Cusco, Cachora, Marampata, Choquequirao, Baños Termales de Conoc
- Time 5 days / 4 nights
- Tour Type Hike
- Altitude 3500 m.a.s.l.
- Place Cusco
- Difficulty Hard
Trip Description
If you are looking for an incredible experience to discover Peru, the Choquequirao Classic Trek is the perfect option for you. With this tour, you will escape the tourist routes and head into the wilderness along a little-traveled trail to reach the impressive archaeological jewel of Choquequirao. This exciting alternative route to the Inca Trail will take you to visit the lesser-known ruins of Choquequirao, which have a similar architecture and design to Machu Picchu. Best of all, because it can only be reached on foot, you will be able to enjoy the site with very few tourists around. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to enter a world of ancient Inca trails, pass majestic glaciers and deep canyons where you can see condors flying.
In addition, you will explore biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems and observe native animals such as the Andean condor, smaller local birds, native flora and fauna, including orchids and much more. Join us as part of a group or as a couple to live this unique adventure. Take this opportunity to explore Choquequirao in a unique and exciting way, don’t miss it.
Short itinerary
Day 01: Cusco | Cachora- Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
Start your trek enjoying a day in which you can admire breathtaking landscapes, including views of the Apurimac River and valley. Afterwards, you will spend the night in Chiquisca.
Day 02: Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa – Marampata
In the morning, head to Marampata to admire the breathtaking views before arriving at the Inca citadel of Choquequirao.
Day 03: Marampata | Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the archaeological complex of Choquequirao during the whole day.
Day 04: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chiquisca
Say goodbye to Choquequirao as you make your way to Santa Rosa to enjoy lunch. Then, in the afternoon, walk to Chiquisca camp to rest and spend time with local families.
Day 05: Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco
Complete the last part of the trek by walking to Capuliyoc and saying goodbye to the trekking equipment, then visit the Saywite rock. Finally, relax in the hot springs of Conoc before returning to Cusco.
Complete Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco | Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
We will enjoy a day full of breathtaking scenery and fresh Andean air. The adventure begins early in the morning with our private transportation to Cachora, where we will see the majestic glacier mountains of Salkantay and Humantay in the distance. Once there, we will visit the village, walk through its beautiful streets receiving an explanation of its cultural richness and enjoy a delicious breakfast. We continue to Capuliyoc (2,890 m/ 9,482 ft) and meet the rest of the trekking team. Then, we start hiking the Apurimac Canyon, zigzagging down for approximately three hours until we reach the beautiful village of Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft). Along the way, we will enjoy the scenery of the Apurimac Valley and have the opportunity to appreciate the majestic flight of the condor. As we go deeper into the valley, the heat and vegetation become more present, along with the sound of the Apurimac River. Finally, we will arrive at Chiquisca to have dinner and spend the night in this green camp full of fruits and tropical amidst the aridity of the mountain.
- Time: 6 Hours Approx. of Hiking.
- Climate: Temperate, Cold
- Maximum Altitude: between 2, 920 – 3, 800 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Huacawasi
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa – Marampata
Watch the beautiful Andean sunrise while enjoying a delicious breakfast before starting the hike to Marampata (2,900 m/ 9,514 ft). During the ascent, you will have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photographs of the canyon and the snow-capped peaks around you. After an hour and fifteen minutes descending to the valley of Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 6,463 ft), and crossing a footbridge, you will face the most challenging part of the trek. After a brief stop in Santa Rosa for lunch, the team will prepare to ascend for approximately three hours to the Marampata camp. There, you will enjoy the surroundings and the spectacular sunset that illuminates the endless valleys and glacial mountains with its warm orange light. As night falls, you will have the opportunity to observe the star-filled sky that covers the landscape and the surrounding vegetation. After dinner, you can rest in preparation for the next day.
- Time: Approx. 8 hours of hiking.
- Distance: 14 Km.
- Climate: Cold
- Maximum Altitude: 3, 800 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Qelcanca
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Marampata | Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata
Highlight of the day:
Explore the secrets of the incredible Choquequirao archaeological complex and discover the ancient wonder it holds. After a delicious breakfast, we will spend the day exploring every detail of this amazing Inca site located in the mountains, near the deepest canyon in South America. You will visit the most impressive corners of Choquequirao (3,050 m /10,007 ft) and learn about its fascinating history and construction while marveling at the surrounding landscapes. This archaeological complex is larger than Machu Picchu and features plazas, temples and impressive platforms.
During the day, you can rest and recharge your batteries with a picnic lunch, and you will also have the opportunity to admire the famous white stone llamas that adorn and protect the platforms built on the hillside known as Apu Qoriwayrachina. Although you can only see 40% of the entire site, Choquequirao remains a mystery to many experts. At the end of the day, we will return to camp at Marampata (2,900 M / 9,514 ft.) to enjoy a delicious dinner and rest.
- Time: Approx. 7 hours of trekking.
- Distance: 14 Km.
- Climate: Cold – Temperate
- Maximum Altitude: 3,800 masl. – 2040 masl
- Difficulty: Moderate – Low
- Overnight stay: Aguas Calientes Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Marampata | Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chiquisca
Highlight of the day: Join the local residents of the Andean community to immerse yourself in their culture and lifestyle. Enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds this incredible part of the world and relax. The next day, after another delicious breakfast, we will start our return trip from Choquequirao. Before leaving, take one last moment to appreciate the uniqueness of this site. During the descent, you will have the opportunity to photograph the great canyon from Marampata and observe the variety of vegetation along the way. After lunch at Santa Rosa (2,970 m / 6,463 ft), we will visit Playa Rosalinas to dip our feet in the cool waters of the Apurimac River in the middle of the canyon before climbing to the Chiquisca camp (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) which is in the backyard of a local family. There, you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their customs and traditions, observing their deep connection with Pachamama or mother nature. Finally, enjoy a delicious dinner and rest in our comfortable camp while you reflect on your experience.
Day 05: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco.
The highlight of the day:
Take a moment to rest your tired muscles by soaking in the hot springs after several days of hiking. Before leaving Cusco, we will enjoy one last breakfast while listening to the roar of the river and then depart early to avoid the strong sunlight on our four-hour hike to Capuliyoc. After saying goodbye to the trekking team, we will go by private transport and visit the Saywite monolith (a colossal rock sculpted with more than 200 geometric and zoomorphic figures), a sacred place for the Incas, before heading to the Conoc hot springs to relax. Take a last look at everything, after lunch, we will start our journey back to Cusco, enjoying the majestic glacial mountains along the way. We will arrive in Cusco around 6:00 p.m., leaving you at the door of your hotel so you can rest.
Which includes
What is included:
- Transfers In/ Out Hotel
- Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the beginning of the trekking in our transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide ( English – Spanish)
- 03D-03AL- 03S -03C
- First Aid Kit.
- Oxygen Balloon.
- Pack horses and muleteer.
- Camping equipment “Triple waterproof tents for each 02 people and personal sleeping bags”.
- Camping equipment for the guides, cook and muleteer.
Not included:
- Sleeping bag (rentals available at RAP Travel).
- Inflatable air mattresses for comfort: 3 inches / 8 cm thick (rentals available at RAP Travel)
- Trekking poles (rentals available at RAP Travel)
- Last lunch
- Tips for your crew
Recommendations
What to bring
- Original passport
- CIIU (student discount card), in case you have one
- Small backpack
- Rain poncho
- Good hiking pants, hiking boots, sun, hat and sunglasses
- Camera batteries and extra
- 2 liters of water
- Extra money
- Insect repellent
- Trekking poles
- Snacks
Note:
We can help you with the rental of certain equipment such as:
- Sleeping bag US $ 25.00 for the whole trip.
- Walking poles US $ 15.00 for the whole trip
- Extra horses to carry your personal equipment US $ 70.00 for 04 days.
- Supplementary single tent for camping nights US $ 30.00.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE TOURChoquequirao Classic Trek PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people | |
Tour Summary
What is included in the tour
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Important note:
Differential prices for students, children, infants.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions from Travelers
What is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to travel to Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C. Nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C, especially in June and July.g
The rainy season in Cusco runs from November to March, and during this period you can expect regular rains, especially in January and February. Rainfall can be heavy and can cause disruptions to transportation and tourist activities.
Keep in mind that, although the dry season is the best time to visit Cusco in terms of weather, it is also the busiest time in terms of tourism.
What is the weather like in Cusco?
The climate in Cusco varies according to the time of the year.
- The dry season (April to October): During this time, the weather in Cusco is generally dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 20°C. Nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 5°C. This is the best time to visit Cusco, as weather conditions are ideal for exploring the city and outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking.
- Rainy season (November to March): During this season, Cusco experiences frequent rains and cooler temperatures, with an average temperature of 16°C. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping as low as 3°C. Rainfall can be quite intense and prolonged, which can make outdoor activities difficult.
It is important to keep in mind that the weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, even during the dry season. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and rain.
What to bring on my trip to Cusco?
If you are planning a trip to Cusco, there are some important items you should take with you to make sure you are comfortable and prepared for any situation. Some of the items you might consider bringing are:
- Appropriate clothing: Due to the variability of the climate in Cusco, it is important that you bring clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Include warm clothes for cold nights, comfortable clothes for walking, and comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring the ruins and trails.
- Sunscreen: Cusco’s altitude means that the sun can be very strong during the day, so it is important to bring sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Water bottle: The altitude can also cause dehydration, so it is important to stay hydrated.
- Medications: If you take any medications regularly, make sure you bring enough for your trip. It is also a good idea to bring some basic medications for headaches, upset stomachs and colds.
- Cash: Although most places in Cusco accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash in Peruvian soles for shopping in local markets, paying for cabs and tipping.
- Plug adapter: If you are coming from another country, you may need a plug adapter for electrical outlets in Peru.
- Camera: Cusco is a beautiful place with many interesting landscapes and tourist attractions, so you will want to capture many memories in photos or videos.