Choquequirao Trekking Tour
4 days
580.00
Enjoying only a fraction of the fame and publicity of its neighbour Machu Picchu the Inca city of Choquequirao is nevertheless equally impressive. Covering an area twice the size of Machu Picchu this spectacular site overlooks the magnificent Apurimac River Canyon in an area often visited by Condors and other distinctive Andean Wildlife. The region is also crisscrossed by thousands of kilometres of ancient Inca Trails, some of which we will use in the course of our Choquequirao Trekking Tour. The local Quechua communities here go about their agricultural way of life in this harsh environment, surrounded by spectacular glacier capped ‘apus’ or mountain gods, in ways that have changed little for hundreds of years. Come and join us on our trek to this little Inca known gem!
Day 1 - Cusco to Santa Rosa.
Day 2 - Santa Rosa to Choquequirao.
Day 3 - Choquequirao to Chiquisca.
Day 4 - Chiquisca to Cusco.
Early in the morning we transfer to the small village of Cachora to begin our Choquequirao Trekking Tour adventure in this relatively remote area of the Southern Peruvian Andes. At roughly 07.00 am we have breakfast as our trekking team readies the mules and horses, checks and packs supplies. From the village of Cachora it is often possible to see the spectacular snow peak of Padrayoc rising high above the Apurimac Canyon to the North. Today’s trek will be long, more 21 km over a 10 hour period, but the spectacular scenery more than makes up for this – small farms cling to the steep slopes of the Apurimac along our route. As we descend into the Canyon we have a chance to spot Condors near Capuliyoc. There are also some excellent examples of high altitude dry forest to explore on the route. Descending to around 1500m we cross the Apurimac River and begin ascending the far side of the valley towards the small community of Santa Rosa. After a steep 1 ½ hour climb we reach our destination near the village where we set up camp. It may be possible to purchase some supplies at a small shop in the village. (B.L.D.)
After an early breakfast we continue the Choquequirao Trekking Tour climbing a further 2 to 3 hours to the viewpoint of Marampata. The waterfall of Huanpaca can be seen across the valley. From this point the trial flattens out, following the contours of the Apurimac Valley through some beautiful areas of cloud forest. After around 5 hours of trekking we arrive at our first destination, the vast Inca complex of Choquequirao, sitting on a ridge overlooking the valley at almost 3000m. In the afternoon we have the opportunity this huge site, with the upper and lower plazas and the fine stonework of the ‘outlier building’ below the main complex being considered particular highlights. Our camp will be set up close to the site. (B.L.D.)
After breakfast we pack our equipment and begin our Choquequirao Trekking Tour return journey. Once again we have an opportunity to appreciate the stunning surrounds as we descend into the Apurimac Canyon. Re-crossing the river we ascend from the river for about 1 ½ hours before making our camp in the beautiful Choquequirao Trekking Tour wooded area around Chiquisca (1930m). (B.L.D.)
Continuing our Choquequirao Trekking Tour return we retrace our route through the dramatic and impressive scenery that encircles us. We pass the viewpoint of Capuliyoc at 2800m, and it is here that we have our last views of Choquequirao in the distance. After about 7 hours of trekking we return to Cachora were our transport will be waiting for our journey to Cusco. We break up the road trip with a stop at the thermal springs of Cconoc, the perfect antidote for aching muscles. Return to Cusco. (B.L.) End of our Choquequirao Trekking Tour service.
Day 1 - Cusco to Santa Rosa.
Early in the morning we transfer to the small village of Cachora to begin our Choquequirao Trekking Tour adventure in this relatively remote area of the Southern Peruvian Andes. At roughly 07.00 am we have breakfast as our trekking team readies the mules and horses, checks and packs supplies. From the village of Cachora it is often possible to see the spectacular snow peak of Padrayoc rising high above the Apurimac Canyon to the North. Today’s trek will be long, more 21 km over a 10 hour period, but the spectacular scenery more than makes up for this – small farms cling to the steep slopes of the Apurimac along our route. As we descend into the Canyon we have a chance to spot Condors near Capuliyoc. There are also some excellent examples of high altitude dry forest to explore on the route. Descending to around 1500m we cross the Apurimac River and begin ascending the far side of the valley towards the small community of Santa Rosa. After a steep 1 ½ hour climb we reach our destination near the village where we set up camp. It may be possible to purchase some supplies at a small shop in the village. (B.L.D.)
Day 2 - Santa Rosa to Choquequirao.
After an early breakfast we continue the Choquequirao Trekking Tour climbing a further 2 to 3 hours to the viewpoint of Marampata. The waterfall of Huanpaca can be seen across the valley. From this point the trial flattens out, following the contours of the Apurimac Valley through some beautiful areas of cloud forest. After around 5 hours of trekking we arrive at our first destination, the vast Inca complex of Choquequirao, sitting on a ridge overlooking the valley at almost 3000m. In the afternoon we have the opportunity this huge site, with the upper and lower plazas and the fine stonework of the ‘outlier building’ below the main complex being considered particular highlights. Our camp will be set up close to the site. (B.L.D.)
Day 3 - Choquequirao to Chiquisca.
After breakfast we pack our equipment and begin our Choquequirao Trekking Tour return journey. Once again we have an opportunity to appreciate the stunning surrounds as we descend into the Apurimac Canyon. Re-crossing the river we ascend from the river for about 1 ½ hours before making our camp in the beautiful Choquequirao Trekking Tour wooded area around Chiquisca (1930m). (B.L.D.)
Day 4 - Chiquisca to Cusco.
Continuing our Choquequirao Trekking Tour return we retrace our route through the dramatic and impressive scenery that encircles us. We pass the viewpoint of Capuliyoc at 2800m, and it is here that we have our last views of Choquequirao in the distance. After about 7 hours of trekking we return to Cachora were our transport will be waiting for our journey to Cusco. We break up the road trip with a stop at the thermal springs of Cconoc, the perfect antidote for aching muscles. Return to Cusco. (B.L.) End of our Choquequirao Trekking Tour service.
Staff/Crew: Bilingual certified guide. Mules to carry our camping and trekking gear, plus a maximum of 10kg of personal gear per client. Well rested horses in case of emergencies. Friendly horseman hired from local communities. Professional trail cook. Our official guides carry first aid kits, an oxygen bottle and a satellite phone in case of any medical emergencies.
Accommodation: Good quality tents, self inflating sleeping mattresses, dining tent with camping table and chairs, toilet tent.
Local Tours and Activities: Tour of Choquequirao Archaeological Site are included (entrance fees are included in the price).
Transport: All transport to and from your Cusco Accommodation (tour bus to and from the trail head).
Meals: Excellent nutritious meals will be provided by cook while on the trek (if you have specific dietary requirements or would prefer vegetarian options please specify this when booking the tour). We also provide energy snacks in between meals.
What is not Included
Things to Bring
Note: On this trek mules will carry up to 10kg of personal gear per client, so please try and keep baggage to a minimum. If you require an extra mule for additional gear please inform us when booking your tour.