4 Choquequirao Trek

The Choquequirao hike 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 hike takes you to the sister city of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao (The Cradle of Gold). This is a spectacular hike that will take you to one of the mysterious last refuges of the Incas. Choquequirao is a large archaeological site located in the surroundings of the Salkantay mountain and the Apurimac Canyon. The complex is still being restored and is one of the most incredible archaeological sites of the Inca civilization. You will be able to enjoy incredible landscapes, as well as an abundant Andean flora and fauna.

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa

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.

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao

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.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquiska

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.

Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco

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.

What is included:

Transfer from the airport to your hotel (please specify arrival time and flight number)
Pre-departure briefing
Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
Private transport from Cusco to cachora (starting point of the trek)
Private transport from cachora to Cusco
Entrance fees to Choquequirao
Professional English/spanish speaking tour guide
Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
Chef and cooking equipment
Campsite fees
One pillow per person
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen, 7 kgs of your personal items.
Emergency horse every 6 persons
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards (boiled water every morning and night)
3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
Dining tent with tables and chairs
4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
Sleeping mattress

Not Included

Sleeping Bag,Walking Poles and Air Mattress (Can be rented from us)
Personal tent for solo travelers (Can be rented from us)
Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 4
Tips
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What to take

Original Passport
ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries

Optional items to take:

Shorts
Walking stick
Sandals
Extra money

PRICES

Private Service

2 people US$ 795 per person
3 people US$ 725 per person
4 people US$ 685 per person
5 people US$ 635 per person
6 people US$ 590 per person
7 people US$ 550 per person
8+ people US$ 510 per person

Important: Prices includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules.

DISCOUNTS
18 to 25 years old: US$ 15 Information required on student GREEN ISIC card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: US$15 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$30 – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

Optional Extras:

Sleeping Bag US$30
Walking Pole US$10
Inflatable Mattress US$25
Personal tent for solo travelers US$30

Machu Picchu Extension:

1 Day trip From US$ 280.00 per person (depending on group size, Train class,Hotel, etc).

2 Day 1 night Trip From US$ 335 per person (depending on group size, Train class, Hotel, etc).

Important Notes:

This route has steep ascents and descents, with changes of altitude in one day of over 1600m/5200ft. There is usually warm weather during the day due to the lower altitude than Cusco. We recommend allowing one-day acclimatization in Cusco prior to the trek departure.
Departure and arrival times are aproximated.

Important: All our departures are available along the year, although the period March to December is recommended to avoid the heart of the rainy season. Groups may be confirmed on any given date provided a minimum group size of 2 people is achieved upon booking and the booking is confirmed at least 1 week prior to departure.