night 0 = Cuzco
... bus towards Abancay on the main highway
...ask to get out at the turn-off to Cachora (about 4 hours from Cusco)
... walk down to the village (90 minutes) and (you may be offered a ride in one of the few passing vehicles)
... organize an arriero & pack animal, if you wish
... stay in one of several inexpensive basic hostels overnight
night 1= Cachora village (2850m)
... get an early start
... long descent down to the Apurímac river (take it easy)
... cross the excellent bridge
... ascend to Santa Rosa campsite (water, small shop)
night 2 = Santa Rosa
... get an early start
... this is the longest day
... ascend as quickly as you can to Marampata (2850m)
... set up your tent in one of the many lovely campspots
... ask permission first, of course, of the local people
... eat lunch, then head up to the ruins which are still an hour away
night 3= Marampata
... consider making a second visit to the ruins early morning
... this is an easy day so you have time
... backtrack to the river, then climb back up to Chaquiska
... there are two different campsites here, at least
... compare them before you set up your tent as one was far better when we were there
night 4 = Chaquiska
... get an early start
... backtrack up the canyon wall, then to Cachora
... return your pack animals if you hired any
... pay for the first possible ride back up to the highway
... flag down any bus headed to Cuzco (4 hours)
night 5 = Cuzco
... celebrate!
