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ITINERARY :
DAY 1 / CUSCO - SAYWITE - VILLA LOS LOROS LODGE
Travelers are picked up at their hotel at 7:00 am on a
private bus. First stop being Saywite Archaeological
Park. This mysterious monolith and the nearby
archaeological remains including the “ushnu” and the
“pacchas” must remain in our memory to contrast their
correspondence with the ceremonial architecture of
Choquequirao. After a healthy box-lunch, we continue
down the remote Huanipaca Valley, a place in the
Peruvian highlands reserved for travelers. Villa Los
Loros Lodge awaits at the bottom of the gorge. The rooms
ready and after a necessary rest, a short meeting is
held to dispel the anxiety a trip like this brings up in
every traveler. Dinner and overnight. (Box Lunch,D)
DAY 2 / VILLA LOS LOROS LODGE - PLAYA SAN IGNACIO -
CHOQUEQUIRAO
We leave at 5:30 am right after breakfast, walking down
a footpath that leads to the Hacienda San Ignacio and
then tumbles downhill towards the raging Apurimac River
(Playa San Ignacio). Across the hanging bridge is where
the serious hiking starts; ascending from water level
(4757 feet) to Choquequirao campsite (9415 feet) is
nothing less than overwhelming. On the one hand, the
beauty of the landscape, rivers, waterfalls, flowers,
all is movement. On the other; the wild environment; the
steep slope and your heartbeat combine in an intimate
connection with the environment. At the campsite and
after lunch, a quick visit to the Phaqchayoc Sector (a
terraced agricultural system where corn is still grown)
and The House of Waterfalls (according to archaeologists,
the home of the Inca of Choquequirao.) Back at the
campsite, tired and proud, a warm meal is enjoyed before
a good night’s sleep. (Bathrooms and cold showers
available)
DAY 3 / FULL DAY CHOQUEQUIRAO
Beautiful day. We are stricken to observe how the vast
majority of visitors take 4 days trekking but only a few
hours or even minutes (!) to enjoy exploring the
different sectors of Choquequirao. Bearing in mind that
Choquequirao is scattered on both sides of the spur of
Apu Corihuayrachina we know a fair amount of time is
needed to understand the integrity of its context.
Travelers will enjoy lunch near the ruins and hopefully
view condors’ flight over the deep canyon. Back at the
campsite, dinner and overnight. (Bathrooms and cold
showers available)
DAY 4 / CHOQUEQUIRAO - VILLA LOS LOROS LODGE
We head back to our lodge early after breakfast. The
known route makes returning easier. The ever changing
landscape is fully appreciated with our now recovered
muscles. The voice of the river as background and the
imposing Apurimac Canyon seems to swallow the traveler.
Finally, Playa San Ignacio. "Black Whip", "Machuco", "Cayguash"
or some others are waiting for us. Our return on
horseback is the perfect chance for a last look at the
landscape we are now part of. Riding allows a great way
to photograph friends who are traveling with us and the
new friends this journey has given us; our fellow
horsemen and their way of life will remain deep in the
traveler’s heart. Beside the ruined walls of the
Hacienda San Ignacio, lunch is served. The final stage
takes us riding to Villa Los Loros lodge. Dinner and
overnight.
DAY 5 / VILLA LOS LOROS LODGE - CUSCO
After breakfast private bus to Cusco. On the way lunch
is enjoyed near the town of Curahuasi, in the Apurimac
Valley. Finally, we arrive in Cusco at around 3 pm (5
hours).
EXPECT
Briefing at your Cusco hotel the day before departure;
private transport service (Cusco - Villa Los Loros Lodge
- Cusco);
professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish);
professional field chef;
two nights lodging at Villa Los Loros;
two nights camping in Choquequirao;
high quality outdoor equipment (including 4 season tent,
sleeping bag with personal hygienic sheets, extra
comfort mattress, kitchen tent, dining tent, dining
tables and chairs, all kitchen and dining utensils,
lighting equipment, etc.);
radio communication throughout the journey;
first aid kit;
all meals and beverages at the lodge and during the
excursion; snacks;
horsemen and pack mules;
emergency saddled horse throughout the trek (1 for every
4 or 5 hikers);
entrance tickets to Saywite and Choquequirao;
personal saddled horse on your way back up from San
Ignacio Beach to Villa Los Loros.
WE RECOMMEND TO BRING:
♦ Sleeping bag
♦ Back Pack and Day pack
♦ Hiking shoes
♦ Water bottle, flash light, hat, sun block, sunglasses
♦ Warm/Termic clothes , Rain coat
♦Chocolates, candies or other snacks
♦ Photo Camera + Films , Binoculars
♦ Insect repellent
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