The Quechua name “Choquequirao” means “Cradle of Gold” and this Inca site is located high above the raging Apurimac River, surrounded by lush tropical cloud forest. This was one of the last refuges of the Incas after the Spanish invasion. The route to Choquequirao will take you through breathtaking scenery, from arid slopes dotted with cacti to dense cloud forest inhabited by many bird species, watched over throughout the trek by the great snow peaks the Incas believed were gods. This trip is a wonderful opportunity to explore one of Peru’s remotest mountain regions and least well-known Inca cities.
This packages is create for the hikers who is looking to enjoy and stay plenty time in Choquequirao Trek, during the 5 days the distance is considerable with 6 to 7 hours hike, the land scape and wild life takes more time to make enjoyable and unforgettable journeys.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian
✔ Emergency horse over 6 persons
✔ Cook and cooking equipment
✔ Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 8 kg)
✔ Lunch
✔ Dinner
✔ Breakfast
✔ The north face or Eureka tents- 2 people
✔ Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
✔ First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
✔ High quality camping equipment, tents are big enough for 2 people
✔ Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
✔ Entrance fees to Choquequirao
✔ Private transport from Cusco to Cachora trail head
✖ Sleeping bag
✖ Day 1: Breakfast
✖ Lunch and Dinner on the last day
✖ Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company
✖ Inflatable mattresses
Pickup Locations
1. Inka Club Hostel
2. San Agustin Plaza
3. San Agustin International Hotel
4. Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
5. Atoq San Blas Hotel
6. Mister Inkas Hotels Inn
7. Hotel Arqueologo - Casa Peralta - Exclusive Selection
8. Tecte Guest House
9. Hotel Marqueses
10. Andean Wings Boutique Hotel
11. Hotel Taypikala Cusco
12. Qorikoyllur Hostal
13. Tupac Yupanqui Hotel
14. Hotel Royal Qosqo
15. Jw Marriott El Convento Cusco
16. Hotel Cusco Plaza III
17. Hospedaje Kiswarcancha
18. Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
19. Kimsa Hotel
20. Inkaterra La Casona
Additional Info: We will be picking you up from your hotel within the historic centre of Cusco. Please Note: This service doesn't include pick up in private residencies, example; Airbnb or hotels that are outside the historic centre.
Itinerary
Cusco – Cachora – Chiquiska.
1
Cachora
An early morning scenic bus ride of approximately four hours through high Andean plains will bring us to the village of Cachora, where we will meet our mule drivers. Leaving the village, we will begin with a gentle hike along an old mining road to Kapulyoq Pass (2800 meters / 9,240 feet). From this pass we will have our first mesmerizing view of the deep Apurimac canyon and the surrounding snow peaks. After resting and enjoying the scenery, we will continue our descent of approximately three hours along a dusty trail, zigzagging down the arid wall of the canyon, to our first camp at the Chiquiska oasis (1800 meters / 6000 feet)
Duration: 6 hours
Chiquiska – Choquequirao
1
Choquequirao
After a nourishing breakfast we will continue our descent to the valley floor, where we will cross the Apurimac River (1495 meters / 5000 feet). From here we will start to climb the long, steep trail (approximately five hours) to our destination: the impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao, where we should arrive just in time to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the deep canyon and the surrounding mountains (3000 meters / 9,900 feet).
Duration: 6 hours
Choquequirao
1
Choquequirao Inca Citadel
During the morning we will visit the restored section of Choquequirao and explore some of the ruins that are still covered by lush cloud forest vegetation. Much work has been done in recent years to excavate, clear and restore the site. After lunch, those who choose to can visit the Cascade House(restored buildings and terraces some 300 meters (1000 feet) below the main structures of Choquequirao). Later, our evening meal will consist of a typical Peruvian “pachamanca” (traditional Andean ingredients cooked in the earth). Volunteers to help with the preparation will be welcome! From the highest point of the archaeological site (the “usno”, or ceremonial platform) there are fine views of the Apurimac canyon far below, and if we are fortunate we may even see a great Andean condor soar above us.
Duration: 7 minutes
Choquequirao – Cocamazana
1
Choquequirao
After breakfast and a last chance to explore independently the main structures of the archaeological site, it will be time to begin the long descent to the Apurimac River, where we will stop for lunch and a rest, before the three hour climb to our last camp at Cocamazana (2300 meters / 7,600 feet). On our last night together we will enjoy an excellent meal with spectacular views of Choquequirao Trek and the Apurimac Canyon.
Duration: 8 hours
Cocamazana – Cachora – Cusco
1
Cusco
In order to avoid the intense sun, we will start our day early with the climb up to Kapulyoq Pass (2800 meters / 9,250 feet), from where we will continue along a flat country road to the village of Cachora, arriving before noon.
After a well-deserved rest we will say goodbye to the mule drivers and begin our return bus journey to Cusco. If there is time, along the way we will stop and visit Saywite, an enormous rock carved by the Incas into a 3-dimensional representation of their empire, complete with flora and fauna. We will arrive back in Cusco in time for a hot shower, before heading into town for a night out!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
