Choquequirao Trek – Four Days

Visit the Mystical Ancient Inca City of Choquequirao!

This trek offers a serene, low-altitude journey with breathtaking views. Discover the enchanting ancient Inca city of Choquequirao, trek alongside the picturesque Apurimac Canyon, and witness the majestic flight of Andean condors.

Highlights

• Embark on a scenic trek along the Apurimac Canyon with breathtaking vistas
• Witness the graceful flight of Andean condors soaring in the sky
• Explore Choquequirao, a sacred Inca site nestled on a hillside

Itinerary

Day 1: Cuzco-Chicquisqa, Peru

Depart Cuzco and camp at Chicquisqa (1836m) (L/D)

We depart Cuzco around 5:00 am in a private car.  If there is time, we will visit the archaeological site of Saywite before descending to the mountain village of Cachora (2909m), a last minute opportunity to buy supplies. After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.

Day 2: Chicquisqa-Choquequirao, Peru

Hike to Choquequirao archaeological site(3110m) (B/L/D)

After an early departure, we descend to Playa Rosalinas and the magnificent Apurimac River (1550m) about 1 hour of hiking where we begin our steep climb to Santa Rosa (2095m). Here we can take a refreshing break, rest and buy water. Then we continue upwards, towards Marampata (2913m), a plateau where we will eat lunch and rest enjoying a splendid view of Choquequirao. After lunch, we will hike for about 2 more hours to reach the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3110m) where we will spend the evening exploring the site and watching condors fly overhead at sunset.

Day 3: Choquequirao-Santa Rosa, Peru

Explore Choquequirao archaeological site and hike down to Santa Rosa (2095m) (B/L/D)

Today, we will have a chance to explore the Inca site more in-depth and with some free time to rest in the morning. In the afternoon we return along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, descending to our tropical campsite at Santa Rosa (5 hours hiking).

Day 4: Santa Rosa-Cuzco, Peru

Hike to Cachora village and return to Cuzco (B)

Early in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the Apurimac Canyon, we descend to the raging river, and then begin an arduous climb that is rewarded with spectacular views. We climb for about four hours, and have lunch in Capuliyoc (2915m). The final two hours of our hike we will continue the trail into the village of Cachora along a refreshingly flat and picturesque trail through pretty farming countryside where our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cuzco (4-hour drive). We will arrive to Cuzco between 7 or 8pm.

-Included-

-Activities: 1

*4 day trek to Choquequirao

-Transport: 3

*Pick-up, Cachora transfers
*Cuzco accommodation pick-up
*Round trip tourist bus Cuzco – Cachora (starting point of trek)

-Accommodation: 3

*Hostel and camping in tents

– Meals: 9

*3B / 3L / 3D

-Guides:

*Professional English/Spanish/Quechua speaking guide

-Extras: 7

*Pre-departure briefing
*Choquequirao entrance fee
*Tent for 2 people
*Foam sleeping mat
*Horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker (this includes 3 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4 kilos of personal items.)
*First aid kit
*Emergency oxygen bottle

-Not Included-

*Airport pick-up/drop-off (please make your own way)
*Day 1 meals, day 2 breakfast, day 5 lunch and dinner
*Sleeping bag (rental $15 USD for the trek)
*Bottled water
*Tips: we recommend each trekker to give 50 soles per guide, 30 soles per horseman and 40 soles per cook (this recommended amount is optional and ultimately your decision, depending on the service you received. Please keep in mind that tipping is common in Latin America and would be greatly appreciated by the hard working team of horsemen, cooks and guides.)

Typical Meals on the Trek

On all of our treks to Machu Picchu, we search for great cooks who provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. A vegetarian option is available upon request (please advise at least two days in advance).

• Breakfast: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
• Lunch & Dinner:
  • First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes
  • Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chili pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew)
• Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
• Snacks: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk along with popcorn, cookies, crackers

Additional Information

• Suggested Packing List – Bring or Rent in Cuzco: Hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sunblock, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, and Gatorade, which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
• Essentials to Bring: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications.