Choquequirao Trek 5 days and 4 nights

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRAVEL STYLE: Trek

MINIMUM GROUP: 02 persons

DEPARTURES: Subject to availability

Description:

The CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK is a challenging, adventurous, and exciting hike through high jungle and the Vilcabamba range of the Andean mountains.
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. We also offer an 8D/7N package trek that combines Choquequirao with part of the Salkantay trail, ending in Machu Picchu.

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).

Full itinerary:

DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – COCA MASANA – CHIKISKA CAMP

We leave 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 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 2: PLAYA 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 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO 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 4: RAQAYPATA – 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 5: COCA 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 lucnh
Overnight: Not included

Included on the Trail

• Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
• Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning
• Private bus transport to start of the trek and back to Cusco
• 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 pad
• Toilet tent and toilet and toilet paper
• English speaking professional guide
• Full meals on the trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, and snacks on the trail)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse
• Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
• Dining and cooking tents with tables and stools
• Dietary needs: able to cater to any dietary preference/need
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment, and your duffel bags)
• Hot water every morning and evening for hand washing purposes
• Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and afternoon
• Entrance to the Ausangate trail

Not included

• Flights
• Hotel before/after trek
• Dinner on the last day
• Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
• Entrance to hot springs
• Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
• Tip for your guide(s) and trek staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek

Recommendations:

• Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
• Recommend a sleeping bag rated for 20F/-7C or below for this trek
• Sleeping bag liner (for your sleeping bag if you wish)
• Mattress pad – while we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore we recommend bringing your own pad that you know you are comfortable sleeping on, as well as any other sleep items you might want to have (camp pillow, etc).
• Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread
• Optional: microspikes in case of excessive snowfall (rare)
• Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
• Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
• Hand warmers if you wish
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
• Daypack and rain cover
• Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
• Cash for tipping porters (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine), cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, for in town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)
• Swim suit, flip flops, towel for any hot springs you may visit (not every trek/trip has this) if you wish to go
• Sandals
• Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
• Insect repellent if you plan to visit Machu Picchu
• Hand sanitizer and face covering (for COVID-19 Pandemic)
• Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)
• E.g. if you have a favorite protein bar as Cusco doesn’t sell items like this
• First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)
• Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need
• Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and solar panel/power bank
• Water bottle or water bladder to refill
• Passport (must be valid 6 months past your final travel dates for most countries)
• Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc)
• Power plug adapter
• Travel lock(s) approved by TSA (or they cut them off – US only)
• Tickets, itinerary, emergency contact information
• Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need (see suggestions below)
• Small quick-dry pak towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day

A minimum of 2 trekkers required for this trek. Maximum of 10 trekkers in a group. Price for 6-10 trekkers: 750 USD per person. Price for 3-5 trekkers: 790 USD per person. Price for 2 trekkers: 850 USD per person.Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome, Please email us to customize.

Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome, Please email us to customize.

What to carry – Daypacks

On the trail you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, hand sanitizer, face mask, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) and anything you will need before dinner as horses do not walk alongside you. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to pack for your trek” tab. We will provide you with a dry bag for your overnight gear to be carried by horses. Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. Yes, we can store your luggage for you during the trek. Most hotels/hostels also provide this service.

• For more information you can write to us by email reservas@huntingtreasuresperu.com.