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11 Day itinerary in Peru, South America

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu from Lima

Start your trip in Lima and attend to an exciting traditional cooking class, where you will be able to learn how the ancient Incas used to cook. Then, take a flight to the historic capital of Peru, Cuzco, and from there, start your trek to Choquequirao visiting ancient ruins and crossing high mounta... Read More

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SandraLeslieIsaacEli

By Sandra, Leslie, Isaac and Eli

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Demanding
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Lima

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Learn how to cook traditional peruvian dishes

2

Cross high mountain passes with beautiful views

3

Awe at the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu

4

Visit the amazing town of Cuzco

Itinerary

Budget Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Lima Airport Transfer to Miraflores/San Isidro

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport, you will be picked-up and transferred to your accommodation within the area of Miraflores or San Isidro in Lima

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 1900 Hostel Lima
  • Budget Accommodation: 1900 Hostel Lima
Day 2

place Lima Cooking Class

Learn how to cook 2 of the most famous peruvian dishes: Lomo Salteado and Causa Limeña. These are some of the locals' favourite dishes, as well as the delicious beverages: Chicha Morada or Mate de Coca. If you are into traditional cuisine and want to learn how to cook these recipes at home, this experience is for you! You will be at a nice and relaxed environment where you will be able to ask the Chef personally, all the questions you should have about the recipes. We'll use all the ingredients and instruments our ancestors the incas used to cook their food, so we will be able to preserve the tradition and flavours. -Starter: Causa limeña -Main Course: Lomo saltado -Drinks: Chicha morada o mate de coca Please let us know if you have any food preferences or requirements, as well as any allergies.

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 1900 Hostel Lima
  • Budget Accommodation: 1900 Hostel Lima
Day 3

place Flight from Lima to Cuzco

Today, make your own way to Lima Airport in order to take your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, you will meet our partner, who will transfer you to your accommodation in Cuzco. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Kokopelli Hostel Cusco
  • Budget Accommodation: Kokopelli Hostel Cusco
Day 4

place Depart Cuzco - Hike from Cachora village (2,910m) to Chiquisca (1,836m)

Today you will be picked up at your accommodation as we leave Cuzco early in the morning to journey by road to the small village of Cachora (2,910m) the starting point of the trek. Upon arrival to Cachora, we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear on the horses and mules before we begin our first day’s hike. We will begin hiking along the edge of the Apurímac canyon, with the river almost 2,000 metres below us and breathtaking views of the surrounding Padrayoc and Choke Takarpu mountains. Lunch will be served at Capuliyoc (2,915m) followed by a 2-hour winding descent to Chiquisca (1,836m) ending at our campsite near the Apurimac River.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
Day 5

place Hike from Chiquisca to Choquequirao archaeological site (2,850m) (B/L/D)

Today we will have an early breakfast and then start off our day with a 1.5-hour downhill hike to Playa Rosalinda where we will cross a suspension bridge over the Apurimac River followed by an uphill hike leading to Santa Rosa (2,095m). Here we will have a rewarding lunch and have the chance to taste local "cambray" a sugarcane juice from the region. The hike will continue ascending to Marampata village (2,913m), home to shepherd families. Finally, after a challenging 3-hour trek, we will reach our campsite overlooking the Choquequirao archaeological site with panoramic views of the naturally stunning Apurimac river valley and if we are lucky, we might see Andean condors flying overhead.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
Day 6

place Hike from Choquequirao to Maizal camp (3,000m)

An early start will give us the opportunity to see Choquequirao in the early morning light and will give us time to explore the "lost Inca city" of Choquequirao (3,035m). Afterwards, we will hike about 2 hours to the fully restored Pinchaunuyoc archaeological site (2,500m) which is still waiting to be excavated. From Pinchiyoc Unu, we'll follow a steep and narrow trail to reach our campsite for the night, Maizal (3,000m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
Day 7

place Hike from Maizal camp to Yanama camp (4,100m)

After an early breakfast, we'll ascend toward Paso Victoria, passing through lush and dense cloud forest while enjoying spectacular views along the way. The pass (3900m / 12,800 ft) is a good place for a break, as it offers stunning views of the surroundings. After crossing the pass, we will descend to the small village of Yanama (4,100m) where we will end our day with lunch and free time to relax in the afternoon.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
Day 8

place Hike to the Totora community (4,100m) via High Pass (4,668m)

Today we will hike from Yanama to a high pass at 4,668m with amazing views of Salkantay and Huayanay mountains and then cross over Yanama pass at 4,500m where you will feel truly immersed in the heart of the snow-capped Andean peaks. It can be windy and chilly on the pass, so it is a good idea to bring some warm clothes and a pair of gloves for this part of the trek. Here we may have the luck of seeing condors. We will descend through grassy fields to the Totora community to camp overnight (4,100m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
Day 9

place Hike to Sayahuaco & Transfer to Santa Teresa town (1,700m)

Today we will have the chance to see vibrant regional flora and fauna as we continue our descent to the Totora River and near the town of Sayahuaco for lunch. Along the way you will notice the colourful and abundant bird and plant life where you can see hummingbirds and woodpeckers among varied species of flowers such as orchids and begonias. Traversing the tropical region we can see waterfalls, banana, avocado and coca plantations. After lunch, we will take a transfer to reach Santa Teresa town (1,700m) for the night. Here you can relax in the hot springs before dinner if time allows (at an extra cost).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
  • Budget Accommodation: Camp
Day 10

place Hike from Santa Teresa town to Aguas Calientes (2,040m)

Finally, today we have an easy hike over rolling hills along the Vilcanota River in a warm and humid climate towards the Hydroelectric station (1,900m) for lunch. Another 3-hour hike will bring us to our final destination of Aguas Calientes (2,040m) for a well-deserved rest. Spend your afternoon in the town where you'll find internet cafés, cafés with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a hot shower and a good night's rest.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Budget Accommodation: 3* Hotel
  • Budget Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Day 11

place Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cuzco

We will catch one of the first buses (5:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide, and after this you can explore the mysterious site by yourself. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes at your own convenience. Have lunch and visit the local marketplace right next to the train tracks, where you can shop until the train whistle blows, signaling your return to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus to Cuzco, arriving back around 8:00pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice upon arrival.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Camp
  • 1900 Hostel Lima
  • Kokopelli Hostel Cusco
  • 3* Hotel
  • Camp
  • 1900 Hostel Lima
  • Kokopelli Hostel Cusco
  • 3* Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (8)
  • Dinner (7)
  • Breakfast (7)

Transport expand_less

  • Lima Airport Pick-up
  • Flight from Lima to Cuzco
  • Cuzco Airport Pick-up
  • Cuzco Accommodation Pick-up for your trek
  • Van Transfer Cuzco to Cachora (starting point of trek)
  • Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
  • Tourist Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Bus Transfer Ollantaytambo to Cuzco

Activities expand_less

  • Choquequirao Trek
  • Visit to Machu Picchu
  • Cooking Class

Extras expand_less

  • Horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker.
  • First Aid kit & emergency oxygen bottle
  • Basic Sleeping Pad & tent for 2 people for the trek

Not Included expand_less

  • Sleeping bag (available for rent in Cusco)
  • Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
  • Trekking poles( available for rent in Cusco)
  • Optional Activities (available for extra cost)
  • Optional Huayna Picchu Trek or Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses

About Sandra

TEAM LEAD

+3 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 4.83 (12 reviews)

Expertise: 

Historic & cultural landmarks

Hiking

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Outdoors & Nature

Beach & Sea

Food & Drink

I have been working in tourism for several years and I have traveled on my own to through Mexico.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$1,680.00 USD