Register for Journey

Itinerary for Choquequirao/Machu Picchu

Wed 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.”

 

Thu 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 Hotel Inca’s Dream or similar - Cusco.
No Meals.

SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH
QORICANCKA		 QORICANCHA TEMPLES


Fri 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.
We will continue to visit the Inca site of Pisaq. 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.
Also visit to the typical market of Pisaq where you will find all kind of handicrafts.
Thereafter group will be transferred to our hotel in the sacred Valley (Urubamba), during the program, you will be based at the beautiful Hosteria Illarimuy. (www.illarimuy.com)
The facilities include a spacious yoga studio, a massage and aromatherapy center, meditation sites, sauna with flowers and medicinal Andean plants, vegetarian meals prepared with organic, home-grown vegetables, herbs and Andean grains. There is also a Jacuzzi, guests may soak in hot waters filled with medicinal herbs, flowers and earth minerals after a workout, or gaze at the star-filled southern skies at night.
O'N Hotel Illarimuy or similar – Urubamba City.
MEALS: B..

SACSAYHUMAN QENQO
PISAQ RUINS

Sat Day 3:

Tour to Ollantaytambo, the Incan Temple of the Sun. Also known as The Pyramid of Pakaritambo, or The Dawning Place of Tomorrow.
Here we will experience a profound energy that is somehow connected to six enormous pink stones that were mysteriously transported to this place. Prior to the Incas, this was a Lemurian Temple dedicated to Love. At Ollantaytambo Temple of Love it is easier than usual to receive, and to open a new gateway of goodness in our lives.
Also visit to the several astronomic observatories where we will observe and experience light and shadow effect evidence of these measurement systems to determine Solstices, Equinoxes and other observations. The word "Intihuatana" was first used by George Squier in 1877; Intihuatana is not found in any ancient chronicle. The correct names would be "saywa" or "sukhanka" that were used by chroniclers. "Intiwatana" is translated as the "place where the sun is tied up" or simply "sun fastener". However, "Intihuatana" could also have another sense, since "Inti" is "sun" and "Huata" is "year", it could be translated as the "place where the solar year is measured". It is unquestionable that it served as an efficient solar observatory through measurement of the projected shadows, enabling thus fixing solstices and equinoxes; therefore, calculating the different seasons and the 365 day year, aslso observations of the pleiades, very important for Andean farming, and constellations like the Southern Cross, Spica - Alpha and Beta Centaurs, Vega, Deneb and Altair.
We’ll see magnificent countryside as our bus winds through sandstone cliffs, fertile soil, amazing irrigation terrace systems, and glorious mountains along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, also known by the locals as the Sanctuary of the Wind, a sacred place worshiped by the Incas.
- We will visit a Quechua house to see and understand the Andean or Inkan religion, their altars and different religious items and representations of the Andean cosmology that is now mixed with the Catholic religion.

O'N Hotel Illarimuy or similar – Urubamba City.
MEALS: B.L.


OLLANTAYTAMBO TEMPLE OF THE SUN –
OLLANTAYTAMBO

Sun Day 4:

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.
Visit to a woven artisan’s workshop expert weavers from the ancient Chinchero demonstrate how they make their colorful textiles and the whole process of dyeing alpaca, llama, sheave, etc. wools using natural and organic vegetables and minerals as Quechuas (Incas) did hundreds of years ago. 
Tour to the fascinating circles of Moray, we’ll descend to the lowest level, here you will feel a nurturing, loving and warm energy.

* Shamanic or Andean ceremony during this tour will be done by a Pacc’o or High Andean Priest from the QUEROS community.
O'N Hotel Illarimuy or similar – Urubamba City.
MEALS: B.

CHINCHERO  MAIN SQUARE MEDITATION AT CHINCHERO
DYEING ALPACA WOOLS AT
CHINCHERO		 ORGANIC VEGTABLES AND
MINERALS TO DYE

Start the Hiking to Choquequirao Ruins/Machu Picchu

Mon Day 5: Cusco - Cachora - Playa Rosalina:

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.

TARAWASI SAYWITE

Tue Day 6: Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao:

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.

PART OF THE TRAIL
TO CHOQUEQUIRAO
BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF THE VALLEY SUN SET - CHOQUEQUIRAO

Wed Day 7: Choquequirao:

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.

 

FARMING TERRACES CHOQUEQUIRAO HOUSES AT CHOQUEQUIRAO
BEAUTIFUL HOUSE –CHOQUEQUIRAO TERRACES

Thu Day 8: Choquequirao - Rio Blanco:

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.

READY TO DESCEND TO RIO BLANCO AT THE BOTTOM OF
THE VALLEY RIO BLANCO

Fri Day 9: Rio Blanco - Maizal - Yanama :

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.

STARTING THE HIKE THE CORDILLERA OF THE ANDES

Sat Day 10: Yanama - Totora:

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.

THE HIGHEST PASS OVER 15,321.- Ft
OVER THE HIGHEST PASS CONDOR FLIGHT

Sun Day 11: Totora - Playa:

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.

HOT SPRINGS NEAR PLAYA VILLAGE

Mon Day 12: Playa - Aguas Calientes:

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.
* Optional: In the evening after dinner (8.00 PM), group is invited to participate in a shamanic healing ceremony in the village of Aguas calientes. The healer plays custom-made ancient instruments and crystal bowls to connect deeply to the core essence of Machu Picchu.
We will experience more mystery and magic as the Shaman/Healer guides us through the power of his native musical instruments into Hanan Pacha (a Divine Realm). Through this music and our own chanting, we will establish a bond with the spiritual powers of this extraordinary city in the clouds. At this moment, the Apus will speak to your soul, possibly giving you answers as to why you have traveled so far to connect with them. Thereafter we will take the opportunity to again give thanks to PachaMama and the Apurunas for all life’s gifts and for all the blessings we received during our stay.
A heart donation is required to participate.

O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.

CROSSING THE VILCANOTA RIVER

Tue 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.

O'N Hotel Inti Punku or similar - Aguas Calientes.
MEALS: B, D.

MACHUPICCHU INTIHUATANA

Wed 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.

O'N Hotel Inca’s Dream or similar - Cusco
MEALS: B, D.

MACHU PICCHU – VIEW FROM SUN GATE WAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN

Thu Day 15: For people going back to Lima:

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

Thu 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” SILLUSTANI

Fri Day 16:

Breakfast and bus to take the boat to visit the Taquile Island , and on 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.
Night talk by the guide pointing out the constellations of the Milky Way - "Mayu".
You will stay overnight at the floating Uros island in a family house. You will have a little house for yourself, it is very simple, you sleep on the reeds and in a sleeping bag that we will provide you, food will be what they eat, they cook for the whole family and they will share with you. This will be a unique experience that will give you an opportunity to interact with the families an experience life as they been doing for hundreds of years, feel the feminine energy of the lake and nurture your whole being.
Late in the afternoon you will join the Uros fisherman, who will show you how put the fishing nets near the islands, as they’ve been doing for centuries since this is one of the main sources for their survival.
O'N Uros Island Puno
MEALS: B, L, D.

UROS FLOATING ISLANDS TAQUILE ISLAND

Sat 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.

UROS HOUSE
TEMPLE OF FERTILITY - CHUCUITO

Sun Day 18:

AM:  Tour to Aramu Muro a huge mysterious door-like structure has recently been discovered in the Hayu Marca mountain region of Southern Peru. Hayu Marca, 35 kilometers from the city of Puno has long been revered by local Indians as the "City of the Gods",
The door, or the "Puerta de Hayu Marca" (Gate of the Gods/Spirits) has been at some time in the distant past carved out of a natural rock face and in all measures exactly seven meters in height by seven meters in width with a smaller alcove in the center at the base, which measures in at just under two meters in height.
There is a legend that spoke of "A gateway to the lands of the gods", and in that legend it was said that in times long past, great heroes had gone to join their gods and passed through the gate for a glorious new life of immortality, and on rare occasions those men returned for a short time with their gods to "inspect all the lands in the kingdom" through the gate.
Another legend tells of the time when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Peru, and looted gold and precious stones from the Inca tribes - and one Incan priest of the temple of the seven rays named Aramu Muro fled from his temple with a sacred golden disk known as "The key of the gods of the seven rays", and hid in the mountains of Hayu Marca. He eventually came upon the doorway which was being watched by shaman priests. He showed them the key of the gods and a ritual was performed with the conclusion of a magical occurrence initiated by the golden disk which opened the portal, and according to the legend blue light did emanate from a tunnel inside.
The priest Aramu Muro handed the golden disk to the shaman and then passed through the portal "never to be seen again". Archeologists have observed a small hand sized circular depression on the right hand side of the small entranceway, and have theorized that this is where a small disk could be placed and held by the rock.
According to some individuals who have laid their hands on the small door, a feeling of energy flowing has been commented on, as well as strange experiences such as visions of stars, columns of fire and the sounds of unusual rhythmic music.
Others have said that they have perceived tunnels on the interior of the structure.
Late in the afternoon Transfer to the airport at Juliaca to take the flight to Lima, upon arrival group stays at the airport for the flight back home, unless other arrangements are made.
MEALS: B.

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

End of our Servic es

Tour Prices:

Register for Journey

15 Days Journey

DBL $ 2950.-
SGL $ 3200.-

Extension to Titicaca Lake - Puno,
- 4 day journey

DBL $ 685.-
SGL $ 750.-

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

- Original passport
- 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.
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco,

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.
-Vegetarian food available on request.
-Hotel in Cusco can be arranged upon request.

 

Registration, Payment and Cancellation Policy:

To reserve your space and the dates for the journey a US $ 250.00 deposit per person has to be paid immediately, 50% deposit of tour balance has to be paid 90 days prior the trip starts and 45 days the trip starts has to be paid in full. Every person has to fill out and sign the registration form of Peruvian Magic Journeys and send or bring it with them before the tour starts.
Deposit has to be made directly to a bank account or send it through Western Union to Cusco – Peru to Romulo Castilla. The final payment due must be respected; otherwise a fee will apply. We recommend you obtain travel insurance to protect you against all the unpredictable events that might stop you from taking the trip.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Hotel Accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, all entrance fees to archaeological sites and others, tour guides, all air and ground transportation as listed in itinerary once you arrive in Lima arranged by PERUVIAN MAGIC JOURNEYS.
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 and 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 are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.

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