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After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca and his successors dominated the region of Vilcabamba. It included several centers & settlements built to honor the last dynasty of the Incas: Manco Inca, Sayri Tupac, Titu Cusi Yupanqui & Tupac Amaru I. According to customs & traditions of other pre-Inca cultures, a neo-imperial state was created to preserve all knowledge in religion & astronomy. Trek to Choquequirao, Vilcabamba & Machu Picchu is the place where you'll discover the great citadel of the last Inca kings and also you'll reach the beautiful ecosystems.
Vilcabamba is located northwest of Cusco, in the province of La Convención, in the eastern side of the Andes mountain range. It has a chain of snow-covered peaks and high forest mountains with constant climatologic changes. The region is surrounded by two very deep canyons, the canyon of Apurímac on the left and Willcamayu on the right. Through both run very fast-flowing rivers which have carved the valleys and still carve one of the most beautiful & spectacular landscapes of our Andean region.
* Duration: 13 days/12 nights.
* Starting point: Cusco/Cachora.
* Ending point: Santa Teresa/Machu Picchu/Cusco.
* Physical Demands Rating: Moderate/Challenge.
* Age Restriction: 12 years old.
* Trip Code: MTS - 0013.
* Tour Type: Trekking, Cultural, Adventure.
* Accommodation: Camping/12 nights.
* Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
* Guarantee: Departure is Guaranteed.
* Style: Personalized.
* Carbon Emissions: 360 CO2-E.
* Group Size: 2 Minimum, 10 Maximum.
* Transport: Horse, walk, Mini-Van.
* Price From: US$
Trek to Choquequirao, Vilcabamba & Machu Picchu itinerary:
1st Day: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca
We will leave Cusco early in the morning at about 5:30AM. First we will head for the little village Cachora (2,850m/9350ft), a nice place surrounded by beautiful mountains and the majestic glacier Padreyoc (5,571m/18,278ft). Here we will also meet our horsemen who will accompany us during the trip. After having passed the village Capuliyoc (2,800m/9,186ft) we will continue descending to our campingsite called Chiquisca (1,930m/6,332ft).
Climate: warm.
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours.
2nd Day: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
After breakfast, we will first descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550m/4,921ft) and then climb up to the village of Marampata (2,850m/9,350ft). From here we will have a nice view of the archeological complex of Choquequirao (3,033m/9,951ft). If we are lucky we will even see a condor fly at nightfall. Our camping site in Choquequirao is about 25 minutes from the ruins at 2,950m/9,678ft.
Climate: both warm and cold.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
3rd Day: Choquequirao – Choquequirao Pass – Rio Silvestre
At dawn, we will first head for the citadel of Choquequirao called "Cuna de Oro" - Golden Cradle - and enjoy the quietness at this place. Beyond, we will explore this archeological site, of which only 30% is restored, in more detail: we will visit the section of the palaces, the liturgic fountains, the temple of the high priest, the section of the llamas and the Ushnu. Thereafter, our trek continues towards the pass of Choquequirao (3,270m/10,728ft) and passes the archeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2,450m/8,038ft). Finally, we will head down to the deepest point of the small canyon known as río Blanco or río Silvestre (1,900m/6,234ft) where our camping site is situated.
Climate: warm with mosquitos.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
4th Day: Río Silvestre – Maizal
After breakfast, we will begin the difficult ascent towards the tropical forest of Maizal (3,000m/9,843ft). After four hours, we will arrive in the community of Maizal where we will spend the night. Maizal is a nice place to enjoy a spectacular view of mountains & glaciers, such as the Qori Wayrachina (5,512m/18.084ft).
Climate: warm and cold with mosquitos.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
5th Day: Maizal – San Juan Pass – Yanama
Our journey continues following the Inca Trail. Due to river water erosion, the road is not in good condition, so watch your steps carefully. First, we will ascend to the top of the San Juan Pass (4,170m/13,681ft). From here, we will have a beautiful view of the valleys, mountains & glaciers, from which some peaks top more than 5,000m/16,404ft. Due to the ecosystem constant changes, the mountain range of Vilcabamba is without any doubt one of the most complex regions. Our camping place will be in the little village of Yanama (3,530m/11,581ft).
Climate: cold.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
6th Day: Yanama – Yutupata – Lazunapampa
In Yanama we will experience the Andean life, its traditions & costumes. Our trek continues up & down through tropical forests such as Urpipata, Yutupata (3,300m/10,827ft) & Tucarhuay and leads to the cave of Quellccamachay. Our campingsite is called Lazunapampa (3,800m/12,467ft).
Climate: cold.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
7th Day: Lazunapampa – Choquetacarpu Pass – Huancacalle (Pillaupata village)
After breakfast, we will walk up for a while until we get to the Choquetacarpu Pass (4,600m/15,092ft). Here we will have a short break and explore the area of the Andean hills. If we are lucky we will also see a Condor flying. After our break, we will descend to the little village of Pillaupata (3,200m/10,499ft) where our campingsite is situated.
Climate: cold.
Hiking time: 8 hours.
8th Day: Pillaupata – Vitcos, Ñusta Hispanan (Yurac Rumi) – Azutina Pass – Inkawasi
In the morning, we will visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos/Rosaspata (3,080m/10,105ft), Ñusta Hispanan (Yurac Rumi) (3,050m/10,007ft) & recent excavations. Thereafter, we will climb the Azutina Pass (4,000m/12,975ft) and descend to our campingsite in Incawasi (3,600m/11,811ft).
Climate: tempered and cold with mosquitos.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
9th Day: Inkawasi – Racachaca – Hatún Pampa
During the day, we will see parts of the Inca Trail that lead to the community of Racachaca (3,700m/12,139ft) where we will have lunch. We will also meet some Andean families, which will tell us something about their customs & traditions. Our campingplace will be in Hatúnpampa (4,000m/13,123ft).
Climate: cold.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
10th Day: Hatúnpampa – Yanacocha Pass – Mojón Pass – Mutuypata
This day is characterized by constant up & downs and by changes of the ecosystem. We will first walk towards the Yanacocha Pass (4,420m/14,501ft), Tullu Tacana (4,500m/14,764ft) & Mojón (4,500m/14764ft). Therafter, we will descend to the lagoon Lacococha (3,600m/11,811ft). Our campingsite will be in the cloudy forest of Mutuypata (3,250m/10,663ft) home of the Andean bear.
Climate: cold and tempered with mosquitos.
Hiking time: 9 hours.
11th Day: Mutuypata – Yanatile – Santa Teresa
In the morning, we will enjoy the biodiversity of orchids, bromeliads & other plants, and will see coffee, avocado & papaya crops. In Yanatile (2,100m/6,890ft) we will take a public transport called "camion" to Santa Teresa (1,850m/6,070ft). In this town, we will spend the night in a familiar hotel. If you want, you can also visit the Cocalmayu hot springs in Santa Teresa.
Climate: warm with mosquitos.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
12th Day: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes
In Santa Teresa we will cross the river Willcamayu by a typical transport called 'Oroya' – a cable car. Having reached the other side, we will continue our walk passing the Mayubamba waterfalls and the Machu Picchu mountain. Afterwards, we will continue toward the hydroelectric station (1,950m/6,398ft) from where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050m/6,726ft). We will spend the night in an hotel.
Climate: warm with mosquitos.
Hiking time: 4 hours.
13th Day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30AM and head towards Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,874ft) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00AM. After a guided tour around the archeological site, including information about life & culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu (2,750m/9,022ft) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55PM or at 6:10PM. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.
Climate: moderate warm.
Hiking time: 02 hours approx.
Included:
- Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Cachora.
- Transport from Yanatile to Santa Teresa (11th day).
- Transport from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station.
- Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
- Bus up & down (between Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu).
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco/train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and on to Cusco by bus.
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Basic hotel in Santa Teresa.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu, Continental or similar).
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish & English).
- High-quality camping equipment (we use Pro 2-people tents: Doite Kailas 3, extralight-4,5kg & Doite Himalaya, extralight-4,5kg), mattresses, eating tent with table & chairs, bathroom tent.
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks).
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- Horseman & mules, for our camping & customer personal equipment.
- Emergency horse.
- First-aid kit, Oxygen bottle and safety rope.
Not included:
- Sleeping bag (if you don't have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one).
- Lodging in Cusco.
Lodging & Prices : Our team of travel consultants has carefully selected the Hotels based on their excellent value and high standards. (Lower Prices + Top Service = Best Value). We can book any hotel for you at competitive rates, but published prices are based on the Qeros Tours Peru Top Hotel Picks.
Occupancy Hotel Category
Double/triple Tourist 2-star Superior 3-star Deluxe 4/5-star
Price From: 000 SS$ 000 SS$ 000 SS$
Prices may vary according to season, availability & client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert Travel Consultants for more information.
What makes this trip responsible ?
Environmental Impact
Qeros Tours Team is promoting the environment conservation in the Inca Trail and in other trails to Machu Picchu. We operate a minimal impact policy in our Peruvian trips, this can include different cooking methods, packing out the group waste, and taking less invasive routes. On all of our Inca Trail trips, 100% of the group waste is removed and in many other trips, all non-biodegradable waste is removed and we never build fires at our campsites. Also, all of our guides will talk about the local environment conservation and some of the challenges facing it. All the guides work to minimize the group's impact to share their knowledge of it. Our camp staff, porters, cooks & mule wranglers where used are paid their wage and receive all accommodations, transport & food. Regular training courses about cultural & environment conservation are held for all staff.
Community Projects
We contribute directly to many community projects in the Cusco region. Last year we have been responsible for the organization of one medical mission in the traditional village of Cacacollo located on the Sacred Valley (Pisac) giving medical attention to 1,000 locals with the cooperation of Orange Adventist Medical Mission-USA. We are promoting the local & traditional textile & handicrafts market with the local people of Cacacollo, inviting our customers to visit that market and help the economy of locals.
Please, feel free to ask about our volunteering programs and social projects that you could visit on your trip, and if/how you could help support them.
How difficult is the trek ?
We recommend that trekkers have a good physical health and a taste for adventure. The level of enjoyment that clients get out of an alternative trek depends on numerous factors, such as the amount of time you have had to properly acclimatize to high altitudes before departing, your age, your general fitness level and your trekking experience.
How far in advance should we reserve our trekking tours ?
We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail Treks as far in advance as possible. We suggest booking 4-6 weeks in advance.
Will we need any documentation in order to get on the trail ?
Yes, the documents which you used to book the trip can be made with personal IDs such as original passports (preferred).
What is the situation with drinking water during the trek ?
The water is collected from local streams and is boiled throughout the trip. You can also buy water purification tablets. Another option would be to buy mineral water for the trek in Cusco and bring it with you (but that will add some weight to your luggage) or buy mineral water on the trail, that will be a little more expensive.
Is there a toilet tent and shower ?
Yes, there is toilet tent for all alternative Inca Trail routes but on the Classic Inca Trail at all campsites there are public toilets that you can use. All campsites have cold shower with only the last campsite at Wiñaywayna having warm showers for a small additional cost.
How much luggage can I bring on the trek ?
For the trekking tours you should only take the items you are willing to carry during the hike. Other belongings can be left in storage in your hotel in Cusco. Horses will carry the provided equipment such as the tent, while you are responsible for your sleeping bag, clothing & other personal items. You are able to hire an extra horse to carry your belongings up to the weight of 20kg.
How many other travelers can we expect will be on the Inca Trail with us ? How many support people (porters, cooks, guide) in total ?
The maximum number of people in a group is 10. There is one guide & assistant for every group and 1 cook, 5 horses & 2 Emergency horses. The majority of the people on the trail are not trekkers, but the support team of guides, porters, horsemen & cooks.
Is it customary to tip the guides & porters ? If so, how much is recommended ?
Again, it depends on the number of people that are going to be on the trek and it is also very hard to estimate the proper tip that you could give. On the last night of your trek, there is a tipping custom: all the hikers put their tips together and give them to the guide. The guide will then distribute that money among all the Inca Trail personnel. We advise anything from $10 to $40 per hiker but you should only tip according to the level of service you believe you have received.
I was going to bring just a small backpack for my 5 days in Peru. Please let me know the minimum amount of clothing & items I can bring. I don't want to overpack ?
You are able to leave the majority of your personal belongings in storage at your Cusco hotel, so you only need to carry what you need for the trail. If you only have a suitcase, you can rent a backpack for the trail.
List of recommended Inca Trail clothing items:
Head: a hat to protect you from the sun, a knitted hat for the cold nights & mornings, sunglasses, sunblock, lip cream (Chap Stick).
Upper Body: 3-4 T-shirts (1 for hiking, 1 for sleeping, 1 for emergency), 1 good warm all-terrain sweater/jacket for cold weather, 1 thick sweater for sleeping, insect repellent, gloves/mittens for your hands.
Lower Body: 1 pair of hiking pants (old comfortable jeans are fine, the lighter the better), 1 pair of shorts (not necessary but comfortable), 1 pair of sweatpants for sleeping, socks (important, 4 pairs of socks, always try to keep dry, clean socks for sleeping), Band-aids (or special blister aids) for your feet (better safe than sorry), comfortable sneakers or hiking boots.
How much does it cost to rent equipment ?
There are two types of sleeping bags for rent:
A feathered type costing $ 5,00 per day.
There are two types of backpacks available for rent, a 35-liter & a 40-liter available for $4,00 per day.
You can also hire an extra horse for the duration of the trek for $20 per day to carry your bag up to the weight of 20kg.
Rentals can be arranged by your travel advisor. Other equipment you might want to rent such as boots, flashlights & coats can be arranged in Cusco.
Is it possible to walk from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes instead of the bus ? If there is a road, how far is it ?
Yes, it's possible; you can follow the same road as the bus and it will take you about 40 minutes to go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
What are the restrictions on access to Huayna Picchu ?
Only 400 people a day are allowed on the short trail, with access from inside Machu Picchu itself. From 7AM to 9AM, 200 people can enter and then another 200 at 10AM. Entrance is on a first come-first serve basis.
Are there any ATMs ?
Yes. It is best to get the money you want from Cusco and you'll find them around Plaza de Armas inside some stores & shops. ATMs are widely available in Peru and most hotels & restaurants accept payment by credit card as long as you can also show your passport/ID.
What sort of food can I expect on the trail ?
Each tour is accompanied by a chef who will prepare all your meals for you. The food is hearty, plentiful & filling to keep you energized for the journey. Please notify us if you have any special requirements. Below find an example menu for the trek:
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