Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca
Early morning we take our transport heading northwest of Cusco. In the cozy town of Cachora we will meet with the horseman who will accompany us during this unforgettable trip. Cachora (2850m / 9350f) is surrounded by mountains and the majestic snow-capped Padreyoc (5571m / 18278f). We will begin with discovering eucalyptus forests and small bushes; however Capuliyoc (2800m / 9186f) is the place to view the magnificent glacier of the Padreyoc and the deepest part of the Apurimac canyon. Our campsite will be in the canyon, in a place called Chiquisca (1930m / 6332f).
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours in a warm climate.
Day 02: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
After our breakfast we will be descending to La Playa Rosalina (1500m / 4921f). From there we will walk up through the changeable vegetation to the village of Marampata (2850m /9350f), from where we will have a great view over the archeological complex of Choquequirao. The sunset is enigmatic because of the enchantment that this Vilcabamba region has and with a little luck we will be able to see the Condor flying, ‘The messenger of the Inca’, that flies down from the mountains all the way to the complex of Choquequirao. Our campsite is on only 25 minutes of the ruins and is called Choquequirao camping (2950m / 9678f).
Hiking time: 7 hours
Climate: both warm and cold.
Day 03: Choquequirao – Choquequirao pass – Rio Silvestre
We will observe the sunrise over Choquequirao ‘Cradle of Gold’, with a rich history and recent excavations. At the moment Choquequirao only 30% of the ruin is restored and the rest of the settlements is resting among vegetation whit a lot of knowledge about the specific function of Choquequirao, which is now a big mystery. After this, we will continue our walk to the top of Choquequirao (3270m / 10728f), than descending to the ruins of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m / 8038f), a place in restoration. Finally we will continue heading down to the deepest point of the small canyon known as Río Blanco or Río Silvestre (1900m / 6234f), the place to camp.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Climate: warm with mosquitoes.
Day 04: Río Silvestre – Maizal
After breakfast, we will head up through the tropical forest. This part of the trek is relatively difficult and then we will spend the night in the community of Maizal (3000m / 9843f); a place to observe the spectacular mountains and glaciers such as Qori Wayrachina (5512m / 18084f).
Hiking time: 5 hours
Climate: warm and cold with mosquitoes.
Day 05: Maizal – San Juan pass – Yanama
We will continue going up through a notorious Inca trail not being in very good conditions because of the intense humidity and foggy during the rain season in the Victoria forest. The ecosystem challenges constantly to the top of San Juan pass (4170m / 13681f); where we will enjoy the nature while we take a breath closer to the clouds. The presence of the mountains, glaciers and valleys form very special scenery in this region, with the highest glacier being the Sacsarayoc of more than 5000m / 16404f. Perhaps, the Vilcabamba range is one of the most beautiful ecosystems and therefore has different vegetation than others and isn’t even known for science. Our camping place is located at the foot of the mountain called Yanama (3530m / 11581f).
Hiking time: 6 hours
Climate: cold
Day 06: Yanama – Yutupata – Lazuna pampa
The sunrise in the community of Yanama has a special charm for the presence of farmers with their traditions and customs. Our walk will lead us down and up through tropical forests called Yutupata (3300m / 10827f), Tucarhuay and the cave of Quellccamachay. Our camping site is called Lazuna pampa (3800m / 12467f).
Hiking time: 7 hours
Climate: cold
Day 07: Lazuna pampa – Abra Choquetacarpu – Huancacalle (capilla Pillaupata)
After our breakfast we will walk up for a while to the Choquetacarpu pass (4600m / 15092f). Here we will have a short break while exploring the area and seeing the presence of the andean hills. With a bit of luck we will also see the Condor. We descend through a magical scene that will make us feel reviving the dynasties of the Incas. The place of Pillaupata (3200m / 10499f) / Huancacalle will be our camping.
Hiking time: 8 hours
Climate: cold
Day 08: Pillaupata – Vitcos, Ñustahispana (Yurac Rumi) – Azutina pass – Inka wasi
In the morning we will visit the archaeological remains of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m / 10105f), Ñustahispana (Yurac Rumi) (3050m / 10007f) and recent excavations. It will make us understand the function of construction and the ancestral culture of the last Incas in the region of Vilcabamba. We will continue going up to the Azutina pass (3900m / 12975f) and down to our camp of Inca Wasi (3600m / 11811f).
Hiking time: 7 hours in a tempered and cold climate with mosquitoes.
Day 09: Inka Wasi – Racachaca – Hatún
During the day we will once again be seeing the part of the Inca Trail that leads to the community of Racachaca (3700m / 12139f). We will also have magnificent view at the Lazuna peak (5470m / 17946f), which is part of the Sacsarayoc range.
The population of Racachaca is very sympathy and will let you get to know with their customs and traditions. Our camping place will be in Hatún Pampa (4000m / 13123f).
Hiking time: 5 hours
Climate: cold
Day 10: Hatún Pampa – Yana cocha pass – Mojón pass – Mutuypata
On this day we will have the most arduous and marvellous part because of the challenge of the ecosystem will go through, the Yanacocha pass (4420m / 14501f), Tullu Tacana (4500m / 14764f) and Mojón (4500m), with an excellent view on the Salkantay pick (6264m / 20551f). We will descend observing the trail that is not in a great state, because of the rainy season and the erosion on the mountains. This part is really owned by the farmers and is natural habitat where very sporadically are to be found tourists. On the way down we will pass by Laco cocha (3600m / 11811f) and after this we will enter the cloudy forest of Mutuypata (3250m / 10663f), where we will camp.
Hiking time: 9 hours
Climate: cold and tempered with mosquitoes.
Day 11: Mutuypata – Yanatile – Santa Teresa
In the middle of the Mutuypata, we will get to know more about the great variety of flora and fauna. Having the same course as the river Sacsara, we will descend to Yanatile (2000m / 6562f). From here we will take a public transport “Truck” to Santa Teresa (1850m / 6070f). In town of Santa Teresa we will spend the night in familiar hostel and get the possibility to enjoy in the thermal baths.
Hiking time: 5 hours
Climate: warm with mosquitoes.
Day 12: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric station – Aguas Calientes
In the morning we will cross the main river of Willcamayu. We take a typical transport called cable car “Oroya” which will bring us to the other side of the river. During the walk we can also appreciate the Mayubamba waterfall and the Machu Picchu mountain. After this we will arrive at the hydroelectric station (1950m / 6398f), where we take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m / 6726f). We spend the night in hostel.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Climate: warm with mosquitoes.
Day 13: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco
It is recommendable to visit the lost city of the Incas early in the morning; however we will go by tourist bus to Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874f); where we enjoy the most beautiful construction in harmony of nature. After this the participants have enough time to walk through Machu Picchu themselves before returning to the village of Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco. The climate in Machu Picchu is warm with mosquitoes.
What one needs to bring!
Backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, sweater, trekking shoes and trousers, polo’s/ t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, sun block cream, insect repellent and disinfecting alcohol and gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablet, camera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport, ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles.
- Sleeping bag (If you don´t have this, we can offer it)
- Private transport from the hotel to Cachora
- High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light / 4.5kgs, both are for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules, for our camping and personal equipment of customer
- Emergency horse
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
- Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
- Transport from Yanatile to Santa Teresa (11th day)
- Transport from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station
- Bus up and down (between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu)
- Basic hostel in Santa Teresa
- Hostel in Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu, continental or similar)
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes
- First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope
Prices in
Private service.
Need more information about this program?
Want to make a reservation?
