Classic Choquequirao Trek 4 days
Classic choquequirao trek: Is a program that takes to the inca archaeological site of Choquequirao, the only way to reach this wonderful site, is by a walking. this inca city, is part of the complex system of Andean towns in the Vilcabamba region. amongst the names given to this site, is the vilcabamba region, the last refuge of incas, brother city of machu picchu.
It is a trails that leads by the spurs of the mountains chain of salkantay, situated at 3,100 m.a.s.l. a perfect hike for people who is looking for natural places and get out of the stress and tourist paths. It is located in the middle of nature, surrounded by snow coated mountains such as: Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, and Pumasillo. The hike starts in Cachora district in apurimac region, from where it gets in to Mollepata District, in Anta Province of Cusco Region.
If trekking is your mind, discover new and less travelled places. We have frequent departures in small groups and daily departures in our private tours. Highly personalized services at a good rate, leaded by expert tour guides. If you are looking for a longer program or to connect to machu picchu just let us to know.
- Private transport from cusco to Capuliyoc.
- Complete meals during program.
- Inflatable mattresses.
- Park fee.
- English speaking tour guide.
- cook, cook helpers.
- Horses to carry equipment.
- Muleteers.
- First Aid Kit.
- Return Transport.
- Sleeping Bags.
- Souvenirs.
Itinerary
Depart at 05:00 hrs, from from City, drive to Cachora village in approximately 4 hours. Cachora is the last town of the way, at this site we start our Choquequirao trek. Our equipment will be taken on the mules or horses. Nice view mountains, the changing landscape will capture the attention, including the Apurimac canyon with its impressive depth, from this site we also you can see at very large distance the famous inca site.
From a place called capuliyoc, the trail leads all downhill passing by, settlements named la Colmena (2870 above sea level), after this there is Cocamasana (2330 above sea level), Torowisqana (2285above sea level) and finally chiquisca (1950) and reach playa Rosalina where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch we will climb up to santa rosa where we will camp. At a fresh and rewarding site with nice view. Distance 12 km, difficulty: challenge.
After a nutritious breakfast, we continue with our hike, the path runs by switch back uphill until the inca city, to make it easier, we’ll make several stops to catch energy, and enjoy the nature, santa rosa alta is a nice stop point were even some bear will be available to buy and drink, this section of the path provides some clear water spring inviting to get it, further up lunch is in a wide view point where also we finish the hardest part.
From lunch, there is coming enjoyable section leading to the inca city, a path with small ups and downs and after 2 more hours, the group will arrive the second campsite.
At the camp-spot of the archaeological site, the team will set up tents, from trail nice terraces of the lower sector are seen. if there is time we may try to summit the archaeological sit, get the usnu and wait “if lucky, we can see the flight of condors”. (highest camp “3.100 masl”).
2nd day difficulty: hard work challenge 13 KMs.
After an early breakfast, it starts the guiding sightseeing of the archeological site, where all information is given by our native professional guide. After guided tour, we start the return hike, using the same trail back to Apurimac river and chiquisca.
This part of the trekking shows the impressive canyon, beautiful orchids and lush native vegetation, passing the same small settlements as on the way up to the archaeological park. We continue our hike up to chiquisca camping spot. Where we spend the last night at coca masana. (warmer camp site). 3rd day hiking distance is 13 km, walking time in hours is about 06 hours.
Wake up with a cup of tea, then breakfast. The las part of the hike is still challenging, but the view is nice, we will appreciate the Apurimac river and canyon, the switch-back trail and the view of the snow covered mountains. If the road to Huancalle in ok, our driver will meet us up there and make it pleasant for us, we will lunch and then take transport to the city, with an optional visit to the hot springs of Cconoc.
Then from here, drive back to Cusco, where the classic Choquequirao hike ends, by leaving you at your hotel or at a safe ad down-town site.
If you are interested in an easier hike, you may want to check at Salkantay trek, this is a hike that leads to Machu Picchu. we also have as well the Choquequirao Machu Picchu, for fast people which is done in only 3 days.