Itinerary
International Flights: Flights are not included as part of the challenge cost. You will need to organize your own international flights to arrive in Cusco on the morning of Day 1 (September 24, 2022). Please contact us at amie.gibson@cusointernational.org before you commit and pay for your flights. All flights will need to route to Cusco, Peru.
Day 1: September 24, 2022
Arrive into Cusco
You will need to arrive at your challenge hotel no later than midday at the latest. You will stay in a centrally located hotel. Having checked in to your room, you will spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the altitude (11,400ft) on a walking tour of the city. Among the highlights is the Inca sun temple of Qoricancha. In the evening you will be fully briefed about the week ahead and the challenge it entails. Meals included at local restaurants. Overnight in a centrally located hotel. (Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 2: September 25, 2022
Acclimatization Day
Today you will go on an acclimatization walk in the surrounding areas of Cusco. While getting a taste of what the trekking days ahead will be, you will also learn a bit more about the archaeological sites you will see in the area. You will be provided with a picnic lunch nearby to the ruins and will head back to Cusco for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in a centrally located hotel in Cusco.
Day 3: September 26, 2022
Cuso International Project Visit
Today after breakfast you will travel to the site of a Cuso International partner. You will learn about the local partner, the project, and visit with volunteers and project beneficiaries. Lunch will be provided. Later that evening you will enjoy a group dinner followed by an overnight in a centrally located hotel.
Day 4: September 27, 2022
Cusco to Chilipahua 3,840m (Approximately 7 hours)
Rise and shine for an early morning drive to Parpishu, from where the challenge will commence. Along the way, you will slowly ascend to the Watuq'asa pass where you find an Inca wall and an amazing viewpoint of Cusco. After lunch, it’s a long hike to the small village of Chilipahua, where you’ll camp for the night. Accommodation: Camping
Day 5: September 28, 2022
Chilipahua to Ancascocha 3,900m to 4,500m (Approximately 8 hours)
After breakfast, you ascend to Quencomayo and then up to the Quchusqasa pass at 4,500m, the highest point of your trek. Spot the alpacas and llamas roaming along the way, though careful they don't try to share your picnic lunch! After lunch, you descend down into the river gulley to camp, where there are spectacular views of the Huayanay Glacier. Accommodation: Camping
Day 6: September 29, 2022
Ancascocha to Camicancha 2,800m (Approximately 7 hours)
Awake with the rising sun, you trek beside the Silque River towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There is fantastic flora and fauna to be seen along the way. In the afternoon, you reach the community of Camicancha where you camp for the night. Make sure to check out the view of the 'La Veronica' mountain. Accommodation: Camping
Day 7: September 30, 2022
Camicancha to Machu Picchu via Sun Gate
It's an early train journey to Km 104 (along the railway from Cusco) where you'll be dropped for your trek towards the famous Sun Gate. It’s a 3,000-step climb following the traditional Inca path, before you catch your first awe-inspiring view of the sacred site of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. There’ll be plenty of time for photographs before heading to Aguas Calientes for the evening. Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8: October 1, 2022
Machu Picchu to Cusco
Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary Inca remains at Machu Picchu. The early afternoon train takes you back to Cusco. It’s party time at a local restaurant in the evening, as you celebrate achieving your Cuso Challenge goal and discovering the majesty of Machu Picchu. Overnight at a centrally located hotel in Cusco.
Day 9: October 2, 2022
Cusco
Your international flights can be organized to leave from Cusco at any time today. Our services finish at 9:00 am today. Breakfast included.
