Choquequirao Trek in 4 days


Choquequirao Trek

The Choquequirao complex trek is very fascinating and one of the most popular trips in the Cusco area. And it’s no surprise as it´s surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an amazing variety of plants, birds and animals.

It is situated in the spur of the Salkantay Mountain range, at over 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was connected and in communication with Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails.

Choquequirao is considered "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". Visitors will have a chance to discover a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographic location of Choquequirao in reference to other religious centers of the same period tends to indicate that its function was that Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.


Itinerary

Choquequirao Trek in 4 days - Day 1

At 5:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco in our private van that takes us to the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2800m). There you have plenty of time to try a local breakfast (not included in the package, though the price is fairly reasonable). We will meet the rest of our team (cooks and horse handlers) and start our long trek for the day, which takes us between 7 and 8 hours in this mountainous region. Along the way we will observe diverse landscapes typical to the different climates in the area with views such as the Pedroyoc snow-capped mountain or even the diverse flora and fauna that enhance our experience.

We will finally arrive at the viewpoint of Capulichayoc from where we will be able to observe the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurimac, with the Apurimac River at the bottom. It is here we have our first lunch and our first sights of Choquequirao. Once we rest, we continue descending until Chiquisca (1800m) where we set up the tents and spend the night surrounded by the wonderful landscapes.

Meals: Lunch – Dinner

Choquequirao Trek in 4 days - Day 2

After a good breakfast, we start a 5 hour strenuous uphill hike until our lunch stop at Marcapata. Here we will have a guided tour of Chokequirao (the "Golden Cradle"), considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu for the many similarities they share. Chokequirao hangs 1500 meters above the Apurimac Canyon while Machu Picchu looks over the Urubamba canyon, they have the same latitude, and both are large citadels of more than 8 hectares with only one third having been uncovered so far.

Archeologists make new discoveries every day. We will explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, appreciating the various houses, terraces and other elements of this late Inca town. We will camp next to Marcapata.

Choquequirao Trek in 4 days - Day 3

We can view the sunrise over the ruins at dawn and after a good breakfast, start going down using the same way we came, until we reach our camp at Chiquisca.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Choquequirao Trek in 4 days - Day 4

An early start today will help us to avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee us some magnificent views of the Apurimac and the surrounding peaks. On our journey we reach the lookout at Capuliyoc one final time where we say goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while surrounded by the flora & forna special to this area. We will then climb to our final destination of San Pedro de Cachora to return to Cusco by bus.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch.


More Information

  • Transfers In / Out
  • Transportation from Cusco to where we start walking
  • Professional bilingual tour guide
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao
  • 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Professional Cook: Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-
  • allergies and general dislikes can be catered for so long as prior warning is given when booking the trip
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • First aid kit
  • 1 oxygen tank
  • Extra horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
  • Quadruple & waterproof camping tent (cap. 4 fitting 2)
  • 1 sleeping mattress per person
  • Meals after breakfast on Day 4
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Other items or activities not mentioned.
  • Sleeping Bag Rental U.S. $ 25.00 for entire trip.
  • Metal walking sticks US$ 15.00 for the entire trip.
  • Extra Horses for carrying your personal equipment $ 60.00 dollars for 04 days.
  • Supplemental single Tent for camping nights U.S. $ 35.00.

Hotel in Lima, Cusco or other cities in Peru can be booked for the kind you prefer (Standard, Economy, First Class, Luxury). Ask us about this service! We have confidential rates of each hotel in Cusco to be able to get you a good deal.

  • Original passport
  • Sleeping bag (not included, but can be rented from us)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
  • Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags
  • Water, water purification tablets, or money to buy water along the way
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries
  • Personal medication
  • Camera
  • Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
  • Walking stick/Trekking Pole (with rubber tip)
  • Plasters and bandages
  • Sandals
  • Extra money
  • This map shows the route of the Inca Trail 1 day that start on km 104. Chachabamba and ends on Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Village.

Short Inca Trail machu Picchu - 1 Day Map

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