Stone Ridge Orchids

Stone Ridge Orchids

cymbidium goeringii—-yellow peony 5growths $85.00

cymbidium goeringii—-short leaf 3growths $10.00

Machu Picchu to Choquequirao Trek, Second Stage by Karen Ward

Choquequirao is a stunning Inca site perched above the deep and dramatic Apurimac Canyon. Trekking to Choquequirau is a spectacular adventure into a remote area but, for a true Peru adventure trek, continue on through isolated valleys and over high passes on the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek.

Day 4 of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu begins with a second look at the extensive Choquequirao complex. Then begins a gentle climb through bamboo thickets to a level pass. Looking ahead you can see the ridge of Qoriwayrachina ridge and high peak of Cerro Victoria. Camp at Pincha Unuyoc (Water Gushing Forth); ancient stone farming terraces, topped by a small temple complex.

Day 5 is a steep up and down hike; possibly the toughest of the entire trek. The trail down to the River Blanco is a series of steep switchbacks. As the altitude changes so does the vegetation resulting in a micro environment of twisted trees covered in lichens and epiphytes; good for spotting orchids and cactus. The cool waters of the Rio Blanco at the bottom are tempting for a quick dip. Continue uphill through cloud forest to a small clearing and a solitary house at Maizal.

The 6th day of the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu hike goes over the stunning Victoria Pass and into the remote and beautiful Yanama Valley. As you head up to Victoria Pass the vegetation thins out for spectacular views of the Vilcabamba and Pumasillo mountain ranges. Head past a number of 17th Century mining shafts for a gentle descent though farm land to the friendly village of Yanama. Take a visit to the tiny shop and camp overnight alongside a stream or in the school. At night watch out for fireflies.

Day 7 of the trek to Machu Picchu takes you over the highest pass. The first part of the trail through Yanama Valley is spectacular with many large waterfalls on both sides, open grasslands and high mountains. As you head up to the Yanama Pass, look out for the permanent glacier on top of Corihuaynachina. Yanama Pass offers spectacular views ahead to the Santa Teresa Valley and massive Salcantay (6,270m/20,565ft). The trail winds downwards to the village of Tortora and a riverside camp site.

With only one day to go before the first sighting of Machu Picchu, the 8th day the trail meets the very popular Salakantay trek and usually your first sight of other tourists. Heading away from the high mountains the walking is much gentler as it meanders up and down alongside the river. Cloud forest makes way to farming as you walk past coffee plantations, avocado trees and local children. It is much warmer here and trekkers might feel like a dip in the river alongside the school and the campsite for the night at La Playa..

Day 10 of the trek brings the first sighting of Machu Picchu. A steep climb takes you through pristine cloud forest to the small ceremonial Inca site of Patallacta and the first views of Machu Picchu across the valley. This view of Machu Picchu from afar is something that very few people see, and a truly memorable experience. Continue down past waterfalls to the hydroelectric station, the train to Aguas Calientes and a night in a hotel. You have arrived at Machu Picchu!

Karen Ward uses her years of experience of living and travelling in Latin America to plan customized, great value tours at Into Latin America. Karen has trekked all over Peru including the Machu Picchu to Choquequirao Trek. Find out how Karen can show you the real Latin America

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Machu-Picchu-to-Choquequirao-Trek–Second-Stage/1081602