Trek to a Hidden Lost City—The Inca’s “Cradle of Gold”

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

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Perched on a knife-edged promontory at 4,000 feet above the roaring Rio Apurimac and ringed by the snow-capped Vilcabamba Mountain, Choquequirao is a true “lost city of the Incas.” For its absolutely stunning location, Choquequirao (“The Cradle of Gold”) is often compared to Machu Picchu, yet this hidden Inca site has no road access, few visitors, and a haunting ambience unmatched in other Inca realms. Our spectacular and challenging trek brings us to breathtaking Choquequirao at 10,200 feet, with its stunning plazas and mysterious shrines, then onward across the entire Vilcabamba range through deep-cut canyons and over high passes, with our final camp offering stunning views of Machu Picchu. Our fitting finale is an overnight at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Cusco

With overnights at the 5-star Hotel Monasterio, we explore Cusco’s majestic Inca sites, including the great fortress of Saqsayhuaman.

Days 3-6
Trek To Choquequirao

From Cachora, we trek to the extraordinary complex of Choquequirao, which towers above the Apurimac in a suitably breathtaking setting for a mysterious city that still holds many secrets. We camp just below the ruins and have the entire following day to scramble around this superb site, including the structures that flank the plaza, the great hall, and an imposing ceremonial staircase. Archaeologists are just beginning to discover the importance of Choquequirao, three times larger than Machu Picchu. We have a good chance to spot Andean condors soaring overhead as we explore.

Days 7-13
Trek Towards Machu Picchu

Last refuge of the rebel Incas, the Cordillera Vilcabamba is a striking combination of plunging canyons and soaring, forested ridges backed by an immense sweep of 20,000-foot peaks cloaked in perpetual snow. We trek for six fantastic days toward Machu Picchu, hiking at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. En route we explore Qoriwayrachina, an archaeological site recently discovered by Wilderness Travel Trip Leader Peter Frost and his team on an expedition sponsored by the National Geographic Society. As we follow an original Inca route, we contour steep ridges, cross passes, and trek to Yanama, where we enjoy a day to explore this traditional Andean hamlet where life continues as it has for centuries. Along the way, we feast our eyes on some of the most incredible scenery in the Andes. Our final campsite at Patallacta has views of the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

Days 14-16
Machu Picchu / Cusco

Our overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right next to the lost city of Machu Picchu, gives us a chance to see sunrise on this mystical site. Return to Cusco on Day 15 and depart Day 16 or join our Amazon Rainforest Extension.

Amazon Rainforest Extension Days 16-18

In Peru’s rainforest, head out for nature hikes, canoe excursions, and night walks from a jungle lodge.

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Departures & Leaders

1 May 30 - June 14, 2008
2 July 24 - August 8, 2008

Route Map

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