Overview
Overview:
- Day 1. Cusco – Cachora -Chiquiska- Santa Rosa
- Day 2. Chiquiska-Santa Rosa – Marampata- Choquequirao.
- Day 3. Choquequirao – Marampata-La Playa- Chiquiska
- Day 4. Chiquiska – Capuliyoc-Cachora – Cusco
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 2915m / 9,564ft.
- Highest Altitude: 3150m / 10,397ft
- Walking Distance: 44 km / 26 miles
- Overall Difficulty: Difficult
Itinerary
Choquequirao Travel – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska – La Playa
Our adventure begins early, as we will pick you up at 5 a.m at your hotel in Cusco. In private transport, we will drive approximately 3 hours through beautiful mountains to arrive at the trailhead at Capuliyoc (3,200 meters). Here, you will meet your trekking chef, horses, and horsemen and we will share breakfast with one another. You will be surrounded by beautiful views of snow capped mountains, while getting to know the trekking team. After a group photo, we will begin our Choquequirao journey!
First, we start with a 3 hour descent, taking some breaks in between before we arrive to our lunch spot, again surrounded by 360 degree breathtaking views and we will be sure to take time to snap the perfect photo.
Generally, the trail can be a bit dusty slippery, but with well made trekking shoes and poles you will be fine. Along the way, you will have spectacular view of the Apurimac river and variant flora and fauna.
After lunch, we will walk 2 more hours until we reach our campsite at La Playa which rests at 1800 meters. Once settled in, we will enjoy a deliciously prepared dinner by our trekking chef and rest under the stars amidst the Andes.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 2,915 m/9,564 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 1,900 m/ 6,270 ft
- Walking Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Approximate walking Time: 5-6 hours
Day 2: La Playa – Marampata – Choquequirao
We enjoy an early breakfast and a hot cup of coca tea and prepare for the day. We begin by crossing a bridge and then we embark on a 4 hour switchback incline. Along the way, we will pass sugar cane farms and we will have incredible views of the valley below. If we are lucky, we may even spot some Andean Condors. Condors are the largest birds of the Andes with a wingspan that can reach up to 10 feet! This portion of our trek will be the most challenging on our trek, but not to worry, we have an emergency horse in case you get tired and would like a break for some sections.
After our climb, we arrive at Marampata and this will be the end of the uphill walking for the day. Here, at 3,350 meters we will enjoy a well deserved lunch break and siesta. Once we have had ample rest, we will continue on to Choquequirao itself. We have only 2 more hours with mostly level terrain and of course, breathtaking scenery. Throughout, we tower above the Apurimac river and at one point have a vantage point of the whole Choquequirao ruin site.
We will camp close to Choquequirao and enjoy a nourishing dinner after hard day’s work.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
- Walking Distance: 14 km /8 miles
- Approximate walking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 3: Choquequirao
After enjoying an early breakfast, we will prepare for a day dedicated to exploring Choquequirao. From our campsite, it is only a 30 minute hike to the ruins. Once we are there,
we will have an extensive tour of this fascinating ancient site. Choquequirao is considered to be bigger than Machu Picchu, however most of it is hidden in the forest, waiting to be discovered. It is thought to be so vast because the Inca’s strategical chose where to best construct building, houses, and agricultural terraces in the mountain.
Throughout the tour, we will visit all the most significant sites including: temples, astronomical observatories, and water channels. In total, the tour will be about 4 hours and then we will head back to our camp for lunch.
After lunch, we will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the site on your own time. There is plenty to see such as the llama sections which was built by the Incas to represent the llama constellation in the Milky Way. Then, we make are way to the Usno area, where we get to witness the sunset over the mountains, an incredible photo opportunity. After, we walk back to our campsite, enjoy dinner and relax.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Minimum Altitude: 2892 msnm / 9488 ft
- Walking Distance: ?
- Approximate walking Time: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Choquequirao – Marampata – La Playa – Chiquiska
Today we say goodbye to the majestic Choquequirao and move onward to Chiquiska. We make our way back towards Marmapata for approximately 2 hours and along the way enjoy
the incredible and towering Andes.
From Marmpata, we begin a 4 hours downhill hike to La Playa. This downhill definitely requires trekking poles, which will be provided. Part way down, we will take a break to pick and enjoy some fruits straight from the farms surrounding us. In this area, cactus fruit are a primary produce, which is delicious!
Finally, we reach La Playa and enjoy lunch. After lunch, it is just another 2 hours up hill to Chiquiska-Cocamasana Camp. We will relax here and feast on a delicious dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Maximum Altitude: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
- Walking Distance: 14 km /8 miles
- Approximate walking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Chiquiska – Cachora – Saywite-conoc – Cusco
After our last breakfast, we get ready to return to Cusco. We embark on a 3 hour hike until we arrive at the end of our trek. In the distance, we soak in the last views of Choquequirao, Capuliyoc Pass. When we get to the top, we will have private transport waiting for us to take us to the archaeological site of Saywite. Here, we tour this fascinating site and get to see water fountains and an Inca monolith.
After, we will make our way to Conoc hot springs and soak in the medicinal waters. After our long adventure, this is perfect! We will enjoy our last meal together here and then drive back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Maximum Altitude: 2,850 m/ 9,407 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 1,900 m / 6,270 ft
- Walking Distance: 8 km /5 miles
- Approximate walking Time: 3-4 hours
Inclusions
Choquequirao Travel Includes.
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Pre trek briefing 1 or 2 days before your Choquequirao Travel
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
- Chef
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by bus to and from Cachora
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- A 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
Choquequirao Travel Does not Include
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Dinner on Day 4
- Tips for the crew
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your Choquequirao Travel.
What you need to take for Choquequirao Travel
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Spare batteries
- Torch
Price
Choquequirao Travel – Prices.
- 2 people US$680 per person
- 3 people US$650 per person
- 4 people US$620 per person
- 5+ people US$570 per person
NOTE: Personal Porter Included in the Price.
Discounts.
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras.
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$25
FAQs
Choquequirao refuge of the Incas.
Choquequirao is considered the Jewel of the Andes and one of the most incredible Inca site. The remote hike required to reach Choquequirao is one of Peru’s more moderate treks, but the amazing Choquequirao ruins at the end are more than worth it.
Choquequirao, which means “Cradle of Gold” in the native Quechua language, is thought to have acted as the administrative and military capital of the Vilcabamba region. During it’s final years, Choquequirao served as main defense point of the Incas as they retreated from their strongholds in Cusco and in the Sacred Valley towards the jungle, desperately resisting the Spanish conquest.
The Choquequirao trek is also known and famous for being the sister of Machupicchu Furthermore, another unique feature is that the ancient city is bordered by two distinct environments, the Andes and the Amazon, making it one of the most distinct ruins in all of Peru. The construction of Choquequirao is estimated to have been built around 1536. Experts also hypothesize that the city served as one of the final refuges for the Incas after the conquest by the Spaniards.
What is the best time of year to hike Choquequirao?
The best time to do the Choquequirao trek is from April to October. This is the dry season in the Andes, and also when the weather is the most predictable. During the rainy season between October and April often the trail is closed because of unsafe trail conditions and torrential weather.
How difficult is the hike to Choquequirao?
The trail includes a steep ascent from the valley floor to the crest of the mountains and high cloud forests that hide Choquequirao. To deal with such a steep incline, the trail uses a number of zigzagging turns, although the incline still takes a toll on hikers. Luckily, the final stretch of path that leads towards the stone gates of Choquequirao is level.
Although the journey is difficult, stepping onto the site’s fully-restored central plaza for the first time will surely prove to you that the journey is worth it. It is also likely that no other person will be around, and you will have the Choquequirao ruins to yourself.
How to get to Choquequirao
The only way to reach the trailhead to these Inca ruins is by bus or private vehicle. Trekking is the only way to get to Choquequirao, and it is no simple task. It is recommended that you hire a guide and a few pack mules to carry extra supplies. It takes approximately 2 days of full hiking to get to the archeological site, and 5 days total to complete the trip.
The campsites, like the route itself, are well-maintained and equipped with facilities not found on most other Andean trails. The campsites all have running water, showers and toilet blocks, and even small shops selling snacks and drinks.
What permit is required?
There is no permit required to hike the Choquequirao, but there is an entry fee for Choquequirao ruins. Do not worry about it, The fee is included in the Price of your trek.
Can I charge my devices along the trek?
There is no electricity at the campsites on the route to choquequirao, so we recommend taking extra battery packs or power banks with you.
How can I prepare for the high altitude-acclimatization?
Without doubt the best way to prepare for high altitude is to spend time at high
altitude cities. We recommend a minimum of 2-3 days acclimatization for the Choquequirao trek.
Acclimatization around Cusco does not have to be a bore. There is a wealth of great things to do and see around Cusco.Your time acclimatizing will be well-spent getting to know more about Peru and culture.
What do I carry during the trek?
All you need to carry with you each day on the tour is a light day pack. In your day pack, you should carry.
- Water bottle
- Extra warm layers, beanie, mitts and a scarf
- Sun hat,gloves,sunscreen and bug spray
- A camera
Water is very important during the trek, and we recommend 2L per day. We will provide boiled and filtered water during the hike, every morning after breakfast, where you can refill your water bottle.
Additional
SPECIAL ADDITIONAL:
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included).All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
