Maizal Perú is a stopping and camping point between the Choquequirao ruins and the Yanama valley (both are a whole day's walk from Maizal).
Maizal Perú is located on top of a mountain so the views when you wake up in the morning are amazing - the clouds will literally be at your feet! It is also an ideal place to see the stars.
Before arriving to Maizal Perú, you will pass through the Inca terraces of Pinchaunuyoc and the spectacular canyon of the Río Blanco and then you will find the abandoned mines of Paso Victoria and even the ruins of Quriwayrachina, another of the mythical lost cities of the Incas.
Choquequirao: trekking to the secret Inca city
It is the new tourist attraction of the imperial city of Cusco, an Inca construction very similar to Machu Picchu, and it is currently known as "the sacred sister of Machu Picchu". If you visit Peru, do not hesitate to set aside a few days to travel to this wonderful destination.
What is Choquequirao?
Currently known as the Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu, due to the similarity of architecture and structure, it also has a similarity in its territorial geography where it was built. This archaeological monument is made up of terraces, Inca buildings, platforms on stalls, etc. According to the investigations, Choquequirao would also be a ceremonial center, due to its location, far from the eyes of the world, hidden and protected by nature.
Until a few years ago Choquequirao was hidden, far from the eyes of the world, invaded by the exotic rain forest and at the same time protected by it. But today it was rediscovered and it was already launched as one of the must-see tourist destinations in Peru.
The only way to reach Choquequirao is through the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days, the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days, or the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek.
Where is Choquequirao located?
Choquequirao is located between the slopes and the top of the hill that bears the same name at 3104.09 meters above sea level, in what is described as a rocky spur of the Yanama mountain, located in the Vilcabamba mountain range, on the right bank of the Apurímac river . It is currently located within the jurisdiction of Santa Teresa, in the province of La Convencion, in the Cusco region
What to see in Choquequirao?
During your tour you can enjoy the following things:
- You will discover one of the ancient Inca cities "Choquequirao" you will be able to observe its incredible architecture such as its temples, main squares, temples. Channels, workshops, hackberries, Inca residences and more.
- The route to the archaeological center of Choquequirao has a wealth of Andean and jungle flora and fauna.
- You will appreciate incredible places, on natural ones that are undoubtedly gifts of mother nature.
- Like Machu Picchu it has a very warm and very welcoming climate.
What is the weather like in Choquequirao?
Choquequirao has a temperate climate. The average temperature is 14ºC. During the dry season (April to October) the heat reaches 25ºC.
At night, the cold reaches 4ºC. In the rainy season (from November to March) fluvial precipitations occur more frequently.
From Choquequirao to Machu Picchu: the other Inca Trail
Day 1: arrival in San Pedro de Cachora
With only 108 square kilometers, the small district of San Pedro de Cachora, located in the middle of the Andes, has become the starting point for travelers who want to reach the Choquequirao citadel.
To get here, you have to travel to Abancay, either from Lima or from Cusco, and here take a bus to take you to San Pedro de Cachora. Once here, we recommend you spend the night in a hostel to start the trek to Choquequirao the next day.
Day 2: from Cachora to Santa Rosa
You should start the day very early: at five in the morning. From Cachora, you have to go to Capulliyoc. Although this tour can be done on foot, it is best to do it by taxi, since you will save two hours of trekking and you will be able to save energy for what comes next. In Capulliyoc you will find a small store where you can stock up on water, sun cream, etc. before starting. This first day is quite hard since you will have to descend from 2,800 meters above sea level to 1,200 until you reach Playa Rosalina, where many spend the first night. However, we recommend that you make an effort and reach the Santa Rosa camp, where you will find a small stall where a family sells simple dishes to eat and recharge before bed.
Day 3: from Santa Rosa to Choquequirao
As soon as the first rays of sun rise, you must start the second day of walking that will take you to the Choquequirao fortress. Here, the most recommended is to advance at a good pace and without making long stops until you reach Marampata, a small town where you will find various families preparing food for the tourists who are on their way to the citadel. This is the perfect place to rest, eat something light and continue on the road, which, although short, has several slopes that require considerable concentration and energy, but which are accompanied by endless butterflies of hundreds of colors.
Once in Choquequirao you have two options: visit the ruins that same day or rest and spend the next day solely and exclusively to discover the citadel more calmly.
Day 4: from Choquequirao to Maizal
Assuming you decide to visit Choquequirao on the third day, on the fourth your route will take you to the Maizal camp. As with the route from Capulliyoc to Santa Rosa, this section is complicated because there are many unevennesses: you must descend from 3,200 meters above sea level to 1,800, where you will reach Río Blanco and have lunch and rest, and then you will have to climb up to 3,000, where the Maizal campsite in Choquequirao is located.
On the way down we recommend you make a small stop on the way to see Pinchahunuyoc, some Inca platforms used for agriculture.
After seven to eight hours of walking you will arrive to Maizal in Choquequirao, where you will also find families who will assist you and offer various meals.
Day 5: from Maizal to Yanama
This day the 4200 masl is reached, so it is highly recommended to be prepared with coca leaves or tea and thus be able to fully enjoy the wonders of the road: the cloud mattress, the lush vegetation and the old mines. After three hours of trekking on the Inca trail (perfectly preserved), you will reach the highest point, where you can have lunch and, if you are lucky, enjoy the great spectacle of the Andes: the flight of the condor. After lunch and after two hours of walking, you will arrive in Yanama, where you can camp.
Day 6: from Yanama to Totora
Continuing with the altitude, this day you will reach the highest point of the route, 4800 masl. The landscape is different from the rest since you can enjoy the view of imposing glaciers. From the highest point, you have three hours of walking to get to Totora, where you will spend the last night of camping.
Day 7: from Totora to Santa Teresa
If you made it this far, congratulations! Now you will only have to travel a small path without major differences that will lead you to the Santa Teresa district, from where various buses depart to Ollantaytambo, where you will arrive in approximately two hours. From Ollantaytambo the Inca Rail trains depart to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and you have two options: take it on arrival, in the afternoon or evening, or stay overnight and take it in the morning.
Day 8: from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Now, it is time to enjoy the best known Inca citadel in the world. Remember that there are two entry times, in the morning or in the afternoon, and depending on that you will have to book your return train at one time or another.
Recommendations
- You can make the journey by hiring a tour or on your own. The trails are well marked, so if you follow the route, there is no danger that you could get lost.
- All along the way there are points to buy food and drinks. Similarly, we recommend that you bring provisions in case any of the stalls is closed. Of course, if you are going to carry the backpack yourself, try that they are not very heavy food.
- Repellent is essential as you will find many mosquitoes all the way.
- Throughout the trek to many fountains, we recommend that you take water treatment pills and thus avoid carrying more water than you need for a day.
Although it is a long and hard trek, we assure you that each step is worth it. Enjoy it!