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Tour Details

The Choquequirao Ruin site is one of the ancient lost Inkan Cities that Hiram Bingham discovered in 1909. Considered the last Inca refuge that resisted the Spanish invasion for decades, Choquequirao is located in the canyon of the Apurimac River at an altitude of 3,050 m/10,006 ft. The ruins are positioned in a strategic geographical area between Andean mountains and the edge of the jungle.

This is an excellent alternative trek to see a spectacular Inca Ruin site that is larger than Machu Picchu. Just like on the Ausangate trail you will run into few other trekkers. The 5D/4N trek to Choquequirao is 64km/39.76miles and ascends to 3,050m/10,006ft.

Minimum trekkers necessary for trek departure: 2 people (1 person or private/custom treks possible with extra fee). Maximum trekkers per group: 10 people (special, private party groups can exceed maximum).

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0600 AM

Price Includes

Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
Pickup from your Cusco hotel in the morning of the first day
Private transport to starting point of the trek
Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8kg/17.6lbs
Dry bag in which to put your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty on the trail
3 person, 4 season tents (2 people in large and comfortable Mountain Hardwear Expedition tent)
One-inch-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag
English speaking professional guide
Full meals on the trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)
Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse
Dining tent with tables and stools
Cook, cooking tent, and cooking equipment
Toilet, toilet tent and toilet paper
Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)
Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes
Boiled water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon
Entry ticket to Choquequirao Archaeological Complex
Entry ticket to Saihuite Archeological site
Guided tour of Choquequirao ruins, time to explore on your own
Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco at the end of the trek

Price Excludes

Dinner on the last day (back in Cusco)
Items of a personal nature and souvenirs
Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)

Recommended To Carry

Water and Snacks
Sunscreen
Personal belongins
Entrance Fees

Itinerary

Day 1CUSCO – CACHORA – COCA MASANA – CHIKISKA CAMP

We will be leaving Cusco at 6:00am for the 4 hour drive to Cachora in our private transportation. On the way we will stop to have breakfast admiring the wonderful Limatambo Canyon and the Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. We then continue to the little village of Cachora.

After meeting our expedition support crew know as arrieros we start a gentle hike through this historically rich territory. It is a 3 hour hike to Capulichayoc (2915m/9,564ft) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley and river below, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora Mountains.

We will then descend toward Coca Masana (2330m/7,644ft) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m/4,954ft beside the raging “The Speaker God” Apurimac River, famous for Class 5 rafting rapids.

Here we will set up camp and spend the night. Walking poles or wooden sticks are highly recommended and insect repellent a must.

Walking distance approximately 17km/10.5mi (7-8 hour hike)
Meals: lunch, dinner, snacks, boiled water at lunch and camp
Overnight: Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tent (double occupancy)

Day 2PLAYA ROSALINA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO

After an early breakfast we will walk for approximately 1 hour to arrive at Playa Rosalina near the Apurimac River (1500m/4,921ft), where we will cross a typical local bridge and hike through a forest of cactus, agaves, and exotic local fruit trees.

Here we start a gentle, gradual 3-4 hour climb (1,400m/4,593ft gain) from the shores of the Apurimac river to Marampata (2900m/9,514ft) where we have lunch. At the end of this path we will see the archaeological complex of Choquequirao for the first time.

It is an easy 2 hour hike to the Choquequirao ruins (3035m/9,957ft), and on the way we will see a variety of plants and flowers. As soon as we arrive to this Inca complex we will visit the farming terraces of Paqchayoc and the house of the waterfall, after which we return to our camping site near Choquequirao. Here you can taste “cambric,” a local cognac made from sugar cane.

Walking distance approximately 14km/8.7mi (7-8 hour hike)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, boiled water at lunch and camp
Overnight: Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tent (double occupancy)

Day 3CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX – RAQAYPATA

Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible Inca ruins of Choquequirao. Your guide will explain the history and importance of the site. After the tour you will have free time to visit the many sectors of the complex. Late in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp the night at Raqaypata (2,190m/7,185ft).

Walking distance approximately 4km/2.5mi (3-4 hour hike)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, boiled water at lunch and camp
Overnight: Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tent (double occupancy)

Day 4RAQAYPATA – COCA MASANA

After breakfast we continue our return trek with a steep descent towards the Apurimac River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon we will climb for approximately 4 hours to our final campsite at Coca Masana.

Walking distance approximately 15km/9.3mi (7-8 hour hike)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, boiled water at lunch and camp
Overnight: Mountain Hardwear 3 person Tent (double occupancy)

Day 5COCA MASANA – CACHORA – CUSCO

After breakfast we start a 3 hour climb to Capuliyoc. From there it’s a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our arrieros (expedition horse guides) and take our private transport back towards Cusco. Along the way we will stop at the archaeological site at Saihuite to explore and have lunch. A further 4 hours by private transport brings us back to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks, boiled water at breakfast and lunch
Overnight: Not included

Photos

1 Review

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Couple Traveller

The trekking guide’s wealth of knowledge about the area’s history and culture made the journey truly captivating. We ventured through breathtaking landscapes and encountered hidden marvels, immersing ourselves in the essence of the region.

February 13, 2023