Africa – Amazing African Safari

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the smell of a hot breakfast prepared by your cook. Today is one of the most rewarding days of the trek. We’ll begin with a three-hour climb from Santa Rosa to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft). The trail is steep but offers some of the most spectacular views of the canyon below, with condors gliding overhead and snowy peaks framing the horizon.

After a short rest at Marampata, we’ll continue for one and a half hours through lush Andean vegetation until we finally reach the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft).

Known as “the Sister City of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao is much larger than its famous counterpart, though only 40% has been uncovered by archaeologists. This isolation makes the experience intimate — you may find yourself exploring ancient plazas, ceremonial terraces, temples, and the unique white stone llama carvings with no other tourists in sight. Your guide will share stories about Inca engineering, religious ceremonies, and the strategic importance of this hidden city high in the mountains.

We’ll enjoy lunch at the site, surrounded by views that few people in the world have the privilege to see. In the afternoon, we’ll hike back to Marampata, where your cozy Andean cabin awaits. From your private terrace, you’ll watch the canyon glow in the golden sunset and later witness a sky so full of stars it feels almost unreal. Dinner will be served in the dining cabin before you rest in your warm, comfortable bed.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our descent back toward Santa Rosa, retracing the trail while enjoying different perspectives of the canyon and the surrounding peaks. In Santa Rosa, we’ll visit a small local farm where sugar cane is grown and distilled into Cambray, a traditional liquor of the region. You’ll see the artisanal process and have the chance to taste this sweet Andean drink.

From here, we’ll continue descending to Rosalinas Beach (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). This is the lowest point of the trek, and you can refresh your feet in the icy waters of the Apurímac River before starting a gradual ascent to Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft).

Tonight’s accommodation is another cozy Andean cabin with a private balcony, perfectly positioned to watch the sunset paint the canyon walls in shades of orange and purple. After dinner, you can sit outside and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature before resting in your comfortable bed.

Your final morning on the trail begins with breakfast in your cabin, accompanied by the sound of the Apurímac River far below. We’ll set off early to avoid the midday heat, climbing steadily back to Capuliyoc. From here, you’ll take one last look at the canyon before bidding farewell to your trekking team.

On the way back to Cusco, we’ll stop at Saywite Rock, an enormous carved stone used by the Incas for ceremonial purposes, with intricate designs believed to represent their understanding of water and agriculture.

After this visit, we’ll head to Conoc Hot Springs, where you can relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by lush vegetation — the perfect way to soothe your muscles after four days of trekking. We’ll enjoy lunch here before completing the drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 pm.

By the end of this journey, you’ll carry not only incredible photographs but also the memory of nights spent in beautiful Andean cabins with unforgettable views, making this trek a truly unique experience in the Andes.