Day 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – COCA MASANA – CHIKISKA CAMP.

We’ll leave Cusco at 6:00 am for the four hour drive to Cachora in our private transportation. On the way we will make a breakfast stop and admire the wonderful Limatambo Canyon, to the right the great Apu –Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. We then we will continue to the little village of Cachora. After meeting our expedition support crew, known as “arrieros”, we’ll arrange our equipment on the pack mules. We begin a gentle hike through this historically rich territory. It is a three hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first views of the Apurimac valley below. We may also see the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. We then descend toward Coca Masana (2330m) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. It is essential to bring a high deet mosquito repellent. Finally we’ll arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m beside the raging “Speaker God” Apurimac River, famous for class five rafting rapids. Here we will set up camp and spend the night. Walking poles or wooden sticks are very highly recommended.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping (2 people per tent).
Maximum Altitude: 3000m (Capulichayoc).
Minimum Altitude: 1500m (Rosalina).
Distance Travelled: 17 Km.
Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 Hours.

Day 2: PLAYA ROSALINA, MARAMPATA, CHOQUEQUIRAO

After an early breakfast, we will walk for approx. one hour to arrive to Playa Rosalina near the Apurimac River (1500 m), where we will cross a typical holding bridge, a forest of cactus, agaves and exotic local fruit trees. Here we’ll start a gentle 3-4 hours gradual climb of 1,400 meters from the shores of the Apurimac river to Marampata (2900m). We’ll stop for lunch surrounded by this beautiful landscape. At the end of this path, we’ll see for the first time the archaeological complex of Choquequirao. It’s an easy two hour walk to Choquequirao ruins from here! When we arrive to this Inca complex, we will visit the farming terraces of Paqchayoc and the house of the waterfall. We will spend the night camping near Choquequirao. Here you can taste “Cambric”, a local cognac made from sugar cane!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping (2 people per tent).
Maximum Altitude: 2800m (Marampata).
Minimum Altitude: 1500m (Playa Rosalina).
Distance Travelled: 14 km.
Approximate Walking Time: 7- 8 Hours.

Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX : – Raqaypata or Playa Rosalina

This day is dedicated to exploring the incredible ruins of Choquequirao. Our guide will explain the history and importance of the site. After you will have free time to visit the many sectors of the complex. Late in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp the night at Raqaypata.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping at Raqaypata or Playa Rosalina.
Maximum Altitude: 3200m (Choquequirao).
Minimum Altitude: 1500m (Playa Rosalina).
Distance Travelled: 4 km.
Approximate Walking Time: 3-4 Hours.

DAY 4: RAQAYPATA – COCA MASANA OR CAPULICHAYUC

After breakfast we’ll continue our return trek with a steep descent towards the Apurimac River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon we will climb for approximately four hours to our final campsite at Coca Masana.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping (2 people per tent).
Maximum Altitude: 3000m.
Distance Travelled: 15 km.
Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 Hours.

DAY 5: COCA MASANA – CACHORA – CUSCO

After a 3 hour climb we’ll reach Capuliyoc. From then on, it is a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our arieros (horse guides) and take the bus back to Cusco. We will stop at the archaeological site of Saihuite for chance to rest and have lunch. A further four hours by bus bring us back to Cusco. After a luxurious hot shower it’s time to enjoy a much deserved beer and a good meal!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Distance Travelled:14 Km.
Approximate Walking Time: 4 – 5 Hours.