The Choquequirao complex is very enchanting and one of the most well-known treks in the Cusco zone. And it’s no suddenness with its fantastic natural valleys with landscapes , snow-capped mountains and an marvelous variety of birds, animals and plants.
It is located in the spur of the Salkantay Mountain chain, at over 3030 meters, surrounded by the Apus (mountain deities) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left waterside of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was united in connection with Machu Picchu through a composite network of trails.
Choquequirao is considered "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". Visitors will have the ability to learn a sophisticated hydraulic system, most likely for agricultural, domestic and ceremonial use. The geographic location of Choquequirao relatively to other religious centers of the same age inclines to show that its function was that of an Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Day 1 | |
6:30 a.m. | |
Bus till Ollantaytambo - Train till Km 104/Chachabamba. | |
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | |
Hike to Machu Picchu. Chachabamba – Winayhayna – Machu Picchu. Optional: visit of the Hot Springs in Machupicchu Pueblo | |
Day 2 | |
6:00 a.m. to 5:30p.m. | |
Tour to Machu Picchu: Guided tour Free Afternoon Return by train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco |
We pick you up by bus from your hotel at 5:40am (depending on the train time) and take you to the train station. We travel by train on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach the kilometer 104 – Chachabamba , where we begin our exciting adventure: Hiking the easy Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From here, we have a walk of approximately 4 hours up to the Inca site Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') (2680m/8792ft).
We then continue on to Inti Punku ('Sun gate') (2730m/8957ft) from where you have your first view over the Majestic Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). We walk down the last part of the easy inca trail towards the ancient city itself. Before reaching Machu Picchu, we have a short rest and then descend to Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu Pueblo using the tourist bus. We arrive at around 4:30pm, and transfer to our hotel where we overnight.
Meals: Lunch - Tea Time - Dinner.
After a rich and tasty breakfast we take the bus at approximately 6am up to Macchu Pichu so we can enjoy the beautiful sun rise. A hiking tour of around 2 hours is given by your tour guide, after which you can explore the mysterious city all by yourselves. When you feel you are full with the mystical vibes of that legendary place we return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo followed by a bus to Cusco. You should back to your hotel at 10:30pm. And here ends your Machu Picchu hiking adventure. Meals: Breakfast
Meals: Breakfast
Hotels in Cusco: no matter what the standard you would like (Standard, Economy, First Class, or Luxury) you should ask us to book your room as we know all the different rates for every hotel in Cusco and might secure you a pretty sweet deal.
In this video we show a brief description about the Inca Trail 2 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.
Wiñayhuayna: Wiñayhuayna means 'forever young' and is considered to be a sacred place along the Inca Trail before coming to Machu Picchu.
Intipunku: Intipunku is also called the 'Sun Gate' and leads to Machu Picchu. This is a great vantage point where you'll get your first view of Machu Picchu. It was used by the Incas during their ceremonies for the summer solstice in December.
Chachabamba: Chachabamba is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.