Day 1)  We pick you up from your Cusco hotel in our private vehicle to drive 4 hours, with another 2 or so hours looking at ruins, to the small community of Cachora. This is the main central highway with interesting ruins we visit along the way; the ceremonial sites of Quillarumiyoq, and Saywite.

   We overnight at the comfortable Casa Salkantay lodge near Cachora

( all meals and select evening libations included of course).

Day 2)  Drive to Capilloc Pass. We have our first view of the immense Apurimac drainage far below. This deep canyon and it’s powerful river is one of the great geographic wonders of the Americas. The Apurimac which means “ voice of god or mighty speaker” in Quechua, thunders hundreds of miles through the remotest part of the Andes to eventually, along with a multitude of sister rivers, become the Amazon.  We hike a winding trail down some 3000 ft to set camp at a developed campground with toilets and a cold shower beside the river.

​

We travel by foot or on horseback with accompanying mule pack train (estimated 5-6 hours of hiking/riding and a stop for lunch). The staff sets up a large dining tent with tables and chairs. One or two persons are assigned a four person sleeping tent.  Meals are prepared from fresh meats, grains and vegetables. Our seasoned (no pun intended) cooks are well experienced in catering to vegetarian diets for those of that calling. Before the evening meal, we enjoy happy hour with popcorn, assorted hot beverages and for those who imbibe, our famous expedition vodka martini or  select Chilean wine. 

(disclaimer -  having done this hike many times Gary and/or Edwin will likely be riding most of the way on mules).

Day 3 ): Trek up to Choque.  After tea and coffee served in bed along with a tub of warm washing water, we breakfast in the large tent then head out around 8:30 or so. We climb another 4500 feet to our objective some 5-6 hours with a stop for lunch.

​

 By late afternoon we have reached a spectacular camp site among massive stone constructions and jungle tangle near the imposing walls of the ancient ceremonial city. 

Day 4) CHOQUEQUIRAO-Nestled at 10,000 ft., on a prominent ridge overlooking the profound Apurimac chasm with backdrop of ice sculptured mountain cathedrals, this mythical Lost city rivals Machu Picchu in beauty and importance. We are learning more every year of this major, seldom visited, Inca site. Following a leisurely breakfast, the day is dedicated to an extensive exploration of the main groups led by Gary and/or Edwin Duenas.  They explain in detail what they have learned form several decades of field work there. Discussion continues over camp happy hour as the Andean sun settles behind sacred  Apu Ampato to the west. (all meals included)

Day 5) We have ample have time to revisit the main groups before departing to then descend the winding steep trail some 4500 feet back down to the Apurimac River. Crossing over the newly rebuilt bridge above the rapids, we again overnight at the riverside camp (all meals included).

Day 6) Completing the trek out to the road head, sadly bidding mules, cooks and wranglers goodbye. we toast our staff and the successful completion of a magical journey back through time. We bus back to Cusco, with luck, arriving by early evening. (Breakfast and lunch included.)

Inclusions:  From Cusco and return:  near gourmet meals, deluxe camp, The best local support staff, transportation, park fees, saddle animals and pack mules - - a night at the comfortable Casa Salkantay lodge at Cachora.