Choquekirao Trek
Description
This is a spectacular though challenging hike that crosses the Canyon of the Apurimac River and ends up at the mysterious ruins of Choquekirao. This site used to be an Inca city of the same scale as Machu Picchu.The main square has a ceremonial character and two different living levels. You can see the Temples of the Sun and Earth, residences, sleeping rooms for Mitimaes (indentured workers to the Incas) and farmers' residences. Telling from the remains, the city was suddenly abandoned, probably for the same reason as Machu Picchu with the arrival of the Conquistadors.
This is a challenging trek both due to the terrain and the hot climate. The standard length of the trek is 4 days, but there is also the option to take it a little easier and do the hike in 5 days.
Itinerary
Day 1
In the early morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and by local bus you transported to the village of Cachora. This trip of 4 hours will be the start of the big adventure. We will arrive at Cachora at approximately 10 a.m. where prepare ourselves for the hike.
After that, we are going to walk for approximately 6 hours with lunch at a place called Capulioc. Then we will hike to the bridge Rosalinas over the Apurimac River, which is situated 1500 meters above sea level. This is also the site where we will camp this first night.
Day 2
We will leave the bridge Rosalinas and go in the direction of Marampata, via Santa Rosa, a beautiful place where there is the option to take the famous "Cambray" - a traditional artisan drink based on sugar cane. During the walk of around 3-4 hours we will experience differences in vegetation surrounding our route and climactic changes, whilst we ascend to 2,900masl and lunch in Marampata. This is also our camp for the night, and on this day we have an option to continue for an hour until Choquekirao in the afternoon. (Recommended)
Day 3
Today, the walkers have the option to spend a whole day in the ruins of Choquekirao, and stay a second night in Marampata.
Day 4
Today, our route takes us to Chiquisca. On the way we will once again pass through Santa Rosa. Once arrived at our destination we will have the rest of the afternoon to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery from our campsite.
Day 5
On this final day we will hike back along the same route from Chiquisca to Cachora. In Cachora, there will be a bus waiting to take us back to Cusco.
Itinerary: Choquekirao Trek 4D / 3N
This alternative itinerary skips the resting day at the ruins of Choquekirao.
Day 1 - 2:
See above, Itinerary Choquekirao Trek 5D / 4N
Day 3
Rising early from Marampata, we will walk an hour until we reach Choquekirao. We will have time to explore these fantastical ruins with our guide, and return for a late lunch and to return to Chiquisca, where we spend the evening.
Day 4
On our final day, we will hike back along the same route from Chiquisca to Cachora. In Cachora there will be a bus waiting to take us back to Cusco.
Photos
Practical Information
Length: 4 days or 5 days
Price: Contact us for more information
Others: Please note that all itineraries are subject to change
Bring With You
- Backpack
- Hiking Shoes
- Raincoat or Poncho
- Warm Clothes
- Water Bottle
- Flashlight
- Photo or Video Camera with equipment
- Insect Repellent
- Snacks (energy bars, chocolates, etc.)
- A Cap or Hat
- Sunblock.
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish)
- Cook and Porters and pack mules
- Pick up from accommodation in Cusco and transfer to Cachora
- Double occupancy tents (all new equipment) with foam mattresses
- All meals, snacks and coffee/tea breaks (exceptions, see below)
- First Aid Kit with oxygen
- Camping Equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent, chairs, tables, toilet at all campsites
- Pre-departure orientation meeting
- Entrance fees to Choquekirao
Not Included
- Sleeping bag - can be rented with Dos Manos
- A few meals are not included: breakfast on day 1 and dinner on the last day
- Possibly the most important thing to consider: TIPS for porters, guides, cooks
Additional Options
Special Discounts apply on fixed departure dates - Click here to check special departure dates.
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