- Day tours
- Ollantaytambo- Rainbow mountain
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Price | $1,200 USD per person |
| Distance | Approximately 115 km (71 miles) |
| Max Altitude | 5,085 m (16,683 ft) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Starting Point | Cusco |
| Highlights | Choquequirao archaeological site, Apurímac Valley, Machu Picchu |
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Rosaspata Bajo
Your journey begins with a convenient hotel pick-up in Cusco, where our tourist vehicle awaits. We’ll head westward from the city on a scenic 4-hour drive to the community of Capuliyoc, where the real adventure toward Choquequirao and Machu Picchu begins. Our trek kicks off toward the community of Rosaspata, where we’ll set up camp for the night. The initial leg spans approximately 4 hours, leading us to our lunch spot at Cocamasana. After lunch, we resume hiking to the Apurímac Valley, a captivating 1-hour stretch. Upon reaching the valley, a breathtaking view of the Apurímac River unfolds, marking the boundary between the Cusco and Apurímac regions. Along the trail, the landscape is adorned with spectacular views of towering peaks such as Padreyoc, Pumasillo, and the majestic Salkantay.
Day 2: Rosaspata Bajo – Marampata – Choquequirao
Start your day with an invigorating cup of coca tea, followed by a delicious Andean breakfast. Our journey continues as we trek uphill toward the community of Marampata, a stretch of around 2.5 hours. Continuing onward, a 2-hour hike brings us to the Choquequirao campsite. Enjoy an early lunch, leaving plenty of time to explore the mesmerizing Inca city and its ancient ruins during the afternoon. Later, savor hot tea and a satisfying dinner against the backdrop of these stunning surroundings before a peaceful night’s sleep.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Río Blanco – Maizal
On the third day, we explore the heart of the Choquequirao complex, including one of its main attractions, the «Ceremonial Center of the Llamas,» featuring impressive Inca architecture. After our exploration, we head back up to the higher part of the Choquequirao site for lunch, before descending toward the White River and Maizal. A descent of about 2 hours brings us to the White River, from where we ascend to reach Maizal, where we set up camp for the night — a truly breathtaking location in the Andes of Peru.
Day 4: Maizal – Minas Victoria – Yanama
Start your day with a cup of coca mate, followed shortly by breakfast before embarking on a hike toward the Yanama community. The path leads uphill to the Victoria Pass («Paso de Victoria»). Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating tunnels carved into the mountains and large rocks once used as Inca gold and silver mines — minerals the Incas extracted to adorn their temples and palaces.
Day 5: Yanama – Mariano Llamoca Pass – Collpapampa
This day proves challenging, as the journey is long and filled with varied terrain until we reach the Mariano Llamoca Pass. From there, it’s a descent all the way to the Totora community and the Salkantay Valley, leading us to our campsite at Collpapampa.
Day 6: Collpapampa – Playa – Santa Teresa Hot Springs
This day presents a unique challenge as we venture into the Cusco cloud forest. Our trek spans only half a day, concluding with lunch in the picturesque Playa (Lucmabamba) Valley, home to local coffee farmers. After lunch, we take a local vehicle to the town of Santa Teresa and the renowned Cocalmayo hot springs, where you can relax and unwind in these natural thermal baths.
Day 7: Hot Springs – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
As we draw near to Machu Picchu, our morning begins with local transport after breakfast, leading us to the Hidroeléctrica station. Here, we share a final lunch prepared by our chef, marking the end of our time cooking as a team. After lunch, we bid farewell to our support crew and set out on a 3-hour trek along the train tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Ruins – Cusco
On our final day, we head to the marvel of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Our morning begins with transportation from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu ruins, followed by a 3-hour guided tour of this historic and sacred site. Afterward, we return to town for a well-deserved lunch before boarding the train back to Cusco, marking the culmination of this journey through Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
