This special archaeological monument, which is located in a cloud forest between the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers and the majestic Mount Salkantay, was the refuge for the sixteenth Inca resistance movement who were trying to battle away control of Tahuantinsuyo from the Spanish conquistadors. The evidence implies that the city was abandoned suddenly. We will be able to see the temples of the Sun and Earth, the royal residences and the humble rooms and homes for common citizens and farmers.
The trek to Choquequirao is a unique and memorable experience which takes
you from a jagged terrain of green mountains with
glaciers, and with the possibility of seeing bears,
condors, tarantulas and many others, to one of the most
important, and well preserved archaeological sites in
South America.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Cusco- Cachora- Chiquiska
Early morning on Day 1 brings us a 4 hour panoramic journey to the village of Cachora, where we meet our porters with their mules and also where we find the trailhead. We will start the 2 hour hike towards the Abra de Kapuliyoq (2800 m), the first pass of the journey, where we will enjoy our first amazing views of the deep Apurimac River Valley with mighty snow-capped peaks all around. A 3 hour descent on the trail leads us to our first camp in Chiquiska (1800 m).
Day 2: Chiquiska- Santa Rosa
After breakfast, we continue our descent, appreciating the beautiful views of the Apurimac Canyon until we arrive to the height of 1495 m, where we will find the famous Apurimac River Bridge. After crossing over the high, hanging bridge, which makes for a memorable moment, we will have 4 hour climb on the other side. Our day's final destination will be at Santa Rosa, where we will set up camp and enjoy our dinners.
Day 3: Santa Rosa- Choquequirao
Today we will enjoy a nice scenic walk; the last leg of the trek before arriving to the mystical Choquequirao ruins. We will be hoping to arrive just in time to enjoy the incredible crimson sun dipping into the jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks. We will set up our camp and have our dinner nearby. We will enjoy a well deserved rest that night in the mountains (3000 m).
Day 4: Choquequirao- Marampata- Chiquiska
The morning time of Day 4 will be dedicated to the exploration and guided tour of the archaeological remains of Choquequirao, which is still in the process of being excavated and restored by the COPESCO. After lunch, we have the option to visit to the Casa Cascada ("Waterfall House") which sits about 300 m below Choquequirao.
From the highest point, we will appreciate some stellar panoramic views of Choquequirao from the opposite angle. In the afternoon we will need to begin the long return to Marampata. We will rest there for a while before continuing on back to Santa Rose, at which point we will take on an approximately 3 hour descent to get back to the gorgeous, Apurimac River. This is a great spot to appreciate the beauty of this stunning valley, which is the only thing that separates Cusco from Apurimac. After Lunch, in the afternoon, we will arrive to the place where we will set up our last campsite, Chiquiska.
Day 5: Chiquiska- Cachora- Cusco
We will have our last Breakfast of the journey before beginning an ascent to the last, and highest, pass of the trek, Capuliyoc Pass. We will walk for approximately 2 hours more to arrive to our destination, Cachora. Our transport vehicle will already be there waiting to take us back to Cusco, where we will arrive to at about 7:00 pm.
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
1. Transfer from the
airport or bus terminal to your hotel in Cusco upon
your arrival
2. Information and maps related to the trek
3. Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the
trailhead in Cachora
4. Entrance fee to Choquequirao
5. Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
6. Food during the trek (4D, 4A, 4C), with
vegetarian option for those who reserve it
7. Porters and mules to carry the camping equipment
and food
8. Professional, trained cook
9. First aid kit, blood pressure gauge, oxygen tank
10. Camping equipment (tents, mattress, cooking
equipment, etc.)
11. Re-confirmation of airlines tickets
12. Return transfer from Cachora to the city of
Cusco
13. Departing transfer from your hotel in Cusco to
the airport or bus terminal
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
1. Breakfast the Day 1,
Lunch or Dinner Day 5
2. Sleeping bag
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
Extra horse with saddle (for mounting when you are
tired)- USD $105.00
Down sleeping bag for USD $25.00 for the entire trek
Synthetic sleeping bag USD $18.00 for the entire
trek
Top quality backpack $ 25.00 for the entire trek
Note:
Any changes in prices by the authorities who run the entrance to the archaeological sites are reported in advance
