Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 4 Days/3 Nights
Group Size: 2-12 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 50 km
OVERVIEW
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders.
Choquequirao, which means “Cradle of Gold”, is located to the northeast of Cuzco and surrounded by sacred mountains, the glacier-fed Apurimac River and seated on a high ridge within the Southern Andes. Located at 3,100m.a.s.l Choquequirao is isolated deep within the mystical Vilcambamba mountain range. This trek is also known as the “Sister of Machu Picchu” and is considered the other “Lost City of the Incas”.
The Choquequirao Trek is for those serious hikers who want to enjoy an “off the beaten path” adventure. This long trek is for those who are in excellent physical shape/fit and have strong endurance. On this adventurous trek you will walk on Inca highways, hike through contrasting Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, see unspoiled Incan sites and behold the elusive Condor in flight. You will also see several other species of birds, insects and cactus covered cliffs and lush rainforest vegetation.
This trip is supported by horses for your convenience, and we provide you with top quality camping equipment and a very balanced, energy rich diet.
Would you like a remote experience in the Andes? If so, this is the trek for you!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco – Cachora-Capuliyoc – Chiquisca –Santa Rosa Baja
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Cuzco at approx. 4:15 A.M. You will then begin the 4-hour drive to the trail head in Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). You’ll pass through the small town of Cachora and continue to Capuliyoc for breakfast, also, you will meet your horsemen here. After breakfast, your trek will start by descending all the way down to Chikisca where you will have lunch. Along the way, you will enjoy great views of Apurimac Canyon, snow-capped mountains such as Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). After lunch, you will hike down for one hour more to get to Playa Rosalinas and then continue hiking up for two hours to our first campsite at Santa Rosa baja, where you will spend the night.
Note: Our campsite could be in Chikisca if the group is really tired.
Hiking Distance: 14 Km /8.5 miles (8 to 9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 2,850 m (9,400 ft)
Day 2: Santa Rosa Baja-Maranpata-Choquequirao
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition, because today you will hike uphill for around 2 hours to the Maranpata village (2,850m/9,350ft), taking time to appreciate the myriad of flora and fauna along the valley and the magnificent Inkan site of Choquequirao. You will have lunch here and then your guide will lead you to explore to some important parts of Choquequirao ruins that is located just 25 minutes away from Campsite. Finally, you will head back to your campsite where you will enjoy your dinner.
Note: Our campsite could be around Sunchupata or just in Maranpata if the group is really tired.
Hiking Distance: 8.5 km/5 miles (5-6 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 3,033 m (9,950 ft)
Day 3: Choquequirao-Maranpata- Chiquisca
After a healthy breakfast, you will complete exploring at the stunning sections of Choquequirao ruins, and then you will come back towards Maranpata village and Aramñaga for lunch. Afterwards, you will descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) for three hours. Finally, you will walk up a moderate hill for 1.5 hour to your third campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft).
Note: there will be an option to have lunch to go to Choquequirao.
Hiking Distance: 17 km/ 11 miles (8-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3: 2,100 m (6,889 ft)
Day 4: Chiquisca-Capuliyoc-Cuzco
Like previous mornings, after your delicious breakfast you will being ascending towards Capuliyoc (2,800 m.a.s.l.) which will take approximately 3 hours, then you will have lunch in nearby Capuliyoc area. Following, you will catch your bus to back to Cusco and will pass Cachora town. The trip will be approximately between 4-5 hours until we reach your hotel. We hope you enjoy this adventure of a lifetime.
Hiking Distance: 7km /4.3 miles (3-4 hours)
- According to Lonely Planet Magazine, Choquequirao is considered to be the best region in the world to travel year round.
- Witness the panoramic views of the Andean mountains, and experience the breathtaking Incan ruin undisturbed by large crowds (Day 1, 2, 3 and 4).
- Visit what many have deemed the sister city of Machu Picchu for its appearance and historical significance and the other last Inca Kingdom (Day 2).
- You will be given a warm welcome by Condors flying over the mountains (Day 1)
- Explore the other astonishing the lost city of the Incas Choquequirao (Day2 and 3).
- Hike along the winding Choquequirao trail with the high cloud forest right before your eyes (Day 2).
- You will enjoy as much as possible our Peruvian organic food prepared by our Chef.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 3 nights camping on the Choquequirao trek.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, Portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress: Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick and add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Pillow, rain ponchos and duffel bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:15 A.M, and brought to the trail head. When you arrive back to the end of your trek, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cuzco (Day 4).
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Cargo Mules: On days 1, 2, 3 and 4 cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 1 and 4 your duffel bags will be carried by car to your destination.
- 1 Saddle-horse or emergency horse: This service will only be available on the hard sections of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 4 Snacks, 4 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Entry ticket to Choquequirao Archeological Site.
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. (Cost: USD $20).
- Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like (Cost: USD $15/pair).
- Last Day: Dinner in Cusco.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Additional costsor delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
This Choquequirao trek is available all year around since the geographic terrain of the route enable to do this tour/ expedition. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision Agency guarantees your departure dates. BOOK now! Only your confirmation is needed.
CLICK here to check your availability for Annual Festivities, Special Events, Choquequirao trek & Machu Picchu.
Availability Dates: All year around.
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (very important)
- 4 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & and 2 hiking pants
- Nice shirt and pants for Choquequirao day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 4 pairs of socks
- Bathing suits & small towel for the hot springs in Conoc ( It is optional )
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank
- iPhone/iPod for music
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: Band aids, moleskin, etc
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For shared service (Group Tour)
- $ 550 USD per person (3 people minimum)
For private service (Private Tour) are based on group size:
- 2 People: $ 796 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 650 per person
- 4 People: $ 600 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 570 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 550 USD per person
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $20 USD.
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu to qualify for a discount.
Note: If you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to receive the student discount. Email us a copy at: incavisiontours@gmail.com
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5.5 % (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.