Choose one of two ways to Trek the entire Vilcabamba range of the Andes, Peru.
You pass through an
immense range of vegetation types and temperatures and with a
variety of panoramic views to match. From the ice-capped peaks of
the high Andes, their sharp ridges, deep gorges and raging rivers - to
the lush flora and prolific wildlife of the sub-tropical rainforest.
Archaelogical sites
The trek will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in
the Cusco-area and Peru: CHOQUEKIRAU and NUSTA HISPANA (or choose
the alternative route which ends at Machu Picchu – see bottom of page).
The archaeological site of CHOQUEKIRAU is part of the complex system
of Andean towns in the Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas,
it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex
network of trails. Choquequirau is dramatically situated on the spur
of the mountain range of Salcantay, at 3035 m, surrounded by the
snow capped peaks of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and
Panta.
Outline Itinerary – day 1
Arriving at Cachora town in the morning we have our breakfast
while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. There are good
views of the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is
5482 m.
The walk starts off quite flat with views to snow covered
peaks and small farms on the steep mountain sides. From the
viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent
towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. The vegetation changes from
Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarf tree forest. We continue the
descent to the Apurímac River at 1550 m in the impressively deep
canyon of the same name. Camp near the river.
Day 2
Todays walk involves a steep climb from the river towards
Santa Rosa, a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m), then onwards and
upwards to Choquequirau. The first 4-5 hours are steep, then it
levels out and we continue to climb gently thorugh orchid rich
forest.
At Choquequirau, where we camp, there is plenty of time to
explore the enigmatic ruins and enjoy the views. Condors and
spectacled bears are frequently sighted in the vicinity, and the
bird life is extraordinary. Camp at 2910 m approx. (Possibly have 2
nights here)
Day 3
After breakfast we walk through Choquequirau, where we again
look for condors. We follow the old water canal for a while at the
start of our walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins, found in 1998. These
ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the
cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layers of mosses
and other vegetation that cover the stones. We spend some time
exploring before we continue towards the river Victoria. We cross
the river, and have a welcome dip. After lunch we start the long,
steep climb to camp at Maizal.
Day 4
We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan
pass. Again a long climb, also through an amazingly beautiful area –
first cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known
ichu grass.
We stop for a break at the Victoria mines, where the
Incas extracted gold. There are beautiful sections of Inca Trail
through this area, linking to Machu Picchu. We cross the pass at
4000 m with superb views view of Choquetakarpo, before we start the
descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement, of potato
growers. We camp nearby.
Day 5
Buffer day. There are plenty of oppoortunities to stay 2
nights along the way, at the site of Choquequirau (which is
beautiful) and at Yanama, a very clean and dignified isolated
settlement, with several options for spectacular day hikes).
Day 6
We continue from Yanama up the valley known locally as
Quebrada de Quilcamachay, a broad U-shaped valley. Look out for the
many species of orchid growing in the forests you pass through,
especially the rare and exquisite Waqanqi. Towering granite spires
loom on the right, and spectacular mountain vistas appear as you
climb.
It is approximately 6-8 hours from Yanama to the pass Abra
Choquetacarpo (4,600 m). Camp on the way up the pass. The last few
kilometers of ascent are on Inca trail again, of amazing quality.
Some sections are three metres wide, paved beautifully and have
weathered the test of time remarkably well. At the pass, after an
extremely steep last section, there are cairns constructed as
offerings to the apus, and the spirits of the mountains that watch
over walkers.
Day 7
Crossing the pass we begin our descent towards the road head
at the village of Huancacalle. We camp on the way down. Today we
reach the village of Huancacalle. This is a small remote town, with
just a couple of small hostels, a few shops and basic restaurants
and a police check point.
Day 8
From Huancacalle we spend half a day visiting the remains of
Rosas Patas and the Palace of Manco Inca and Ńusta Hispana. Ńusta
Hispana is an immense carved boulder. Its five metres high with
finely carved steps and angles. All around it there are extensive
terraces linked by water canals, probably used for irrigation.
Afternoon travel to Quillabamba for return bus to Cusco.
Outline Alternative Itinerary (ending at Machu Picchu)
Day 1
Arriving at Cachora town in the morning we have our breakfast
while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. There are good
views of the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is
5482 m.
The walk starts off quite flat with views to snow covered
peaks and small farms on the steep mountain sides. From the
viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent
towards the Apurímac Canyon starts.
The vegetation changes from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarf tree forest. We continue the
descent to the Apurímac River at 1550 m in the impressively deep
canyon of the same name. Camp near the river.
Day 2
Todays walk involves a steep climb from the river towards
Santa Rosa, a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m), then onwards and
upwards to Choquequirau. The first 4-5 hours are steep, then it
levels out and we continue to climb gently thorugh orchid rich
forest.
At Choquequirau, where we camp, there is plenty of time to
explore the enigmatic ruins and enjoy the views. Condors and
spectacled bears are frequently sighted in the vicinity, and the
bird life is extraordinary. Camp at 2910 m approx. (Possibility of 2
nights here)
Day 3
After breakfast we walk through Choquequirau, where we again
look for condors. We follow the old water canal for a while at the
start of our walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins, found in 1998. These
ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the
cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layers of mosses
and other vegetation that cover the stones. We spend some time
exploring before we continue towards the river Victoria. We cross
the river, and have a welcome dip. After lunch we start the long,
steep climb to camp at Maizal.
Day 4
We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan
pass. Again a long climb, also through an amazingly beautiful area –
first cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass.
We stop for a break at the Victoria mines, where the
Incas extracted gold. There are beautiful sections of Inca Trail
through this area, linking to Machu Picchu. We cross the pass at
4000 m with superb views view of Choquetakarpo, before we start the
descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement, of potato
growers. We camp nearby.
Day 5/6
Buffer days.
These days have been added as there are plenty of oppoortunities to stay 2 nights along the way, at the site of
Choquequirau (which is beautiful) and at Yanama, a very clean and
dignified isolated settlement, with several options for spectacular
day hikes).
Day 7
We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the
highest point of the tour, The Yanama Pass at 4500 m. On the way we
have good views of the snow capped Sacsarayoc. Once again we have
the chance to see condors, and this mornings climb bring us to new
landscapes. On the pass we might walk through snow.
The descent is a
long hike through grassy fields - and scrubby bush, crossing small
bridges to bring us to the community of Totora, where we spend the
night.
Day 8
We walk approximately 2000 meters down through the changing
vegetation to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approx. 7
hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and can have a
very refreshing natural shower.
The area also has a lot of variation
of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations
have changed totally, and we see plants recognisable from the living
rooms of Europe and several types of orchids. The Playa is the
biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to
buy snacks etc. In this area we also see small plantations of coffee
and bananas.
Day 9
We trek from the Playa to the Hydroelectric on the Urubamba
River. This morning we can take the school truck down through the
coffee- and fruit plantations. We cross the river in a cable chair,
and then walk along the river until the Hydroelectric station. Here
we wait for the train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes.
We
relax in the afternoon or climb up Putucusi hill from where you get
one of the best views of Machu Picchu. We spend the night in a nice
hotel.
Day 10
From Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus to Machu Picchu. We
start our visit with a 2-3 hour guided tour, that will take us to
the most important parts of the site. The rest of the day is free to
explore & you have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the
beautiful moon temple.
We meet in the afternoon, in Aguas Calientes,
to take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from there a bus to Cusco.
Hotel.
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
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