Vilcabamba and Choquequirao 8 days

Program

1^st Day - Cusco - Abra de Málaga - Chaullay -Vilcabamba (3350 - 4317 - 1200 -3100m)

Dawn over Cusco (3350m) is just the sight we need to start our journey going west from this Inca archeological capital. During our trek we'll see magnificent snow-peaks such as Salkantay, Chicon, Veronica and etcetera. Once in the Sacred Valley of the Incas we'll arrive at Ollantaytambo (2850m) and a little bit further we'll cross the high pass of Abra de Malaga (4317m) and go down from there to the cloud forest called Valley of Amaibamba and its deepest part called Chaullay (1200m). From there we'll immediately hike up again to Vilcabamba, the Incas last refuge, a place with a large net of Inca trails where of leaves the one for the archeological complex of Choquequirao.

Arriving at Vilcabamba we'll visit some important archeological sites such as Vitcos Rosaspata, Ñustahispana and recent excavations within that zone. After a 2 hours walk we'll arrive at our campsite in the town of Huancacalle (3100m).

Our transport-time is about 8 hours and our hiking time will be about 2 hours. Included are the lunch-box and diner.

2^nd Day - Vilcabamba - Choquetacarpu pass - Chichicara (3100 - 4600 - 3700m)

At dawn we'll begin by walking up halfway an Inca trail up to the pass of the glacier Choquetacarpu (4600m) where we'll see an enclosure of Inca construction called Huaywas with a function of Tambo (resting place along the Inca Trail). From this peak you have wonderful panoramic sights of hills and snow-peaks such as Corihuarachina and Sacsarayoc within the Vilcabamba Cordillera. Continuing we'll walk down halfway an Inca trail to the Quewiñaytankay Valley where we'll see an Inca construction called "The Cave of Quellqamachay". This place is near our campsite called Chichicara (3700m).

We'll be hiking about 8 hours. Included are breakfast, lunch-box and diner. 

3^rd Day - Chichicara - Yutupata - Yanama (3700 - 3350 - 3530m)

This day we'll hike downwards then upwards halfway the Yutupata Valley, with a very gentle climate, while visiting local communities. We're going to be close to the Yanama community (3530m), surrounded by majestic snow-peaks. This will be the time and place to set up our camping equipment.

We'll be hiking about 7 hours. Included are breakfast, lunch-box and diner. 

4^th Day - Yanama - San Juan pass - Maizal - Rio Silvestre (3530 - 4170 - 3000 - 1900m)

From the community of Yanama (3530m) are leaving different Inca trails where one of that leaves for Machu Picchu, one for Vilcabamba, Vitcos Rosapata, Ñustahispana, Espiritu Pampa, etc.

In the morning we'll be hiking upwards on the pass called San Juan (4170m) with a magnificent view over the majestic snow-peaks such as Corihuayrachina, Sacsarayoc , Sacrachayoc, Choquetacarpo, Panta, Pumasillo and Ampay (in the department of Apurimac). Around the San Juan-pass we'll see a mining-area that, according to the chronics and historians, had been exploited by the Andean culture in order to curve and cut images to honor their gods. Walking down on an Inca trail, halfway a wooded zone is situated the village of Maizal (3000m). Continuing downwards we'll come upon the deepest part of this Cannon called River Silvestre (1900m).

We'll be hiking about 8 hours. Included are breakfast, a lunch-box and diner. 

5^th Day - Rio Silvestre - Pinchaunuyoc - Abra Choquequirao - Choquequirao  (1900 - 2450 - 3270 - 3033m)

In the morning we'll begin by hiking up to the ruins of Pinchaunuyoc that were recently restored by an archeological group. The second part of the trek is in a distinct ecological altitude with a dry climate. The highest point is called the Choquequirao Pass (3270m).

The ruins of Choquequirao are very near now, situated in some sort of enchanted forest incredibly rich in flora and fauna.

One of the main attractions today will be the sunset over the ruins of Choquequirao which is an unforgettable sight. With any luck we'll be able to see also the sacred company-bird of the Incas and messenger of the sun, the Andean Condor.

We'll camp in Choquequirao (3033m) tonight after a 6 hours hike. 

6^th Day - Espiritu Pampa - Chihuanquiry - Quillabamba (1511 - 950 - 1050m)

We'll enter the complex of Espiritu Pampa where we'll have a guided tour with possibility to buy some artesian pieces from which the money will be used by the I.N.C. (charged with restoration of the archeological and natural sites).

Returning to the campsite we'll continue hiking through a warmer climate, crossing bridges like Espiritu Pampa, Lechemayoc and Villa Carmen as final goal for this trek the place of Chihuanquiry (950m) where you'll have the possibility to take a public transportation and meet the population of Quiteny. From there leave the main road where we'll be able to take the bus until Quillabamba (1050m).
Our trekking time will be about 5 hours (includes breakfast, box-lunch and diner). 

7^th Day - Quillabamba - Malaga pass - Cusco (1050 - 4315 - 3350m)

Transport from Quillabamba to Cusco (about 7 hours drive).
Includes Breakfast and lunchbox. 

What one needs to bring

Backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, sweater, trekking shoes and trousers, polo's/ t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, sun block cream, insect repellent and disinfecting alcohol and gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablet, photo camera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport, ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles. 

Also the Practical information might be good to read.