Choquequirao Trek 4Days

Choquequirao Trek, often referred to as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, is a significant Inca archaeological site located in the Vilcabamba mountain range of southern Peru. Here’s an overview of Choquequirao:

Location and Accessibility

• Geography: Choquequirao is situated on a ridge spur nearly 3,050 meters (10,010 feet) above sea level, overlooking the Apurímac River.
• Accessibility: Unlike the more accessible Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is reached by a challenging trek. The journey typically starts from the village of Cachora and involves a multi-day hike through steep and rugged terrain.
• Remote Appeal: The site is much less visited than Machu Picchu, providing a more secluded and immersive experience.

Historical Significance

• Inca Empire: Choquequirao was likely built during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui and expanded by his successors.
• Function: It is believed to have served as an administrative and religious center, possibly a retreat for Inca nobility or a stronghold during the Spanish conquest.
• Rediscovery: Though known to locals for centuries, Choquequirao was brought to wider attention by explorers in the 19th century and has been the subject of archaeological studies since the late 20th century.

Archaeological Features

• Terraces: The site features extensive agricultural terraces that are still visible today. These terraces were used for farming and are adorned with intricate stonework and irrigation channels.
• Plazas and Structures: The central plaza, ceremonial platforms, and a variety of residential and administrative buildings showcase Inca architectural prowess.
• Llama Terraces: One of Choquequirao’s unique features is the set of terraces with stone carvings depicting llamas, which are thought to have religious or cultural significance.
• Views: The site offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurímac River, enhancing its dramatic setting.

Trekking to Choquequirao

• Difficulty: The trek is considered challenging due to its steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and remote location. It typically takes 4 to 5 days round trip.
• Scenery: Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, including diverse ecosystems ranging from cloud forests to high Andean landscapes.
• Campsites: There are several designated campsites along the route, providing basic facilities for trekkers.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season from May to September is the best time to visit, offering more stable weather and clearer trails.
• Preparation: Adequate physical preparation, proper gear, and acclimatization to altitude are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
• Guides and Tours: While it is possible to trek independently, many visitors opt for guided tours that provide logistical support, local knowledge, and added safety.

Cultural and Environmental Considerations

• Preservation: Efforts are ongoing to preserve Choquequirao archaeological integrity and natural environment.
• Community Impact: The increasing popularity of Choquequirao has the potential to benefit local communities economically, but it also poses challenges in terms of managing tourism sustainably.

Summary

Choquequirao Trek, offers a rich historical and cultural experience for those willing to undertake the demanding trek. Its isolation, impressive ruins, and spectacular natural setting make it a hidden gem of the Inca civilization, providing a unique and rewarding adventure for trekkers and history enthusiasts alike.

DAY 01: CUSCO – CACHORA – COCA MASANA – PLAYA ROSALINA – STA ROSA.

We will leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m. until reaching the town of Cachora at 9:00 a.m. approximately where we will enjoy breakfast and we will meet our muleteer who will accommodate us our team on mules and horses. After a 2-hour walk we will reach Capuliyoc at 2915 meters above sea level. from where we can enjoy a beautiful view of the Apurímac Valley extending below the snow-capped peaks, the Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora. Then we will descend towards Coca Masana at 2,330 m.a.s.l. where the weather gets hotter and hotter, we finally arrive at Playa Rosalina at 1,550 m.a.s.l. where (we will have lunch) then we continue for an hour to santa rosa where we will establish our camp.

• Meals: Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping at Sta Rosa
• Lowest Elevation:  1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,915 meters/9,564 feet
• Distance to walk: 12 km / 7.45 miles
• Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 02: STA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO.

After a hearty breakfast, we will start our 2.30-hour hike on a steep path that will take us to Maranpata next to the Chunchulmayo river, where we will enjoy a well-deserved rest later on we will have the probability of seeing field flowers, and a number of species of birds. From Maranpata to Choquequirao we will have a 2 hour walk thus arriving at the archaeological complex of Choquequirao in time to enjoy a substantial lunch and start the visit of the main places, have the opportunity to see a condor flying nearby and the sunset. Our camp will be outside the Choquequirao archaeological complex.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft
• Distance to walk: 11 km / 6.¾ miles
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Demanding

DAY 03: CHOQUEQUIRAO – MARANPATA –CHIKISCA.

This day we will get up at approximately 7 in the morning and after breakfast, we will begin the return journey, from Maranpata to Rosalina Beach, this journey will be downhill for approximately 3 hours, we will arrive at Rosalina Beach, where we will have a good rest and be able to refresh ourselves, after this rest we will begin the ascent path for approximately 2 hours to the Chikiska camp, where we will have lunch and camp. Here we can enjoy the free afternoon and the green areas of this beautiful place.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,000 m/ 6,561 ft
• Distance to walk: 14 km / 8 ¾ miles
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 04: CHIKISCA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO.

Very early in the morning after breakfast we will start the last of our trip a 3-hour walk up to Capuliyoc viewpoint of the Apurímac canyon where the return transport to Cusco will wait for us.

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
• Lowest elevation: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,850 m/ 9,407 ft
• Distance to walk: 8 km / 5 miles
• Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

SERVICES INCLUDING:

• Transportation Cusco – Cachora – Cusco (bus)
• Professional Guide:
• Entrance ticket: Choquequirao
• Cook: Responsible for preparing food
• Arrieros: Responsible for handling horses
• Horse: They carry tents, food and maximum kitchen equipment (05 kilos per passenger)
• Food: 3 breakfasts / 4 lunches / 3 tens
• Vegetarian option available
• Equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent,
• Igloo tent for 2 people.
• Dufle bag for the transport of personal things.
• First Aid Kit.
• emergency oxygen bottle.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Breakfast the first day.
• Sleeping bag.
• Last Lunch.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Personal document or a copy of the passport
• Sleeping bag
• Walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho-thick / fleece jacket
• Comfortable Polos-Pants
• Sun hat-Sun protection cream (factor 50 recommended)
• Insect repellent -Personal medications
• Water
• Hygiene items – (You can buy it on the go.)
• Flashlights with extra batteries

Price: Season 2024

Private Service.

US. 550. per Person (Minimum 02 People)

Discounts

• Student Discount (only with active card): $.20.00
• Under 15 years will pay as student: $.20.00

Rentals

• Hiking poles – U$.20.00 (pair)
• Sleeping bag – U$.25.00
• Private Tent –  U$.30.00