The southern approach to Choquequirao from Cachora requires a steep descent from almost 3,200 meters down to the Apurimac River at 1,200 meters, followed by an even steeper ascent up to the ruins. The site is perched a magnificent 1,150 meters above the Apurimac, surrounded by densely-forested mountain slopes in the shadow of the huge, snow-capped Salkantay massif. In recent years, the ruins have been partially-cleared by Peruvian archaeologists, and can be easily explored by those intrepid enough to undertake the demanding trek required to get there.
Archaeological, cultural, ecological, hiking and camping
05 Days – 04 Nights
Cusco
Cusco
GROUP SERVICE: (2 to 8 people MAX): Our most popular Ausangate Trek is recommended for everybody who likes the adventure, families, honeymooners and couples.
PRIVATE SERVICE: All inclusive for families with children, honeymooners and couples. Special trek program just for you, and you can depart any day you wish and choose the group size, we don’t add any people, is arranged just for you. All private groups include additional services, such as: extra porters, horses to ride and to carry your personal gear (for alternate treks), first class Vistadome train, luxury hotels if required.
We will come to pick up you at 05:00 a.m from your hotel, and then we will take a spectacular drive across the farmlands of the Anta province, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The winding road plunges more than 1,800 masl or 6,000 ft. to a bridge over the Apurimac River, then climb through lush fields and orchards before making a final descent to the village of Cachora, at 3,400 masl / 11,100 ft., where we encounter stunning close-up views of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Here, we’ll meet our crew and horse pack train and begin our hike, catching our first glimpse of distant Choquequirao at the Capuliyoc look out before dropping steeply through dry cactus and orchid country into the Apurimac River Canyon. We will camp and rest in Chiquisca, 2,000 masl / 6,550 ft.
(L) = Lunch / (D) = Dinner.
We will descend to the Apurimac River “Great Spirit Speaker” in the Quechua language of the Incas – and cross the mighty river on a suspension footbridge, at 1,550 masl/ 5,100 ft. A broad trail makes a zigzagging ascent, which takes us out of the dry canyon zone past small sugar cane plantations to upland meadows where it acrosses a deep valley, we’ll meet our first panoramic view of the buildings and terraces of Choquequirao. The final leg of today’s hike passes through the cool shadows of a native cloud forest as we’ll approach the wooded ridge top (3,000 masl / 10,000 ft.) where the Incas built their remote ceremonial center, We’ll camp near the Inca ruins.
(B) = Breakfast / (L) = Lunch / (D) = Dinner.
This day, we will enjoy all-day exploring Choquequirao, its name means “Cradle of Gold”. Some speculate that the Inca emperor had it built as a personal spiritual retreat, to rival his father Pachacuti’s magnificent estate at Machu Picchu. Whoever built this place, it was undoubtedly an elite settlement, built for ceremonial purposes and occupied by Inca nobility.
The Apurimac River roars distantly 1,450 masl/ 4,800 ft. below, visible on either side of a steep ridge to which clings the Inca city. As we’ll approach the heart of the city, a sweep of enormous curved terraces leads our eye to an artificial hill and ceremonial platform overlooking the Main Square. Here, afternoon thermal currents bring Andean Condors soaring over the complex of temples, mausoleums, royal residences, ritual baths and water channels, great gathering halls, storehouses, hidden gardens and a giant stairway, all still standing as testimony to the careful planning of Inca engineers.
(B) = Breakfast / (L) = Lunch / (D) = Dinner.
The sun rises over the snowy crags of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, and we’ll make our way across the meadows of Marampata, where a row of Inca storehouses marks the limits of the Inca settlement.
We’ll return to the depths of the canyon, gaining new perspectives as we’ll face the immense, multi-hued cliffs on the south bank of the river.At the crossing of the Apurimac River, we can take time to cool off in a swimming hole among the huge boulders that line the river. We’ll return to the shade of the fruit and avocado trees at Chiquisca, final camp.
(B) = Breakfast / (L) = Lunch / (D) = Dinner.
After enjoying a good breakfast, we’ll hike up out of the Apurimac Canyon, with the river receding to a distant, white ribbon below us and the glaciers of the Vilcabamba mountain range filling the sky ahead. After winding our way beneath spreading, smooth-barked trees, dripping with orchids and bromeliads, we’ll regain the mountainous grasslands that stretch toward the Capuliyoc Pass and the pastoral valley of Cachora. Our transport awaits us here. Bidding farewell to our trail crew, we’ll begin the breathtaking drive back to Cusco
(B) = Breakfast.
Note: Horses will carry the heavy gear; you will hike carrying only your personal pack, sleeping bag and pad.
If you are considering to bring special photography equipment or other heavy accessories, or just simply don’t want to carry anything, please request an additional horse and muleteer ($100 USD) to carry your personal belongings, this way you will freely enjoy the hike (this is highly recommended if you have never hiked over 10,000 ft.). Chefs will deal with all the kitchen chores.
You just need to remember that you are able to go at a speed that is comfortable for you. Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy. Choquequirao Trek is considered as a moderate hike; not a technical hike but high altitude may affect some people.
We recommend the use of trekking poles, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are multiple times during the trek that trekking poles is handy, be it ascending a mountain or walking along the rough trails.
It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full 2-day trip spent in Cusco (3,399 masl), taking it very easy and drinking plenty of water is enough for some people but if you can arrange to have minimum 2-3 days in case of any travel disruptions as well then this is what we recommend as there is also so much to do here! The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail reaches 4,280 masl on the 2nd day.
We recommend that you purchase a 1.5 – 2 liter bottle of water to take with you on the first day. Every night during the trek, we will boil water so you can refill the same bottle every morning before setting out. If you are planning to drink from any streams or waterfalls, we strongly suggest you bring water purification tablets or filters. Also, you will be able to buy water along the way on Day 1, for the first few hours of Day 2, then again on the afternoon of Day 3, and of course at Machu Picchu.
Some people actually like to go during the rainy season because there are fewer tourists but we’ll say, please be prepared for wet weather and have suitable clothes and equipment. Possibly snow, so be prepared for a possible change of route if a pass is deemed impassable by the guide. We do not recommend this trek in the months of January, February and March.
You first encounter Machu Picchu as the sun rises over the high mountains encircling it. It is already dawn but this impressive moment of Machu Picchu coming out of the shadows of the looming mountains is awesome.
Yes or yes we recommend taking extra money, tips for the trekking staff, souvenirs, snacks, bottled water, drinks, etc. You should take at least 300 soles as emergency money.
Completely fluent in English. Our guides are also one of the most popular aspects of our tours, some of them were historians and archaeologists and all demonstrate a great passion for their culture and heritage.
