andean cities in the Vilcabamba Valley. In Incan times, Choquequirao (Choque = Gold and Quirao = Cradle) was united with the city of Machu Picchu, by a complex network of Incan trails. At present, it is visited by tourists, as well as by scholars of the whole world. Its high jungle flora and fauna also call the visitors´ attention. Finally, this archaeological complex contains several Incan constructions and therefore, was declared “Humanity´s Cultural Patrimony”, by the governments of France and Peru.

Vilcabamba (Willka Pampa) contains many known archaeological complexes such as Ñustahipanan, Rosaspata or Vitcus, where lies the Incan city of Vitcus. There, we´ll find crystalline water fountains, secret and buried aqueducts emerging in liturgical and drinking water springs, temples, benched terraces and watch towers. Ñustahipanan is the most famous Incan temple and also contains very important sectors and Espíritu Pampa was an observation or watch post. Up to present days, Vilcabamba still remains a mystery. So, we invite you to the discovery of that magical city through paths of a singular beauty, with their native flora and fauna. Now, it is up to you to take advantage of this interesting and unforgettable adventure. 

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: CUSCO (ARRIVAL)

                Arrival in Cusco, reception and transfer to your hotel. Free day to get acclimated. Lunch, dinner and rest.

DAY 2: CUSCO – CACHORA

From your hotel in Cusco, we´ll go to Limatambo. Then, we´ll visit the Archaeological Complex of Tarawasi and will go by the localities of Conoq (Thermal baths), Curahuasi and Saywiti (Ceremonial stone). From that point on, we´ll go down to San Pedro de Cachora to camp and rest.

DAY 3: CACHORA – PLAYA ROSALINA

Today, we´ll move on towards the Gran Canyon of the Apurimac, passing by La Colmena, Capuliyuc and going down to Playa Rosalina, near the Apurimac River. Campsite and rest for the night.   

DAY 4: PLAYA ROSALINA – RAQAYPATA

First, we´ll go up to Santa Rosa and Maranpata. From that point, we´ll be able to contemplate better Choquequirao, Huanipaca, snow-capped peaks and the Apurimac´s Canyon with its beautiful cataracts. Finally, we´ll get to our campsite in Raqaypata to spend the night.     

DAY 5: RAQAYPATA – RÍO BLANCO

We´ll start the day with the guided visit of the Archaeological Complex of Choquequirao. Then, we´ll go by Choquequirao´s Mountain Pass. From there, we´ll descend towards Pinchiunuyuc and Río Blanco, where our campsite will be waiting for us to spend the night      

DAY 6: RÍO BLANCO – MINA VICTORIA

Today will be quite difficult, due to the uphill walk to the Victoria Mine, near the San Juan Mountain Pass. That mine was abandoned since colonial times. From there, we´ll be able to contemplate part of the Apurimac´s Canyon; one of the area´s geographical wonders. Finally, we´ll get to our campsite, to spend the night.                

DAY 7: MINA VICTORIA – YANAMA

To start the day´s hike, we´ll ascend to the Victoria Mountain Pass. From there, we´ll have an excellent view of the Salkantay, Corihuayrachina and Humantay mountains. Passing by some cultivated land lots, we´ll arrive at the campsite in Yanama; a very picturesque valley, to rest overnight.

DAY 8: YANAMA – KELKAMACHAY

Today, we´ll hike uphill to the Choquetakarpo Mountain Pass, observing the variation in the climate and vegetation. Afterwards, we´ll arrive in Kelkamachay, where we´ll camp for the night. 

DAY 9: KELKAMACHAY – KOLLPAQ

In the morning, we´ll hike the whole span of the Kelkamachay Valley, contemplating the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, with the snow-capped Choquetakarpo facing us. In the afternoon, we´ll get to our campsite in Kollpaq, where we´ll spend the night.               

DAY 10: KOLLPAQ – HUANCACALLE

Today, we´ll walk downhill towards Huancacalle, passing by beautiful inter-Andean valleys. Campsite and rest in Huancacalle. 

DAY 11: HUANCACALLE – ÑUSTAHISPANAN

Alter our visit to Vitcus, which is located in Huancacalle´s upper part, we´ll start walking downhill towards Ñustahispanan, contemplating the whole valley of Chaullay. In Ñustahispanan, we´ll go on a guided visit of the archaeological complex and camp for the night.

DAY 12: ÑUSTAHISPANAN – QOLLPAQ´ASA

Initially, we´ll go on with our hike towards the Archaeological Center of Rosaspata, or Vitcus. From the top of the mountain, one can appreciate the view over Pucyura and the snow-covered Mount Pumasillo. Then, we´ll visit Ñustahispanan (Yurac Rumi). In both places, one can enjoy the landscape. Afterwards, we´ll go to Qollpaq´asa, to camp for the night.

DAY 13: QOLLPAQ´ASA – UTUTO

Passing by the area of Maukachaka and Pampaconas, we´ll get to the campsite in Ututo, to rest for the night.

DAY 14: UTUTO – VISTA ALEGRE

Today, we´ll go down by the edge of the jungle, with its warm climate during the day and moderate temperatures at night. We´ll also be able to contemplate the Pampaconas River and then, we´ll continue our downhill hike towards the place called Vista Alegre, where we´ll camp

DAY 15: VISTA ALEGRE – CONCEBIDAYOC

Entering the Vilcabamba Valley; a quite warm area, we´ll get to Cruz Q´asa, where we´ll observe the flora and fauna, as well as the Cock of the Rocks (Peru´s National Bird). From Tunkimayu, we´ll walk towards Concebidayoc, to camp and rest.

DAY 16: CONCEBIDAYOC – ESPÍRITU PAMPA

In the morning, we´ll hike towards the Pampaconas River which will take us to Espíritu Pampa; a natural vantage point. From there, we´ll observe the triangle formed by the Pampaconas and Chontabamba rivers and the base of the mountain where is located the Archaeological Complex of Espíritu Pampa. There, we´ll appreciate benched terraces, enclosures and the famous Rumi Chaca (Rumi = Stone and Chaca = Bridge) or Incan stone bridge. Guided visit and camp for the night.           

DAY 17: ESPÍRITU PAMPA – CHIWANKIRI

As a tropical and humid climate will accompany us, we´ll hike through Espíritu Pampa Valley, to get to Chiwankiri, where we´ll set up our last campsite.

DAY 18: CHIWANKIRI – CUSCO

First, we´ll go by bus to the town of Kiteni. Then, we´ll pass through the Lares Valley, Amparaes and Calca, to finally get to the city of Cusco. Transfer to your hotel.           

DAY 19: CUSCO (DEPARTURE)

                Breakfast at your hotel and transfer to the airport or bus station and end of our services.

INCLUDES:

• Transfers and transportation
• Bilingual professional guide: English – Spanish
• Entrance fees: Places to visit
• Complete camping gear
• Complete first aid set
• Cook and assistant
• Support staff and / or horses
• Meals
• Safety storage room: Luggage and valuables.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Breakfast on the 1st day
• Dinner on the 1st, 18th and 19th day
• Lunch on the 19th day
• Sleeping bag
• Extra support staff and / or horses: To carry your luggage.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Personal care kit
• Sufficient changes of clothes: Light and warm
• Photo and / or video camera with spare batteries and film
• Sun blocking lotion and insect repellent
• Hat and / or cap
• Trekking shoes
• Sleeping bag
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Sunglasses
• Plastic poncho
• Passport
• Valid student ID (Not over 25 years of age)
• Water for the first day
• Water purifying tablets
• Shots against: Yellow Fever, Malaria and Tetanus.