Choquequirao Classic trek

4 days

Choquequirao is in Sacred Valley of the Incas of Peru. Choquequirao Complex is very interesting and one of the most popular treks in Cusco area. Choquequiraw is situated in the spur of the mountain range of Salkantay, over 3030m surroundedby the Apus of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bankof Apurimac river.

Choquequirao  Cuzco – Peru 

Hike to Choquequirao 4 days

The Choquequirao Trek is perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds or who are looking for something other than Machu Picchu during their trip. The trek takes you to the sister city of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao (The Cradle of Gold) which sits high above the Apurimac Valley.

Begin from: Cusco / Cachora

End in: Cusco

Duration: 04 Days/ 03 Nights

Physical Rating: Moderate

Accommodation: Tourist Class 

Trip Highlights

• Visit the impressive lost citadel of the Incas, the majestic Choquequirao, which in Inca times was one of the most powerful cities of the Empire.
• Stroll through the gardens, temples, royal houses, agricultural terraces and the great altar or Ushno, where the Incas carried out their rituals for the mountains and mother earth.
• Explore the great canyon of the Apurimac, which is lost in the immensity surrounded by great snow-capped mountains, next to the dense cloud forests.
• If you are a lover of bird watching, this site is perfect since you can enjoy different microclimates, where different species of hummingbirds, tanagers, eagles, and the condor of the Andes live.
• Enjoy the best sunrises and sunsets in the Andes, at night you can also appreciate the sky full of stars and constellations next to the Milky Way.

Hike Choquequirao Trail 4Days/3Nighs

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Playa Rosalina.
Day 2: Playa Rosalinas, Marampata, Choquequirao.
Day 3: Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
Day 4: Choquequirao, San Ignacio, Tambobamba.

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Itinerary: Choquequirao Trail 4Days/3Nights hike.

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa

Level Challenging/Tough
Max Elevation 2900 m
Hiking Distance 18 km
Approximate walking time 8 hrs

Our first day starts out from the village of Cachora, a 4 hour drive from Cusco. Leaving Cachora the path works it’s way down in to the Apurimac Valley and we will have fantastic views of snow-capped peaks in the distance and the Apurimac Valley spread out before us throughout the day, also after a few hours walking we’ll get to have our first views of Choquequirao sat on the far side of the valley. The area around Choquequirao is rich in life and we will see a wide variety of flora and fauna as we make our way down in to the valley.
Our campsite for the night is at Santa Rosa (2200m / 7215ft.) which is on the other side of the Apurimac River. As the campsite is a little further along the trail than most groups go it is one of the quietest places to camp on the whole trek so we can enjoy the beautiful scenery around us without distraction.

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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao

Level Challenging/Tough
Max Elevation 3100 m
Hiking Distance 10 km
Approximate walking time 8 hrs

Today is probably the hardest day of the trek. To get to Choquequirao we need to make our way back up the opposite side of the Apurimac Valley which involves ascending about 800m / 2624ft. over a distance of 14km / 8.7 miles through hot and humid conditions. It’s quite tough going but the views we get today mixed with the wide variety of flora and fauna you find on this side of the valley make it worth it.
Throughout the day we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids and stands of bamboo; we’ll also hopefully see birds such as Quetzals, Toucans and a variety of hummingbirds. After about a 5 hour walk we’ll arrive to our campsite close to Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005ft.) and settle in for the night – if the weather is clear the views of the sunsetting from here are amazing and we may be lucky enough to spot Condors soaring over the valley below.

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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquiska

Level Leisurely/Moderate
Max Elevation 3100 m
Hiking Distance 12 km
Approximate walking time 8 hrs

Today’s focus is on exploring Choquequirao. Waking up early you’ll head off on a guided tour of the site during which you’ll be shown the most important and interesting sections of the city and get to learn about the Inca culture and the close relation between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Compared to Machu Picchu little is known about Choquequirao even though it has been known about for much longer. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spanish it lay abandoned and forgotten until recent years when tourism raised the profile of the city and exploration began. Even with this increased interest only 25% of the city has been explored and many of its secrets still wait to be discovered.
After your tour you’ll begin the trek back to Cachora along the route we came. Our campsite for tonight is Chiquiska (1800m / 5905ft.) in the base of the valley by the Apurimac River.

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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco

Level Challenging/Tough
Max Elevation 2900 m
Hiking Distance 16 km
Approximate walking time 8 hrs

Today is the final stretch of the trek as we make our way back to Cachora. Winding our way back up the side of the valley we’ll have our final views of Choquequirao in the distance before arriving to Cachora in the late afternoon and travelling by bus back to Cusco.

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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK INCLUDED:

• Pick up from the hotel
• Experienced English speaking Guide, Cook and Horseman
• Private Transportation to Cachora,
• Full board meals during the trek (vegetarian option or special diets by request
• Camping Equipment tent for 2 person, dining tent, tables and chairs
• Mattress
• Horses to carry camping equipment
• 1 Extra horse in case of emergency

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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK NOT INCLUDED:

• First breakfast
• Sleeping Bags Down US$40 for 6 nights
• Trekking poles a pair US$30
• Back Pack 60 liters US$30
• Bottle water, sodas or beers
• Tips for your crew are optional not mandatory.
• Optional Tips for the crew, totally to your discresion.

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• Small backpack or daypack, well fitted trekking boots
• Water bottle, flashlight hat, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen
• Warm and Light clothing, rain coat or plastic poncho
• Chocolates, cookies, dry fruits, snack
• Binocular
• Extra Money (local currency and lots of coins)
• Original passport

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