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Choquequirao Trek

Cusco

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Difficulty

Easy

Tour Description

Embark on the Choquequirao Trek, an ideal choice for those seeking a less crowded and alternative experience to Machu Picchu. This trek leads you to the sister city of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, often referred to as “The Cradle of Gold,” situated high above the Apurimac Valley.

Immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the diverse flora and fauna, breathtaking scenery, and visit the significant Inca site of Choquequirao. This trek offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, allowing you to connect with nature and history in a tranquil setting away from the bustling crowds.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa
Embark on our journey from the village of Cachora, just a 4-hour drive from Cusco. The trail descends into the Apurimac Valley, treating us to breathtaking views of distant snow-capped peaks and the sprawling Apurimac Valley. After a few hours, Choquequirao reveals itself on the far side of the valley, adding excitement to the trek. The route through the Choquequirao region is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offering an enriching experience.

Our campsite at Santa Rosa (2200m / 7215ft.) on the other side of the Apurimac River provides a serene setting, away from the usual trekking routes, allowing us to soak in the natural beauty undisturbed.

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao
Today’s challenge is conquering the ascent on the opposite side of the Apurimac Valley, involving an 800m / 2624ft. climb over 14km / 8.7 miles, amidst hot and humid conditions. While demanding, the panoramic views and the diverse flora and fauna on this side of the valley make the effort worthwhile.

Throughout the day, encounters with bromeliads, orchids, and bamboo groves await us, with the possibility of spotting birds like Quetzals, Toucans, and hummingbirds. Our campsite near Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005ft.) offers stunning sunset views and, if fortunate, a glimpse of Condors soaring over the valley.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquiska
Dedicate today to exploring Choquequirao. An early start leads to a guided tour of the site, unveiling its most significant sections and providing insights into Inca culture and the intriguing connection between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.

Compared to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains shrouded in mystery despite its earlier discovery in the 17th century. Recent tourism interest has brought attention to this city, with only 25% of it explored. After the enlightening tour, we begin our trek back to Cachora, retracing our steps. Our campsite at Chiquiska (1800m / 5905ft.) by the Apurimac River awaits for a restful night.

Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco
The final leg of our trek takes us back to Cachora. As we ascend the valley’s side, Choquequirao provides a captivating farewell view. Upon reaching Cachora in the late afternoon, we’ll board a bus back to Cusco, concluding our memorable journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa
Embark on our journey from the village of Cachora, just a 4-hour drive from Cusco. The trail descends into the Apurimac Valley, treating us to breathtaking views of distant snow-capped peaks and the sprawling Apurimac Valley. After a few hours, Choquequirao reveals itself on the far side of the valley, adding excitement to the trek. The route through the Choquequirao region is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offering an enriching experience.

Our campsite at Santa Rosa (2200m / 7215ft.) on the other side of the Apurimac River provides a serene setting, away from the usual trekking routes, allowing us to soak in the natural beauty undisturbed.

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao
Today’s challenge is conquering the ascent on the opposite side of the Apurimac Valley, involving an 800m / 2624ft. climb over 14km / 8.7 miles, amidst hot and humid conditions. While demanding, the panoramic views and the diverse flora and fauna on this side of the valley make the effort worthwhile.

Throughout the day, encounters with bromeliads, orchids, and bamboo groves await us, with the possibility of spotting birds like Quetzals, Toucans, and hummingbirds. Our campsite near Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005ft.) offers stunning sunset views and, if fortunate, a glimpse of Condors soaring over the valley.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquiska
Dedicate today to exploring Choquequirao. An early start leads to a guided tour of the site, unveiling its most significant sections and providing insights into Inca culture and the intriguing connection between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.

Compared to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains shrouded in mystery despite its earlier discovery in the 17th century. Recent tourism interest has brought attention to this city, with only 25% of it explored. After the enlightening tour, we begin our trek back to Cachora, retracing our steps. Our campsite at Chiquiska (1800m / 5905ft.) by the Apurimac River awaits for a restful night.

Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco
The final leg of our trek takes us back to Cachora. As we ascend the valley’s side, Choquequirao provides a captivating farewell view. Upon reaching Cachora in the late afternoon, we’ll board a bus back to Cusco, concluding our memorable journey.

Includes / Excludes

**Includes:**

– Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
– Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
– Chef
– Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
– Pick-up from your hotel
– Transportation by bus to and from Cachora
– Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
– 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Afternoon Snacks, and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
– Dining tent with tables and chairs
– 4-man tent for every 2 trekkers
– Sleeping mattress
– Oxygen bottle
– First aid kit

**Does Not Include:**

– Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
– Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
– Tips
– Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

**What you need to take:**

– Walking boots
– Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
– Warm jacket
– Hat and gloves
– T-shirts
– Comfortable Trousers
– Sun hat
– Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
– Insect repellent
– Toiletries and hand sanitizer
– Personal medication
– Camera and film
– Torch with spare batteries

Additional Info
  • Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
  • Highest Altitude – 3050m / 10,005ft
  • Walking Distance – 64 km / 40 miles
  • Longest Day – Day 1, approximately 25 km/15.5 miles
  • Overall Difficulty – Difficult
Tour Price

$975.00

per person

If you have questions about the Tour, please call us to customize your adventure and learn more making your trip a once-in-a-life experience.
Pay a 50% deposit now and the rest when you arrive in Peru.
Select Group Size

Tour Information

Max. Guest

12

Min Age

+10

Tour Location

Peru

Languages Support

Spanish & English