Choquequirao trek 5 Days
The Inca Trails transport us through many places located in valleys, plateaus, mountain ranges and many sites that are far from the small towns that existed in the ancient city of Cusco. And one of these great wonders considered as the second most important Inca construction after Machu Picchu, is located above the mountains surrounded by large mountain ranges, glaciers and green landscapes that shelter and care for this fabulous place known as Choquequirao, The Cradle of Gold.
If you like hiking, exploring and knowing amazing places that have survived the passage of time, this adventure is for you. Dare to walk the Inca trails that were built by our ancestors and admire the beauty of the mountains, snow-capped peaks, a beautiful tropical landscape and the imposing Apurimac canyon through which we will pass until we reach this great Inca construction considered as one of the refuges of the last protectors of our culture.
Come and enjoy with us this unique experience and fall in love with the landscapes that adorn the road and the great variety of flora and fauna that you can admire throughout the hike. If you like to know new places, this adventure is for you.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1
Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
We will travel from Cachora to the starting point of the trek and you will be able to see the great Apurimac Canyon and the glaciers that adorn the great mountains throughout this great valley.
Day 2
Chiquisca – Rosalinas Beach – Santa Rosa – Marampata
From our campsite we will descend to the Apurimac River and climb this great mountain. It will be the most difficult part but at the end we will arrive to a beautiful place to rest.
Day 3
Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Center – Marampata
We will visit Choquequirao and spend the whole day to enjoy a walk and admire its great constructions and learn more about the Inca Culture.
Day 4
Marampata – Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chiquisca
You will be able to admire the beautiful scenery found in these great valleys that surround this wonderful place and then we will descend to reach our campsite.
Day 5
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Thermal Baths – Cusco
We will make the last trek until we arrive to Capuliyoc, then we will visit Saywite and we will finish in the thermal baths of Conoc, and at the end we will arrive to Cusco.
The Inca Trails transport us through many places located in valleys, plateaus, mountain ranges and many sites that are far from the small towns that existed in the ancient city of Cusco. And one of these great wonders considered as the second most important Inca construction after Machu Picchu, is located above the mountains surrounded by large mountain ranges, glaciers and green landscapes that shelter and care for this fabulous place known as Choquequirao, The Cradle of Gold.
If you like hiking, exploring and knowing amazing places that have survived the passage of time, this adventure is for you. Dare to walk the Inca trails that were built by our ancestors and admire the beauty of the mountains, snow-capped peaks, a beautiful tropical landscape and the imposing Apurimac canyon through which we will pass until we reach this great Inca construction considered as one of the refuges of the last protectors of our culture.
Come and enjoy with us this unique experience and fall in love with the landscapes that adorn the road and the great variety of flora and fauna that you can admire throughout the hike. If you like to see new places, this adventure is for you.
Day 1
Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
We start the day picking you up from your hotel in our private transportation and then we will head north passing through different Andean villages and we will also be able to admire the Salkantay glacier from different places until we arrive to the small town of Curahuasi (2,684 m.a.s.l. / 8,805 ft.). Located in the department of Apurimac, it will be the first stop we will have to visit the local market and there you can buy things you may need for the trip and it will also be our place to have breakfast. We will continue in our mobility until we reach Capuliyoc (2,890 m.a.s.l. / 9,481 ft.). In this place ends the trip in our mobility. There we will have time to get our backpacks ready before starting the tour.
Once ready we will go to the viewpoint that is 10 minutes from where you can admire the great Apurimac Canyon, the mountain range of Vilcabamba, the glaciers of Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina and we will have the opportunity to see the majestic Andean condor flying in this wonderful place. Then we will begin the descent to the small village of Chiquisca (1,900 m.a.s.l. / 6,233 ft.). It will be 3 hours of walking where in the middle of this valley here you can see the Apurimac Canyon and in the distance over the mountains Choquequirao, arriving our camp will be ready and will have time to settle in your tent and then you can take a cold shower because this place for its location is tropical climate.
Then we will have our first happy hour (hot drinks, milk, chocolate, coffee accompanied by snacks and popcorn) and to finish the day you will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with the best food for the delight of your palate, then you can go to rest.
Day 2
Chiquisca – Rosalinas Beach – Santa Rosa – Marampata
We will wake you up with a hot coca tea in your tent and after getting your backpack ready we will enjoy an energizing breakfast and then start another day full of adventures and you will enjoy great views, landscapes and lots of nature.
Once ready we will start the hike towards the Apurimac River. We will descend for an hour and thirty minutes until we reach Rosalinas Beach (1,500 m.a.s.l. / 4,921 ft.). After crossing the bridge we will start climbing up the mountain, this is the strongest part of the hike.
We will start the ascent on an open and dry road where you will see small bushes and small cactus all along the way. We will rest whenever necessary to hydrate ourselves because all the way up we will feel the heat and it will be necessary to drink water and use sun block and insect repellent. We will arrive at Santa Rosa and there our cook will be waiting for us ready with the buffet lunch and after tasting the food we will have time to rest.
Then we will continue climbing and after 3 hours we will arrive at our campsite, Marampata (3,000 m.a.s.l. / 9,842 ft.). In this village located on the mountains and with an incredible view of the valley, the mountains and the Apurimac Canyon, will be our camp today. To end the day enjoy happy hour and then delight your palate with a buffet dinner to regain your strength and then rest to continue with the next day’s adventure.
Day 3
Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Center – Marampata
We will start the day at 6:00 a.m. (this time may change depending on how you are feeling) and wake you up with a hot coca tea and then you will have time to pack your backpack and the things you need for the day. We will then enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing our adventure.
We will begin our hike through this village and after 30 minutes we will begin to descend and then arrive at the first agricultural constructions of Choquequirao. We will walk through these impressive terraces located on the edge of the cliff and you can see the hydraulic irrigation system that had these constructions made hundreds of years ago and were worked by hundreds of men in these cliffs on the edge of the mountains.
Then we will climb or visit other constructions such as the priest’s house and one of the most important the Usnu (circular terrace that was used for ceremonies and rituals). From this place you will have a panoramic view of the valleys, rivers, mountains and the great canyon of the Apurimac. While resting your guide will explain the importance of the place and after the photos you will go down to the main square, welcome to Choquequirao (3,050 m.a.s.l. / 10,006 ft.). In this place we will rest while you take souvenir photos. Then we will go to explore the enclosures and constructions that are in this place and your guide will explain step by step the most important information of this magical place and why Choquequirao means Cradle of Gold.
We will have a picnic lunch and then we can continue visiting the most important places such as the upper area from where you can admire in all its splendor this beautiful construction. Then we will go down and you can admire the famous white llamas in these terraces that were built as decoration of the place, you can observe that further down we have more Inca roads that go to the valley. After admiring and learning about this impressive construction over the mountains, known as the Sister of Machu Picchu, it will be time to return to our camp, arriving you will have time to rest and after happy hour and dinner you can rest with the satisfaction of having had a fantastic day in Choquequirao.
Day 4
Marampata – Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chiquisca
We will wake you up with a cup of coca tea and then you can get ready to enjoy another day in the mountains. We will have breakfast and after organizing our backpacks you will have time to admire once again the wonderful landscapes that can be seen from our camp.
We will start descending and after 2 hours we will arrive to Santa Rosa, where we will have lunch. After lunch you will have time to rest and then we will continue descending until we reach the Apurimac River, Playa Rosalinas. After crossing the bridge we will begin to climb for an hour and thirty minutes until we reach Chiquisca, our campsite where we will spend the last night in the middle of the mountains.
After settling in you will have time to take a cold shower and if you want you can explore the place until happy hour, after dinner it will be time to rest to complete our adventure tomorrow.
Day 5
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco
After waking up we will enjoy the last breakfast in the mountains and start the hike. We will start the ascent which will be approximately 4 hours, this stretch is very hot and it will be better to start early. We recommend you to bring enough water to hydrate yourself. Arriving at the top it will be time to say goodbye to our travel team. Then we will board our transportation and head to the Saywite Monolith (a rock sculpted with more than 200 geometric and zoomorphic figures representing various passages of the Inca Culture). In this place you will see constructions that were used as a ceremonial center.
We will continue our trip until we reach the Conoc Thermal Baths, where you can enjoy its warm waters. Then we will have our last lunch and after this well deserved rest we will continue with our trip and you can enjoy the wonderful nature and the valleys and mountains that adorn the way back home. We will arrive to Cusco city and we will drop you off at your hotel.
We know you will be very tired but you will be very happy to have completed this new adventure in your life. Congratulations, you did it.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
HIGH QUALITY SERVICE AND SAFETY
– Briefing:
One day before your trip you will meet with your guide to learn more about the itinerary you will take on this adventure. You will also get to know the most important information about the day to day of the trip. We will give you your duffel bag where you can put the extra things you will need during the trip. Remember that in this meeting you can talk about the different options or food restrictions you have.
– Professional mountain guides:
All our guides are graduates of the most important universities and institutes of Cusco. They are chosen for their great experience, responsibility, professionalism and above all for the great passion and pride they have for our history and culture. They will be proud to share with you everything related to our ancestors. They will make sure that your trip will be unforgettable. Your safety is guaranteed from the moment we pick you up in Cusco until we drop you off at your hotel at the end of the trip.
– First aid kit:
Our guides are specialists in first aid, rescue and evacuation if necessary. Because they have specialized training and are certified by the international red cross. They are highly trained and will always have a first aid kit and oxygen for any emergency. Your safety is guaranteed with us.
– Camping equipment:
We have the best logistic equipment for our trips such as eureka and the north face high mountain tents (3 and 4 seasons). Made especially to withstand the most intense climates of the mountains. We also have dining tents, kitchen tents, kitchenware and utensils. For you to spend comfortable moments at meal times.
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners.
Our high mountain chef is trained to cook and please you with the most delicious Peruvian and Cusquenian food. As well as the tastiest drinks, snacks and desserts that will leave you satisfyingly happy. Food options such as vegans, vegetarians or any restrictions are no problem for our cooks and will not have an additional cost.
– Snacks:
Every morning before the hike you will be provided with snack, fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, So you can enjoy them during the hike.
– Water:
We have a water filter especially for use in the mountains. Each morning we will provide you with cold boiled purified water so you can fill your bottle or camell back. You will have the option to refill more water at lunch and dinner time, as you require.
Wake-up tea.
Every morning we will wake you up with a hot drink of your choice, tea, coffee or coke. Our guide will bring this drink to your tent for a warm start to the day and then you will have time to prepare the things you will use during the trek.
Happy hour.
In the afternoons after arriving at our camp we will have happy hour (hot drinks, tea, coffee, milk, chocolate), and some snacks (cookies, crackers, popcorn). At this time we can talk about the day and look forward to a delicious dinner before resting.
For hygiene.
A small towel and soap will be provided before each meal for hand hygiene.
Transportation: private service from door to door.
We know that the most important thing on your vacation is your well-being and safety and that is why we organize our trips with the utmost care, because the most important thing for us is you.
Our experience offers you safety, comfort, good service and the satisfaction of our clients is our letter of introduction. If you have any questions write to us and we will be happy to help you so that all your doubts are clearly resolved.
Passport.
This is the most important document. You must carry with you the original passport, with which you booked the trip. This document will be presented when required by the Machu Picchu park staff, especially to enter the Inca city, to board the bus, the train and to check in at the hotel.
On the trail.
Considered one of the 5 best treks in the world by the National Geographic Magazine, the Inca Trail is well known and preferred by travelers seeking to learn more about our culture and to visit archaeological sites built in the mountains, walk through valleys, enjoy the beauty of nature, admire glaciers and snow-capped peaks, reach the summits of these ancient constructions, admire the tropical areas and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that adorn this hike to reach the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The distances are strategically divided so that you can enjoy all the natural attractions of this magical place. Starting from the town of Piscacucho, kilometer 82 (2,700 m.a.s.l. / 8,858 ft.). Until arriving at the highest point, the pass of the dead woman (4,215 m.a.s.l. / 13,828 ft.). And the lowest place, Aguas Calientes village (2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.), in some places the hike will be challenging and we will give you the help and all the necessary recommendations to complete this incredible adventure.
Acclimatization.
Travelers arrive from different parts of the world, from different altitudes and even from sea level for this the recommendation is to arrive 2 or 3 days before to the city of Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l. / 11,154 ft.). The altitude, the flight time and the time change can affect you especially if it is your first time in our city. No special training is required for this adventure, but acclimatization is recommended before starting the hike. We have alternatives before you travel. Day hikes for better acclimatization, we recommend some of them.
City tour
Sacred Valley
Salt mines of Maras and Moray
Mountain of colors, Vinicunca
Colored mountain, Palcoyo
Waqrapucara
Seven lakes, Ausangate
Queswachaca, Inca bridge
Biking, horse riding, rafting, zip line and more…
We have a special promotion for you that you will love, contact us right now and get an offer for the tour of your choice.
Informative meeting.
This meeting is very important, to share with you the information of the trek, day by day. Normally it is one day before the trip and the duration is 30 to 40 minutes. We will coordinate to choose the best place to meet you. Remember that the itinerary on the mountain about the next day will be at the time of dinner, to have the most clear information about all the days.
Duffel bag.
At the time of the briefing we will provide you with a duffel bag where you can put the extra things you will need for the trip, pants, polo shirts, socks, shoes, etc.
The capacity of the duffel bags is (7 kg. / 15.432 lb.), per person. Feel confident about the safety of your luggage and the inclement mountain weather because we have plastic to protect them from dust and rain.
Extra luggage.
If you have luggage that you are not going to use during the trip, don’t worry because you can leave it with us. We have a special storage room for your extra luggage and we will pick it up when you start the trek and return it when you finish your adventure. It is totally free and it is part of our service.
Door to door service.
Before starting the trip we will pick you up from your hotel, hostel or air b&b with our private transportation (if you are a little far from the city center or your accommodation has narrow streets to reach with our mobility we will coordinate it with you). We do not want any mishap to happen before, during and after the trip and that is why we will always be with you.
Feel free to ask all the questions you want to know, we will be happy to clarify all your doubts and concerns.
Important things to bring on the hike.
Very Important.
Original Passport
Student Card (students)
Cash (Souvenirs, Drinks, Snacks and Tips)
Water Bottles or Camelbaks
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Mosquito Repellent
WipesHand sanitizer
Hat
Snacks
CLOTHING
Pantalones de Senderismo (2)
T.Shirt (2-3)
Hiking Underwear and Socks Sets (4)
Warm Jacket
Thermal Fleece
Comfortable Hiking Boots
Waterproof Jacket / Rain Poncho
Wool Hat (Bennie)
Sneakers or Sandals (To wear at the Camp)
Waterproof Gloves
Towel (Quick Dry)
EQUIPMENT
Sleeping Bag
Trekking Backpack
Trekking Poles
Power Bank
Plastic Bags
Head Flashlight
