Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N
Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N
Overview
Choquequirao is located in the foothills of the Salkantay mountain range, at 3030 masl along the mountain range and surrounded by the Apus Yanama, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. At the time of the Incas, he was united with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. The reasons to visit them are many: the fantastic nature with valleys, mountains covered with snow and the wide variety of plants, birds and animals.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capulilloc – Chiquisca – Rosalina Beach
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning, and drive approximately 3 hours to the town of Curahuasi, where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then, our transport will take us to the Capulilloc pass, and along the way, you can admire the breathtaking views of Apu Salkantay and Apu Veronica.
The hike begins with a 4-hour descent, bringing us closer to the roaring Apurímac River. In Chiquisca, we will have time to rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our chef.
Later, we will continue walking until we reach our camp at Playa Rosalina, where you will enjoy a well-deserved rest. In the evening, we will enjoy an exquisite dinner, accompanied by a warming cup of tea, before retiring to rest for the next day.
Day 2: Rosalina Beach – Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Early in the morning, our team will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea. Today will probably be the most challenging day of the hike. We begin our walk with a tough 3-hour ascent, where we will catch glimpses of the first Choquequirao ruins.
Passing through the rural villages of Santa Rosa and Marampata, we will arrive at our camp near the ruins for lunch and a short rest. After lunch, we will finally visit the archaeological site of Choquequirao, which literally means “Cradle of Gold” and used to be the control gate between the Amazon and the city of Cusco.
The sacred Inca site is full of ruins; its buildings and terraces are hidden beneath the top of a flattened hill, leveled several hundred years ago and surrounded by stones to create a platform. Our guide will explain more about the history and importance of the Inca citadel, and you will have enough time to explore this incredible place on your own. Later, we will return to our camp and have dinner.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca
After an early breakfast, we will leave our beautiful Marampata camp and begin the descent toward the Apurímac River and Playa Rosalina (1,520 m / 4,986 ft), enjoying along the way the stunning views of the Andean valleys and the native vegetation. During the hike, our expert guide will share insights about the local flora and fauna, as well as the traditions of the rural communities living in the region.
From there, we will continue walking uphill until we reach our Chiquisca camp (1,950 m / 6,397 ft), where we will spend the night. At the camp, you can relax, enjoy an afternoon snack, and watch a spectacular Andean sunset, while our chef prepares a delicious dinner to end a day full of adventure and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco
On our last day, we will follow the trail along the canyon walls and towards the Capuliyoc pass, enjoying spectacular views of the mountains and the surrounding nature. During the hike, our expert guide will share insights about the local geography, flora and fauna, as well as the legends of the Andean communities.
Upon reaching Capuliyoc, we will enjoy a delicious lunch, and then take our transport back to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes.
Included:
- Instead of sleeping in small tents, we set up our 4-person tent for 2 people for added comfort.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (4x breakfast, 4x lunch, 3x dinner).
- Professional cook and kitchen equipment. Dining tent and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare his meals on time.
- Our meals can be adapted to any dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan. Let us know in advance if you have certain preferences, so we can plan ahead.
- A cup of hot coca mate each morning.
- Boiled water provided to drink water in the campsites (which you can carry in your own reusable water bottle).
- Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Capuliyoc (Day 1)
- Private transport back on day 4 (Capuliyoc – Cusco)
- Professional English/Spanish speaking guide, plus a guide assistant for groups over 12 years old.
- Horse and riders, carrying camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils.
- All of our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience as guides and are certified. They carry a first aid kit, as well as an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.
- We provide canvas bags in your information session for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
- Sleeping bag included.
- INFORMATIVE MEETING: You will have a meeting with your guide in our office to review all the details about your tour. The orientation will be Between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In our office in Cusco the day before departure.
- Entrance To the site of Choquequirao
Not included:
- Last day dinner.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. This itinerary does not include a visit to Machu Picchu. Check out our other trekking tours if you want to visit
- Machu Picchu.
- Trekking poles (an additional $20.00 per person).
- Tips for your guide, cook and porters.
- domestic or international flights.
- travel insurance.
- other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
Recommendations
- Original passport (and international student card (ISIC) if I apply to this option)
- Sleeping bag (not included, but can be rented at our offices)
- walking boots
- Rain poncho waterproof jacket
- Wool jacket for warming, hat and gloves
- polo shirts or t-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- sunhat
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
- Reusable plastic bottle or metal water container or camel bags.
- water (only for the first 4 hours of walking, then we will give you the previously boiled water
- Insect repellent
- Hygiene items
- personal medications
- camera and movies
- Flashlight with spare batteries (headlights are useful)
