Choquequirao
The other jewel of the Incas, it is called the sister of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua Inca´s language, although this is probably not its original name.
It was another "Lost City of the Incas" rediscovered officially late in the 20th century, located high on a ridge spur almost 1,750.00 m./5,741.00 Ft. above the Apurimac River and surrounded by the snow mountains of Salkantay and Humantay.
This is an amazing trek with beautiful landscapes, high mountains and remote villages held in time. Choquequirao was probably built the last years of the Inca Empire during the government of the Inca Pachacutec.
This Inca site has constructions on different levels; there are temples, palaces, houses, aqueducts, terraces, etc..
At the east side of the complex there are more than 110 terraces with houses and squares, at the west side other 170 terraces are yet hidden and covered by the forest.
On these terraces can be seen an amazing architectural work, they built white color llamas in symmetrical order, just amazing!
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Playa Rosalina
At 5:00 AM Departure from the hotel and travel by bus to Cachora 2,650 m/8,694 ft for about 4 hours, on the way we’ll visit some interesting sites like Tarawasi and Saywite. Once arriving to Cachora, we’ll meet our muleteer and horses, and pack all our equipment on the horses, then we will begin to walk; the trail is flat until Chiquisca and then we will go uphill, passing through the high pass of Capuliyoc, from there, we will have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon.
Finally we descend to playa Rosalina – 1550 m/5,085 Ft. on the banks of the Apurimac River, the main tributary of the Amazon River.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: L, D.
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Departure from the hotel at 5.00 AM until 5.00 PM.
Note: Daily hike will be between 6 to 8+ hours, plus stops for lunches, pictures and guided information.
Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast, thereafter we will start hike, we will cross a typical hanging bridge then we will start a gentle 3-4 hours gradual climb of 1,400 through a narrow path to Maranpata (2,900.00 m./9,514.00 ft.) passing Cactus forest, agaves and exotic local fruit trees. Here we stop for lunch surround by this beautiful landscape.
At the end of this path we will see for the first time, the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, easy walk for 2 hours to the Inca site (3,035.00 m./9,957.00 ft.), on the way you will also see a variety of plants and flowers.
As soon as we arrive to this Inca complex we will visit the farming terraces of Paqchayoc and the house of the waterfall, then we will return to our camp site near Choquequirao.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
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Departure at 7.00 AM arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 3: Choquequirao
After Breakfast we will continue exploring the impressive archaeological site of Choquequirao - the "Cradle of Gold"; the enigmatic last refuge of the Incas (3,035.00 m./9,957.00 ft.) for about 4 hours, beautiful view of the deep Canyon and maybe we will see Condors flhying.
After lunch we’ll begin walking downhill to Maranpata, dinner and beautiful sunset.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM, tour in Choquequirao and arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 4: Choquequirao - Maranpata – Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisqa
After breakfast around 7am, we will start descending to Santa Rosa (2,115.00 m/6,938.00 ft.) where we’ll stop for lunch. Thereafter we will continue descending to Playa Rosalina (1,550.00 m./5,085.00 ft.)
Upon our arrival at Rosalina Beach, we will continue our trek to the village of Chiquiskä (1,950.00/6,397.00 ft.) approximately for 2 hours, we’ll spend the night at Chiquisqa.
O'N at Campsite.
MEALS: B, L, D.
-
Departure at 7.00 AM, tour in Choquequirao and arriving next campsite at 5.00 PM.
Day 5: Chiquisqa - Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco
After breakfast around 7:00 am, we will return along the same route to Cachora (2800.00 m./9,186.00 ft) which is a smooth climb for 2 hours until the pass of Capuliyoc (2,915.00 m./9,563.00 ft.), here we will have a nice lunch, from this point will take us other 2 hours to get to the village of Cachora arriving around 3.00 PM approximately.
Thereafter we will continue our trip by car to Cusco. Arriving around 7.00 PM.; upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
MEALS: B, L.
What To Bring for the Hike To Choquequirao:
- Original passport
- Sleeping bag (if not, you can rent one in Cusco).
- A backpack.
- Hiking boots, sneakers and shoes.
- Long pants and shorts.
- Long sleeved shirts and T-shirts.
- Warm clothes sweaters, jacket and fleece.
- Rain gear.
- Camera, films, batteries.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Insect repellent and sun block.
- Personal toilet items and first aid kit.
- A pocketknife.
- A water bottle and purified pills.
- Plenty of socks and underwear.
- Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold.
- Towel.
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, biscuits, dry fruits etc.
- Cash USD and local currency (no option for ATM machines).
- Swimsuit for the hot spring.
- Walking sticks with rubber covers (optional).
Included on the Tour to Choquequirao:
- Pick up from hotel and then transfer by bus to Cacchora Village (trailhead).
- Choquequirao Entrance Fees and other required places.
- Large igloo tents, on double occupancy and single if requested or booked for the whole journey.
- Mattress, one per person.
- Kitchen tent.
- Dining tent.
- Tables and chairs.
- Toilet tent (in case campsite don’t have toilets).
- English speaking professional tour guide.
- Cook.
- Wranglers, Mules to carry the equipment.
- Extra horses for our group members in case of emergency.
- Full meals during the trek. (Vegetarian options available upon request).
- Daily snack bag.
- Daily afternoon tea service.
- Daily wake up call tea, and hot water for washing.
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Transfer service in out to your hotel.
Not Included:
- Sleeping Bag Rental should be requested in advance.
- Tips to the crew (tour leader, guides, cooks, wranglers, etc.)
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco.
- Dinner on day 5th.
Extra Services:
- Sleeping Bag Rental should be requested in advance.
- Single Tent: If you prefer to have guaranteed single tent there is an additional charge.
- Vegetarian food available on request.
- Hotel in Cusco can be arranged upon request.
