CHOQUEQUIRAO

INTRODUCTION

Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold) is a partly excavated ruined city of the Inca in the south of Peru exactly in the Region of Cusco. It bears a striking similarity in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu and is referred to as the New Machupicchu.Choquequirao receives far fewer tourists than Machupicchu but the archeological site is no less delightful and is a good alternative to the sometimes overcrowded Machu Picchu. Unlike Machupicchu, Choquequirao cannot be reached by train or bus. The only way to visit the site is to go on a scenic couple of day walking from outside Cusco.

04 days hiking is recommend for good experience walkers.  

Duration of the trek: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Distance of the trek: 32 km (64 km round trip) (39, 8 miles)

Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours

Season: From March to November

Maximum height: 3,100 m.a.s.l (10,170 ft) 

ITINERARY

DAY 01: CUSCO/ CACHORA/ CHIQUISCA

Previous walking we still have to drive from Cusco to Cachora town (2,600 m.a.s.l) (8,530 ft) which takes us for around 03 hours where we meet the horse leader. Once there we organize the equipment and luggage on mules and horses. This day we walk through great sceneries getting Capuliyoc top view point where we enjoy a break and the entire valley and Apurimac canyon. Afterward we walk in a big descent till Chiquisca camping site

Total distance: 18 km (11 miles)

Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum altitude point: 2,915 m.a.s.l (9,500 ft)

Campsite altitude: 1,500 m.a.s.l (4,920 ft)

DAY 02: CHIQUISCA/ MARAMPATA/ CHOQUEQUIRAO 

After a healthy breakfast we start to walk down to Playa Rosalina (1,400 m.a.s.l)( 4,593 ft) which is the lower area on the walking route so after we walk up over a single trail on the desert where the practice of agriculture is almost impossible but the inhabitants of the area takes advantage of some water streams cultivating sugar cane. After 1470 meters (4,823 ft) walking up we get Marampata community (2,870 m.a.s.l) (4,593 ft) where we enjoy a lunch in the middle of great scenery. After a nap we still walk up with direction the Choquequirao camping area getting in the two hours after lunch place. If you are still with a energy you can enjoy the sunset at the lower part of the construction where you can observe the cultivation Inca’s terraces and water supply system channels.

Total distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)

Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours

Maximum altitude point: 3,100 m.a.s.l (10,170 ft)

Campsite altitude: 3,000 m.a.s.l (9,840 ft)

DAY 03: CHOQUEQUIRAO / CHIQUISCA

There is still three kilometers from camping to the top of the construction (3,100 m.a.s.l) (10,170 ft) where we enjoy the sunrise and a longer visit in the old city and the most representative places of the area so this we walk down taking the same path until Playa Rosalina where we enjoy the lunch a longer siesta to recover energy because afterward we walk up to Chiquisca Camping site where e spend the night.

Total distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)

Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours

Maximum altitude point: 3,100 m.a.s.l (10,170 ft)

Campsite altitude: 1,500 m.a.s.l (4,920 ft)

DAY 04: CHIQUISCA/CACHORA/CUSCO

Early breakfast at around 04:30 o’clock in the morning and then walking up to Capuliyac view point and Cachora village where we say chao! horse leader to continue by car to Cusco city.

Total distance: 18 km (11 miles)

Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours

Maximum altitude point: 2,915 m.a.s.l (9,500 ft)

THE SERVICE INCLUDES:  

Hotel pick up in Cusco

Bus transportation from Cusco to Cachora (where we start the hiking)

Professional Bilingual tour leader (two leaders for groups over 8 people)

Horses and mules to carry the company's stuff

Cook and meals (03 breakfasts / 04 lunches / 03 dinners)

Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, kitchen tent and dinning tent)

First aid kit and Oxygen balloon

Entrance fees to Choquequirao

SERVICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:  

Breakfast on first day and dinner on day four

Tips for crew (tour leader, cooks and porters)

Sleeping bag (can be hired in our office U$ 03 per day)

Horses to carry your personal items 12 kilograms ($ 70)

RECOMMENDATIONS THINGS TO BRING:

Backpack and sleeping bag

Hiking shoes or boots

Rain coat and poncho

Warmth clothes

Insect repellent

Sun block, sun glasses and hat

Water bottle

Water purifying tables

Flash light and knife

Towel and toilet paper

Snacks (chocolates, candies, cookies,etc)

Personal Medical Kit.

Extra national currency (soles)

Original passport

ISIC Card for students

Price for shared service: US$ 420 per person (adult)

US$ 20 Discount for student with INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CARD (ISIC)