Choquequirao trek 5 days
the best tour with local company
Choquequirao trek 5 days
the best tour with local company
5 days 4 night Alternative Trek
Choquequirao trek 5 days Overview
Trip Details:
- Activities: Trekking adventure.
- Transfer to Capulioc: 4 hours by bus from Cusco.
- Difficulty level: 3 out of 5
- Maximum altitude: 3000 masl / 990 ft.
- Lodging: 4 days camping.
- Optional activities: Horse Reading.
- Locations: Choqueauirao, capuliyuc, chikisca.
- Departure day: Daily departures.
- Starts: Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM.
- Ends: Drop off in Cusco around 18:15 PM
Itinerary Choquequirao trek 5 days
Day 1: Cusco - Curahuasi - Cachora - Capuliyoc - Chikiska
KuskAndes will have the opportunity to pick you up very early in your respective hotels where you are staying, approximately at 4:30 a.m. with a private bus of the company with your mountain guide, to go to the town of Curahuasi where we can have a prudent time of 30 minutes to buy the last minute things that you may have forgotten, to have breakfast then we will continue with the journey of two and a half hours approximately until arriving at the place of Capuliyoc. Where we will begin with the first day’s hike at 2950 meters above sea level. The hike will basically begin with a descent of approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the sector of Chikiska. Where we will have the first lunch of the day at 1800 masl. After lunch we will have the day off and we will spend the night in this place of Chikiska.
- Distance : 5 – 6 km (downhill )
- Altitude : 2900 -1800 meters above sea level
- Duration : 3 – 4 hours
- Difficulty : relatively difficult
Day 2 : Chikiska - Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao
This day we will begin our adventure with the awakening at 5:00 am with a cup of tea or coca for breakfast at 5:30 am then we will begin with a descent of 1 hour to reach the sector of Playas Rosalinas and to be able to cross the bridge of Rio Apurimac, considered as one of the largest rivers in the area from this point we will begin the ascent of 2 hours to the sector of Santa Rosa, so we can rest for an average of 30 minutes then we will continue with the ascent of 2 hours: 30 hours until arriving to the sector of Marampata that is located at 2950 masl in this sector we will make a brief stop of 15 minutes to be able to take our snack to if we will continue with other 2:30 hours in an undulating path passing by a very narrow Canyon then we will cross a small creek called Cusilluchayoc until arriving to the camp that is located in Choquequirao . This day is considered one of the most exhausting and physically demanding days of the entire journey but it is also one of the most beautiful days in which you can enjoy the geographical landscape of the area sighting the flora and fauna of the beautiful landscape in this journey we will have the possibility to observe the Andean bear of the region.
- Distance : 8 – 10 km
- Altitude : 1800-3000masl
- Duration : 6-7 hours
- Difficulty : strong-challenge (physical effort)
Day 3 : Choquequirao ( archaeological center visits )
This day is one of the most awaited moments by all our visitors to be able to explore and visit the archaeological center of Choquequirao, you will have the opportunity to know a little about the history of this Inca complex, from the explanations of your guide who will go detailing about this site for about 3 hours, at the same time you will know different sectors of the main part of this archaeological monument before finishing the tour you can visit the areas called «The Terraces of the Flame of the Sun», After having explored this main part of this area we will return to our camp for lunch, then we will visit the lower part of the sector called Pacchayoc to learn more about the Inka engineering where these skilled engineers exceeded all expectations of geologists as their hydraulic systems are perfectly designed and distributed to irrigate each agricultural terrace.
After this unforgettable day we will spend the night for the second time in the Choquequirao camp.
- Distance : 7 to 8 km
- Altitude : 3000-3150
- Duration : 6-7 hours
- Difficulty : moderate
Day 4 : Choquequirao camp -Maranpata -Chikiska
After a very consistent breakfast we return by the same road that we had previously taken to go to the sector of Santa Rosa, this time we will have to make a descent to reach this point to rest and enjoy lunch under the shade of avocado trees or also known as avocado finished our food we will take a nap for 15 to 20 minutes and then continue descending to the point Ro-salinas beach which is located at 1500 meters above sea level from this point we will begin to ascend for an average of 1: 30 to 2:00 hours to reach the Chikiska camp where we will spend the fourth night of the adventure in this place we can access some family showers with cold water, also explore the agriculture of the area and observe the plantations of fruit trees such as custard apple, sugar cane, orange, lemons, papaya, banana and some vegetables such as cassava, tomato, pumpkin, etc..
- Distance: 11 to 12km
- Altitude: 1800 masl
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Difficulty: relatively moderate
Day 5: Chikiska -Cocamasana -Capuliyoc - Cusco
This day after breakfast we will begin to climb up the impressive Apurimac canyon. Along the way we will be able to observe the imposing snow-capped peaks of Padriyoc at 5650 masl and Pumasillo at 5750 masl that are located within the Vilcabamba mountain range, After finishing the photo session we will continue 10 minutes to the place where we will take the last lunch and then board our bus back to the city of Cusco with a duration of 4 to 5 hours approximately.
Photo Showcase
Prices in Private Service
| Number of persons | Price per person |
Prices in Group Service
Included
- Pre-departure information
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning and transfer by tourist transport to the starting point of the
- Choquequirao trek.
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao for visitors and agency staff.
- Personal tents: 2 people in each tent with capacity for 4 people, to allow greater comfort and safe maintenance of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season tents, highly maintained to ensure excellent performance in the field.
- One inflatable sleeping mattress per person.
- One sleeping bag per person: our sleeping bags are -18°C-comfort (0°F), mummy shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
- One pillow per person.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Kitchen tent
- Bathroom tent with biodegradable toilets.
- Professional guide Chef and cooking equipment
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
- Packing to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9 kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag)
- 1 emergency horse for every 6 people
- Wranglers
- Lodging for all our staff.
- Meals (04B, 05L, 04D + daily snack + daily tea service except the last day). Vegetarian or special menus available at no additional cost.
- One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the use of plastic bags that pollute our environment.
- Filtered boiled water from lunchtime on the first day onwards.
- Biodegradable personal hand soaps
- Biodegradable dishwasher detergents used by our kitchen staff.
- Other: hot water every morning and evening for washing up / boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and evening, and at lunchtime if requested well in advance
- First aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Private transportation back to Cusco, including the transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- 24-hour guest service: ask for the emergency number available during your visit.
No Included
- Transfers to the airport
- Last dinner and no alcoholic beverages during the trek.
- Tips
- Sleeping bag (you can rent at the company) 50 soles per trip
- Walking sticks (you can rent from the company) 35 soles for the trip.
Recommendations
As a direct tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an additional porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs / 14 lbs, including your 2.5 kg sleeping bag, sleeping pad and additional clothing.
- 2 T-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of underwear
- 3 sets of socks
- Thermal jacket
- Warm clothing, warm jacket
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves)
- Comfortable shoes for camping.
- Quick drying towel. We provide small ones, you may prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day for washing.
- Battery charger: There is no electricity along the hike.
- Plastic bags will be provided in the office. Please ask for them.
- Sleeping bag: must be at least -15ºC. It can be rented from us for $20 USD.
What To Bring
- Sun block
- Mosquito repellent,
- Personal medication (in case you have any special medication).
- Flashlight,
- Hat for the sun,
- Wool cap for the cold
- Gloves
- Light clothing
- Hiking boots,
- Tennis shoes,
- Long sleeve shirts, etc.
- Another very important thing is about money, take it in dollars so that you can exchange it in a good rate, also find out about your passport before booking your flight and do not have any inconvenience.
Travel Guide
Machu Picchu’s Sister City Still Keeps Hidden Secrets
In ancient times Peru was ruled by the mighty Inca Empire, a civilization that created impressive architecture. The famous Machu Picchu was built by the Incas over a much older megalithic enclave, being one of the most famous examples of their skill and mastery. However, Machu Picchu is not the only monument built by the Incas, there are also other lesser known, but equally impressive. One of them is Choquequirao (‘Cradle of Gold’), which still holds hidden secrets and where archaeologists have only managed to scratch the surface of all that remains hidden underground.
Choquequirao is also known as the «sister» of Machu Picchu, since it is similar to this structure in organization and architecture. Choquequirao is located in the foothills of the Wilkapampa Mountains, in the province of La Convención, northwest of the Cuzco region. The city came to the knowledge of Europeans when it was discovered by the Spanish explorer Juan Arias Diaz in 1710. While Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 and excavated the following year, it is estimated that only a third of Choquequirao has been excavated: the rest remains hidden and waiting to be revealed.
Like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is also centered on a high hill with an even higher mountain behind it and a promontory in front. In addition, a sacred river runs beneath each city. At the height of the Inca Empire, Choquequirao may have functioned as a provincial administrative center and was a vital link between the Amazon jungle and Cuzco. It has also been speculated that Choquequirao was a pilgrimage center at certain times for ceremonial events supported by the regional state. In addition, there is evidence that Choquequirao was an important center for coca cultivation and distribution. (Source: Ancient Origins)
Frequently Asked Questions Choquequirao trek 5 days
WHERE IS CHOQUEQUIRAO?
Choquequirao, hidden in the mountain range of the snow-capped Salkantay, on the valley of the Apurimac River, under the jurisdiction of the district of Santa Teresa, Province of La Convención, Department of Cusco, southern Peru. Only about one third of Choquequirao, a vital link between the Amazon jungle and the city of Cusco, has been excavated. What has been discovered to date follows traditional Inca construction: a temple and some administrative buildings are located directly around a central plaza with the dwellings of more common people further away. American explorer Gary Ziegler has said that the number of niches and double jamb doors in Choquequirao’s construction shows that the lost city was once in high status.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO CHOQUEQUIRAO?
Wondering which route to take? You can experience the ruins at Choquequirao on your own, or take the trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. Below are the most common routes, but you can adjust the route according to your schedule or fitness level.
HIKE FROM CACHORA TO CHOQUEQUIRAO: This is the most common route and we offer you these options: (3 or 4 days)
TREK FROM CACHORA TO CHOQUEQUIRAO – CCONOC: This section is somewhat intense and lasts 5 days.
MACHU PICCHU ROUTE: This trek is one of the most intense since it lasts 8 days, you will not only visit Choquequirao but also the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.
Cusco Choquequirao 3 Days Tour
Choquequirao Trek 4 days
Choquequirao Expedition 5 days
Choquequirao Trek 8 days
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOQUEQUIRAO?
Choquequirao is a surprisingly well-preserved ruin of an Inca city located in Vilcabamba – Cusco – Peru. It is considered to be the «Sister City» of Machu Picchu as there are many similarities between the two.
Choquequirao in Inca times was both a cultural and religious center for the Incas. Predictably this citadel was used as a checkpoint to ensure access to the Vilcabamba areas, which connected the jungle with other important centers such as Pisac and Machu Picchu. It was also considered a refuge for the Incas who, by orders of Manco Inca, abandoned the city of Cusco to take refuge in the cities of the Vilcabamba region, when around 1535 Cusco was under siege by the Spaniards. Today we can still see that Choquequirao has some walls with decorations of figures such as llamas.
HOW IS THE HEIGHT OF CHOQUEQUIRAO?
The lost citadel of Choquequirao is located at 3,035 meters above sea level and at the lowest point of the hike you will be at 1,461 meters above sea level. The climate is similar to that of Cusco so it is advisable to acclimatize to the altitude before the hike. It is worth mentioning that the road to Choquequirao is warm due to the Apurimac canyon.
CAN YOU GET FROM CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU?
Of course you can. That is why we offer you an exclusive tourist package so that you can visit the ruins of Choquequirao as well as the citadel of Machu Picchu.
We assure you that this trek will last 8 days of pure connection with all that the Andean landscape offers you from the heights, the ultimate adventure for those addicted to altitude, with a love for history. Join us for this excursion to the mountaintop of Choquequirao, free of tourist crowds, before continuing on to Santa Teresa, the back door to Machu Picchu. With guided tours, you will gain a greater appreciation of the Inca Empire and feel like you are traveling back in time.
IS THERE A CABLE CAR IN CHOQUEQUIRAO?
The project to build a cable car connecting the town of Cachora to Marampata was not completed due to the frequent presence of landslides and this plan was lost little by little.
Having the cable car would benefit the tourist activity, but the hike would also be lost, which is very significant because the route is very pleasant and full of landscapes, flora and fauna to discover.
WHAT IS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN CHOQUEQUIRAO AND MACHU PICCHU?
There is 43.8 km separating the archaeological site «Choquequirao» from the citadel of Machu Picchu.
We also offer you an exclusive package for this trek: the «Choquequirao Trek 8 days».
This adventure is definitely for those who are addicted to heights. The route is one of the most complex in Peru, it is full of winding paths, unique panoramic views, deep valleys, a great variety of plants (orchids, small woods), animals in their habitat, etc.
¿PUEDO HACER EL TOUR EN BICICLETA?
No, en primer lugar porque el ministerio prohíbe el uso de cualquier medio de transporte mecánico. Generalmente el sendero es único, la mayoría de la gente lo hace a pie y sería un fastidio interrumpir el paso de estos.
Principalmente estarías expuesto a un camino tosco e incómodo para ti, por lo que te recomendamos que lo hagas a pie.
WHERE IS CHOQUEQUIRAO?
Choquequirao, hidden in the mountain range of the snow-capped Salkantay, on the valley of the Apurimac River, under the jurisdiction of the district of Santa Teresa, Province of La Convención, Department of Cusco, southern Peru. Only about one third of Choquequirao, a vital link between the Amazon jungle and the city of Cusco, has been excavated. What has been discovered to date follows traditional Inca construction: a temple and some administrative buildings are located directly around a central plaza with the dwellings of more common people further away. American explorer Gary Ziegler has said that the number of niches and double jamb doors in Choquequirao’s construction shows that the lost city was once in high status.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO CHOQUEQUIRAO?
Wondering which route to take? You can experience the ruins at Choquequirao on your own, or take the trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. Below are the most common routes, but you can adjust the route according to your schedule or fitness level.
HIKE FROM CACHORA TO CHOQUEQUIRAO: This is the most common route and we offer you these options: (3 or 4 days)
TREK FROM CACHORA TO CHOQUEQUIRAO – CCONOC: This section is somewhat intense and lasts 5 days.
MACHU PICCHU ROUTE: This trek is one of the most intense since it lasts 8 days, you will not only visit Choquequirao but also the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.
Cusco Choquequirao 3 Days Tour
Choquequirao Trek 4 days
Choquequirao Expedition 5 days
Choquequirao Trek 8 days
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOQUEQUIRAO?
Choquequirao is a surprisingly well-preserved ruin of an Inca city located in Vilcabamba – Cusco – Peru. It is considered to be the «Sister City» of Machu Picchu as there are many similarities between the two.
Choquequirao in Inca times was both a cultural and religious center for the Incas. Predictably this citadel was used as a checkpoint to ensure access to the Vilcabamba areas, which connected the jungle with other important centers such as Pisac and Machu Picchu. It was also considered a refuge for the Incas who, by orders of Manco Inca, abandoned the city of Cusco to take refuge in the cities of the Vilcabamba region, when around 1535 Cusco was under siege by the Spaniards. Today we can still see that Choquequirao has some walls with decorations of figures such as llamas.
HOW IS THE HEIGHT OF CHOQUEQUIRAO?
The lost citadel of Choquequirao is located at 3,035 meters above sea level and at the lowest point of the hike you will be at 1,461 meters above sea level. The climate is similar to that of Cusco so it is advisable to acclimatize to the altitude before the hike. It is worth mentioning that the road to Choquequirao is warm due to the Apurimac canyon.
CAN YOU GET FROM CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU?
Of course you can. That is why we offer you an exclusive tourist package so that you can visit the ruins of Choquequirao as well as the citadel of Machu Picchu.
We assure you that this trek will last 8 days of pure connection with all that the Andean landscape offers you from the heights, the ultimate adventure for those addicted to altitude, with a love for history. Join us for this excursion to the mountaintop of Choquequirao, free of tourist crowds, before continuing on to Santa Teresa, the back door to Machu Picchu. With guided tours, you will gain a greater appreciation of the Inca Empire and feel like you are traveling back in time.
IS THERE A CABLE CAR IN CHOQUEQUIRAO?
The project to build a cable car connecting the town of Cachora to Marampata was not completed due to the frequent presence of landslides and this plan was lost little by little.
Having the cable car would benefit the tourist activity, but the hike would also be lost, which is very significant because the route is very pleasant and full of landscapes, flora and fauna to discover.
WHAT IS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN CHOQUEQUIRAO AND MACHU PICCHU?
There is 43.8 km separating the archaeological site «Choquequirao» from the citadel of Machu Picchu.
We also offer you an exclusive package for this trek: the «Choquequirao Trek 8 days».
This adventure is definitely for those who are addicted to heights. The route is one of the most complex in Peru, it is full of winding paths, unique panoramic views, deep valleys, a great variety of plants (orchids, small woods), animals in their habitat, etc.
¿PUEDO HACER EL TOUR EN BICICLETA?
No, en primer lugar porque el ministerio prohíbe el uso de cualquier medio de transporte mecánico. Generalmente el sendero es único, la mayoría de la gente lo hace a pie y sería un fastidio interrumpir el paso de estos.
Principalmente estarías expuesto a un camino tosco e incómodo para ti, por lo que te recomendamos que lo hagas a pie.
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YOU WILL ENJOY THE BEST ANDEAN NIGHTS
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