Itinerary Expand all Cuzco to Cuzco Day 1 Start Cuzco (3400m); afternoon walking tour. The trip starts in Cuzco today. The group flights usually arrive into Cuzco late morning. The Inca capital - though small enough to be easily manageable - is among the most attractive cities in South America, with much of the centre comprising colonial-era buildings with Inca foundations, and it is full of interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian sites. We will have a short walking tour around the compact city centre to get our bearings. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (3400m). There will be a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby this evening. Hotel Warari/ Koyllur Inn/ Hotel Garcilazo (or similar) Day 2 Free day in Cuzco. Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and Qorikancha (the ‘Sun Temple’), located in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery is worth a visit. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try some local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. If you fancy something more active then there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco, although you may wish to leave these until your return to Cuzco after the Inca Trail trek, by which time you will be fully acclimatised. These include paddle-boarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. Hotel Warari/ Koyllur Inn/ Hotel Garcilazo (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Drive to Capuliyoc Pass (2915m); begin the trek with a descent to Chiquisca. We leave Cuzco very early this morning, around 5am, and drive for approximately 5 hours to Capuliyoc Pass (approx. 2915m) in time for lunch, stopping to explore the archaeological sites of Tarawasi and Saywite en route. From the top of the pass, we enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Apurimac River and the surrounding snow‐capped peaks, as well as Choquequirao itself. Descending from the pass, the path zigzags its way through dry forest above the raging waters of the Apurimac River. Our camp tonight is at Chiquisaca (1950m). Full-Service Camping - Chiquisaca (1950m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Cross Apurimac River then climb to Santa Rosa and Maranpata (2920m); on to Choquequirao camp (3035m). Another very early start for a long day’s trek. Just over an hour of walking downhill brings us to Playa Rosalina (1500m), from where we cross over the Apurimac River before beginning the long and steep switchback climb up to the village of Santa Rosa. After a rest stop, we continue climbing to a plateau above Maranpata (2920m) where we usually have a lunch break in a small village. The gradient eases off a little here and the path undulates towards Choquequirao for a couple of hours. The forests here are home to Spectacled bears, and we may catch sight of them as we approach the Inca citadel. After walking through the terraces, we set up camp close to the ruins themselves (3035m). This campsite has cold showers and flushing toilets. Full-Service Camping - Choquequirao (3035m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Full day to explore the magnificent Inca site of Choquequirao and the terraces of Pacchanta. We have ample time to fully explore the vast, sprawling ruins of Choquequirao. Larger than Machu Picchu, the site is made up of nine different areas which each had a distinct role covering religious, political and military functions. The quality of the stonework indicates that it housed important Inca officials or royalty, and in common with other important sites, it features ritual baths and temples dedicated to the sun, moon and Pachamama, the earth spirit. Much of Choquequirao is unexcavated and many buildings are still hidden beneath the thick forest which surrounds the main site. There are incredible views of the whole site and the Apurimac Valley from the truncated hilltop of Sunch'u Pata, a short distance up from the main plaza. In the afternoon we will visit the terraces of Pacchanta. Full-Service Camping - Choquequirao (3035m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Cross Choquequirao Pass (3215m) then descend to the Rio Blanco via Pinchinoyoc; continue to Maizal (3000m). We cover a lot of ground today, starting with a short but steep climb to the top of the Choquequirao Pass (3215m) from where we enjoy our last panoramic view over Choquequirao. After the pass we walk steeply downhill on a wide but dusty road to Pinchinoyoc (2400m) where we visit Inca terraces that were previously covered in vegetation. We continue our descent right to the bottom of the valley, where we cross the Rio Blanco (1800m) and begin our ascent up the other side of the valley. This is a long, steep climb up to Maizal at 3000m. This is a strenuous day, descending over 1500m and ascending over 1500m over the course of the day. Full-Service Camping - Maizal (3000m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Steep climb over San Juan Pass (4170m) with impressive mountain views; descend to Yanama (3400m). We start the day with a steep, switchback climb (approx. 5hrs) up the San Juan Pass (4170m) - the effort of ascending the pass is balanced with incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, including Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Sacsarayoc. On a clear day you can see the magnificent glaciers and enjoy a 360 degree panorama of these beautiful, serrated mountains. As we near the top, we stop at the 500-year-old La Victoria silver mines. Crossing the pass, we descend for roughly three hours to our camp at Yanama (3400m), following an old miners track which glitters with silver dust. In May this path winds through landscapes filled with wild lupins in flower. Today you have good chances to spot a mighty Andean condor as it soars on the thermals. Full-Service Camping - Yanama (3400m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Trek amidst Vilcabamba Range and over Yanama Pass (4660m), surrounded by glaciers, to Totora. Stunning scenery abounds today as we trek deep in the heart of the Vilcabamba Range, climbing for approx.5 hours up to the highest point of the trek, the Yanama Pass (4660m). There is a new road from Yanama village up and over the pass, however, our trail avoids it wherever possible – and vehicles are few and far between. Our gravelly trail follows the river up the valley before it begins the climb, crisscrossing the new road until reaching the top of the pass and the high point of the trek where lofty Sacsarayoc dominates the skyline from the pass. A long (approx. 4hr) descent from the pass brings us through along the valley, passing small villages along the way and following the river to Totora campsite (3440m), where we spend the night. Full-Service Camping - Totora (3400m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Descend to Lucabamba. From Totora it is a descent (approx. 7hrs) to Lucabamba. We will notice more trekkers around today as we converge with a section of the Salcantay trail and pass enter a more inhabited area. We follow the road for a short section, then a gravel path beside the river; the surroundings are green as we are walking through cloud forest once again. We’ll also see lots of fruit trees and coffee plantations. Tonight’s campsite is particularly special: your tents will be pitched on Inca terraces, and the campsite is in the middle of a coffee plantation. Time permitting, there is the chance for a tour of the coffee plantation (for PEN10, or free entry should you purchase some coffee, PEN25 for a large bag). Full-Service Camping - Lucabamba Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Follow Salcantay River to Santa Teresa (1900m); train to Aguas Calientes. Rising early, we follow an original Inca trail which climbs uphill for three hours to the site of Llactapacta. After a final two hour descent, we reach the hydroelectric station at Santa Teresa (1900m) – a good spot for lunch. After lunch, we cross the Vilcanota River and finish our trek at the train station. We board the train to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and check into our hotel upon arrival for a well-earned rest and a shower! Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Morning tour of Machu Picchu; train to Ollantaytambo. In order to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, a very early start is required to queue for Machu Picchu; only government-registered buses can make the 30-minute drive up the winding road to the site entrance and during high season (May-October) queues can be hours long. Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world and what makes it all the more dramatic is its mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. New regulations for visiting Machu Picchu are now fully enforced; of the three possible visiting slots, Exodus will purchase the morning slot from 06:00 until 12:00 (unless unavailable), you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route. We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30 mins) where we spend the night. Tunupa Lodge (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Sacred Valley tour; continue to Cuzco. We wake to explore the narrow cobbled streets and the colossal Inca stone terraces which dominate the hillside above Ollantaytambo town. The archaeological site at Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti as well as being of religious and defensive significance. Travelling by road we next visit the ruins of the Citadel at Pisac where Inca terraces are carved into the solid rock itself and there will also be time to walk around the colourful market. Afterwards, we continue the drive to Cuzco, passing through high-Andean scenery dotted with old towns and villages dating back to pre-Columbian times. Hotel Warari / Koyllur Inn / Hotel Garcilazo (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 End Cuzco. For land only travellers, the trip ends in Cuzco after breakfast today. Those who are travelling on the group flights will be taken to Cuzco airport to catch your overnight flight back to London. Meals included: Breakfast
Amazon Rainforest extension (from Cuzco) Code: XPC Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Cuzco, the Amazon is the world's largest rainforest and home to an astonishing array of wildlife, as well as countless plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore its lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to discover its dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales consultant for more details. Price from: £449 (compulsory supplement of £80 for single travellers)
Lake Titicaca extension Code: XPT Journey across the spectacular high altiplano to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable freshwater lake (3,800m). Explore its waters by boat and visit the descendants of the Uros Indians who live on floating reed islands, and are also known for producing fine textiles. Back on the mainland, we visit the pre‐ Incan site of Sillustani, comprised of burial towers with fantastic views over the region. The Titicaca Extension is only available after your main tour as we do not recommend arriving straight into Puno due to the altitude. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales consultant for more details. Price from: £209 (compulsory supplement of £48 for single travellers)
Peru Visas are not required by UK citizens, Western European nationals, Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities. If you are in any doubt please contact the nearest Peruvian Embassy.
Peru There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a Yellow Fever vaccination. Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites: always apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers while in the rainforest to avoid being bitten.
Hotels & Camping We spend five nights in hotels during this tour (in Cuzco, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes). All of our hotels are small and locally-owned with en suite bathrooms and breakfast facilities. In Cuzco, all are located within walking distance of the central Plaza de Armas. Most hotels have a safety deposit box in the room but if not, there will be one at the reception. Please note that central heating is very rare in Peru, even in good standard hotels. Most hotels provide plug-in heaters and spare blankets. Additionally whilst all of the hotels have a hot water supply, it can be temperamental when there is high demand. A railway line runs straight through the centre of Aguas Calientes and whilst we try to allocate rooms away from it whenever possible, the trains might be heard from some rooms. The seven-night trek is on a full-service camping basis with full porterage, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your daypack. There is a separate dining tent for meal times, as well as a toilet tent for use both in camp and during lunch stops. A bowl of warm water for washing with is provided each morning and evening, and boiled and filtered drinking water is also provided in the mornings and at lunch and dinner times so we can fill our water bottles. Additional accommodation Should you wish to extend your stay in Peru, Exodus can book additional nights' accommodation prior to or after your tour in Cuzco. Please enquire at the time of booking. We recommend the early booking of pre/post tour accommodation to guarantee availability. Single Supplement Single accommodation (including tents) can be booked, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
Reviewed November 2019 Dennis Samuel Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao Fascinating trek A strenuous but rewarding trek, topped off with some fantastic sightseeing, and of course Machu Picchu! Great diversity of microclimates during the trek, as well as weather changes. The trip definitely deserves its challenging rating, but the guides and support staff helped all to enjoy this trek. The local people are welcoming. This is one of the best treks I have had the opportunity to be a part of. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hard to say. Exploring Choquequirao in the mist and almost to ourselves after an intense day of climbing. Climbing Yanama Pass after a snowfall amongst the glaciers. Arriving in the tropical forests of Lucabamba knowing that our climbing was over. Seeing Andean condors one day and parakeets the next. Trying chicha and cuy. And Machu Picchu, glorious despite the number of people there, which I was dreading after eight days of being almost isolated from anyone else but our group, but still found completely breathtaking! Lastly, the group of walkers I was fortunate enough to accompany on this trip. A diverse and wonderful group of people. What did you think of your group leader? Edwind was simply amazing! His ability to keep the group motivated and together through some tough climbing is noteworthy. Steep ascents and different levels of conditioning can really spread people out over long hikes, but he managed to keep everyone intact. Really responsive to different members interests and remembering them over the course of a two week trip. Joshua was also fantastic and very enthusiastic. They were both loaded with information regarding the culture and natural surroundings. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The walking is strenuous, no doubt, but the rewards are well worth it. As noted in previous reviews, the ascents and descents are steep and long with almost no flat terrain. Insect issues previously mentioned are intermittent but definitely need good repellant. I usually wear shorts and I definitely paid for it! The weather was everywhere, from snow to tropical sun, so pack accordingly. The camping sites and hotels were fantastic and the food was amazing, especially considering the conditions in which it was prepared. All in all, if you are physically prepared, I believe its one of the best trips you will ever experience. Is there anything else you would like to add? Special note to our chefs Beltram and Victor and assistant Isrrael. Their food was phenomenal, especially considering it was cooked from equipment and ingredients from the backs of mules. Also to Tibo and his group of muleteers. It is awe inspiring to watch these men work.
Reviewed June 2019 Tom Anderson Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao Thanks It was a difficult trip for me, but the support of the Exodus staff made it an excellent experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I think the final hike up to Llactapacta, and the realization that we had made it up and down several steep climbs and descents, and we’re now on the doorstep to Manchu Picchu, was my most inspirational moment. What did you think of your group leader? Julio Llancay was an excellent group leader. He was always helpful and understanding, and his interactions with us, the hikers, and the rest of the support staff, the horsemen, cooks, and assistant leader, set a tone of cooperation and friendship. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I believe that it is accurately rated as a challenging/tough trip, but after experiencing the crowds around Manchu Picchu, it was worth the effort to experience Choquequirao and the less crowded Inca sites.
Reviewed November 2018 Anne Farrell Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao A hard and challenging trek no mistake!! A challenging trek . Beautiful views when you see them. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see Machu Picchu as it’s in the cloud forest. Fantastic views of beautiful valleys What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? How wonderful the mules are. Well cared for and unbelievable what they managed to climb with so much baggage. Narrow ledges and steep drop offs at times!! What did you think of your group leader? Our guide Fabrizzio was great. Very attentive throughout the trip. From day 1 to departure. Extremely knowledgeable. Joshua the second in command was also excellent and thoroughly capable of being a team leader in his own right. Having the two was of great benefit as the group was of a vast abilities stretching out over a couple of miles. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do not attempt this trek if you have any concerns with regard to fitness. This is not an easy trek. The days start at 4-4.30 a with a cup of tea then it’s full on. It’s like walking up Snowdon or Ben Nevis for 7/8 days but at high altitude. Read the notes. Most people like myself who have summited Kilimanjaro found this trek harder. It’s a grade 6 and Kilimanjaro and Everest Base camp are a 5. Take lots of mosquito repellent. The little midges are fierce. Sleeping mats are excellent. Tents adequately roomy. Food great but take plenty of snacks. You may be waiting a while on a few days, for your lunch till the ones at the rear arrive.
Reviewed November 2018 John Heathcote Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao The Inka Kingdom You'll see a lot of Inka remains, evidence of some very large-scale civil engineering, and impressive masonry. Apparently we don't know how they did the masonry, especially since they had no metal tools nor writing system. You'll also experience extreme topography, the botanical diversity of cloud forest, and some very tasty food. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The scale of the exposed remains at Machu Picchu - it takes around 4 hours to walk along the signed route through the site. There's less of Choquequirao visible, but its remoteness and lack of crowds makes it special. The verticality of the landscape on the first half of the trek is impressive, and I found the variety of the cloud forest plants, and the differences in flora along the trek, fascinating. What did you think of your group leader? Fabrizzio kept it all together, so the trek ran smoothly without issues visible to us. He will provide plenty of background on the Inkas. Beware Peruvian time though - it might pass quite slowly. He managed the different abilities of the group on the trek very well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We had rain most days for the late October departure, and even in between it was so humid that nothing dried - forget the idea of washing clothes on the trek. And do take adequate waterproofs. The biting flies on the first few days of the trek are for real and leave you itching for a week - insect repellent is essential. We experienced a wide range of temperatures - from steamy hot to sleet. A flexible sleeping bag system is useful. The trek earns its 6 grading - although distances are not long, there's a lot of uphill so steep that it needs steps. Some slopes are more than 45 degrees! Is there anything else you would like to add? There's lots of variety in Peruvian food and it's very tasty, without being scorchingly spicy.
Reviewed November 2017 John Cambridge Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao The Lost City of Choquequirao It is a seriously insane trek across big country traversing a number of valleys, each of which takes a day to cross. There are no rocky ridge routes to relieve the arduous nature of the walking and the fine views are hard won. Having said that I did enjoy it as we had the paths almost entirely to ourselves and over the course of the trek were able to gain a real appreciation of the Inca heartland and the work they put into cultivating the landscape. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The setting of Machu Picchu amongst the towering pinnacles. What did you think of your group leader? The criticism from my fellow traveller is unwarranted. Tomas was very enthusiastic and in addition to leading the walks, did all the guided tours of the sites. I did not feel there was any lack of connection with the group, quite the contrary. He also managed to keep everything to schedule, not easy with a group of 14. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a close look at the route before deciding if it is the one for you. This is only one of several alternatives to the very popular Inca trail. Is there anything else you would like to add? I wore lightweight long sleeve clothing and used spray on deet on exposed skin and as result of these simple precautions was untroubled by mosquitoes and sand flies. Unfortunately the camp crew under catered for the size of the group. The food was nice, it was just that I could have eaten more of it. Hopefully this problem will be addressed on future treks.
Reviewed November 2017 Rob McWilliam Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao The Lost City of Chocquequiaro This is a challenging hike. The altitude makes the steep ascents and descents very demanding. But the scenery and the access to Inca sites that aren't crawling in tourists makes it worth it. After having Choquequiaro to ourselves for a full day the hordes of tourists at Machu Pichu were definitely frustrating. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The full day that we got to spend at Choquequiro exploring the site. What did you think of your group leader? Tomas has lots of experience, and a great sense of humour. Our sense was that he might be bored with the guide routine, and the constant questions of clients. Didn't get the sense of personal connection that we have had with other guides on previous trips. Assistant guide Jhonny still has lots of work to do on his knowledge, but was very enthusiastic and I think the group felt a closer connection with him. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Really do need to respect the altitude! Slowly, Slowly is the way to approach the hiking or you will crash and burn. Also learn to love cocoa tea! The sand flies were a huge problem (don't know if this is seasonal or constant). Take LOTS of bug repellant and protective clothing. Is there anything else you would like to add? Crew (Guides, cooks, wranglers) looked after us really well. In fact, some days it seemed too well. It is hard to do a step climb right after a very heavy breakfast or lunch. There was always a several course meal prepared and waiting.. even on the summit of a major pass.
Reviewed September 2017 Eileen Cooper Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao The Lost City of Choquequirao This trip challenges you physically, mentally and emotionally. It provides breathtaking scenery, camping in cloud forests, visiting Inca sites in beautiful and inaccessible places and the chance to observe how humbly people live in the harsh landscape. It fulfilled all of my expectations and more, spectacular scenery, challenging walking and indulging in the Indiana Jones experience. There was great camaraderie and our guides, Michael and Vladimir were just the best. They had infinite cheerfulness and patience and were determined that we would understand as much as possible about Andean culture, past and present. My only regret is that this trek may be 'it', the best one! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? One every day! Camping on Inca terrraces, learning about how the Incas viewed the Mayu, the Milky Way, standing on the usnu, the ceremonial platform at Choquequirao surrounded by mountains, ravines and sparkling rivers whilst clouds swirled around, the cardio workout exploring the Llama terraces, walking down to Yanoma amongst wild lavender with horses passing, sitting on a rock edge at San Abra pass at 4200m, surreal bathing in hot springs at Santa Teresa with bats flitting overhead. What did you think of your group leader? Michael ensured we had the best time. He made everything as easy as possible for us. He was so patient taking photos of us at iconic spots and being an archaeologist, we were in the hands of an expert. He has a great approach to life and was always conscientious. A very genuine man who worked extremely hard on many levels to make sure our holiday was perfect, which it was. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? For those who are not super fit, do some training, legs, core and walking of course. Take extra clothes, it is hot and sticky and not easy to wash or dry clothes or towels. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you have any doubts, do some training and go.
Reviewed September 2017 PETER WATKINS Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao Peru adventure A challenging trek in Peru that managed to combine quiet trekking, magnificent scenery, the remote city of Choquequirao and the spectacle of Machu Picchu. Walking in remote areas of Peru, at times surrounded by snow-capped mountaings, or maybe cloud forest, or then again coffee plantations. Very varied and interesting at all times. The guides and support staff added to the atmosphere, providing a friendly and informative company. Helpful at all times, providing surprisingly good food in very basic conditions and unexpected "extras" - like the very welcome visit to the hot springs! All-in-all and excellent trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Having a wild condor effortlessly flying past us at a distance of only 20m! What did you think of your group leader? Excellent! Knowledgable about the Inca history, although sometimes a little to mystical. Always in control and adaptable to changing situations. Always felt safe with him, and the other support team around. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Walking poles essential. The bugs bite a lot so bug spray essential, recommend always wearing long sleeves and long trousers. Is there anything else you would like to add? Try the passion fruit smoothies!
Reviewed September 2017 Rosemary Dan Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao Excellent trip This is one of the best trips I have done. This was my first visit to South America - Peru is a beautiful country with fascinating history. The trekking is hard but well worth the effort. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were several, including Choquequirao where it was so quiet (only our group plus 3 other people) and Machu Picchu, which although crowded is spectacular. However, the most inspirational moment for me was the San Juan pass; the conditions were perfect, the 360 degree views breath taking and several Condors flying around when we arrived. What did you think of your group leader? Frank was very passionate and knowledgeable about Peru and the Inca culture. Jonnie was a great and enthusiastic co-leader on the trek. The support team worked very hard to make sure we were comfortable on trek. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Prepare for the trek - it is hard with long ascents and descents but very rewarding. Take plenty of insect repellent - mosquitos are prolific particularly on the trek. I was worried about arriving in Cusco and coping with the altitude, however, the time spent in Cusco at the start of the trip was ideal to acclimatise.
Reviewed June 2017 Gina Lawrence Trip: The Lost City of Choquequirao Lost City of Choquequirao Trek An incredible trek, away from the crowds and through the cloud forests and passes of the Andes. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved being at Choquequirao - but it's only when you get to Machu Picchu do you realise what a privilege it is to see Choquequirao with so few people there. When we visited our group shared the entire site with only a dozen other people - incredible. The comparison with the business of Machu Picchu is startling! For the trek itself, the San Juan pass was my favourite spot - a perfect 360 viewpoint over the Vilcabamba mountains. We went in May and were blessed with glorious sunshine and the valley filled with wild lupins. What did you think of your group leader? Rolando and Jonny were top notch, very funny and lovely to be around. Special mention must go to our amazing team of cooks and horsemen who were incredible and worked so, so hard to give us an amazing experience. We couldn't have done it without them! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a fantastic trek which gives you an unusual insight to Peru, away from the popular spots. It's so special to have somewhere like Choquequirao to yourself. Go now before everyone else does!
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