CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 5 DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS

Duration

5 days / 4 nights

Group size

2 / 16

Activity level

Moderate / Challenging

Overview

The hike to the Choquequirao resort is very fascinating and one of the most popular trips in the Cusco area. It is surprising as it is surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an incredible variety of plants, birds and animals. It is located in the Salkantay mountain range, more than 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasillo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurímac 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 the opportunity to discover a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographical location of Choquequirao in reference to other religious centers of the same period tends to indicate that its function was that Inca enclave towards the valleys of the Apurímac river. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The purpose of the Road to Choquequirao was religious and ceremonial, a pilgrimage that included rituals to honor the mountains and peaks along the route, such as the sacred mountain of Salkantay.

Day 1 | By Bus Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca – Santa Rosa Baja.

We will pick you up from your hotel in tourist transportation from Cusco to the town of “San Pedro de Cachora” (2800 meters above sea level), a beautiful Andean town. Then we head towards Kapuliyoq where we will begin the approximately 3-hour walk down to Chiquisca where we will have lunch. Along the way we will be able to enjoy a great diversity of landscapes that belong to different climates, such as the snowy Padriyoc, a diversity of Andean flora and fauna that beautifies our trip. We will be able to see the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurímac canyon where the Apurímac River flows and it is also possible to see the first views of Choquequirao. We will continue descending to Chiquisca, where we will have a brief rest. Then we will continue descending for approximately 1 hour. towards the La Playa Rosalina Sector where our lunch and camp will be. Rosalina Beach is located approximately 1,450 m / 4,757 feet. Near the Apurímac River “God who speaks”. Then we will walk 2 more hours uphill towards Santa Rosa Baja where the camp is.

DAY 2 | Santa Rosa – Marampata-Choquequirao.

After an organic breakfast, begin the 2-hour climb to the small town of Marampata (rest point) and then continue the climb for 3 hours to the lunch spot of Marampata. 2918m/9530 feet And we will have the afternoon free to recover energy for the next day, which will be incredible. During the walk you will be able to enjoy the splendid Apurimac canyon, the Choquequiraw mountain and beautiful rugged mountains and an incredible sunset.

DAY 3 | Choquequirao “Full day"

After breakfast, we will visit the magnificent archaeological site of Choquequirao throughout the day. Enjoy the private guided tour and explore all the beautiful sections of the city: temples, terraces, palaces, llama neighborhoods and much more. We will return to the same camp to have tea and spend the night. Choquequirao means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua, the language of the Incas, although this is probably not its original name. It is another "Lost City of the Incas" officially rediscovered at the end of the 20th century. It sits atop a ridge spur nearly 1,750 meters/5,741 feet above the raging, glacier-fed Apurímac River and is surrounded by the high snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay. Excavations and restoration of the 1,810 hectare site began in the 1990s, and it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archaeologists are discovering new things.

Day 4 | Marampata – Chiquiska.

This morning we will begin our walk back to Santa Rosa, the path will be down the same path we took days ago and we will arrive there, where we will have lunch. Then we will continue descending for another 2 hours until we reach Rosalina beach at 1450 m / 4756 feet, where we will have time to take a refreshing dip in the waters of the Apurímac River. We camped and had dinner here; In addition, we spent the night near the river.

DAY 5 | Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – transfer by car to Cusco.

Today we will leave the camp very early in the morning after breakfast, we will walk 4 hours uphill to Capuliyoc 2,900m / 9,512 feet where the bus from Capuliyoc will pick you up to the city of Cusco.

About Choquequirao's campsites: Campsites may change (be different from this itinerary) depending on booking time and availability, weather conditions or restrictions adopted for safety reasons by the Peruvian government.

Pre-departure information: You will meet your guide and “Choquequirao Trek” group at our office for an orientation before your trek. Here, we will provide you with the canvas bags that our Porters will carry. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the afternoon before the trip begins. In case you cannot come at this time "let us know" to coordinate another time.
Tourist transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and travel by private transportation to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek to Choquequirao .
Choquequiraw Trek Adventure Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide, professional with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion for teaching others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, healthy and comfortable on your hike so you can enjoy your time and will make sure you are safe and happy.
Camps:
- Night 1: Enjoy the first night at the Santa Rosa Baja camp on the route to Choquequirao and sleep in our tents Pro Aconcagua Doite with 4 seasons. All of our tents sleep 4, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and poles so you don't have to bring dirt.
- Night 2: Enjoy the second night in Marampata on the route to Choquequirao and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite tents 4 seasons. All of our tents sleep 4, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and poles so you don't have to bring dirt.
- Night 3: Enjoy the third night in Marampata on the route to Choquequirao and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite tents 4 seasons. All of our tents sleep 4, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule at the front, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and poles so you don't have to bring dirt.
- Night 4: Enjoy the 4th night at the Chiquisca camp on the way back to Cusco and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All of our tents sleep 4, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule in the front, which gives it a little more.

Note: It is not common for camps, cabins or hotels to change after confirmation. However, it may vary according to government regulations and authorizations, also due to adverse weather conditions and perhaps due to the physical condition of our visitors: any change in this matter Inka Trail Expeditions Peru will inform you in advance and as soon as possible.

Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entrance ticket to the Choquequiraw trail.
1 duffel bag: You can store your personal luggage, up to 5 kg (11.02 lb), including your sleeping bag; This bag will be carried by our horses during the 4 days.
Professional trekking chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals throughout our journey on the trail to replenish your energy every day . You will never go hungry!
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners (vegetarian, vegan or special menus available at no additional cost) Please note that the first breakfast and last lunch is not included.
Boiled water: From your first lunch to your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water you need. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before being distributed. You must supply your own water bottles. We recommend bringing around 3l. You can fill your bottle with water after each meal.
Wake up with tea: Every morning at camp, you'll wake up to a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent to warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Tea time every day during the walk: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will give our tea time popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Hygiene products: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to wash your hands and every morning there will also be a bowl of warm water to wash your personal hygiene.
Medical kit and oxygen bottle: Our team will bring a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
Transfer back to Cusco: Private tourist transportation from Capuliyoc to your hotel in Cusco (Day 5).
24-hour guest service: We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day to facilitate communication and preparation with the agency leading to your trip.