over a narrow and uneven mountain top, bordering a sheer 400 meter cliff side of the Urubamba River canyon.
Machu Picchu is a citadel shrouded in mystery, and to this day archaeologists have not uncovered the history andpurpose of this city of stone. The site has an area of about one square kilometer, and stands in a region that the Incas considered to be magical, due to the meeting of the Andes mountains with the mighty Amazon river.
Perhaps, Machu Picchu mystery may never be fully explained as, so far, there are only hypothesis and conjectures. For some, it may have been an advance settlement for planned further expansions by the Incas. Others believe Machu Picchu have been a monastery where young girls (acllas) were trained to serve the Inca and the Willac Uno (HIgh Priest). Support for this theory comes from the fact that of the 135 bodies discovered while exploring the site, 109 were female.
The surprising perfection and beauty of Machu Picchu's walls, built by joining stone to stone without using any cement or adhesive whatsoever, has led to many myths developing around how the city was constructed.
It is said that a bird by the name of Kak'aqllu knew the formula for softening rock but by command, perhaps, of the ancient Inca gods, had its tongue torn out. It is also said that there was a magic plant which could dissolve and compress stone.
Nonetheless, mysteries and myths aside, the real attractiveness of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, lies in its squares, aqueducts and watchtowers, its observatories and in its sun clock, evidence of the wisdom and skill of the city's Andean builders.

The excursion to Machu Picchu starts very early in the morning; we transfer the passengers to Cusco train Station for a three hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas", one of the best known examples of surviving Inca architecture. We will arrive in Aguas Calientes Station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the marvellous Citadel. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and several burial grounds. After the tour you'll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure. In the afternoon we return to Cusco and tranfer passengers to their hotels.

When the excursion is developed with an overnight in Aguas Calientes, you have time the next day to make a new visit to Machu Picchu, perform maditation and absorb the enegy that surround this sacred place, having the opportunity to walk up until the intipinku, the entrance to Machu Picchu when you walk the Inka Trail or climb the Huayna Picchu, mountain where the temple of the moon is located. After, in the afternoon you return to Cusco.

answer can only be given by your own experience.
The big fisical effort that means to climb the inka trail, walk down the steps that give pain to your knees, be inside the intenses nights only iluminated by the light of the stars, and talk with the whistel of the cold wind of this high lands, become at the end of the way, a fare price for one of the most extraordinary experiences of the world.
The best way to trekk the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu citadel is first to be acclimated in the center of Cusco city. A walk to Sacsayhuaman, and a walking to the different Pachas or fountains and churches of the place is reccomended.

The Inka Trail is considered as one of the trekking routes more spectaculars of the world, this Inka Trail to Machu Picchu attracts each year thousands of travellers that want to have an special contact with the history and the nature.
The mistery inka citadel was connected with the city of Cusco and the rest of the Inka Empire with organized trails with and excellent structure; this trails, with anatomic and anthropometric design were buildt in strict harmony with the nature, with an advanced tecniques and sense of the stetic.
This trails caused big admiration of the first europeans that visited the empire and thy did not doubt to compare them with the sistem of trails of the roman empire, the only ones that, in the old world, had some of similar magnitude. The inka trails had over 40,000 killometers, because they can permit a quick communication with the rest of the Tawantinsuyo and back.
Besides to obtain territorial integration, they were planned to provide security and satisfaction to the merchants and chasquis (system of post office), as well as to the officials and soldiers of its army.
Originally, the routes of the Inka Trail started from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Today, the sections that are visited, are located in the district of Machu Picchu, province of Urubamba, department of the Cusco, due to the disappearance and wears away of the original sections.
The traveller who submerges himself in this fascinating adventure, will cross passages which they are true shelves on the brink of madness the abyss, surrounded by gorgeous landscapes where the leafy and varied vegetation excels.
Also you will know sections that have been worked on rock, stairs constructed with great paving stones, tunnels dug in the stone, wooden bridges to cross the small rivers that runs by the valley, and unexplored archaeological centers.
In short, the traveller will have the opportunity to cross diverse ecological floors: from the deep and feracious Urubamba valley, to little fertile territories of the height; and then walk thought mountains and the cloud forest of the andes.

To journey by the way that was stepped on by the old settlers of these millenarian earth, will be, for the traveller, an unforgettable experience. To discover again, “on his way”, the “Lost City of the Incas”, will be the price of your courage.

The long walk begins and it is necessary to do it with calm. In few minutes it is reached and the suspension bridge of Cusichaca is crossed, on the Urubamba River, constructed with steel cables. Towards the left side of the way a forest of eucalyptuses is crossed until reaching the archaeological rests of Llactapata.
Llactapata, “town in the heights”, is an archaeological complex located to the feet of a mountain in the left margin of the Cusichaca River, affluent of the Urubamba River. This place has a great amount of platforms that probably served to feed the settlers of other cities and “Tambos” (warehouses) of the Inca Trail. This urban sector count with more than one hundred structures. In addition, it has an altar called Inca “Pulpituyoq”.
The climate, generally, is warm, and the landscape is very colorful because of the beautiful red flowers called "retama" in the zone. Retama is an original plant of North Africa whose sticky seeds adhered to the feet of the horses bereberes and that soon arrived at America with the horses of the spanish men. It is possible to organize a camping in Huayllabamba or continue until the camping Three Stones, at about 30 minutes of distance. Huayllabamba, “green prairie”, is a small indigenous town located in the skirts of a mountain and surrounded by crops of corn, potato, and other bread products. Many groups camp in this town the first night, because it has public bathroom and there is abundant water. In a near zone, called Patawasi, exists inka platforms and some old constructions.

The first day can be cloudy, almost rainy, but easy due the way is almost flat and beautiful. The normal fatigue to the dusk slowly dissipates as the traveller feels the perfume and the color of a orchid, and the slow darkening of the majestic Salkantay snowpeak.
In this first we walk through the valley beginning from the 2380 m.a.s.l. with a small hill, adorned with the views of mountain Veronica to the first Huayllabamba camping at 3000 m.a.s.l.
Time of walking: 6 hours - 14 km.

Second Day : Huayllabamba - Pacaymayu After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep ascent, followed by 3 hours walking until reaching the first step, called Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman), up to 4200 m.a.s.l. approximately. In the way you will observe the change of the natural surroundings, that goes from the reasonably tempered temperature of valleys, to the cold of the high lands. In this place “ichu” is seeded, that only grows up in is in the high zones. Before arriving to our camsite there is a camping site called “Llullupampa”, that is located in a level surrounded by two crystalline water brooks. This place has a public bath. It is a place where the traveller can rest before the last long walk to arrive to Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman pass). This part of the route was well-known in centuries XVIII and XIX as the route of

contraband and is the only point where you can get the feared altitude sickness. Normally, strong winds blow and the temperatures are low. Once the pass is crossed, a new and repairing rest is necessary to descend after until the valley of the Pacaymayu River, where there is a camping, public bath and a small cataract.There is also stipped stairs, almost vertical steps that cause damage to the nonprepared knees. Time of walking: 7 hours - 12 km.

Third Day: Pacaymayu - Winayhuayna This part of the trail is considered as the largest oneof the trekking. Although the unevennesses are not demanding, the way is long. You have to cross a second high point in the one you will observe the impressive archaeological rests of Runkuracay, located at 3.800 meters of altitude. Runkurakay receives its name by the semicircular form that it has has. A single entrance with seven accesses for seven different atmospheres, the form that it has is explained by the fort wind that runs in this place. Soon we will descend until the lagoon of Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and arrive to

Sayaqmarca, “dominant town”, an interesting Inka ruin that is over a steep mountain, with a panoramic view of the Valley of Acobamba and the top of the Pumasillo, an snow cover. This construction is composed by a labyrinth of very narrow passages, some of them with exits and others no. The only access road to the construction is by a zooming but solid stairs of stone on the brink of the mountain. The abyss of one side is covered with exotic plants, like orchids and lichens. All the atmosphere is a postcard to remember always. During the trekking, the traveller also walk through Conchamarka, an small archaeological complex recently discovered, and the camping of Chakicocha, that is an extensive flat place that has public bath and water. After, the way is again ascending, and shows the first tunnel of the way, that has 20 meters length, and in declivity, with launching slips carved on the same rock. After we will ascend until arriving to the third and last high point of the way, the step and city of Phuyupatamarca “town over the clouds”, is, without any doubt, one of most original cities of the Inca trail. Its surroundings are almost always surrounded by the Cloud Forest. It is located in the bord of a madness that watches the Urubamba. This town characterizes for the amount of platforms and its ceremonial sources with fresh water. In the superior part, there is a seat from where it is possible to be appreciated, in sunny days, the beautiful landscape of the Valley of the Urubamba, as well as the adjacent snowed peaks. In the inferior part, there is circular constructions exist that seems like they follow the geographic form of the land. Near the passage of Phuyupatamarca, the way hurries in a descendent form, lowering by massive launching slips in snail form and passing through a second tunnel. They exist around 2000 stairs descending and after, the way runs by relatively flat cornices that follow the course of the Urubamba River, until arriving to Wiñayhuayna. Winayhuayna, “Always young”, is 2.644 meters above the sea level and has this name due the typical orchids that dress the place in their colors red, yellow and violet, throughout all the year. This is possibly the most attractive city of the Inca Trail, and the last urban center before Machu Picchu. The place was constructed in the lateral zooming of the mountain on the left margin of the Urubamba. It has four main sectors: the urban sector, that is located in the inferior part with more than 20 constructions, the sector of the Ritual Sources, the sector of the Terraces for agriculture, and the sector of the Tower. This building has the finest architecture of the complex, reason why it is assumed that was a religious place or of the royalty. Campsite in Winayhuayna ( 2700 m.a.s.l.). Time of walking: 6 hours - 16 km.

Fourth Day : Winayhuayna - Machu Picchu It is important to take the necessary time to visit the archaeological rests and to appreciate the surroundings. It would be sad that the traveller, worried to arrive fast to Machu Picchu, does not stop to know the exciting rests of the archaeological route. Anyway slow or fast , the trekking of the last day is a magical experience. The landscape of the way changes from the typically andean to the typically amazonian landscapes. The Inkas constructed their strengths from where they could see without being seen,

from where they could attack without being attacked. The mysterious city of Machu Picchu, in the edge of the jungle area, was hardly discovered for those reasons. In this last section, the traveller observes that the Urubamba, crossing the andes to the deep jungle, forms a series of meanders that border rock walls of hundreds of meters of height, covered of leafy forests. The way continues more down by the flank of a bulk suspended on a wide abyss of green slopes that lower until the noisy and anxious expresses of the river, thousands of meters down. Each bend reveals different species of flora and fauna, and, over them, a new perspective of the impressive landscape. Suddenly, after three hours of trekking, you arrive steeply to the Intipunku or "Door of the Sun", an small complex of small constructions that, apparently, had the function of a control post or monitoring fulfilled. It is an excellent place to take photographies in perspective of all Machu Picchu. If the departure is very early, you will be arrive at the dawn. One of the best moments, perhaps, to contemplate overwhelmed the majesty and greatness of Machu Picchu, the Sacred City of the Inkas. The return to the city of the Cusco becomes in a tourist bus and train. The bus from the city of Machu Picchu until Aguas Calientes town, where a train, in three hours, will bring you again until Cusco. Time of walking: 3 hours until Machu Picchu City, you will arrive approximately at 7:00 in the morning. The investigations to define if Machu Picchu were a strength or a simple city still continues. Meanwhile, the whole humanity observes the most beautiful Inka construction, the best conserved, and the most world-wide famous. The city is divided in three great areas: urban, agricultural, and the adjacent zones. In the Urban sector there is, among others, the following archaeological zones: the Door of the City, the Temple of the Sun, the Real Grave, the Ceremonial Sources, the Real Palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, the Intiwatana, the main square, the Sacred Stone, the Industrial room and the Jails. The agricultural sector includes the Cemetery and the Funeral Rock. Finally, the adjacent areas are: the Intipunko, the Temple of the Moon, Wayna Picchu and the Drawbridge. At the end of the passage, the traveller will not only see that their expectations have been overwhelmed, but, he will feel they has been exceeded. He will experiment that the contemplation of Machu Picchu elevates the spirit, and that an space of immensity so moving, can only can be visited in that way: on foot, by the Inka Trail.

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Inka Trail 2 days 1 night

First Day : Cusco - Km. 104 - Aguas Calientes The Inka Way begins leaving by train from Cusco to km 104. We visit the cities of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy. Each bend reveals a species different from flora and fauna, and, over them, a new perspective of the impressive landscape. We will enjoy the beauty of the subtropical forest, combined with the ways the archaeological complexes and the snow-covered peaks around the river Urubamba or Wilkamayu. Winayhuayna, “Always young”, is 2.644 meters above the sea leveland has this name due the typical orchids that

dress the place in their colors red, yellow and violet, throughout all the year. This is possibly the most attractive city of the Inca Trail, and the last urban center before Machu Picchu. The place was constructed in the lateral zooming of the mountain on the left margin of the Urubamba. It has four main sectors: the urban sector, that is located in the inferior part with more than 20 constructions, the sector of the Ritual Sources, the sector of the Terraces for agriculture, and the sector of the Tower. This building has the finest architecture of the complex, reason why it is assumed that was a religious place or of the royalty. The way continues more down by the flank of a bulk suspended on a wide abyss of green slopes that lower until the noisy and anxious expresses of the river, thousands of meters down. Each bend reveals different species of flora and fauna, and, over them, a new perspective of the impressive landscape. Suddenly, after three hours of trekking, you arrive steeply to the Intipunku or "Door of the Sun", an small complex of small constructions that, apparently, had the function of a control post or monitoring fulfilled. It is an excellent place to take photographies in perspective of all Machu Picchu. After we will descend some minutes and we will possibleappreciate a frontal view of the fantastic Mountain of Huayna Picchu and a complete view of Machu Picchu, its terraces, its seats with water sources. You will have time to contemplate to the magic and beauty of this unique place. In the evening you will descend in bus for 30 minutes until Aguas Calientes and spend the night in this city.

Second Day: Machu Picchu The excursion to the city is made early in the morning, taking the first bus (6:15 A.M.) that will bring us in a 30 minutes trip toward the wonderful city of Machu Picchu. At this time the city is still without people and we will be able to take advantage of the tranquillity that offers Machu Picchu. After a guided tour is offered, visiting the Main Seat, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the real quarters, the temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries. After the passengers will have free time to walk around the city

and and if you want to climb the fascinating mountain of Huayna Picchu. In afternoon, you return to Ollantaytambo by train and by bus until Cusco. To notice: The elevation at Kilometer 104 is 2100 m.a.s.l. and the elevation in Winayhuayna is of 2700 m.a.s.l. The distance that you walk the first day is almost 14 kms, in almost 6 1/2 hours with rests and shutdowns in the esplanades to have lunch. Due to internal regulations it is not possible to camp in the Inka Trail of 2 days 1 night in the campsite of Winayhuayna.

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range of Salcantay, at 3035 m.a.s.l, surrounded by the snowcapped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquecarpu, Pumasillo and Panta on the right side of Apurimac river in the Santa Teresa district, The Convention province of the departament of Cusco.

The impressive stone walls that protect it, the mantles of verdor unfolded in their fabulous platforms and that atmosphere loaded of energy, originating perhaps of distant ceremonies of invocation to the Sun, are some of the peculiar shades of Choquequirao, the other Machu Picchu.
Spectacular and distant, solitary and forgotten, Choquequirao (3.085 m.o.s.l.) is located in the top of an almost unconquerable mountain of the province of the Convention, department of Cusco, reason that turned it - by more than 40 years in the last place of resistance of the children of the Sun, whom looked for refuge in their stone walls, after the defeat of Manco Inca, the rebel Inka.
Due its palaces and two levels of temples, its systems of sources, channels and aqueducts and their admirable platforms “upholstered” of profuse vegetation, the wonderful Choquequirao was constructed, presumably, during the government of Pachacutec Inka (century XV), and it is only comparable with Machu Picchu, the most visited archaeological monument of Peru.
Choquequirao is divided in nine zones and their constructions of stone are grouped in small districts. Around its main square is located the bigguest of its temples and goberment houses. The investigators maintain that the complex would have been an important religious, political and economic center, in addition of a commercial and cultural nexus between the coast, the mountain range and the jungle.
But the real importance of Choquequirao (of quechua chuqui k´iraw, gold cradle), is still about to be revealed. Only 30 percent of the 1,810 hectares of the complex, “has been rescued” from the vegetation bushes that during years - for not to say centuries - covered this authentic inka jewel.
The particular history of Choquequirao, last redoubt Inka, is marked by “rediscoveries” and later forgetfulnesses. The historian Cosme Bueno, in 1768, was first in announcing its existence. The French Eugen de Santiges and Leonce Angrand, did the same in century XIX. In 1911, Hiram Binghan - who discovered Machu Picchu the same year - stated the importance of this constructions.
The archaeological and historical value of Choquequirao, the “Gold Cradle” of the Inkas, is complemented with the beauty of its surroundings, that shows geographic and biodiversity characteristic of high jungle, which constitutes an additional attractive for the visitors, who can observe from the majestic flight of the condors to the heavy walk of a bear of eyeglasses.
To arrive at Choquequirao is a demanding adventure that begins with a terrestrial trip from Cusco toward the town of Cachora (Apurimac), where is born a deep way of 30 kilometers that finishes in the historical construction. The passage until Choquequirao - from Cachora, 60 kilometers the round trip - last four days of interminable walking, some sections can be rided in a horse or mule.
In the long hours of trekking or riding, you will discover gigantic mountains, , frightful precipices, splendid snow-covered peaks, and the spectacularity of the Apurímac river canyon, one of deepest of the world. But that is not everything, the vegetation and the ecological wealth of the place finishes seducing the traveller. The effort is worth. The fatigue yields before the magnificence of Choquequirao.

Adventure in Choquequirao 4 days 3 Nights
First Day : Cusco - Cachora - Rosalina Departure from Cusco toward Cachora, passing by the localities of Izcuchaca until arriving to the Archaeological Complex of Tarawasi and Saywite. After we will enter and have breakfast in Cachora. After the breakfast; along with our equipment loaded in mules and horses we will begin the ascent toward a viewpoint in Wayna Qalli Grande, from where we can appreciate a part of the archaeological
complex of Choquequirao in addition to a beautiful view of the snowed peaks of Vilcabamba: Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. After we will descend toward Capuliyuc, Cuca Masana, where the flora and fauna begin to change, until arriving to Rosalina beach (1550 m.a.s.l) with a length from 21 km Camping. Feeding: Lunch and has dinner.
Second Day: Rosalina - Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao After the breakfast we will trek toward the distillery of local sugar cane licor called Santa Rosa. This second day of trekking is considered like the most hard, due to the ascent very early toward the mountains of Cusco side, with direction toward Marampata. In the route we will observe orchids and violets, and if the luck accompanies to us we will be able to appreciate fauna like deers, anteater and a diversity of birds and insects. We will continue toward Raqaypata where orchids are appraised, mainly in the borders of the Chunchullmayo river. We will arrive to Choquequirao and visit this complex in its eight sectors; between barns, enclosures, religious areas
and terraces. Lunch. We will visit the majestic place where we will observe the excavations where they are houses, terraces, irrigation channels of this Inka city, also ruins in excavation process, finally unexplored areas that means that this could be the last Inka refuge. Approximately at 3:00 p.m. depending on the weather we will be able to see the flying condors. Camping at Raqaypata - Choquequiraw (2.910 m.a.s.l.). Feeding: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Third Day: Choquequirao - Chiquisca After the breakfast, we will enjoy some time to visit Choquequirao for a last time. Later we will descend by the same route toward Chiquisca. In the route we will again observe the Apurimac canyon. In this point we will be able to appreciate the flying condors, the forest with a variety of flowers and orchids. Lunch at Rosalina beach and camping in CHIQUISQA. Feeding: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fourth Day: Chiquisca - Wayma Qalli - Cachora - Sayhuite - Cusco After the breakfast in Chiquisca we will start the ascent toward the viewpoint of Wayna Qalli. From this viewpoint we will appreciate the Apurímac river canyon, considered like the most spectacular in South America.
Arrival to Cachora where we will waited to be returned toward Cusco. In the route to Cusco we will visit Sayhuite and the thermal baths of Cconoc. Arrival to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. Feeding: Breakfast.
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Expedition to Choquequirao 5 days 4 Nights
First Day : Cusco - Cachora - Rosalina Departure from Cusco toward Cachora, passing by the localities of Izcuchaca until arriving to the Archaeological Complex of Tarawasi and Saywite. After we will enter and have breakfast in Cachora. After the breakfast; along with our equipment loaded in mules and horses we will begin the ascent toward a viewpoint in Wayna Qalli Grande, from where we can appreciate a part of the archaeological
complex of Choquequirao in addition to a beautiful view of the snowed peaks of Vilcabamba: Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. After we will descend toward Capuliyuc, Cuca Masana, where the flora and fauna begin to change, until arriving to Rosalina beach (1550 m.a.s.l) with a length from 21 km Camping. Feeding: Lunch and has dinner.
Second Day : Rosalina - Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao After the breakfast we will trek toward the distillery of local sugar cane licor called Santa Rosa. This second day of trekking is considered like the most hard, due to the ascent very early toward the mountains of Cusco side, with direction toward Marampata. In the route we will observe orchids and violets, and if the luck accompanies to us we will
be able to appreciate fauna like deers, anteater and a diversity of birds and insects. We will continue toward Raqaypata where orchids are appraised, mainly in the borders of the Chunchullmayo river. We will arrive to Choquequirao and visit this complex in its eight sectors; between barns, enclosures, religious areas and terraces. Lunch. We will visit the majestic place where we will observe the excavations where they are houses, terraces, irrigation channels of this Inka city, also ruins in excavation process, finally unexplored areas that means that this could be the last Inka refuge. Approximately at 3:00 p.m. depending on the weather we will be able to see the flying condors. Camping at Raqaypata - Choquequiraw (2.910 m.a.s.l.). Feeding: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Third Day: Choquequirao Guided visit to all the archaeological Complex of Choquequirao. Full day visiting the ruins, excavated zones, platforms in excavation and sectors of platforms. Observation of the flight of the condors. Feeding: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fourth Day: Choquequirao - Chiquisca After the breakfast, we will enjoy some time to visit Choquequirao for a last time. Later we will descend by the same route toward Chiquisca. In the route we will again observe the Apurimac canyon. In this point we will be able to appreciate the flying condors, the forest with a variety of flowers and orchids. Lunch at Rosalina beach and camping in CHIQUISQA. Feeding: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fifth Day : Chiquisca - Wayma Qalli - Cachora - Sayhuite - Cusco After the breakfast in Chiquisca we will start the ascent toward the viewpoint of Wayna Qalli. From this viewpoint we will appreciate the Apurímac river canyon, considered like the most spectacular in South America. Arrival to Cachora where we will waited to be returned toward Cusco. In the route to Cusco we will visit Sayhuite and the thermal baths of Cconoc. Arrival to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. Feeding: Breakfast.
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