This special archaeological monument, which is located in a cloud forest between the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers and the majestic Mount Salkantay, was the refuge for the sixteenth Inca resistance movement who were trying to battle away control of Tahuantinsuyo from the Spanish conquistadors. The evidence implies that the city was abandoned suddenly. We will be able to see the temples of the Sun and Earth, the royal residences and the humble rooms and homes for common citizens and farmers. The trek to Choquequirao is a unique and memorable experience which takes you from a jagged terrain of green mountains with glaciers, and with the possibility of seeing bears, condors, tarantulas and many others, to one of the most important, and well preserved archaeological sites in South America.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco- Cachora- Chiquiska

Early morning on Day 1 brings us a 4 hour panoramic journey to the village of Cachora, where we meet our porters with their mules and also where we find the trailhead. We will start the 2 hour hike towards the Abra de Kapuliyoq (2800 m), the first pass of the journey, where we will enjoy our first amazing views of the deep Apurimac River Valley with mighty snow-capped peaks all around. A 3 hour descent on the trail leads us to our first camp in Chiquiska (1800 m).

Day 2: Chiquiska- Choquequirao

After breakfast, we continue our descent, appreciating the beautiful views of the Apurimac Canyon until we arrive to the height of 1495 m, where we will find the famous Apurimac River Bridge. After crossing over the high, hanging bridge, which makes for a memorable moment, we will have 4 hour climb on the other side to Marampata, where we will have our Lunch for the day. In the afternoon, we will take a gorgeous final walk to the archaeological site of Choquequirao. We will be hoping to arrive just in time to enjoy the incredible crimson sun dipping into the jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks. We will set up our camp and have our dinner nearby. We will enjoy a well deserved rest that night in the mountains (3000 m).

Day 3: Choquequirao- Marampata- Chiquiska

The morning time of Day 4 will be dedicated to the exploration and guided tour of the archaeological remains of Choquequirao, which is still in the process of being excavated and restored by the COPESCO. After lunch, we have the option to visit to the Casa Cascada ("Waterfall House") which sits about 300 m below Choquequirao. From the highest point, we will appreciate some stellar panoramic views of Choquequirao from the opposite angle. In the afternoon we will need to begin the long return to Marampata. We will rest there for a while before continuing on back to Santa Rose, at which point we will take on an approximately 3 hour descent to get back to the gorgeous, Apurimac River. This is a great spot to appreciate the beauty of this stunning valley, which is the only thing that separates Cusco from Apurimac. After Lunch, in the afternoon, we will arrive to the place where we will set up our last campsite, Chiquiska.

Day 4: Chiquiska- Cachora- Cusco

We will have our last Breakfast of the journey before beginning an ascent to the last, and highest, pass of the trek, Capuliyoc Pass. We will walk for approximately 2 hours more to arrive to our destination, Cachora. Our transport vehicle will already be there waiting to take us back to Cusco, where we will arrive to at about 7:00 pm.

Included

•  Transfer from the airport or bus terminal to your hotel in Cusco upon your arrival
•  Information and maps related to the treks
•  Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead in Cachora
•  Entrance to Choquequirao
•  Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
•  Food during the trek (3D, 3A, 3C), with vegetarian option for those who reserve it
•  Porters and mules to carry the camping equipment and food
•  Professional, trained Cook
•  First aid kit, blood pressure gauge, oxygen tank
•  Camping equipment (tents, mattress, cooking equipment, etc.)
•  Re-confirmation of airline tickets
•  Transfer from Cachora to your hotel in Cusco
•  Departing transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the airport or bus terminal

Not Included

•  Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch or Dinner on Day 4
•  Sleeping bag

Additionals Options For Rent