CHOQUEQUIRAO 4D

This is a spectacular trek that will lead you to one of the mysterious last refuges of the Incas. Choquequirao is a huge archaeological complex located in the surroundings of the Salkantay Mountain and the Apurimac River Canyon. The complex is still being restored and is one of the most incredible archeological sites from the Inca civilization. You will enjoy amazing mountain scenery as well as abundant Andean flora and fauna.

We will meet with you at your hostel / hotel to discuss the final preparations for the trip and finalise payment

Pre Departure Briefing

Day 1: Cusco to Chiquisca

We will leave Cusco at 6.00 am in our private bus and drive towards Cachora, an Andean community located four to five hours from Cusco. At 2800m/9184ft, this is the starting point of the trek and where we will meet our wranglers and horses. We will start our hike climbing for two and a half hours towards the Abra Capuliyoc at 2750m/9020ft, where we will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. We will then continue descending for two more hours towards Chiquisca, where we will set our camp and spend the night.

Day 02: Chiquisca to Choquequirao

We will leave Chiquisca as early as 6.00am. We will cross the Apurimac River and start climbing towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope. This climb will take about two hours, and it is important that we leave early so that the heat does not make it more difficult than it has to be. In Santa Rosa we will take a break, where those who wish may try Cambray, a local sugar cane extract. Afterwards, we will continue our hike slowly climbing for two and a half hours until we reach our lunch spot in Marampata. From here, we will walk another two hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, located at 3103m/10178ft. Here we will set up camp and enjoy some free time to explore the ancient terraces and buildings. At our campsite we will witness a beautiful sunset and hopefully be able to spot condors soaring over the valley.

Day 03: Choquequirao to Rosalina Beach

This morning we will enjoy a guided tour of the entire Choquequirao complex. We will visit some areas still covered in wild undergrowth that are ready to be restored to their original structure. After the tour, we will start our hike back towards Santa Rosa, where we will have lunch. We will then descend for 2 hours until we reach Rosalina Beach at 1450m/4756ft.

Before we eat dinner and go to sleep, we may have time to relax in the refreshing water of the Apurimac River.

Day 04: Rosalina Beach to Cachora

After breakfast we will leave camp and start the three hour climb to Chiquisca and then make our way back to the Abra Capuliyoc. After lunch, we will hike for two hours until we return to Cachora, where our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Our estimated arrival time to Cusco will be 9.00pm.

Important Notes

This route has steep ascents and descents, with changes of altitude in one day of over 1600m/5200ft. There is usually warm weather during the day due to the lower altitude than Cusco. We recommend allowing one-day acclimatization in Cusco prior to the trek departure. Departure and arrival times are approximated.

Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the group progress

Important: All our departures are available along the year, although the period March to December is recommended to avoid the heart of the rainy season. Groups may be confirmed on any given date provided a minimum group size of 2 people is achieved upon booking and the booking is confirmed at least 1 week prior to departure.

Our four-day group service is the most frequent Choquequirao trek that we offer. This service is perfect for small groups of friends, couples, and individuals.

Included

Professional guide fluent in English two guides for groups over 8 people)
Private bus to the start of the trail
Choquequirao entrance fees
Two-people tents with plenty of room for your backpacks
Sleeping mattress
Meals cooked by an experienced chef: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and snacks! -Delicious food rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking
Vegetarian/special diet options available
Horse to carry equipment -Dining and kitchen tents
First aid kit including emergency horse and oxygen bottle
Round-trip bus Cusco to Cahora/ Cachora to Cusco

Not included:

Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast service. If not, we stop at the town of Cachora on the way to the start of the trek, where you’ll have the chance to buy breakfast.
Dinner on the final day
Sleeping bags. These can be rented in our office for the entire trek (US$ 20) every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use
Tips for the guide, cook and wranglers