choquequirao trek to machu picchu | 9 days
choquequirao trek to machu picchu | 9 days
Short Hike
choquequirao trek to machu picchu | 9 days Overview
Trip Details:
Itinerary choquequirao trek to machu picchu | 9 days
Day 01: Cusco - Cachora - Capuliyoc - Cocamasana - Rosalina beach - Santa Rosa
At 04:00 we will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Capuliyoc (motorway point in the Cachora district). But before reaching Capuliyoc, the vantage point from which one of the most spectacular excursions in Peru and the world begins, we will first cross the Curahuasi district. In this place we will stop for breakfast and do some last minute shopping.
Between 8:00 and 8:30 we arrived in Capuliyoc. We get off the bus and the first thing our eyes will see will be the imposing Quebrada Apurímac and the snow-capped peaks of Nevado del Padreyoc.
In Capuliyoc we introduce you to the team that will travel with us. We will share some travel tips with you. We also accompany you in the preparation of your equipment for the departure of the excursion .
Before the careful view of the Vilcanota mountain range, we will cross a steep ravine and arrive at the Capuliyoc viewpoint, from where we will observe the imposing Apurímac ravine and the winding road that descends from the mountain. Through this imaginative route we will descend for a few hours to Cocamasana and from there we will continue the walk to Chiquisca where we will have lunch.
After lunch, we continue to descend to Playa Rosalinas (on the banks of the Apurimac River). At this point we will take a short break and then we will begin the climb (the most difficult of the route) to our first camp in Santa Rosa, where our route cook will be waiting for us with refreshing drinks and a delicious dinner.
Day 02: Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao
In the morning, we share a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. We then continue the walk, along a zigzag path adorned with lush vegetation, towards Marampata. Here we will take a short break to admire the Choquequiraro Archaeological Park and the mountains and hills that surround it.
After a refreshing break, we continue the walk along a flat path to the Choquequirao camp, where we will have lunch.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of the main square of Choquequirao and the terraces that surround it.
At the end of the tour we will have free time to take photos, rest and watch the beautiful sunset in the heart of the Andes.
And before sunset, after a quiet afternoon, we return to our camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 03: Choquequirao - Pinchaunuyoc
Upon awakening, we will share a delicious breakfast and then go out to discover the best of Choquequirao. During this tour you will be able to enjoy the best places of the Inca Citadel: the terraces, the colcas, the waterfalls, some archaeological sites. Plus, after the guided tour, you will have time to make the best postcards of the mountains surrounding the citadel.
We had lunch in the midday sun. Then we’ll take a nap. And we will begin the journey to the third camp. To do this, we first climb through the deciduous forest to the Choquequirao pass, from where you have the best view of Choquequirao and the deciduous forest that surrounds it. Then we go down to the archaeological center of Pinchaunuyoc where we will stay overnight.
Between the stone platforms of Pinchaunuyoc , you will be able to sleep a comfortable siesta and you will also see the best sunset. And before spending the night, enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 04: Pinchaunuyoc - Rio Blanco - Cornfield
On the fourth day of our adventure, we will get up very early to have breakfast and start walking.
From Pinchiunuyocc we begin the descent towards the Blanco river, where it is possible to take a break and enjoy the crystal clear waters for swimming. After that, we continue on a narrow winding path that leads through exotic trees and bushes.
During the ascent we will take a short break to rehydrate and have lunch. Then we continue to climb up to our camp in Maizal. Here we will taste a variety of snacks and refreshing drinks; Likewise, we will enjoy the tranquility of this place and the impressive views offered by the surrounding valleys and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
In the evening, we will participate in cultural exchange activities with our team members and enjoy a dinner prepared by our chef.
Day 05: Cornfield - Victoria Mines - Condor Pass - Yanama
When you wake up, our team will help you with a hot drink. Then we will enjoy a good breakfast in the magical mountains of the Cordillera de Vilcanota. And then we start climbing a rocky path up to Yanama. In some sections of the trek, we will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lush, fertile valleys.
After 04 hours of walking we reach one of the first stages of our journey (4200 m altitude). And in this place, protected by biodiversity and with an excellent view of the Vilcanota mountain range, we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon we will walk for another 4 hours until we reach Yanama. In this ancient city we will visit some houses to share and discover their traditions and the Andean worldview.
After a busy day and mixed feelings, we will have dinner and spend the night in Yanama.
Day 06: Yanama - Paso Mariano - Totora
At the dawn of the sixth day of adventure, like every morning, we start the day by tasting the different dishes prepared by our chef. And then we begin the most suggestive walk of the route. We will first ascend to 4500 meters, the highest point of our trek, and from this point we will enjoy the best of the Salkantay mountain and the Vicalbamba and Machu Picchu mountains. and there we will also enjoy our lunch under the watchful eye of the patron saint Apus. Then we go down a narrow path to Totora where our team is waiting for us to have dinner and rest.
Day 07: Totora - Ccolpapampa - The beach
After breakfast, we begin the descent with an approximate duration of 03 hours towards Ccolpapampa . Arriving in Ccolpapampa we will appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the high jungle and at the same time we will have the opportunity to meet the hikers who follow the trekking route : Salkantay – Machu Picchu.
In Ccolpapampa , after lunch, we said goodbye to a good part of the human team that made the journey with us. Since then, like the mules that transported our trekking teams , they will start the way back towards the municipality of Cachora. Also, from now on, our camping team, kitchen, cook and support staff will travel to our final resting place by minibus.
In the afternoon, we continue the excursion to La Playa. Along the way, you can see beautiful waterfalls, orchards, and wild trees plunging deeper into the rainforest.
Upon arrival in La Playa, our team will welcome you with snacks and refreshing drinks. Then rest, dinner and night.
During the 8 day trek we will use mules to carry all our camping gear, food and crockery. These mules are led by local mule drivers from the San Pedro de Cachora neighborhood.
Day 08: The beach - Hydroelectricity - Aguas Calientes
Today will be a very special day as it will be the last day of the trek. We will also walk part of the Inca Trail.
After a delicious breakfast we begin the last part of our expedition to Llaqtapata . During the ascent we observe the fertile valleys of Santa Teresa with its fruit and coffee plantations.
The trip takes an average of 3 hours to Llaqtapata , a beautiful little visited tourist attraction that was a very important site in the time of the Incas; since then it has served as a solar observatory during the winter solstice. And from this place you can admire the enigmatic mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
At the end of the tour we will descend to the city of Hidroeléctrica where we will have lunch and greet our cook. And then we continue our journey along the route traveled by the great shippers like Hiram Bingham to the city of Aguas Calientes where we take a refreshing shower and get ready for the gala dinner.
The last part of our journey, from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes, will be by train.
Day 09: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
On the last day of our adventure in the heart of the Andes, after enjoying the beauty of Choquequirao and traveling more than 300 km (by car, on foot and by train), we will finally visit Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. and that of the wonders of the modern world.
At 06:00 after taking the CONSETTUR bus, we will enter Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise. Then we take a guided tour to visit the most important points of the Inca Citadel: the imposing Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Priest, the Sacred Square and the intricate rock (which was carved and probably served as a sundial). of the ancient Incas).
After the visit, you will have free time to take the best photos and / or (according to the guide) to visit other sites such as the Inca Bridge and / or the Porta del Sole.
At noon we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. And then we will board the train to Ollantaytambo where we will board our private tourist transport which will take us to our hotel in the city of Cusco.
Note: lunch and dinner on day 9 are not included in the program.
Photo Showcase
Prices in Private Service
| Number of persons | Price per person |
Prices in Group Service
Included
- Briefing, 1 day before the start of the trek.
- Private tourist transport between: Cusco – Capuliyoc (Cachora district).
- Guide in the language of your choice (English or Spanish): professional guide and assistant guide for groups of 9 or more people.
- Complete kitchen equipment, properly implemented.
- Trained hiking cook and assistant.
- Exclusive selection of mules for the transport of trekking equipment (tents, groceries, dishes, kitchen, dining tent and tents) and for the transport of personal effects (up to 7 kg per traveler).
- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners.
- Purified and boiled water duly checked by our chef: after breakfast, lunch and dinner; and fill your water bottles (except the first 4 hours of the trek).
- Snacks according to the program and hot drinks.
- 1 tent for 2 hikers.
- Inflatable mattress for the traveler.
- 1 night in a hotel (4 stars) in the city of Aguas Calientes, the 8th day.
- CONSETTUR bus ticket (ascent and descent) between Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Guided service for 3 hours in the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
- EXPEDITION class train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Pickup from Ollantaytambo train station in Cusco with private sightseeing transport.
- First-aid kit.
- The Choquequirao Machu Picchu excursion does not include:
- sleeping bag or trekking poles .
- Food not specified in the tour.
- Lunch and dinner on day 9.
- Additional costs for weather problems, cancellation of trains and / or last minute flights.
- Entrance ticket to Mount Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu (if you want these tickets, we recommend that you send us your request at least 1 or 2 months in advance).
- Tips during the excursion with our team.
No Included
- Tips and advice for the sales force
- Sleeping bag
- Admission to Wayna Picchu (additional $ 40 cost and must be booked in advance)
- Extra money for souvenirs or to buy Gatorade or beer along the way.
- Rescue horse for the group (in case of injury or need for rest), but can be arranged for a supplement
- Note: If you would like to rent equipment such as a sleeping bag, rain poncho, walking sticks, etc., please let us know in advance. We assure you, without deposit.
What To Bring
- For the trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, we recommend that you bring the following:
- Passport // ISIC card // DNI, mandatory
- A small backpack for hiking .
- Clothing for the 9 days of the circuit: light for the day (long-sleeved polo shirt, trekking pants ) and warm for the night; as well as waterproof walking shoes, swimsuit, personal towel and sandals.
- Wide-brimmed hats in the summer, caps, sunglasses, gloves and headlamps.
- Personal medications, doctor-recommended sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal hygiene items.
- Extra money for your additional personal expenses (cash, credit and / or debit card).
- reusable water bottle
- Camera and / or video camera, extra batteries and chargers.
- Personal entertainment and binoculars
- Sticks to facilitate walking .
- Sleeping bag.
- Inflatable mattress.
Travel Guide
Known as the «sister of Machupicchu,» Choquequirao also has an incredible stone citadel and a story all its own to tell. Located between the collision of two very different worlds, such as the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon, it is completely surrounded by vegetation, making it a place of no easy access.
Imposing because of its location, being situated on top of one of the peaks of the snow-capped Salcantay mountain, this city has remained hidden from man for almost four centuries, which still makes it a mysterious place for archaeologists and researchers and for the curious who decide to tour its territory. The construction of this space dates back to around 1536, made during the rule of the Inca Empire.
What is certain is that this destination has become a favorite for lovers of adventure-because of the challenge of reaching it-and history, because of the millennia-old secrets it holds in every corner of its citadel. Therefore, if you want to have a completely different experience, the best thing to do is to schedule a visit to Choquequirao in your agenda.
Machupicchu’s «sister» is not far from its family: it too is located in the Cusco region (exactly in the Santa Teresa district of La Convención province), in the southern Peruvian Andes. And many wonder why reaching Choquequirao is considered a challenge? The answer is very simple: only those who are physically and mentally prepared can access this territory.
Transportation does not fall within its scope. All routes to Choquequirao are done on foot, in hikes that last 2 to 3 days. One has to be physically prepared because these are long hikes. And you also have to be mentally prepared because both the climate and the altitude of Cusco make this route, besieged by trekkers, a bit more complicated than it would be to do it in less rugged terrain.
Choquequirao’s function is still not entirely certain, but it is presumed to have been a sacred center that also served to connect Pisac and Machupicchu to the Peruvian Amazon. Because of its complex access, it is also presumed that this area served as a refuge for the Incas after the onslaught of the Spanish empire. The truth is that its historical legacy is invaluable, due to the amount of unexplored space (it is estimated that only 30 percent of what was Choquequirao has been restored) and the fact that it provides more and more evidence for study.
In its nine sectors, in which a political-religious center stands out, we can also appreciate an upper main plaza, buildings, fountains, storehouses, giant staircases, sacred enclosures, rulers’ houses, a triumphal wall temple, a priests’ temple, and several types of monumental platforms, among others. With all this space to discover, will you think twice before visiting Choquequirao?
Frequently Asked Questions choquequirao trek to machu picchu | 9 days
What does Choquequirao mean?
Choquequirao is a Quechua word meaning «cradle of gold.» The name comes from that of a hill near the archaeological site.
Where is it located?
Choquequirao is located on one of the edges of the Salkantay, a snowy peak, north of the Apurimac River. It is currently located in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco, Peru.
How high is it?
Choquequirao is located at 3,033 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Given its location, it is assumed that this Inca enclosure served as a checkpoint between major Inca sites such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
What can be found at Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is only 30 percent excavated. Nevertheless, it already has several very important Inca constructions:
Main Plaza – The main plaza or Huaqaypata divided the enclosure into two parts. It is a two-story stone building. Next to it are other interconnected buildings.
Colcas – Buildings typical of the main Inca centers. In Choquequirao, these platforms have internal subdivisions. The purpose of these warehouses was to store food, clothing and other products.
Platforms – Choquequirao has an important number of platforms used for cultivation. In the western sector there are 22 flame-shaped carvings on 15 platforms. These figures are known as the «Blade of the Sun.»
Dwellings – In the highest part of Choquequirao are up to 5 buildings whose function was probably to house the priests of the enclosure. It is believed that this Inca site was an important ceremonial center.
Inca Cemetery – Also known as the «Wall of Triumph.» Seventeen bundles of burials and a water channel called the «Waterfall House» were found here.
Kallankas – These rectangular buildings had multiple functions: workshop, administrative center, meeting space, etc. In Choquequirao there are 2 Kallankas in whose walls were gutters that supplied water.
Ushnu – This oval platform-shaped building is located on top of a hill. Because of the surrounding wall and the privileged view of the snow-capped mountains, the river and the entire complex, it is believed to have had a religious purpose.
How to get to Choquequirao?
The only way to reach Choquequirao is by land. Currently, the main road is to the town of Cachora (2,903 meters above sea level), a 3-4 hour drive from the city of Cusco (2 hours from the city of Abancay).
From here the excursion to the Inca archaeological site begins. The route passes through important points such as Capuliyoc, Maranpata and Sunchupata. It is estimated that from Cachora, after 32 kilometers on foot, Choquequirao is reached.
The average travel time from Cachora to Choquequirao is 10-12 hours. A cable car is currently under construction that would greatly reduce this time.
What is the climate like?
The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate with cold nights. However, tourists will not be able to stay at the Inca site before sunset.
However, the road to the top of Choquequirao is hot because of the proximity of the Apurimac Canyon. It is estimated that the temperature at the archaeological site varies between 5º C and 25º C.
What do Choquequirao’s flora and fauna look like?
Choquequirao is home to a variety of animals and birds such as condors, foxes, viscachas, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, and the rock rooster. Also, as in Machu Picchu, there is a wide variety of orchids.
What does Choquequirao mean?
Choquequirao is a Quechua word meaning «cradle of gold.» The name comes from that of a hill near the archaeological site.
Where is it located?
Choquequirao is located on one of the edges of the Salkantay, a snowy peak, north of the Apurimac River. It is currently located in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco, Peru.
How high is it?
Choquequirao is located at 3,033 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Given its location, it is assumed that this Inca enclosure served as a checkpoint between major Inca sites such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
What can be found at Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is only 30 percent excavated. Nevertheless, it already has several very important Inca constructions:
Main Plaza – The main plaza or Huaqaypata divided the enclosure into two parts. It is a two-story stone building. Next to it are other interconnected buildings.
Colcas – Buildings typical of the main Inca centers. In Choquequirao, these platforms have internal subdivisions. The purpose of these warehouses was to store food, clothing and other products.
Platforms – Choquequirao has an important number of platforms used for cultivation. In the western sector there are 22 flame-shaped carvings on 15 platforms. These figures are known as the «Blade of the Sun.»
Dwellings – In the highest part of Choquequirao are up to 5 buildings whose function was probably to house the priests of the enclosure. It is believed that this Inca site was an important ceremonial center.
Inca Cemetery – Also known as the «Wall of Triumph.» Seventeen bundles of burials and a water channel called the «Waterfall House» were found here.
Kallankas – These rectangular buildings had multiple functions: workshop, administrative center, meeting space, etc. In Choquequirao there are 2 Kallankas in whose walls were gutters that supplied water.
Ushnu – This oval platform-shaped building is located on top of a hill. Because of the surrounding wall and the privileged view of the snow-capped mountains, the river and the entire complex, it is believed to have had a religious purpose.
How to get to Choquequirao?
The only way to reach Choquequirao is by land. Currently, the main road is to the town of Cachora (2,903 meters above sea level), a 3-4 hour drive from the city of Cusco (2 hours from the city of Abancay).
From here the excursion to the Inca archaeological site begins. The route passes through important points such as Capuliyoc, Maranpata and Sunchupata. It is estimated that from Cachora, after 32 kilometers on foot, Choquequirao is reached.
The average travel time from Cachora to Choquequirao is 10-12 hours. A cable car is currently under construction that would greatly reduce this time.
What is the climate like?
The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate with cold nights. However, tourists will not be able to stay at the Inca site before sunset.
However, the road to the top of Choquequirao is hot because of the proximity of the Apurimac Canyon. It is estimated that the temperature at the archaeological site varies between 5º C and 25º C.
What do Choquequirao’s flora and fauna look like?
Choquequirao is home to a variety of animals and birds such as condors, foxes, viscachas, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, and the rock rooster. Also, as in Machu Picchu, there is a wide variety of orchids.
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