From the snowcapped mountains and the Apurímac River to the hidden city of Choquequirao, this journey offers breathtaking views of the Apurímac 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 along the same trail followed when starting 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:
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We leave Cusco in the early morning and travel by road to the hacienda. Upon 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 hiking. We will move along a gently descending trail, walking for two to three hours through lush vegetation before arriving at our first campsite.
Walking time: Approximately 3 – 5 hours
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Today, we will start with a gentle descent to the Apurimac River. After crossing the bridge, we will begin the ascent to the ruins of Choquequirao. The path will lead us through a variety of ecosystems and dense cloud forests as we arrive at our campsite near Choquequirao. Today, we will ascend more than 1,200 meters (3,937 ft)!
After a long and intense hike, we will arrive at our campsite, where lunch will be waiting for us. For eager and fit trekkers, there will be time in the afternoon to take a first visit to Choquequirao, about half an hour on foot from the campsite.
Walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
This morning, we will begin with a visit to the most interesting sections of the archaeological site of Choquequirao. There may 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 Choquequirao’s central plaza with a magnificent show.
After breakfast, adventurous travelers will have the opportunity to discover some newly uncovered sections of this magnificent site. In the afternoon, there will be time to relax, or we can make our way to other recently cleared sections of the site.
Walking time: Approximately 4 – 7 hours, 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 at the bridge, hot and tired, before crossing the river. There, we will have a chance to bathe to refresh ourselves. Lunch will be served by the riverside. Here, we will have time to relax, and in order to avoid the heat, we will wait until the late afternoon before continuing to our campsite at Chiquisca.
Walking time: Approximately 5 – 7 hours.
An early start today will help us avoid the heat of the canyon while guaranteeing magnificent views of the Apurímac 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 located 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Abancay.
Saywite is a limestone outcropping approximately four meters in diameter, on which the Incas carved what appears to be a model related to planning. The stone has carvings of the topography; it is believed to have been used in ceremonies dedicated to the worship of water. We will arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon.
Walking time: Approximately 5 – 7 hours.
Included
– Private transportation, Cusco – Huanipaca.
– Professional bilingual (Spanish/English) guide.
– Mules for the transportation of equipment and personal luggage.
– Emergency horses.
– Wranglers in charge of 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 (one 3-person tent for every 2 individuals).
– Therm-a-Rest self-inflating mattress.
– Meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners; nutritious food suitable for trekking and rich in carbohydrates.
– Boiled water, provided at mealtimes to refill your water bottle.
– Entrance fee to Choquequirao.
– Entrance fee to Sayhuite.
– Private transportation, Cachora – Cusco.
Not Included
– Sleeping bag (Is possible to rent it at our office)
– Tips for porters, wranglers, the cook, and the guide.
– Water purification tablets.
