Very early in the morning, before sunrise, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin our adventure. After a few hours of travel, we will enjoy an included breakfast in Cachora, around 5:00 AM, so please have all your gear ready. Our first destination is the town of Cachora, located approximately 5 hours by car from Cusco, where we will start our trek. Along the way, we will cross the Cunyac Bridge, which connects the departments of Cusco and Apurímac, and pass through the Curahuasi district and the Andean Community of Saywite.

We will arrive at Cachora (2,800 MASL / 9,186 FASL) at around 10:00 AM, where we will meet our muleteers and support team before beginning the hike.

We will start our hike ascending steep trails. After about 2 hours of trekking, we will reach the Capuliyoc Pass (2,915 MASL / 9,563 FASL), where we will enjoy a hearty lunch while taking in the first panoramic views of the Apurímac Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. From this viewpoint, we will also get a distant glimpse of Choquequirao.

After lunch, we will begin our descent toward Coca Masana (2,330 MASL / 7,644 FASL), where the climate becomes warmer and the flora and fauna start to change noticeably. We will continue descending until we reach Chiquiskä (1,900 MASL / 6,233 FASL), near the Apurímac River, where we will set up our first campsite and spend the night in tents. In this area, locals from Cachora often offer refreshments to hikers from their humble homes.

• Total Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
• Climate: Warm
• Estimated Hiking Time: 7 hours

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Today is an exciting day as we prepare to ascend towards the ancient city. From the top, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the landscape. After an early breakfast at 6:00 AM, we will resume our hike. The first hour of hiking will be a descent to cross the Apurímac River.

From there, we will begin a challenging three-hour ascent to Santa Rosa (2,115 MASL / 6,938 feet), where we will take a well-deserved rest. We will then continue our climb to Maranpata (2,850 MASL / 9,350 feet), where the ascent becomes more manageable. Along the way, we will see various types of Andean flora that thrive in the region, making the hike even more colorful and scenic.

Around 2:00 PM, we will take a break for lunch and rest by the Chunchumayo River. During this part of the hike, we will also observe many wildflowers, orchids, and birds in the area. At this point, we will find small huts, where we will set up our camp for the night.

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Waking up surrounded by the Andes is an enchanting experience that awaits hikers. Breakfast is served early at 6:00 AM, and then we will head from Maranpata to Choquequirao (3,035 MASL / 9,957 feet), which is a 2-hour hike. The wildlife in the area is already full of activity, making the experience even more joyful.

Upon arrival at the archaeological site, we will have the opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking views of the deep canyons and perhaps even witness the majestic flight of a condor. We will explore the complex with the help of our expert guide, who will bring to life the history of this mystical Inca village. Afterwards, we will return to Maranpata for lunch and rest while enjoying the magnificent views.

Afterwards, we will begin the descent through the forest, following the same path we took before, until we reach the bridge and continue our journey. We will camp in Chiquiskä, where we will set up our camp for the night.

• Total Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
• Climate: Warm during the day and cold at night
• Estimated Hiking Time: 8 hours

Physical Level

2, Moderate

The last breakfast in the Andes is special, with the sound of the river in the background. We will spend most of the day retracing our steps back to the trailhead at Cachora (2,800 MASL / 9,186 feet). Along the way, we will appreciate the exotic flora and fauna, as well as the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the impressive Apurimac Canyon.

We will stop for lunch in Capuliyoc, where we will have our last view of the Apurimac Valley and Choquequirao. From there, it will take us approximately four hours to reach the town of Cachora, where we will arrive around 3:00 PM. In the afternoon, we will take a car back to Cusco (approximately 5 hours). We will drop the hikers off at their hotels around 8:00 PM.

• Total Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles
• Climate: Warm
• Estimated Hiking Time: 7 hours

Physical Level

2, Moderate