CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

THE INCA HIDDEN GEM

Choquequirao, known as the other Machupicchu, is an alternative to the famous Inca Trail for those trekking enthusiasts looking for something different. This adventure will take you to one of the largest and best preserved Inca cities, the hidden and majestic Choquequirao. This route provides a sense of discovery and adventure for those willing to undertake the challenging journey to get there. Embark on this challenging yet rewarding 5 day trip. Not to be missed.

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINDA

Your adventure begins in Cusco, when you will be taken on a 4-hour drive through picturesque Andean landscapes, with beautiful views of snow-capped peaks, to the village of Cachora, where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast. You will continue your trip for 45 minutes more until you reach the village of Capuliyoc, where the hike begins. From here you have a wide view of the Apurimac River canyon as well as the Andean snow-capped peaks.

You will begin a 3 hour descent to Chisquisca, where the trekking team will be waiting for you with a delicious typical local lunch.  After lunch and a brief rest, you will continue your descent for 2 more hours to the camp at Playa Rosalinda, where you will spend the night.

Walk distance: 6 mi/ 10 km

Min altitude: 6,332 ft / 1,930 m

Max altitude: 11,125 ft / 3,391 m

Aprox. Time: 8 hrs

Difficult level: Moderate

DAY 2: SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO

After breakfast, you will start your day with a challenging 4-hour ascent to Marampata. The trail will take you through lush cloud forests and the views become increasingly spectacular. You will have a brief rest at the Santa Rosa viewpoint and then continue for another 3 hours to Marampata where you will have lunch.

After lunch, you will continue walking for 2 more hours until you reach the camp which is very close to Choquequiraro.

Walk distance: 8 mi/ 12.5 km

Min altitude: 5,085 ft / 1,550 m

Max altitude: 9.950 ft / 3,033 m

Aprox. Time: 9 hrs

Difficult level: Challenging

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO

You will wake up very early for breakfast and explore the majestic archaeological site of Choquequirao. You will visit the different sections of this well preserved Inca complex. Ceremonial enclosures, terraces, fountains, the main square among others, are the places you will visit in the upper part called Hanan.

After exploring the upper part, you will return to the camp to enjoy a delicious lunch typical of the region.

After lunch, you will continue your exploration to the lower part of the Inca citadel called the sector of the small llamas. At the end of the day you will return to the camp to enjoy the sunset and watch the condors flying back to their homes.

Walk distance: 3 mi/ 5 km

Min altitude: 11,482 ft / 3,500 m

Max altitude: 12.467 ft / 3,800 m

Aprox. Time: 6 hrs

Difficult level: Moderate

DAY 4: MARAMPATA – CHIQUISCA

You will start this fourth day of adventure enjoying a hearty breakfast typical of the place and then start the return hike by the same place from where you came. You will pass by Marampata and after 2 hours of descent you will arrive to the Santa Rosa viewpoint where you can enjoy lunch and a well deserved rest.

You will continue your hike down for 2 more hours to Playa Rosalina, where you will begin an ascent until you reach the Chiquisca camp, where you will spend your last night of camping.

Walk distance: 6.2 mi/ 10 km

Min altitude: 5,085 ft / 1,550 m

Max altitude: 6,400 ft / 1,950 m

Aprox. Time: 7 hrs

Difficult level: Moderate

DAY 5: CAPULIYOC – CUSCO

This last day of trekking involves a challenging 4 hour ascent back up to the Capuliyoc pass. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery once again and the feeling of accomplishment at the completion of the hike. At Capuliyoc you will have a farewell lunch with all the trekking staff that accompanied you along the way. At the end, you will board your transportation that will take you to your hotel in Cusco where this adventure ends.

Walk distance: 5 mi/ 8 km

Min altitude: 6,332 ft / 1,930 m

Max altitude: 11,125 ft / 3,391 m

Aprox. Time: 5 hrs

Difficult level: Moderate

Packing List

  • Waterproof hiking shoes
  • Winter clothing
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
  • Sunhat and sunglasses
  • Sun cream and mosquito repellent
  • Water bottles
  • Any required medications
  • Walking sticks
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Personal items
  • snacks

Prices per Person:

Included:

Ground transportation
English-speaking guide
Sleeping Bag per person
All meals on the trek
Two person tents (3-people capacity tent) & single tents available at extra cost
Porters & mules
Saddled horse (one saddled horse for every 6 passengers)
First-aid kit & emergency oxygen bottle

Not Included:

Extra food
Expenses not mentioned
Tips

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