Choquequirao Trek 4 days / 3 nights

Explore the thrilling experience of walking through the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex, which is located at the top of the Vilcabamba mountain range and can only be accessed on foot. This 15th century archaeological site, which has similarities with Machu Picchu, has impressive features such as terraces, temples, plazas and aqueducts, but unlike Machu Picchu, it only receives between 15 and 20 visitors per day. The ruins of Choquequirao are a beautiful, mysterious, vast and unique place, which have been classified as a fortress, ceremonial center, city and even as the last residence of the Inca.

The term Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua and it is presumed that there were gold mines nearby that were exploited during the Inca Empire. The archaeological complex has a main square, royal quarters, a sun temple, large buildings, barracks for soldiers, a prison and walled dwellings. There is also an administrative center separated from the rest of the site for priests and an extensive amount of terraces for agriculture and hillside stabilization. The most famous aspect of the ruins are the terraces with white quartz flames embedded in the walls. Join us and discover the fascination of Choquequirao!

Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Rosalina Beach – Marampata

Start your excursion with a day full of wonderful landscapes and panoramic views of the Apurimac River and valley. Rest overnight in Marampata.

Day 02: Choquequirao Exporation and visit – Marampata

In the morning, hike to Marampata and delight in the impressive views of the site before arriving at the Inca citadel of Choquequirao.

Day 03: Santa Rosa – Rosalina Beach – Cocamasana

After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to thoroughly tour the amazing archaeological site of Choquequirao all day.

Day 04: Capuliyoq – Cachora – Cusco

Say goodbye to Choquequirao and head to Santa Rosa for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Chiquisca camp to spend time with local families and rest.

Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Rosalina Beach – Marampata

Enjoy a day full of natural beauty and fresh Andean air in this exciting adventure that will start early in the morning. We will pick you up at your hotel and take you in our private transportation to Cachora, where you will be able to contemplate the majestic mountains of Salkantay and Humantay. In Cachora, we will visit the village and walk through its narrow streets and receive an explanation of its cultural richness, then we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing our journey to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft). There, we will meet the trekking equipment that will accompany us all the way as well as carry our belongings and begin our zigzagging descent through the Apurimac Canyon to Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft). During the trail, you will appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Apurimac Valley, the majestic flight of the condor and the views of the Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina mountains. As we go deeper into the valley, the temperature becomes warmer, the vegetation more abundant and the sound of the Apurimac River more constant. Arriving at Chiquisca, a green camp full of fruits in the middle of the mountain, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night there.

• 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: Day 02: Exploration and visit of Choquequirao – Marampata

After a delicious breakfast and accompanied by a beautiful sunrise in the Andean sky, we will begin our hike with a steep and zigzagging climb to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where you can take extraordinary pictures of the canyon and the snow-capped mountains that surround you. Then, we will descend for an hour and fifteen minutes until we reach Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), where we will cross a footbridge to begin the most difficult part of the hike. We will make a short stop at Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft) to enjoy a lunch prepared by our team before continuing with a three-hour hike to the Marampata camp. In the afternoon, you will enjoy the surroundings, the energy and relax with a beautiful sunset that illuminates the valleys and mountains with a soft orange light. After dark, we will see a sky full of stars before dinner and rest.

• Time: Approx. 8 Hrs. Hike
• Distance: 14 Km.
• Weather: Cold
• Maximum Altitude: 3, 800 masl.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overnight: Qelcanca
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Santa Rosa – Rosalina Beach – Cocamasana

Highlight of the day:

Discover the secrets of the incredible Choquequirao archaeological complex as you explore this ancient wonder.

You will start the day with an exquisite breakfast before embarking on an adventure to discover every detail of this Inca site located in the mountains, near the deepest canyon of the South American continent. On this trip, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding this impressive Inca construction while visiting the most fascinating corners of the site and listening to the stories of the past from our guide. Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) is larger than Machu Picchu and features plazas, temples and impressive platforms that will make you wonder how the Incas could have built something like this on top of the mountains. During the tour, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at noon and also admire the famous white stone llamas that adorn the platforms built into the hillside. Although you can only see 40% of the site, Choquequirao is said to remain a mystery. At the end of the day, you will return to our campsite in Marampata (2,900 m/ 9,514 ft.) to enjoy a delicious dinner and rest after a day full of adventures.

• Time: 7 Hours Approx. 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: Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco

Highlight of the day: Share time with the residents of the Andean community and increase your knowledge of their culture. Relax and enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings of this region.

At the conclusion of the last breakfast, you will begin your return journey from Choquequirao. Before departing, be sure to see this unique site once again. First, you will have the opportunity to take more pictures of the great canyon from Marampata. Afterwards, you will descend for two hours until you reach Santa Rosa (2,970 m / 6,463 ft), where you will have lunch. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna in the area. After lunch, you will continue the trek to Playa Rosalinas and refresh your feet in the Apurimac River. Then, you will climb to Chiquisca camp (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), which is in the back garden of a family home. Take the opportunity to socialize and learn about Andean life and traditions. Here, you will be able to see up close the close relationship they have with the Pachamama or nature. After a delicious dinner, you can rest peacefully at night in our comfortable camp and reflect on your trip.

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.