Cusco, Cusco, Perú

+51 984 282 540

info@perunaturetreks.com

Facebook Instagram Tripadvisor
Reserve Now

Choquequirao Trek 4 days / 3 nights

Choquequirao lies at an altitude of over 3,080m (10.000ft) on top of a plateau above the Apurimac River which looks out at Mount Salcantay. Just getting to this archaeological complex is an adventure itself which demands physical fitness and the right gear. The diversity of climates throughout the hike and the jagged terrain along the way make it a bruising, although rewarding experience. Surrounded by a fascinating landscape created by the Vilcabamba mountain range it has everything to offer a trekker. As Choquequirao gets only a few visitors, travelers can experience the feeling of visiting a remote and enigmatic spot where time seems to have stopped. This ‘lost city’ Choquequirao (“Cradle of Gold”) was discovered in the 18th century by a French explorer, it fascinated 19th century explorers and was also visited by Hiram Bingham prior to his discovery of Machu Picchu. Grandios and mysterious, this abandoned city has lots of parallels with Machu Picchu and there are a variety of theories about its function. It is only relatively recently, however, that COPESCO (the official body responsible for tourism in Peru) has only partially cleared the site as there are a lot more remains to be discovered. It is a challenging but amazing experience to hike down to the depths of the Apurimac Canyon and then up to the site in the clouds.

Itinerary

In the morning we pick you up from your hotel at about 07:30 am and travel by bus for about 4 hours, to the small village of Cachora where we will meet our horseman and mules. We will begin our trek along the edge of the Apurimac canyon and follow the trail, enjoying the dramatic landscapes and a variety of plant and animal life until we reach our campsite Chiquiska or «La Playa Rosa Linda» (1,650m/5413ft).

We will get up early, have breakfast and begin our walk by crossing the Apurimac River and then descending to the lowest point on the trail. Following we have a steep ascent through a thick cloud forest towards the Inca site of Choquequirao. We will have lunch and then time to relax and enjoy the archeological zone, plants, animals (hopefully condors), and views of nearby canyons and snow-capped mountains (Soray – 5,428m/17808ft and Tuncarway 5,910m/19389ft). We will camp close to the site (3033m/9950ft).

Today, we will have breakfast followed by a 3-hour guided tour around Choquekirao itself. After this, we descend to our last campsite, «Santa Rosa».

We will wake to birds songs and beautiful scenery, enjoying a delicious breakfast before starting our walk. We walk today for about 5 hours. We will walk to Cachora and from there take a bus back to Cusco to arrive at about 08:00pm.

Includes

  • Professional English Speaking Guide and Assistant Guide (for groups of 8 or more people)
  • Collection from your hotel on the first day
  • Bus transportation (Cusco-Cachora-Cusco)
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners and various snacks throughout the days
  • Camping equipment, dining and cooking tent with table and chairs
  • Cook
  • Horseman and mules (they just carry cooking and camping equipment)
  • 3 person tents for 2 people sharing, to ensure spacious comfort and safe keeping of backpacks
  • Sleeping mattress (if you want to hire some comfortable air mattress from us, we don’t ask for a deposit)
  • Oxygen balloon (for any emergency)
  • First Aid kit

Not Included

  • Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
  • Sleeping bag (if you want to hire a sleeping bag we don’t ask for a deposit)
  • If you want to hire any hiking or campin equipment from us, we don’t ask for a deposit!

Recommendations

  • Sleeping bag (not included but it can be hired from us)
  • Walking boots (with ankle protectors)
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries
  • Personal medication
  • Camera
  • Torch with spare batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

The package includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, professional guides, all meals during the trek, camping equipment (tents and sleeping mats), entrance fees to Choquequirao, and mule support for carrying gear. Personal expenses, tips, and sleeping bags are not included.

This trek is moderately to highly challenging due to steep ascents and descents, and hiking at altitudes above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). It is ideal for trekkers with a good fitness level and some experience.

The best time is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less muddy. The rainy season, from November to March, is less recommended due to slippery paths and reduced visibility.

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Max Altitude: 4,200 msnm

Transport: Tourist minivan

Dificult: Challenging

TALK TO AN SPECIALIST

One of our specialists will respond to your travel request as soon as possible.

WhatsApp