We depart early in the morning, heading northwest of Cusco (3,300 m/10,800 ft) in the direction of Cachora (2,909 m/9,543 ft) for a 3-hour drive. In Cachora, you will have the opportunity to stop and stretch or take a restroom break. We continue our drive to Capuliyoc (2,915 m/9,561 ft), with lovely views of the Apurímac Valley stretched out in front of us. Here, we meet the mule handlers with their mules, who will carry all the camping equipment during the expedition. From here, we will walk down a steep trail to the Apurímac Canyon, taking in spectacular views as we descend to Chiquisca (1,836 m/6,023 ft), with breathtaking views. After an hour, we arrive at the roaring Apurímac River (1,550 m/5,084 ft), where we begin to climb to Santa Rosa (2,200 m/7,215 ft), our next campsite.

Driving time: approx. 4 hours
Hiking time: approx. 7 hours
Meals: lunch and dinner included

After an early breakfast, we start our hike early to avoid the hot sun. Our walk starts with a tough uphill climb from Santa Rosa to Maranpata (3,110 m/10,120 ft), which will take about 3 hours. We will take a break here and have our first view of the Choquequirao ruins. From here, we hike another 2 hours to the archaeological site and to our campsite (3,110 m/10,120 ft) nearest to the ruins, where we will have lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, we head to the Choquequirao complex. We will begin to explore the area and then see the sunset, keeping our fingers crossed for the chance to see condors. Only around 40% of the Inca remains of Choquequirao have been excavated. What can be seen today, however, is most impressive and very much worth the challenging trek to get here. The stonework in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu because the stone found here is very difficult to carve, but the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high status. Choquequirao evokes a sense of awe simply because of the site’s surrounding beauty and isolation, and condors can be seen frequently soaring through the skies.
Return to our campsite for dinner and to relax under the many stars above us.
Today’s focus is on the exploration of Choquequirao. Waking up early, we head out on a guided tour of the site, which shows you the most important and interesting sections of the city and offers the opportunity to learn about the Inca culture and the close relationship between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Compared to Machu Picchu, little is known of Choquequirao, although the people were aware of its existence. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spaniards but abandoned and forgotten until a few years ago, when tourism raised the profile of the city and began exploring it. Walk down the side and be amazed by the series of enormous agricultural terraces, each decorated with a llama motif. After our intense visit, we will walk back to Santa Rosa and continue to La Playa Rosalina (1,550 m/5,085 ft), about a 4-hour hike down. Our camp tonight is at La Playa Rosalina.

Hiking: approx. 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After having breakfast, we will begin to descend towards Santa Rosa, where the vegetation will become abundant and the weather hotter. We will continue to the Chiquiska area for camping.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, we will ascend for about 5 hours to Capuliyoc (2,915 m/9,561 ft), where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Cachora and continue our drive to Cusco. Drop-off at hotel.

Hiking: approx. 5 hours
Driving distance: approx. 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included