overview
This trek enables everybody to get a firsthand view of the Inca settlement perched about the Apurimac River Canyon. Choquequirao Trek (the golden cradle) is an Inca site considered to be a sister of Machu Picchu by its similar significance and have religious, political and agricultural purposes, surrounded by Apurimac River (Talking God) one of the deepest river gorges in South America. It combines beautiful mountain scenery, archaeological site, ecological zones with exuberant and diversified of flora and fauna and the most representative of this area is the Andean Condor (Vulture Gryphus).The trek start in Capuliyoc (3000 m. / 9842 ft.) and end at the same place. This trek is recommended for people who want to experience the nature and exploring the less popular trails.
HIGHLIGHT:
- Trekking through the quiet, remote valleys
- One of the deepest canyon over the world, Apurimac
- Beautiful Landscapes; snowcapped peaks
- Species of orchids, species of birds
- Enjoying the magical Choquequirao citadel
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – PLAYA ROSALINAS- SANTA ROSA
We will pick you up at the hotel in the early morning and travel by private transportation to Cachora (2890 m. / 9482 ft.) where we will stop for breakfast. Afterward, we will drive to the trailhead at Capuliyoc (3000 m. / 9842 ft, where we are going to start to hike with the beautiful views of the Apurimac valley and the spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks. After 30 minutes hiking we will reach the view point of Capuliyoc. We will continue down into the Apurimac Canyon until to get Chiquiska (1878 m. / 6161 ft.) for the little rest before continuing to Playa Rosalinas (1470 m. / 4822 ft.) where we will have our delicious lunch. After lunch we will hike toward Santa Rosa (1960 m. / 6430 ft.) where the tents will be ready.
Trekking distance: 17.5 Km / 10.87 miles
Camsite altitude: 1878 m / 6161 ft.
DAY 2: CHIQUISQA – PLAYA ROSALINA – SUNCHUPATA.
After breakfast, we will continue with our trekking towards Playa Rosalina (1470 m. / 4822 ft.), then we start to climb up towards to Santa Rosa (1960 m. / 6430 ft.), this section is the most difficult of the trail, then ascend to Maranpata (2200 m. / 7218 ft.) which is a less slope gradient, during this journey you can see all the way from the first day and Apurimac canyon, we will travel a straight stretch on direction of Sunchupata (2820 m. / 9252 ft.) that is located one hour away from Choquekiraw and will be the camp site.
Approach distance: 8 Km / 4.97 miles
Base camp altitude: 2820 m / 9252 ft.
DAY 3: SUNCHUPATA – CHOQUEKIRAW – CHIQUISQA.
This is the great day, early in the morning after breakfast we go to visit and explore Choquequirao which is 3.5 km away from the camp site, we get before the sunrise, the tour Guide will explain the history about this important Inka refuge, expending in average three hours, as soon as we finish to visit Choquequirao we start to return to Sunchupata and then we start to walk down to Santa Rosa place for lunch, then we continue descending to Playa Rosalina, from here we start to walk up to Chiquisqa place where is located the camp site .
Approach distance: 8 Km / 4.97 miles
Base camp altitude: 1878 m / 6161 ft.
DAY 4: CHIQUISQA – CAPULIYOC – CACHORA – CUSCO
Early in the morning after breakfast we start to walk back up from Chiquisqa to Capuliyoc pass, from here we use a gentle way until Cachora, on the way we appreciate flora and fauna, views of imposing snow-capped mountains and the impressive Apurimac canyon. In the afternoon we will continue to Cusco, where we finish and be able end of our services.
Included
Items that are included in the tour price of :
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel
- Private transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the trek
- Choquequirao entrance fees
- Professionally licensed bilingual tour guides
- Personal tents: Two person capacity with plenty of room for personal gear
- One inflatable sleeping pad per person
- A duffle bag for personal belongings provided at the briefing
- Dining tent with table and chairs
- Kitchen tent and cooking equipment
- Pack horses to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
- Pack horses to carry up to 7kg of personal gear per traveler
- Saddled horses for emergency in case someone is not able to keep hiking
- Meals(3 breakfast,3 lunches,3 dinners), daily snack, and hot drinks(vegetarian and special diets are available)
- Warm water every morning and afternoon for bathing
- Filtered boiled water for drinking from the second day on
- Biodegradable hand soap
- Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen
- Private transportation from the end of the trek back to the hotel in Cusco
SERVICE NOT INCLUDES
- Breakfast on the first day
- Sleeping bag (you can rent it from our company)
- Tips and extra spending.
Price
Group Tour
- Price from 410 USD per person
Private Tour
Private tours are available and priced by party size
- Price for 2-3 guests: 795 USD per person
- Price for 4-5 guests: 595 USD per person
- Price for 6-7 guests: 480 USD per person
- Price for 8 or more guests: 410 USD per person
PACKING LIST
WHAT WE RECOMMEND BRINGING:
- Current passport is required. If your passport expired between booking and starting your tour, bring both the old and new passport!
- Short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, fleece, lightweight pants
- Day pack to carry things that you will need during the hike
- Rain gear or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera, film and batteries (batteries die faster in cold conditions)
- Hydrating face and body lotion
- Sun block and insect repellent
- Water bottles (Nalgene or metal ones are required)
- Toilet paper and tissue
