Choquequirao Trek
The site of Choquequirao is another lost city of the Incas that is hidden high on a ridge above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The intricacy of these majestic ruins suggests that Choquequirao was once of high importance to the Inca Empire. Before a bridge was constructed over the Apruimac River the site was remote and mostly inaccessible. Now you can explore this fascinating site on a spectacular 4-day adventure.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Marampata
We will leave Cusco early and drive for four hours towards the Andean community of Cachora. Along the way, we will stop at Tarawasi, an important ritual center built during the reign of the Inca Emperor Pachacutec. From Tarawasi, we continue on for half an hour to Cachora (2,800 m/9,184 ft) for breakfast. After breakfast we begin a two and a half hour hike towards Abra Capuliyoc (2,750 m/9,020 ft) where we will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. From there we will begin to descend toward the Apurimac River, crossing the bridge to Santa Rosa where we will enjoy lunch. After taking a break and enjoying our meal, we will continue on to our first campsite of Marampata.
The Apurimac Canyon must be crossed to reach the ruins of Choquequirao.
Day 2: Marampata – Choquequirao
After breakfast at Marampata, we will walk another two hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3,103 m/10,178 ft). Here we will enjoy some free time to explore this vast complex and its many terraces and buildings. When the sun starts to set, you can sit and enjoy the canyon where Andean condors can often be spotted. We will spend the night at the campsite located at Choquequirao.
Images of llamas lining the terraces at Choquequirao, one of the site’s most unique features.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquisca
After breakfast we’ll return to the ruins to do some more exploring, and with a little luck get to see the flight of the condors in the Apurimac Canyon. After this we will begin our descent back toward the Apurimac River, stopping at Playa Rosalina to have some lunch before continuing to our final campsite at Chiquisca.
You will have two days to explore the massive archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
Day 4: Chiquisca – Cachora – Cusco
After an early breakfast we will begin our final day of hiking. After about 4 hours we will arrive to the Capuliyoc lookout point where we will have our last meal of the trek together. After lunch we will continue hiking to the town of Cachora where we will depart for Cusco, arriving back in the city in the late afternoon.
The trail to Choquequirao, with snow-capped mountains visible in the distance.
*Please note that the campsites may vary at your guide’s discretion depending on availability, weather conditions, and your group’s walking pace.
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DepartureCusco
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IncludedProfessional, bilingual tour guide.Round trip transportation from hotel in Cusco3 nights in spacious personal tents with inflatable mattressHot water every morning and evening for washing purposes while hikingExcellent Meals (3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelettes, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking.Horsemen with packhorses or mules (for carring camping equipment and up to 8kg of your personal belongings)Dining tentSanitary servicesEntrance fee to Choquequirao Inca siteFirst aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
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Not IncludedSleeping bag (available for rent)Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 4Extra horse to carry personal items (available for an extra cost)Walking sticks (available for rent)
Choquequirao Trek
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