From the snowcapped mountains and the Apurimac River to the hidden city of Choquequirao. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Apurimac River and the surrounding landscapes as we ascend to the archaeological site of Choquequirao. We start our trek in Huanipaca, making this an attractive itinerary that avoids the cumbersome return over the same trail when the program starts in Cachora.
This lost city fascinated 19th-century explorers, and Hiram Bingham visited it two years before he discovered Machupicchu. Difficult to reach, the ruins are rarely visited by travelers.
In recent years, the ruins have been partially cleared by Peruvian archaeologists, but it is estimated that only 30% of the total area has been excavated so far.
Cusco - Cusco - Huanipaca
Huanipaca – San Ignacio - Choquequirao
Exploring Choquequirao.
Choquequirao - Santa Rosa - Chiquisca
Chiquisca - Cachora - Cusco
Activity:
Destinations:
Reservation code:
Best season:
Trek grade:
Altitude:
from 3937 to 10170 feet / from 1200 to 3100 meter
We leave Cusco in the early morning and travel by road to the hacienda. On arriving at the Hacienda, we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear onto the horses and mules before we begin our first day of hike.We will move along a gently descending trail, walking for two to three hours through lush vegetation before arriving to our first campsite.
Walking time: 3 – 5 hours approximately
Meals: lunch and dinner
Today we will start with a gentle descent to the Apurimac River. After crossing over the bridge, we will begin the ascent to the ruins of Choquequirao. The path will lead us through a variety of ecosystems and pass through dense cloud forest as we arrive at our campsite near Choquequirao. Today we will ascend more than1200 meters (3,937ft)! After a long and intense hike, we will arrive at our campsite, where lunch will be awaiting for us. For anxious and fit trekkers, there will be time in the afternoon to make a first visit to Choquequirao, about one half hour on foot from the campsite.
Walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning we will begin with a visit of the most interesting sections of the archeological site of Choquequirao. There might be a chance to see some condors. These great Andean birds often soar up from the canyon floor taking advantage of the morning and afternoon thermals, providing visitors in the central plaza of Choquequirao a magnificent show. After breakfast, there is the possibility for the adventurous to discover some newly uncovered sections of this magnificent site. In the afternoon, there is time to relax, or we can make our way to other recently cleared sections of the site.
Walking time: 4 – 7 hours approximately, depending on interest
In the morning, we bid farewell to Choquequirao and begin our descent to the bridge over the Apurimac River. As we descend, the heat will become intense, and we will arrive hot and tired to the bridge crossing the river. There, we will have a chance to bathe in order to refresh ourselves. Lunch will be served at the riverside. Here, we have time to relax, and In order to avoid the heat, we will wait until the late afternoon before continuing on to our campsite at Chiquisca.
Walking time: 5 -7 hours approximately.
An early start today will help us avoid the heat of the canyon while guaranteeing magnificent views of the Apurumac River and surrounding peaks before they become covered by clouds. We will arrive in Cachora around lunchtime, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. On our return, we will have an opportunity to visit Saywite, a fascinating and unique Inca site 47 kilometers (29 milles) from Abancay. Saywite is a limestone outcropping about four meters in diameter on which the Incas carved a model of some kind of planning. The stone has carvings of the topography;it was used in ceremonies dedicated to the worship of water. We’ will arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon.
Walking time: 5 -7 hours
Included
Private transportation, Cusco – Huanipaca
Professional bilingual (Spanish / English) guide.
Mules for transportation of equipment and personal luggage
Emergency horses
Wranglers responsible for the horses
Porters on the second day to carry equipment and personal luggage
A cook to prepare all meals.
Cooking equipment, mess tent, dining tent, chairs, tables, and accommodation for the wranglers and cook
Mountain Hardwear tents (a 3-person tent for every 2 individuals)
Therm-a rest self inflating mattress
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners; food suitable for trekking and rich in carbohydrates.
Boiled water, provided at meal times to refill your waterbottle
Entrance fee for Choquequirao
Entrance fee for Sayhuite
Private transportation, Cachora – Cusco
Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for the porters, wranglers, cook and guide
- Water purification tablets