Choquequirao Trek 4 Days/ 3 Nights
Duration
From
Overview
The Choquequirao ruins were most likely built during the reigns of the Inca kings Pachacuti and Inca Yupanqui, and are considered the last bastion of resistance and refuge for the Sons of the Sun, who fled the city of Cusco when it was under siege in 1535. Led by Manco Inca Yupanqui, they took refuge in Choquequirao. Presumably, it was used both as a checkpoint for access to the Vilcabamba Area and as a cultural and religious centre. Choquequirao served as a crucial link between the Amazon Rainforest and Cusco. The region boasts numerous microclimates and a landscape dotted with snow-covered peaks reaching approximately 6,000 meters (19,685 ft).
Doing this trek, you will discover the great citadel of the last Inca kings and also reach the beautiful ecosystem.
Altitude: 1500 – 3030 m/ 4921 – 9941ft
High season: whole year
Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights or 5 days/ 4 nights
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Full Itinerary
We will leave Cusco (3350 m/10991ft) approximately at 05:30 am. First, we will head to the village of Cachora (2850 m/9350ft) to meet our horse riders and the mules that will carry all the camping equipment during the expedition. Thereafter, we will continue our journey towards the pass of Capuliyoc (2800 m/9186ft). Here, the trek offers beautiful views of the mythical mountain Padreyoc, the deep canyon, and the river Apurimac (“Speaking River”). Thereupon, we will descend towards the interior of the canyon named Chiquisca (1930 m/6332ft), where we will spend the night.
Climate: Warm
Hiking time: 7 hours
After breakfast, we will descend to the Playa Rosalina (1550 m/5085ft). From there, we will continue to Marampata (2850 m/9350 ft), where we will have a beautiful view of the Choquequirao archaeological complex (3033 m/9951ft). Our camping site is located 25 minutes from the settlement.
Climate: Both cold and warm
Hiking time: 7 hours
At sunrise, we will visit the archaeological site of Choquequirao first. By now, only 30% of this golden cradle has been exposed. Thereafter, we will descend to the Apurimac canyon’s deepest part, called San Ignacio at 1500 meters, and have lunch. After that, we will ascend to our camping site in the beautiful gardens of Carmen (2000 m/6562ft).
Climate: Moderate climate with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 6 hours
Note: Due to the ecosystem’s constant changes, this day is considered to be the most beautiful! Nevertheless, the route from Choquequirao to San Ignacio is very slippery in some parts. Therefore, we ask you to proceed carefully. Moreover, we recommend carrying sufficient water with you.
The gardens of Carmen are situated close to the manor of Tambo Bamba (2500 m/8202ft). This region was governed by landowners during the 19th and 20th centuries and was considered one of the most fertile valleys for cultivating maize and a wide variety of potatoes. We will pass through little villages such as Pacobamba and Huanipaca (3150 m./10335 ft.), and then return to Cusco by bus.
Climate: Moderate, warm
Hiking time: 5 hours
Transport time: 5 hours
Included/Exclude
- Private transport from your hotel to Cachora
- 24-hour support from the company owner
- Entrance tickets to Choquequirao
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- We use high-quality camping equipment, including professional tents. Specifically, we have Doite, Model Kailas 3 (extra light/4.5 kg), and Doite, Model Himalaya (extra light/4.5 kg). Both tents are spacious enough for two people. Mattresses, an eating tent with table and chairs, a bathroom tent)
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks/ vegetarian option)
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horsemen and mules, for all camping and personal luggage
- Emergency horse
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Sleeping bag (you can lend one with us)
- Insurance of any kind
Recommendations, what to bring
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack with a rain shelter
- Clothing for warm and cold climates, like a waterproof jacket
- Rain pants and lightweight pants
- Trekking shoes
- Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)
- Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater
- Long- and short-sleeved polos/ T-Shirts
- A rain poncho and a hat
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilising tablets, toiletries, and toilet paper
- Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), a flashlight, and batteries
- Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruits
- Original passport and extra money in Soles
- Since the weather can be icy and moist, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change into
Notes:
(1) On our client’s recommendation, we suggest spending an additional day in the settlement of Choquequirao to enjoy this beautiful archaeological site in more detail. On our way back to Cusco, we also have the option to visit the thermal baths in Cconoc. Ask us for further information.
(2) The trek to Choquequirao must not be underestimated. Especially the second day involves great physical exertion – combined with high altitude and extreme weather (it can get very hot), the trek can be hard work. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you be well-acclimatised, in good shape, and healthy.
(3) From the first to the fourth day (from Cachora to Huanipaca), we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 8 kg).
(4) Tips for porters, cooks, and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for small donations, such as clothing or school equipment, for their children.
What we need when you make a reservation
- Full name, as written in your passport (please include a scanned copy of your passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Tour departure date
- Send a deposit of 60% of the total price of your tour. (The remainder of your balance will be due upon your arrival in Cusco.) Payment can be made via Western Union, PayPal, or ABN AMRO Bank in Holland, or securely and directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and clicking the BOOK NOW button.
Prices
- The price is US$600.00 per person, based on a group of 4.
- For groups of five or more, the price is US$575 per person.
“With every tour you book with Green Peru Adventures, you can request a free walking tour of Cusco’s mysterious and historical city, accompanied by one of our professional guides, who speaks several languages.”
We are looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you.
