This is a truly unique sojourn through the heart of the Cordillera of the Andes. Visit two ancient and remote cities from the Incas times. Explore the different ecosystems and experience the biodiversity of this the greatest mountain chain in the world.

DAY ONE: Trekking, Cachora, Capulichayoc, Chikiska
We depart from Cusco early in the morning, we will drive north east of into the department of Apurimac (great speaker of God) for about 4 hours. A pause is in order to photograph the awesome views of the mountains. After which we go on to the town of Cachora (2900mts) where we will make our preliminary preparations.We will begin with a good hike for 1 hour. then we will arrive to have lunch in the little look out place of Capulichayoc(2915mts) where we will see this native tree called Capuli (Prunus capuli).In this point we enjoy another view of the Canyon and some Inca remains of Choquequirao(cradle of Gold) from far way. From there we hike for about 3 hours down covering in total hike of the day 15 kilometers,mainly down with gravel and dirt conditions on the trail to Chiquisca (1800mts) where we will camp.
In this first journey we will see one ecosystem called the Andean semidry forest with chances to see some of our scrub bush vegetation with bushes like the Chilca (bacharis peruviana) and some Molle (Schinus molle) and Tara (Caesalpina spinosa) tress used for medicinal purposes in the area. Also there will be the chance to see some hummingbirds and if we are lucky the Andean Condor(Vulture gryphus) and some eagles like Black chested Buzzard Eagles(Geranoaetus melanoleucus) and Falcons flying from above the canyon of the Apurimac river. (, L, D)

DAY TWO: Chiquiska, Santa Rosa, Marampata
Today we’re off to a early start to climb up and out part of the gorge of the Apurimac River. After a short hike down(1hour),then we will arrive to Rosalina beach, where we can enjoy an early bath in the river. After we begin hiking up gradually for 3 hours all the way up to one of the villages called Santa Rosa (2115mts) where we have a break and enjoy some of the local moonshine for a taste made out of sugar cane. We then continue upward with dirt and gravel conditions trough the Andean dry forest, where we will see several species of bromeliads and species of cactus called The tree cactus(Neoraimondia sp) and the Tuna cactus(Opuntia sp) and also the Condon columnar Cactus(Pilosocereus tweedyanus) this tree from the acacia family called Willka(Acacia macrocantha) ;As well some hummingbird and finches. Once we reach the little village of Maranpata (2910mts) we will have lunch. Then in the afternoon after 3 hours hike ,up and down,flats through the cloud forest decorated with some species of birch family like the Aliso(alnus jorullensis) and our national flower called Kantu(Cantua buxifolia) and many blomelids and orchest. We will arrive to Choquequirao for sunset and a short exploration. In this ecosystem we will see some species of hummimbird and tanagers as well some wrens in this ecosystem called the cloud forest. We will arrive to our camp at Choquequirao (Cradle of gold) at 3033).We will hike  7 hours depending the conditions and we will cover the distance of 15 kilometers, (B, L, D)

DAY THREE: Choquequirao, Rio Blanco, Maizal
We begin getting ready early morning for sunrise. After breakfast we take a wonderful hike into the city of Choquequirao ”Cradle of Gold(liying at 3055mts).This city was built by The Inca Tupac Yupanqui in one of his expasions projects of the Inca empire.The Inca city is poised several thousand feet above the inner gorgeof the Apurimac River. The views to the south, east and west span great distances and areas with strategic location. It is a commanding position from where it would have been an easy task to sight and intercept the Spanish mule trains circulating between Cusco and Huamanga and for other forces or enemies of the Inca empire. This is the day when we have the time for both a great tour and short explorations. After a light lunch -with an incredible view of the ancient Inca terraces- we begin descending following the Rio Blanco River through different valleys to the village of Maizal near there we camp. We will hike for about 10 kilometers and 6 hours(B, L, D)

DAY FOUR: Maizal, Victoria Silver Mines, Yanama
Today’s early start is framed with the view of the glacier called Korihuayrachina (aprox 19000 ft.) which was of great importance in the irrigation and supply of water for the area which flowed through Inca aqueducts. After breakfast we are ready and we begin our hike through the Victoria (silver mines exploited in colonial times). After lunch we arrive at the village of Yanama. We will set our campup nearby, with views of the Pumasillo. Glacier (altitude: 19915 ft.) looming close. Good opportunities to sight hummingbirds and the Aplomado falcon). Theenvironment is grassland area with a prevalence of Graminae such as Andean Ichu (Stipa sp) andthe Andean bush called Chilca (bacharis latifolia and b lanceolata).we will hike today for 9 kilometrs and 7 hours (B, L, D).

DAY FIVE: Yanama, Abra Apachota, Totora.
After breakfast we enjoy the beginning of the day with a beautiful view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. We start our hike thought the various inter-Andean valleys, with the objective of reaching our first high mountain pass: Yanama pass at an altitude of 15550 ft. Following the pictures and celebrations of a worthy achievement, we descend a ways to the lunch spot. Following the ensuing and well-earned good rest, we hike down to the village of Totora staring at the incredible view of the Salcantay snowpeak, at 6271mts ft. of altitude, the undisputed monarch of that Cordillera.

Time to relax at camp, change for a bath in the river. Good chances to see representative species of Andeanbirds of the Fringillidae (sparrows and finches) such as the Rufus collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) and the Plumbeous sierra finch (Phygilus unicolor). And great chance of constellation and star gazing.Today we will hike for 18 kilometres and 9 hours (B, L, D).

DAY SIX: Totora, Collpapampa, Santa Rosa,Rriver
A beautiful Salkantay peak morning heralds a lovely day. We continue through out the different Valleys,where we will occasionally encounter some of the scrub bush vegetation in the Andean semi dry forest with the good chances to see bird life and typical forest; after that we stop for lunch near the river.

Then we continue with the spectacular walk in the afternoon with the incredible view of the site where two rivers meet each other and form the Santa Teresa River (one of the little tributaries of the Amazon).also we will stop near the hot springs for a bath. As previously there are great chances to see flora and fauna such as Bromeliads and other Bromelaceae (Puya densiflora) and the Collared warbling finch (poopiza hispaniolensis)we  will camp in the vicinity of the Santa Teresa River.Today we will hike for 6 hours and 8 kilometres. (L, B, D).

DAY SEVEN: Colcapamapa, Lucmabamba
After a good breakfast in the open with the beginnings of the Cloud forest beckoning, we start our hike with the musical sounds of subtropical birds, typical of this ecosystem. After spotting some orchids among the flora and fauna, we will stop for lunch this will be followed by a long walk along the Santa Teresa River, at 2200mts ft..There will be  another of our notorious good breaks nearthe river for a great bath. After this refreshing experience we will continue walking for the rest of the afternoon until our next camp with sounds of the forest.Today we hike for 7 hours and cover  14 kilometers (B, L, D).

DAY EIGHT: Lucmabamba, Patallacta, Hidroeléctrica, Aguas Calientes.
We begin today’s hike on an original Royal Inca Road, probably used to connect the cities of Vilcabamba (second capital of the Incas of Vilcabamba after 1500 a.C) with the city of Machu Picchu. After following a regular path climbing up the mountain through the cloud forest, we will find some native Maguey plants (Furcraea andina) used by the Incas to make rope and cables for their famous suspension bridges.

When we reach the summit of this ridge, we shall come upon at least 3 different Inca Roads which in time have become trails. We will choose one of them that will lead us to the city of Patacllacta(ceremonial and astronomical retreat, where we will explore and have a view of Machu Picchu from far away. After a light lunch we go down to the valley of Aobamba (chances to see the White collar swift(Streptoprocne zonaris).because is  hot,there will be time for a swim in the nearby river. After a refreshing bath we continue for 10 minutes more to the train stop on the Urubamba River, where we board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes (district of Machu Picchu) where we will lodge overnight. Strongly recommended is a good time at the local hot springs.Today we will hike about 10 kilometres and 5 hours (B, L, D).

DAY NINE:
This day we begin as usual with the sunrise, taking the bus up to Machu Picchu. After 20 minutes of bus ride we arrive at the AncientCity of Machu Picchu. After the necessary preparations we embark on a tour for two hours.

Afterwards we have the choice for a good hike to climb the mountains of Machupicchu,the sun gate or Huayna Picchu (about 3 hours of hiking, round trip.) Last view of Machu Picchu before taking the trainback to Cusco, where we will have our farewell dinner. (B, L, D).

Also we recommend combining this trip with the 5 or 4 day jungle trip plus a river rafting trip on the Apurimac and Urubamba (Vilcanota) Rivers.

• Sleeping bag(under 10 centigrades)
• Tents(Eureka) and Sleeping matrasses.
•  All Meals and snacks during the expedition
• Cooking tent,dinning tent.
• Hotel in Machu picchu(optional 3 stars)
• Cook
• Transportation in and out(buses up and down Machu picchu,trains back)
• Portable toilets
• Radio comunication,cell phone
• Mules for cargo and mules handlers.(plus horse with the sattle for a customers)
• First aid,bottle of oxigen
• Tours,tickets,for the different arqueological sites
• Tour Guides(historical,natural)

2 to 3 pax $1300 each person

4to 10 pax $1200 each person

11 to 16 pax $1000 each person