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 Choquequirao, the other Machu Picchu
Choquequirao is nestled in a cloud forest high above the Apurimac River at an altitude of 3055 meters above sea level. It is located on an ample Andean plateau in La Convencion province, in the middle of Vilcabamba Valley. Its archeological sites are as important as Machu Picchu, often referred to as the sister city. Archeologists believe that it is one of the several lost citadels in Vilcabamba where the Incas took refuge in 1536. Choquequirao is an extraordinary complex, which is formed by nine architectural stone groups with a political/religious center and a main square. It has hundreds of terraces and rooms with an elaborate irrigation system with fountains and aqueducts. At this moment only 30% of the archeological site has been cleared. Package Includes Roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Cusco2-night accommodation in CuscoRoundtrip transfer from Cusco to Villa Los LorosMultilingual guide (English/Spanish/French)2-night accommodations at Villa Los Loros2-night camping in the Archeological Park of ChoquequiraoHigh quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)Radio communication throughout the trekFirst Aid kitAll the meals and drinks that you choose from a menuMuleteers, mules or llamas to carry equipment and suppliesCamp chef and portersEntrance fees to the archeological sites of Saywite and ChoquequiraoHorses for the return from San Ignacio (optional)Hotel taxes and service charges24-hour emergency telephone numbersVacation Package Itinerary
Day 1: USA / Lima / Cusco Depart the USA on your overnight scheduled flight to Lima. From here, you will connect to your short flight to Cusco.Day 2: Cusco Upon arrival at the airport in Cusco (CUZ) a host will meet and transfer you to the hotel and assist you with hotel check in.The rest of the day is at your leisure to tour Cusco or relax and adjust to the altitude.You can choose additional sightseeing tours and excursions as you go through the booking process.Accommodation in CuscoDay 3: Cusco / Saywite / Villa Los Loros Breakfast at the hotel.Depart Cusco at 6:30 a.m. in a private bus. Travel to Abancay, arriving at the Archeological Park of Saywite at approximately 9:30 a.m., where you will see the mysterious monolith and other nearby ruins. After a snack, return to the bus and continue the trip towards the little town of Huanipaca. Passing through Huanipaca, we descend towards the canyon of the Apurimac River until we reach Tambobamba and the Villa Los Loros.After check-in at the Villa, lunch will be served followed by a briefing on tomorrow's trek.Later dinner will be served in time to head to bed early to get ready for the following day's activities.Overnight at Villa Los Loros (B, L, D)Day 4: Tambobamba / Playa San Ignacio / Choquequirao We leave after breakfast, at 5:30 am, and trek for two and a half hours. We go by San Ignacio until we reach the riverbank of the noisy Apurimac River (in the native language, Quechua, Apu Rimac means God that speaks). Later, we cross the hanging San Ignacio Bridge and begin the ascent from the river (1,500 meters) until we reach the Choquequirao campsite at 2,900 meters above sea level. Along the route you can soak in the beauty of the natural surroundings, especially the great variety of flora and fauna.After enjoying an appetizing lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit the Cultivated Terraces of Phaqchayoq and the house of waterfalls. Finally, we return to the campsite where we have dinner and spend the night.Overnight camp at the Archeological Park of Choquequirao (B, L, D)Day 5: Choquequirao After breakfast we have the entire day to visit the best sectors of the Archeological Park of Choquequirao, such as the area of the Administrative Housing of Pikiwasi, the priests' housing, the ceremonial platform or Ushnu, the principal plaza or Huaqaypata, the deposits or Qolqas and the high collection or Hana, among others.We will have lunch near the collection, as not to interrupt such a nice view, and with any luck we will be able to witness the flight of the majestic Andean Condor over the deep canyon of Apurimac. Finally, we will return to our campsite where dinner will be served and we will spend the night.Overnight camp at the Archeological Park of Choquequirao (B, L, D)Day 6: Choquequirqo / Hacienda San Ignacio / Villa Los Loros After enjoying breakfast, we will take some time to appreciate the beautiful pathways that surround our campsite. Then, we will begin the return to Tambobamba, descending the imposing canyon of the Apurimac River until we reach San Ignacio, from where we will continue on horses. Arriving at the San Ignacio housing, we will rest and have lunch, then continue on horse until we reach the Villa Los Loros lodge. There, we will enjoy a hot shower, a welcoming cocktail, dinner and a well-deserved rest.Overnight at Villa Los Loros (B, L, D)Day 7: Choquequirqo / Cusco After a warm breakfast in our lodge, at 9 a.m. we will take the bus to return to Cusco. Along the way, lunch will be offered at a restaurant located near the town of Curahuasi (in center of the Apurimac valley), then we will continue the trip to Cusco. We will arrive at approximately 3 p.m., making the trip in an estimated five hours.Accommodation in Cusco (B, L)Day 8: Cusco / USA Breakfast at the hotel.A driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Lima, continuing to the USA. (B)Please note: The trip to Choquequirao is long and arduous but certainly unforgettable. You will leave Cusco along the Abancay Road, taking a back road to the Village of Cachora where the trek begins. To reach Choquequirao you should be in good physical condition. The route starts at 9,500 feet (2900 meters) above sea level at Cachora and ends at 5,000 feet (1530 meters) above sea level at the Apurimac River. On the third day you will hike up to 10,000 feet (3055 meters) above sea level where the complex lies. Machu Picchu is situated on the eastern slope of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and Choquequirao on it's opposite western slope at about the same parallel. Both citadels are located half way up steep, densely forested mountain slopes. |
| Call (770) 565-9101 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6394620 | | EEI Travel | | Notes
A long and demanding walk of 17 kilometers is required to reach the archeological complex - suitable for people who are used to this type of hiking (the trek is classified as a grade 4 level of difficulty). The effort will be pleasantly rewarded by the beautiful sights and discovery of this magical sanctuary.Throughout the journey you will experience different climates and microclimates, depending on the altitude. Also be aware that the rainy season is from January to the end of March and that the dry season is from April to December.Space is limited and your desired travel dates may not be available if you wait, so book early to avoid disappointment. We highly recommend 2nd and 3rd choices for travel dates and/or accommodations.Passport Requirements:
It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to obtain the necessary documents for travel, not excluding passports and visas. A valid passport is normally the only requirement for U.S. citizens. Visa requirements do change without notice and vary by nationality. Please check with the consulate office of the destination country as to visa requirements.Full payment due within 1 day of booking by 2pm.South America Departure Tax:
Upon departure in local currency or USD (cash only) the amount of $20 - 35 in some countries is required (amounts may vary daily based on currency fluctuations). Aircraft boarding will be denied to any passenger who fails to pay this tax which is collected after check-in and prior to boarding by Federal Airport staff.Passport information required for Peru:
Your full passport information is required to issue flight and train tickets. In addition, some services and lodges require notification of your food restrictions and allergies for confirmation.Nonrefundable and nonchangeable once paid in full.Restrictions
Packages booked "without air" do not include flights within Peru. You may include these flights for approximately $180 per segment. Due to volatile fuel surcharges, these prices are subject to change. Your final price will be determined upon confirmation of all services. Please contact us for more details. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and a 30-day advance purchase. Purchases within 30 days will incur additional shipping and handling fees. Air carrier used in the package is based on gateway and availability at time of booking and multiple flights connections may be necessary. Flight departure times may be at any time on your requested departure day. Surcharges up to $50 per person each way apply for travel Thursday through Monday depending on travel dates. Air taxes/Government-imposed fees/surcharges of up to approx. $160 including the Sept. 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per segment apply. These fees are in addition to the package prices and will be added to invoice. Travel is valid for these dates only. Certain other restrictions may apply, and offer is subject to change without notice. No request will be processed until full payment is received. Once submitted your request can take at least 24 hours to confirm. |
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