We depart Cusco at 7am in a private car. If there is time, we will visit the archaeological site of Saywite before descending to the mountain village of Cachora, After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. Our total hiking time today is about five hours. Accommodation: Camping at Chiquiska.

Departing early, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet) before beginning our climb to Santa Rosa and then onto Maranpata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the ruins of Choquequirao; from here we have two hours more hike to the ruins. (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) We will spend the late evening in the ruins, where we will watch the sunset and have the chance to see condors. Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite.

We have a chance to more fully explore the ruins and have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we return along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, descending to our tropical campsite at Santa Rosa. (5 hours hiking) Accommodation: Camping at Santa Rosa or Chiquiska.

Early in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the canyon of the Apurimac, we descend to the raging river, and then begin an arduous climb that is rewarded with spectacular views. We climb for about four hours, and have lunch in Capuliyoc. The final two hours of our hike into the village of Cachora refreshingly flat through pretty farming countryside. Our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (4 hours drive). We will arrive in Cusco between 7and 8pm.

INCLUDED:
* Pre Trek Briefing
* Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
* Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek at Cachora.
* Entry fee to Choquequirao
* English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide
* Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
* Basic foam mattress.
* Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
* Toilet tent
* Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food).
* Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
* 01 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
* Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
* Tents for our staff to sleep in
* First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
* Assisted living

NOT INCLUDED:
* Breakfast on the first morning.
* Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for $ 5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
* Tips for the guide, cook and porters
* Additional horses for passenger’s luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule.

YOU SHOULD BRING:
* A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
* Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
* Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
* Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them. there are basic cold showers at most campsites on the Choquequirao route and therefore plastic shoes are useful for showering too.
* Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
* Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
* Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
* Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
* Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
* Sun block
* After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
* Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
* Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
* Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
* Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
* We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
* Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
* Small towel or sarong
* Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
* Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
* Original passport & ISIC (international student identity card - if you have one).
* Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
* Binoculars (if you have them)