INCA TRAIL || Rafting, Trekking, Biking, Manu tours, Bird Watching - Peru Eco Adventure & Cultural Trips

Choquequirao is one of the largest of abandoned Inca cities that was probably built in the 1500  by Inca tupac Yupanqui. To reach it requires an extraordinary hike through the Andes in the Vilcabamba mountain range with the incredible view of a mighty river called Apurimac (one of the main sources of the Amazon River). There are also astonishing views of the Vilcanota River and mountain range near the ancient city of Machu Picchu and the sacred valley. Combining nature, culture and adventure.

DAY ONE: Trekking Cachora, capulichayoc, chikiska
We depart from Cusco early in the morning, we 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. After 1 hours hike we arrive to have lunch in the little town of Capulichayoc(2915mts) where we will see this native tree called Capuli (Prunus capuli).In this point we enjoy another view of the Apurimac Canyon and of some Inca remains of Choquequirao(Cradle of Gold) from far way. From there we hike for about 3 hours down trough a zic zac trail with gravel and dirt conditions,extremely dry.we will cover 15 kilometers to Chiquisca (1800mts) where we will camp. 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. Today we cover 18.4 kilometers (B, L, D)

DAT TWO: Chiquisca, 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 1 hour we arrive to Rosalina beach where we can enjoy an early bath in the river. After we begin hiking all the way up to one of the villages called Santa Rosa (2115mts) where we have a break. We then continue upward trough the Andean dry forest with gravel and dirt conditons of the trail for about 3 hours total.  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)as well this tree called from the acacia called Willka(Acacia macrocanth).As well some hummingbirds and finches. Ones we reach the little village of Maranpata (2910mts) we will have lunch. Then in the afternoon after three hours hike through the cloud forest and ups and down,flats no much gradient we will arrive to the cradle of gold.this spectacular section of the trail will be decorated with some species of birch family like the Aliso(alnus jorullensis) and our national flower called Kantu(Cantua buxifolia) and some orchest and epifites.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.this is a unic ecosystem called the cloud forest. We will arrive to our camp at Choquequirao at 3033). Today we will cover aprox the distance of 15 kilometers and aprox time, 7 hours . (B, L, D)

DAY THREE: Choquequirao
Early in the day we hike for 30 minutes to into the archaeological site of Choquequirao in order to catch the sun rise(depending of the weather). After we will begin our exploration for the rest of the day. There are a lot to see in this remarkable archaeological site. This site was probably build by Inca Tupac Yupanqui and it was used as a one of the last refuge of the Incas for Manco Inca and also as a check in point to entrance in to the Vilcabamba region. In this exploration,we will cover different sectors,(Militar,goverment area and religious) and we will have a picnic lunch in the site. Late afternoon we go back to our camp close to the remains (B, L, D)

DAY FOUR: Choquequirao, Marampata, Santa Rosa, Playa Rosalinachiquiska
We’re up for sunrise and last views of the Inca remains, after breakfast we will continue hiking trough the cloud forest for about 2 hours to Marampata(2910mts) and the down to Santa Rosa(2115mts), where we will a short break and some snacks. After in the afternoon we will continue to Rosalina beach(about 2 hours hike (1550mts), where we will have a nice bath on the Apurímac River and late lunch. Then we will continue up to the town of Chiquiska (1950 mts) for about 1 hour,where we will camp (rest of the afternoon free) relax. Today we hike about 15 kilometers and for about 6 hours... (B, L, D)

DAY FIVE: Rosalina, Chiquiska, Capulichayoc, Cachora
Early morning. After Breakfast we go up hiking trough the Andean dry forest to the Andean semidry forest for about seven hours and covering the distance of 15 kilometers. There will be a great views of the Apuirimac canyon with some opportunities to see some of the Andean flora and fauna.We will stop in Capulichayoc (2915mts) for lunch. Middle afternoon we will arrive to the town of Cachora where hour transportation will pick us up. Then we will return to Cusco (3155mts) late afternoon.(B,L,D)Hotel

DAY SIX: Rafting, Archaeological
Morning to go for river rafting in the class IIIand easy class IV rapids, for about 2 to 3 hours. After we have picnic lunch on the river. In the afternoon- we go to visit some of the archaeological sites in Cusco: the religious sanctuaries of Sacsayhuaman and Koricancha. (B, L)Hotel

DAY SEVEN: Machupicchu
We board the classic train to get to Machu Picchu after a three and a half hour ride we arrive there. The view of the constantly changing ecosystems along the way is fascinating. Eventually, we arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes where we have time to freshen up at the hotel and then we have early lunch. After we go up by bus to Machu Picchu ruins to begin a wonderful tour. After that we have the optional hike to the Sungate which is a great opportunity to see part of this original Inca stone path that used to connect the Cusco with Machu Picchu(2 hours hike).During this hike there will be some flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Late afternoon you can relax or explore the ruins on you own. We go back to the hotel in town. Later dinner at the local restaurant.(B,L ,D)Hotel

DAY EIGHT: Trekking
Rising with the first light of the Sun and the option of going up for sunrise in the citadel, we go back to Machu Picchu. Up there we have the choice of hiking to the mountain of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu (about 2 to 3 hours). Later we go down for lunch in town, and then we take train back to the village of Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley, visit of the Impressive local Archaeological Site, followed by a one and a half hour drive to Cusco. Farewell dinner. (B, L, D)Hotel

DAY NINE:
Next day: transfer to airport for your flight to Lima and subsequent connections (B, L, D)

• Sleeping bag.
• Tents. (mattresses).
• Meals,snacks
• Tours.
• Hotels(optional,3 stars)
• Camping (lunch and dinner tent, portable toilets).
• Transportation in and out..
• Bus.
• Horses and mules handlers,estra horse sit for customers
• Train to Machu picchu
• Tickets.
• Tours guides (historical, natural)
• First aid kit, bottle of oxygen.
• Radio communication,cell phone

2 to 3 pax $1500 each person

4to 10 pax $1450 each person

11 to 16 pax $1400 each person

• Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
• Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
• Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
• Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.
• A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
• One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
• Sandals for River use (Teva types).
• Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
• Reading material.
• Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
• Bathing Suit.
• Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
• Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
• A bandana for neck protection.
• A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
• Camera and plenty of film.
• Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
• At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).
• And your regular medium to high altitude outer trekking clothes (Anorak-Wind Breaker, Pile or Down Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves)