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11 days:
US$2435 /
GB£1215
Daily Departures
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Is it possible that in its setting and unbelievable vistas,
Choquequirao is equal to or even more beautiful than Machu Picchu? As you sit on the
small hill perched above this ancient city, watching wisps of cloud fly by
at arm's length and condors soar high above, with snow-capped peaks all
around and the Apurimac River raging over a mile below you, we think
you'll agree. Choquequirao, often called Machu Picchu's sister
city, is the most remote of the major Inca sites, and
no doubt the fact that one must walk for two days to arrive there has kept
it from achieving the fame it so deserves. But it is this remoteness which
keeps it so pristine, with orchids and other flora in abundance and the
possibility of seeing as many condors as people along the trail. It is
truly one of the world's special places, and we are immensely proud of
the opportunity to share it with you. Besides the trek to Choquequirao,
our trip includes one day in Cuzco, one day in the Sacred Valley, one day in
Lima, and two days
within the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
And as on all Southern Crossings
Tours, you're taken care of from beginning to end: airport transfers
are included!
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Day |
Location |
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1 |
Arrive Lima/City Tour |
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2 |
Arrive Cuzco/City Tour |
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3 |
Machu Picchu |
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4-9 |
Choquequirao Trek |
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10 |
Return to Lima |
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11 |
Departure Day |
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JOURNEY TO
CHOQUEQUIRAO TRIP
ITINERARY
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Day |
Activity/Location |
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1 |
Arrive in Lima and transfer to our hotel. If
arriving during the day, your hotel will be in the neighborhood of
Miraflores, with good shopping and restaurants, and you'll have an
included city tour in the afternoon. If arriving late at night,
you'll be close to the airport for a bit more sleep before your next
day's flight, and you'll have a tour of Lima upon your return.
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2 |
Morning flight over the
Andes to Cuzco. After checking into our hotel, we'll head to the
Plaza de Armas, the center of old Cuzco, then climb up to the
ruins of Sacsayhuaman above town for great views over the
city.
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3 |
Morning train journey to Machu Picchu, where we'll have a guided tour
of the ruins. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes, below Machu Picchu.
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4 |
Return by morning
train to Cuzco where you'll have the day free to rest, explore or make
preparations for our trek beginning tomorrow. Let us know if you'd
like to try an activity such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking or
horseback riding.
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5 |
This morning we head out of Cuzco to the tiny,
picturesque village of Cachora, the starting point of our
trek. We'll take it easy today, walking generally downhill for
about six
hours. Shortly after leaving the village, we'll find ourselves
skirting a ridge high above the Apurimac River, with a stunning line
of glistening white peaks, the Salkantay range, directly across from
us. Our trail then takes us winding into the vertiginous
Apurimac Canyon. Flora varies according to the season, but
orchids, giant blooming agaves and entire hillsides covered in a carpet
of blue and purple flowers are some of the things we may see. The
views are spectacular from the start on this trek... Camp is near the raging Apurimac River.
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6 |
This morning we cross the Apurimac and
ascend for a couple of hours to the small farm of Santa Rosa, where
a welcoming glass of chicha, traditional Andean corn beer,
often awaits us. Afterwards we climb for approximately three
more hours up lush, verdant hillsides and past gushing waterfalls before
relaxing for a late and well-deserved lunch. From here it is just
two more mostly level hours to the ruins of Choquequirao. We set
up camp just outside the ruins.
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7 |
Today is dedicated to
exploring the incredible ruins of Choquequirao. Nearly as large as Machu Picchu and many would say in
a more stunning location, Choquequirao was never discovered by the
Spanish conquistadors. It was probably one of the "royal
estates" of the Incas and served as a gateway to the wild
Vilcabamba region beyond. It was also likely used as a base
from which to attack the Spanish on the road from Cuzco to Lima during
the Inca rebellion of the 1500's and may well have held Spanish
prisoners. Today, the site is only partially cleared, allowing us
to see many of the delicate and beautiful aspects of Inca architecture
while also allowing us to "play Indiana Jones" and discover many
constructions still buried in vegetation. Our guide will explain
the history and importance of the site. Afterwards you will have free
time to visit the many sectors of the complex and watch for condors
which frequent the site. Same campsite, just outside the ruins.
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8 |
After breakfast we begin our return trek with a steep descent on an Inca
trail to the Apurimac River.
Afterwards we ascend towards the village of Pumapata, camping near the
fascinating ruins of an old colonial hacienda.
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9 |
A
gentle ascent up a small, colorful canyon to the village of Pumapata,
where we'll catch our private transport back to the comforts of Cuzco.
Dinner and a night out to celebrate a successful adventure!
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10 |
Morning flight to Lima.
Guided tour of the city if there wasn't time on the way in.
(International flights may depart today after noon or tomorrow.)
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11 |
Departure Day |
TRIP DETAILS
11 days:
US$2435 /
GB£1215
Departs
any day
Is this trip for me?
This trip includes five days of trekking of approximately the same difficulty as the
classic Inca Trail. You need have no previous trekking experience,
but should be in average physical health with no serious heart or respiratory
conditions. Anyone is welcome on this trip; those over 55 must receive a medical check-up
and doctor's approval within six months of the start of the trip.
Joining the tour
You will be given the name, address and phone number of our joining hotel
before departing, but that won't be necessary. On all
Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our
representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will
accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being ripped
off by airport taxis!
Trip briefing
Upon purchase of this trip, we will send you via email, fax, or regular
mail (your choice) a trip briefing, which includes joining instructions
with a map to the hotel in Lima, a list of things to bring, and a
climate/currency/visa guide.
What's included in the trip
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Airport pickup at the
beginning of trip and drop off at end of the trip
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Southern Crossings
bilingual guide
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Internal flights, Lima-Cuzco and Cuzco-Lima.
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Eight days of hotel
accommodation. All hotels are twin share with
private bathroom, with the exception of Ollantaytambo, which sometimes
has shared
bathrooms. All hotels have hot water 24 hours a day.
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Excursion to
Choquequirao, including bilingual guide, food, tent, sleeping
bag and sleeping mat.
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Five
breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners on our trek to Choquequirao.
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Breakfast included with all hotel
stays
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The Cuzco Visitor's
Ticket, which includes entrance to the ruins in
and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in
Cuzco.
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Excursion to the Machu Picchu
sanctuary, which includes bilingual guide, round-trip
train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes and two-day entrance to Machu Picchu.
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Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap
What's not included
International flight to/from Lima,
airport departure taxes (US$25 from the Lima airport), pre-
& post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance,
meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while
on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature. Travel
insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though we do
require that you have a policy. Check
www.travelguard.com to purchase
a policy for your trip.
Extra Accommodation
We
will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you
before or after your trip:
In Lima: $110 double/$90 single
In Cuzco: $95 double/$70 single
Single Person Supplement: $480
Please add this to your total
payment if you will be travelling alone or wish to have private
accomodation
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Pre-Trip Planner
Required documents
All travelers
to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months
from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S.,
Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other
nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or
consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at
entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks,
currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the
internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.
Required immunizations
No
immunizations are required of travelers to Peru. Travelers may
wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all
other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500
ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone,
and travelers may wish to receive a yellow fever vaccination and take
malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or local health
department for more information.
Things to bring
Our trip will
be a backpacker-style adventure which includes a 10-day remote trek. One
should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging
from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the
possibility of rain. A list of things to bring would include:
Please
note: During our trek, mules will accompany us to carry most of our
things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15
pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the mules. Such
items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, CD
player, or other entertainment, etc. During the day we’ll be using a
daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a
layer or two for changing weather conditions. Of course most people
also carry a camera.
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Passport and, if necessary, visa
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Traveler’s checks and/or cash card
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Airline ticket
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Photocopies of airline ticket and documents
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Wearable pouch for documents and money
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Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase
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Smaller, comfortable day pack
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Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in
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Sandals or flip-flops
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Rain poncho or jacket
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Waterproof pants
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Sun hat
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Hat for cold weather
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Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)
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Scarf and gloves
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T-shirts
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Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments
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Towel and swimsuit for hot springs
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Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)
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Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)
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Lip balm
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Earplugs
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Alarm clock or watch
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Sanitizing hand wipes or gel
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Camera and film/digital memory cards
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Camera batteries
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Playing cards, games, reading material
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Prescription medications
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Toiletries
Note that
common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as
toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene
items are available in Peru.
It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear
and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera
batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be
downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.
Climate
Rain is
possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud
forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will
visit is as follows:
Cuzco:
days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are cold in
Cuzco.
Lima:
warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Often overcast.
Trek:
all ranges of weather from hot desert at the bottoms of canyons to
possible snow and rain at higher elevations. Most people trek in shorts
or light pants (synthetic, fast-drying fibers are preferable to cotton)
and a t-shirt, and carry a layer or two (thin fleece and micro-fibers
are, again, preferable to cotton), plus a poncho or other rain gear.
There are biting insects, so even in warm weather some people opt
to cover more skin with a long sleeve t-shirt and long pants.
Money guide
The unit of
currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current currency conversion
1 U.S. dollar =
2.8 nuevos soles
1 GB pound =
6.16 nuevos soles
Automatic cash
points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and
Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks
(American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances
are also options. Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money
Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange
houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are
recommended and most easily exchanged. Please
note that cash must be untorn. It can be older-looking, but even the
slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable. Acceptable bills
come out of the ATMs in country.
Expect to spend
about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru.
Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters,
for example, run between $5 and $30.
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