1st Day - Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca (3350/10991
- 2850/9350 - 1930/6332 meters/feet)
We will leave early in the morning heading northwest of Cusco (3350m
/ 10991f) in the direction of Cachora (2850m / 9350f). Cachora is
surrounded by mountains, one of them the snow-covered Padreyoc (5571m /
18228f). On this place we will meet with the carriers and the mules who
will be carrying all the camping equipment during the expedition. The
beginning of the walk will have some ecological differences and we will
pass the mystic Padreyoc going through the pass of Capuliyoc (2800m /
9186f). From Capuliyoc we will have a spectacular view on the canyon of
the Apurímac and a part of the archeological complex of Choquequirao,
and we will have a short rest there and be able to observe the way we
came which looks like a stream on the edge of the mountain up to our
camping place called Chiquisca (1930m / 6332f).
Hiking time: 7 hours in a warm climate.
2nd Day - Chiquisca - Playa Rosalina - Marampata - Choquequirao
(1930/6332 - 1550/5085 - 2850/9350 - 3033/9951 meters/feet)
After having enjoyed our breakfast, we will descend for about one
hour to La Playa Rosalina (1550m / 5085f). From here we will go up in
the canyon, in a warm climate, to the town of Marampata (2850m / 9350f),
from where we will have a beautiful view on the archeological complex of
Choquequirao. The sunset in Choquequirao is mysterious together with a
real Andean symbol ´the Condor´, which will descend from the highest
mountains of Vilcabamba all the way down to the archeological complex of
Choquequirao (3033m / 9951f), where our campsite will be.
Hiking time: 7 hours in both cold and warm climates.
3rd Day - Choquequirao - San Ignacio - Carmen Huerto (3033/9951 -
1500/4921 - 2000/6562 meters/feet)
We will see the sunrise over Choquequirap, accompanied by a
professional guide who will tell about history and the recently found
excavations. At the moment Choquequirao holds many ancestral secrets,
because now only 30% of the ruin is restored. It is a very important
project that between now and 10 years it will show ´the Gold cradle´
before the eyes of the world and we will get a lot of knowledge about
the specific function of Choquequirao, which is now a big mystery. After
this visit we will leave to go down route pretty different from the ones
walked before. Going through this new pass we will have some impressive
views, for instance at the canyon of Apurimac, in its´ greater length,
and a lot of flora and fauna. We will go through a height difference of
1500 meters (4921f) between Choquequirao and Playa San Ignacio. And we
will ascent to our camping place at a paradisiacal place known as Carmen
Huerto (2000m / 65).
Hiking time: 5 hours in a reasonable climate with mosquito's.
4th Day - Carmen - Hacienda Tambo bamba - Huanipaca (1900/6234 -
2500/8202 - 3150/10335 meters/feet)
The Carmen Orchard, which is next to the Tambo bamba property, was
ruled by landowners in the years of the colonization. They had slaves
and many acres cultivated. They were very rich in cultivating their
agricultural products, cattle ranches etc.
Tambó bamba (2500m / 8202f) at the moment offers much natural wealth if
different areas, from agriculture and cattle ranching, hereby preserving
the tradition and knowledge of our Andean ancestors. On the route we
will be visiting communities like Pacobamba and Huanipaca
(3150m/10335f). From Huanipaca we will have the most impressive view of
the glacier chain ´Sacsarayoc´, located in the region of Vilcabamba ´The
last shelter of the Incas´. The next thing will be the transport back to
the city of Cusco.
Hiking time: 5 hours in a moderate warm climate.
WE OFFER AN ADITIONAL DAY TO ENJOY MORE TIME IN THE ARCHEOLOGICAL
COMPLEX OF CHOQUEQUIRAO AND THE THERMAL BATHES OF CCONOC.
On the way back to Cusco, we will stop in Cconoc to
enjoy the thermal natural waters, having time for healing and relaxing.
What you need to bring
- Original passport,
- 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,
- Fotocamera (wrapped in plastic bag),
- Flash light and batteries,
- Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit,
- ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles.