Peru's Choquequirao Trek: the epic Lost City

Lima

Day 1: Land in Lima!

Welcome to beautiful Peru! When you land at the airport in Lima, say hello to a friendly member of staff, who will transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure: relax in your hotel or get out and explore the city on your own.

Lima

Day 2: Get to know the history of Lima

Spend the day discovering Lima's fascinating history from pre-hispanic, to colonial and finally contemporary society. Start in the district of Miraflores, for a tour of the Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Complex. Then, reach the city center to visit the Bodega y Quadra Museum, where you will see the 17th-century Wall of Lima and find out more about the so-called City of the Kings. During a visit to the colonial-era Convent of Santo Domingo, you will learn about the architecture of the time and the importance of religious life in the colony. Finally, finish the day's touring in the Plaza de Armas, to watch the change of the guard at the Government Palace.

Lima - Arequipa

Day 3: Charming Arequipa

Wake up this morning and hop into your private car, which will take you to the airport for your onward flight to Arequipa, a World Heritage Site since 2002. Known as The White City because of its many houses constructed of white volcanic stone, Arequipa features a colonial heritage and well-preserved architecture.

Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, drop your bags, and head out for a guided walking tour through downtown and the main square. Stop at the 17th-century Baroque-style cathedral and admire its imposing towers. Meander through the main square, which represents the social center of the city. Only a few blocks away is the Convent of Santa Catalina, consisting of a maze of cloisters and rooms and home to over 30 nuns.

Arequipa - Chivay

Day 4: Journey through the Andes

Get up early and travel to the town of Chivay. On the way, enjoy beautiful views of the Andes, including the Misti, Chachani, and Pichupichu volcanoes.

Make a stop in Pampa Cañahuas, a natural reserve created to protect wild vicuña, followed by Pata Wasi, an Andean community where you can try tea made from coca leaves at a local restaurant to help prevent altitude sickness.

Continue your journey through the Tocra area, passing by bird-filled lagoons to a plateau where llamas and wild guanacos can be seen grazing in the distance. Upon arrival in Chivay, gaze down on the multicolored landscape of the Colca Valley. If you choose, you can use the afternoon to take a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs of La Calera.

Chivay - Puno

Day 5: A day with the locals

Enjoy an early breakfast in your hotel. Then, take the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience as you get to know the people of Peru. Meet a villager, who will take you to his home to talk about the day’s activities.

Depending on the season, you'll assist in herding animals, preparing the sowing or the harvest, or other activities necessary for the daily operation of a local farm. Afterwards, you will be accompanied back to your hotel. In the afternoon, depart for the city of Puno on the gorgeous Lake Titicaca.

Puno - Uros - Taquile Island

Day 6: See the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

Early in the morning, your motor boat will be ready to take you on an adventure on Lake Titicaca. Visit the indigenous community on the lake's floating islands: using the ancient traditions of their ancestors, the Uros shape the totora reeds to create large floating islands that carry their homes, schools, and all other community buildings - a truly impressive sight!

Move on to the island of Taquile, where you will enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon, head towards the Chucuito peninsula in Luquina Chico. Tonight, your accommodation may be simple, but it is by no means less extraordinary. You'll stay with a local family, in a room with a beautiful view of the lake. After dinner, stroll along the shores of Lake Titicaca and watch the sun go down as the locals do.

Luquina Chico - Cusco

Day 7: Take the bus to Cusco

Wake up early to catch your bus to the mystical city of Cusco. Enjoy a hearty breakfast on the bus, as you roll out of town and hit the road.

The first stop on the way is the site of Pukara, where a guided trip of the museum awaits you. Back on the bus, journey across La Raya, 4,335m above sea level - it's the highest pass you will cross on the trip. Make further stops at the archaeological complex of Raqchi and the Andahuaylillas temple, before entering Cusco.

The ancient capital of the Inca Empire was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, and is well worth exploring. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax after the long ride.

Cusco - Pisac - Ollantaytambo

Day 8: To Pisac, the Inca's Sacred Valley

Today you will travel to the Inca's Sacred Valley to discover Pisac and visit an Incan archaeological site with spectacular views. Amongst the farming terraces, learn about the importance of agriculture in the Andes and the sophisticated techniques used during the time of the Inca Empire.

After exploring Pisac, continue along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo. The ruins there are beautiful and surrounded by mountains, vast valleys, and cobblestone streets with tiled houses. You'll walk above the village by visiting the fortress and citadel, built to control access to this part of the valley and protect it from invasions. Take a stroll to understand how this military, religious and cultural center worked during the Inca Empire.

Choquequirao

Day 9: Day one of the Choquequirao trek

Today you will lace up your hiking boots for the start of your 63km trek to Choquequirao, to discover The Gold Crib, the Inca's last place of refuge. These archaeological ruins are known as Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister, due to the similarities in the architectural structure of both sites.

Choquequirao

Day 10: Day two of trekking

After breakfast, continue with your trek towards Rosalinas Beach, and descend through the Apurimac Canyon till you reach the river for a refreshing dip. From there, you will take the six-hour winding trail of Santa Rosa and Marampata, admiring the vast array of flora and fauna (including orchids and violets) along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for curious deer and rare birds!

Choquequirao

Day 11: Day three on the Choquequirao trek

After breakfast in Marampata, walk in the footsteps of the Inca to reach Choquequirao, which features nine small areas surrounding a square - the upper areas (Hanan), the storage areas (Qolqa), main square (Huaqaypata), the lower square (Hurin), the andenes system where crops used to grow (Shaqra Anden), the ceremonial platform (Ushno), and the priest houses on the lower part of the hill. Because of all these findings, it is believed that Choquequirao was a great political and economic center, used as a hub for commerce and cultural exchange between the coast, mountain and jungle.

After your visit, return to Marampata for lunch before descending to the Apurimac Canyon, crossing the river through the Rosalina Beach area and on to Chiquishca for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Choquequirao - Cusco

Day 12: A fourth and final day of trekking

After breakfast in Chiquishca, you will begin the three-hour ascent to Capuliyoc. A pit-stop and snack later, and you will take the final two-hour trek to Cachora, where your hiking adventure will come to an end. Meet your private driver who will take you on to your hotel in Cusco.

Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 13: Journey to Machu Pichu

Prepare yourself for one of the most beautiful train trips in the world! Whether you are leaving from the station in Cusco or from Ollantaytambo, the train to Machu Picchu passes through a dramatically changing landscape where the foothills of the Andes transform into dense cloud forests.

As you reach Machu Picchu, you'll realize that nothing compares to standing before one of the most magnificent places in the world. Take a guided tour on your arrival to visit the Main Square, Circular Tower, Sacred Sundial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, and cemeteries. After the tour, you will have time to explore the ruins on your own. Get a feel for this magical place, that will leave you breathless and in awe of Inca skills.

Cusco - Lima

Day 14: Farewell, Peru!

It's time to say goodbye to Peru. You'll have spent two weeks seeing the most magnificent places in this country and getting to know Peru's most wonderful asset: its people. In the morning, your guide will take you to the airport, where you'll board your flight back home via Lima. Have a safe trip!