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11 DAYS
FROM $ 1,545
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CASUAL
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Modern day explorers can embark on this challenging but incredibly rewarding Peru 11-day trek traversing scenic Andean terrain. After the hike to the hidden, majestic Choquequirao, one of the largest and well-preserved Inca cities, the trek continues to Machu Picchu. Uncover the two greatest of all architectural wonders of the Incas on a 11-day Expedition that´ll challenge your physical and mental limits. If you´re addicted to adventure, nature and are passionate about the ancient civilizations’ history, then this expedition is ideal for you.
Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, the gateway to Peru’s Inca heartland. Settle into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax or explore Cusco’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the site of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. In the afternoon, explore this captivating city further at your leisure.
Follow the Sacred Valley’s most scenic roads, passing through a patchwork of verdant fields set beneath snowcapped peaks. At a weaving center supported by The Center of Traditional Textiles of Cusco, attend a private demonstration on the production of Andean textiles. Traditional weaving and wool-dying practices have been recently revived thanks to the efforts of local women. See the terraced remains of impressive Inca agriculture systems at Chinchero and Moray. Then visit the white salt mines stacked on the slopes of Maras.
Begin your 7-day trek through the Andes and Cloud Forest. Drive by a charming variety of towns along the way, notably Anta’s pampa. This area is known for its agricultural, wide pampas, prairies, fertile valleys, and long rivers. Once in Capuliyoq village, marvel at the vast mountain chains and the Apurimac canyon, as you descend to the river and learn about the interesting flora and fauna with your expert trekking guide.
After breakfast, depart Santa Rosa campsite and ascend using a winding trail that will take you away from the canyon in the direction of Marampata. Revel in the vast vegetation and animal life of the area, including orchids and violets, deer and anteaters, and a variety of birds. Upon arrival, enjoy a well-deserved lunch overlooking the other side of the canyon before continue to the beloved Choquequirao site, a geological wonderland endowed with a rich history and staggering beauty. After this exciting excursion to this mysterious place, you may be able to glimpse the flight of the condors, the Andean bird par excellence, and finally spend the night around this enigmatic area.
Take advantage of an early morning hike and enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises imaginable. After breakfast walk uphill to the cloud forest -a fascinating and unique area to say the least- to Paso Choquequirao, surrounded by native trees, flowers, and orchids. Next, descend toward the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, which have recently been restored and are surrounded by lush vegetation. After lunch, refresh yourself in the cold and crystalline waters of the Victoria River, and start the long, steep, and demanding climb to your camp in Maizal. This breathtaking campsite features three valleys on the right and snow capped mountains all of the way.
Chirpy birds will make you up today and put you in the good mood for another day on the trail. This day consists of an invigorating climb and cooler weather, but the area itself is one of the most beautiful of the entire trek. Walk through a mystical cloud forest and then enter the highlands of the Andes. Take some time to rest in one of the mines of Victoria and learn about several minerals and metals of the area. Walk a well-preserved Inca path to your lunch stop, which is at the highest point in the San Juan pass. Marvel at the immense Vilcabamba mountain range and continue on your way to our camp at Yanama, a small village at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains.
Be woken up by nature sounds and the relaxing waterfall. After breakfast, hike toward the highest point of the trek, Yanama’s Pass (4,680 m / 15,354 ft). Observe impressive landscapes, beautiful snow-capped mountains, birds, and native vegetation. Immerse yourself into the Yanama´s people live, who have preserved ancient traditions to this day. Enjoy succulent lunch before you reach the Yanama Pass, and delight in the snowy mountains and the possible glimpse of the majestic Andean Condor. Continue onto the village of Totora, where you will take a well-deserved break, before you reach Collpapampa.
Our last day of hiking. Enjoy a great breakfast before we continue our expedition. Venture into the cloud forest and hike through a lush vegetation next to the Santa Teresa River. See the passion fruit and coffee plantations along the way, as you learn how local people cultivate and export them. An exhilarating afternoon train ride takes us along the Urubamba River, passing between steep slopes and coffee plantations on the way to magnificent Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Stacked up a hillside amid soaring mountain peaks, the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring sites. The sacred citadel was discovered by Agustin Lizarraga in 1902 and excavated by Hiram Bingham in 1911 with support from the National Geographic Society. Enjoy your morning exploring the fascinating labyrinth of temples, plazas, and homes; and learn the secrets of this city lost to the wider world for some 500 years. Choose to hike to the Sun Gate or tackle the trail up to Huayna Picchu (with extra cost), which towers over the site. Return to Ollantaytambo by train and continue to Cusco. This evening we join our travel companions for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.
After breakfast, transfer to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and connect with your flight home or consider extending your holiday.
We will be traveling at high elevations while in Choquequirao, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Cusco is at an altitude of 3350m – 10,990 feet, the highest pass in Choquequirao is at 4,680m – 15,354 feet and Machu Picchu, 2,400m – 7,974 feet. Participants should be physically fit. This expedition is not suitable for anyone who suffers from a respiratory disorder, a circulatory ailment, or a disability that limits mobility.
Expedition Team
A Natventure expert hiker will accompany this Expedition, and local guides join us along the way.
MY OWN ROOM
During your expedition, sometimes it´s just more convenient and comfortable to have your own room (only for hotels). That´s why we offer the «My own room» option – a single room all to yourself (Cusco and Machu Picchu).
My own room option: from $ 1,725
