Register for Journey

Itinerary for Choquequirao/Machu Picchu

Tue
Day 0:

Depart from USA to Lima, preferably in a flight that arrives to Peru very early in the morning of Sep/6th to connect immediately with the flight to Cusco.
“If some people want to fly one or two days earlier I can arrange hotel and transfers in Lima.”

Lima
Lima

Fri
Day 1:

Depart in an early flight Lim/Cus, around 6 or 7 AM.
Upon arrival, group will be transferred to our hotel conveniently located near the Main Square or Plaza de Armas, rest of the day to get used and acclimate to the 3,350 m/11,000 ft altitude.
Walking tour, visit to the Temple of the Sun – “Qorikancha” to appreciate the technological wonders of our culture, thereafter we’ll keep walking through the cobble-stoned streets of Cusco pointing out fascinating Inkan stonework along the way.
O'N Inca's Dream - Cusco.
No Meals.

Main Square of Cusco
Main Square of Cusco

Temple of the Sun – 'Qorikancha'
Temple of the Sun – "Qorikancha"

Sat
Day 2:

AM Tour to the ruins near by Cusco City to:
Sacsayhuaman fortress: Temple of the Sun and Lightning, House of Nobles that is overlooking the city of Cusco. Impressive stonework and structures weighing hundreds of tons will leave you in awe.
Quenqo: The Labyrinth, astronomic observatory and temple.
Puca-Pucara a small Tambo or Lodging place, also called Red fortress.
Tambomachay temple to worship water, “Where there is water, there is life.” To the Andean people water is sacred.
The market in P’isaq village, on the other hand beside the similar typical market, on Sunday mornings, by 11:00 AM There is a Catholic Mass in the church for the local populace as well as for the "Varayoq" (whom has a "vara", that is, a staff of office) or mayors of peasant communities of the region. Their staffs of office are made in "chonta" (very hard black palm-tree wood) with beaten silver adornments. The mayors' arrivals to the town are announced by their assistants who blow their "pututos" (trumpets made of big conch shells -Strombus galeatus-); those trumpets were inherited from the Inkan Society. What is peculiar in the mass is that as attendants do not know or have a poor command of the Spanish language, so the sermon will be said in the Quechua language.
High above the village lie the impressive Pisac ruins. The ruined city provides one of the finest examples of ancient stonework. Panoramas at Pisac’s Inca citadel are magnificent. Terraces, water ducts and steps have been cut out of solid rock. In the upper section of the ruins, the main Sun Temple rivals anything at Machu Picchu.
We’ll hike the non-tourist trail to the Inkan Temple of the Sun, a doorway to Hanakpacha, the upper Andean world of the Condor, messenger of the Gods, and then later in the afternoon return to Cusco.
O'N Cusco.
MEALS: B, D.

Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman

Quenqo
Quenqo

Sun
Day 3:

Early in the morning tour to the typical Indian and colorful market of Chinchero, This market offers a wonderful opportunity to buy woven goods, wall hangings, rugs, pottery, and all different other kind of handicrafts, as well as wonderful photographic opportunities. Observe the traditionally dressed campesinos (peasants) coming to barter and sell their produce in the market.
The fascinating circles of Moray, we’ll descend to the lowest level, here you will feel a nurturing, loving and warm energy.
After the ceremony return to our hotel Willka T’ika in Urubamba.
* Shamanic or Andean ceremony during this tour will be done by BENITO a Pacc’o or High Andean Priest from the QUEROS community.
O'N Hotel El Maizal - Urubamba City.
MEALS: B, L.

Chinchero Market
Chinchero Market

Moray
Moray

Mon
Day 4:

We’ll go through magnificent countryside and amazing irrigation terrace systems, and glorious mountains along the Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo village and visit the archaeological site, known by the locals as the Sanctuary of the Wind, also as Pyramid of Pakaritambo a sacred place worshiped by the Incas.
We’ll explore the actual village which was built on original Inca foundations of palaces, then the sacred temples, astronomic observatories, plazas, magnificent terraces and water fountains.

Sacred Valley of the Incas
Sacred Valley of the Incas

Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo

Start the Hiking to Choquequirao Ruins/Machu Picchu

Tue Cusco - Cachora - Playa Rosalina
Day 5:

At 5:00 am Departure from the hotel and travel by bus to Cachora 2,650 m/8,694 ft for about 4 hours, on the way we’ll visit some interesting sites like Tarawasi and Saywite. Once arriving to Cachora, we’ll meet our muleteer and horses, and pack all our equipment on the horses, then we will begin to walk; the trail is flat until Chiquisca and then we will go uphill, passing through the high pass of Capuliyoc, from there, we will have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon.
Finally we descend to playa Rosalina – 1550 m/5,085 Ft. on the banks of the Apurimac River, the main tributary of the Amazon River.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Note: Daily hike will be between 6 to 8+ hours, plus stops for lunches, pictures and guided information.

Wed Playa Rosalina - Choquequirao
Day 6:

Early in the morning, we will have breakfast, then, we will start walking uphill through a long and narrow trail, arriving to Chokequirao (3,000 m/9,842 Ft.) around 4pm.
The view of the canyon is impressive and spectacular, is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Thu Choquequirao
Day 7:

Visit and tour to the impressive archaeological site of Choquequirao - the "new Machu Picchu"; the enigmatic last refuge of the Incas (3,000 m/9,842 Ft) for about 4 hours, We will continue to explore the site after lunch we’ll begin walking uphill for a while until we reach 3,300 m/10,826 Ft.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Choquequirao
Choquequirao

Choquequirao
Choquequirao

Fri Choquequirao - Rio Blanco
Day 8:

We will descend to the Apurimac Valley until Rio Blanco/White River 1,900 m/6,233 Ft.
On the way we will pass by Pinchiunuyoj archaeological site, where we will observe different species of birds, different varieties of orchids and local coca plantations - 2,750 m/9,022 Ft.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Sat Rio Blanco - Maizal - Yanama
Day 9:

Early in the morning we’ll start hiking for the first 3 hours to the small village El Maizal 3,000 m/9,842 ft.; thereafter we’ll continue walking uphill passing by the impressive Inca mines called Minas Victoria. Almost on the top, we can appreciate original paved Inca trails. We will pass over 4,150 m/13,615 Ft, then down to the small village of Yanama 3,850 m/12,631 Ft., where we’ll have the most wonderful and impressive view of the Cordillera (range of mountains) of Vilcabamba.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Sun Yanama - Totora
Day 10:

After an early breakfast, we will start climbing slowly to our higher pass of this hike 4,670 m/15,321 Ft., again the view will be amazing from here, will be surrounded by snowcapped mountains: The Sacsarayoj mountain and the Padreyoj mountain, we finally get to Totora River at 3,630 m/11,909 Ft.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Mon Totora - Playa
Day 11:

We’ll continue going down to the small village Qollpapampa 2,700 m/8,858 Ft. As we go down the Natural life will be more interesting, with lots of hummingbirds, woodpeckers and many species of orchids and begonias, until we get to the Valley of Qollpa River and finally arrive to the small village Playa 2,125 m/6,972 Ft.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Tue Playa - Aguas Calientes
Day 12:

We will hike to the archaeological site of Llactapata 2,810 m/9,219 Ft., and have a tour for about 3 hours, from this site there is a wonderful view of Machu Picchu-The Crystal City, after it, we’ll go down to the Hydroelectric plant near Machu Picchu and take the train or walk (2 hours) to Aguas Calientes village at 2,000 m/6562 Ft.
Once we arrive to the village we’ll check-in the hotel and have the rest of the day free.
* Optional: Hot springs are available, entrance fee not included.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

Wed
Day 13:

Early in the morning bus to the sunlit terraces of the historical Inkan center of spiritual and political power. In the morning visit “The Crystal city of Machu Picchu” with your special Shaman guide on a tour of about 4 hours. Thereafter there is plenty of time to return in the afternoon as pilgrims for personal explorations.
Peruvian Magic Journey’s leaders will assist you in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike.
* Optional: In the evening, the group is invited to participate in a shamanic healing ceremony in the village of Aguas calientes. The healer plays custom-made instruments and crystal bowls to connect deeply to the core essence of Machu Picchu.
A heart donation is required to participate.
O'N Hotel Inti Punku - Aguas Calientes.
MEALS: B, D.

Machupicchu
Machupicchu

Machupicchu
Machupicchu

Thu
Day 14:

Optional Hike to Inti Punku – Sun Gate for the sunrise, or to Wayna Picchu Mountain and again to explore the Crystal city of Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and then bus to Cusco.
A heart donation is required to participate.
O'N Cusco City.
MEALS: B, D.

Wayna Picchu Mountain
Wayna Picchu Mountain

Fri For people going back to Lima
Day 15:

Transfer to the airport and flight Cusco/Lima. Upon arrival luggage can be store at the airport.
OPTIONAL: You can take a city tour for approximately 4 hours or more that includes guided visit to:
Most important areas of Lima, like the typical colonial style section, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral , Archbishop palace, San Francisco church, Art museum, San Isidro and Miraflores new and modern sections of Lima and much more.
After the tour you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight back home.
MEALS: B.

If someone needs to arrange extra night hotel and transfers in Lima, it can be arranged by Peruvian Magic Journeys upon request.

Optional Extension to Titicaca lake - Puno

Fri
Day 15:

Bus to Puno, in the way some sites will be visited, like Raqchi - Wiracocha Temple, stop at the Vicuña and Alpaca reservations, Sillustani ruins which has Pre-Inca buildings that belonged to the Tiahuanaco culture that developed in Bolivia and also has Inca constructions.
O'N Hotel Taypikala - Puno
MEALS: B, L.

Wiracocha Temple - Raqchi
Wiracocha Temple - Raqchi

Sillustani
Sillustani

Sat
Day 16:

Breakfast and bus to take the boat to visit the Taquile Island , and in the way back visit to the floating islands of Uros in the highest navigable lake of the world the Titicaca Lake, people on these islands are still living in their millenarian traditions. We will spend the night at a family house in Uros Island.
O'N Uros Island Puno
MEALS: B, L, D.

Uros Island
Uros Island

Amantani Island
Amantani Island

Sun
Day 17:

During the morning we will interact with Uros people and about noon return to Puno.
PM - Visit to the temple of Fertility in Chucuito.
O'N Hotel Taypikala - Puno.
MEALS: B, D.

Temple of Fertility in Chucuito
Temple of Fertility in Chucuito

Mon
Day 18:

AM Visit to the Interdimensional Door of Aramu Muru.
* Shamanic or Andean ceremony will be done by a Pacc’o or High Andean Priest.
In the afternoon transfer to the airport in Juliaca city (Puno) to take the Flight back to Lima, arriving you can connect to your international flight back home.
O'N Hotel Taypikala - Puno.
MEALS: B, L.

If someone needs to arrange extra night hotel and transfers in Lima, it can be arranged by Peruvian Magic Journeys upon request.

Aramu Muru
Aramu Muru

End of our Services

Tour Prices:

Register for Journey

15 Days Journey

DBL $ 2750.-
SGL $ 2900.-

Extension to Titicaca Lake - Puno,
- 4 day journey

DBL $ 650.-
SGL $ 750.-

Registration, Payment and Cancellation Policy:

Reserve your place as soon as possible, send your reservation with a check for $150.- to secure your space, to Romulo Castilla – Peruvian Magic Journeys, “ SPACE IS LIMITED “.
A 50% deposit of tour balance has to be paid 90 days prior the trip starts, with completed and signed registration form has to be sent to Romulo Castilla, and 45 days the trip starts has to be paid in full.
All money orders or cashiers checks should be made payable to Romulo Castilla. The final payment due must be respected; otherwise a fee will apply. Deposit is nonrefundable so we recommend you obtain travel insurance to protect you against all the unpredictable events that might stop your from taking the trip.

Tour Price Includes:

Great Hotel Accommodations in three and four star hotels, breakfast, lunch, and dinner as listed in itinerary, all entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums, shaman tour guides, all ground, air transportation once we arrive in Lima arranged by PERUVIAN MAGIC JOURNEYS AND PROMOTURS E.I.R.LTDA.

Not Included:

Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, tour leader, guide, airport taxes, and other things not described in the itinerary, airfare to/from Lima/Peru is not included and it is responsibility of the traveler make the reservation and obtain it.

Cancellation Policy:

45 days prior 30 % and less than 30 days will be charged 50 % of total fare, NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ONCE THE TOUR BEGINS.

Waiver:

I/we agree to take responsibility for all inconveniences and challenges that can happen while traveling in a third world country. I/we release Romulo Castilla, Peruvian Magic Journeys. From all responsibility and liability for unforeseen circumstances and /or changes in the schedule, weather, earthquakes, etc, acts of terrorism, and any other unforeseen events, mental/physical illnesses occurring during tour dates.
I/we understand Romulo Castilla and Peruvian Magic Journeys reserve the right to ask a group member to leave the tour if their behavior is harmful, disruptive or dangerous to the group. I/we are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.

What To Bring for the Hike To Choquequirao/Machu Picchu:

- Original passport
- A sleeping bag (if not, you can rent one in Cusco).
- A backpack.
- Hiking boots, sneakers and shoes.
- Long pants and shorts.
- Long sleeved shirts and T-shirts.
- Warm clothes sweaters, jacket and fleece.
- Rain gear.
- Camera, films, batteries.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Insect repellent and sun block.
- Personal toilet items and first aid kit.
- A pocketknife.
- A water bottle and purified pills.
- Plenty of socks and underwear.
- Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold.
- Towel.
- Snacks:  Energy bars, chocolate, biscuits, dry fruits etc.
- Cash USD and local currency (no option for ATM machines).
- Swimsuit for the hot spring.
- Walking sticks with rubber covers (optional).

Included on the Tour to Choquequirao/Machu Picchu:

- Pick up from hotel and then transfer by bus to Cacchora Village (trailhead).
- Choquequirao and Machupicchu Entrance Fees and other required places.
- Large igloo tents, on double occupancy and single if requested or booked for the whole journey.
- Mattress, one per person.
- Kitchen tent.
- Dining tent.
- Tables and chairs.
- Toilet tent (in case campsite don’t have toilets).
- English speaking professional tour guide.
- Cook.
- Wranglers, Mules and horses to carry the equipment.
- Extra horses for our group members in case of emergency.
- Full meals during the trek. (Vegetarian options available upon request).
- Daily snack bag.
- Daily afternoon tea service.
- Daily wake up call tea, and hot water for washing.
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Transfer service in out to your hotel.
- Tourist Train Ticket Machu Picchu/Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
- Bus up/down Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes for the first day.

Not Included:

- Lunches days 9th and 10th in Machu Picchu (on your own).
- Entrance fee for the hot springs.
- Tips to the crew (tour leader, guides, cooks, wranglers, etc.)
- Guide, Bus and Entrance tickets for the second day in Machu Picchu.

Extra Services:

- Sleeping Bag Rental should be requested in advance.
- Single Tent: If you prefer to have guaranteed single tent there is an additional charge.