JOURNEY TO CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

USD $ 1,183

Every step of the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek is worth it to enjoy the views of the snow-capped Andes mountains, the breathtaking landscape, and the enigmatic structures of this Inca complex. The remoteness of the site makes it a magical place. Choquequirao is considered the second Machu Picchu, although it is larger but less of it has been excavated. Contact your Travel Advisor now for your incredible expedition to Choquequirao!

Price per person based on 2 participants. The Choquequirao Trek is offered only in private service. Includes entrance fees, transfers, lodging and meals according to itinerary. Airfares not included.

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    Journey to Choquequirao Trek

    The 5-Day Choquequirao Trek is for the ones with a true explorer’s spirit. Choquequirao (meaning “Cradle of Gold”) is a spectacular architectural complex of similar outreach and political and religious function as Machu Picchu. Located at 3103 m/ 10178 ft above the vigorous Apurimac River Gorge, it can be reached after hiking up a trail of 60 km / 38 mile long.

    Choquequirao was underestimated and hidden from public knowledge for 300 years! But now it is open to anyone willing to discover its beauty and startling and well-preserved structures. It is currently part of the ranks of the world’s greatest Lost Cities.

    You will be impressed with the diverse flora and fauna and the chance to spot condors in their natural habitat surrounded by the mountains, in particular the sacred Salkantay peak.

    The 5-Day Choquequirao Trek is a good alternative to the sometimes overcrowded traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

    Difficulty Level: Challenging. We strongly recommend acclimatizing to the altitude by staying for at least two-three days in Cusco prior to the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek.

    If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our:

    For more references about the different destinations Peru has to offer, please go to:

    1. DAY 1 Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca

      We will leave Cusco at 6.00 a.m. in our private transportation, heading to the starting point of the trek, at the charming town of Cachora (altitude: 2800 m / 9184 ft). It will be a 4- to 5-hour drive from Cusco. Here you will meet the staff, and you will start off hiking up for 1.5 hours up to the Abra Capuliyoc at 2750 m / 9020 ft, from here you’ll get great views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. Then, continue descending for two more hours to Chiquisca, where you will spend the night.

      Daily Trek Statistics
      Distance: 15 km / 9.32 mi
      Minimum Altitude: 1800 m / 5778 ft
      Maximum Altitude: 2800 m / 9184 ft
      Approximate Time: 4–5 hrs
      Gradient:

      Moderate

      Overnight at Campsite.

      Meals included: S, L, D

    2. DAY 2 Chiquisca – Choquequirao

      After an early breakfast, we will leave Chiquisca at 6.00 a.m. off to Rosalina Beach, which will take about one hour to reach. It is important to leave early in order to avoid the heat during later hours. You will cross the Apurimac River and start climbing towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope. This climb will take approximately 2 hours. In Santa Rosa, we will take a 30-minute break; and if you are up to it, you can try the local sugarcane extract Cambray.

      Once renewed after the short break, we will continue the hike slowly climbing for 2.5 hours to Marampata, where we will stop for lunch. Next, we will continue for another 2 hours until you finally arrive at the formidable archaeological complex of Choquequirao (altitude: 3103 m / 10178 ft). After dropping your things at the campsite, you can explore the terraces and constructions during your free time. Later at dusk, your chances to see Condors flying around will increase, so get comfy and keep your eyes wide open.

      Daily Trek Statistics
      Distance: 15 km / 9.32 mi
      Minimum Altitude: 1450 m / 4756 ft
      Maximum Altitude: 3103 m / 10178 ft
      Approximate Time: 7–8 hrs
      Gradient:

      Challenging

      Overnight at Campsite.

      Meals included: B, S, L, D

    3. DAY 3 Choquequirao

      You will continue with your exploration of the site. Choquequirao was probably not only one of the entrance checkpoints to Vilcabamba, and also an administrative headquarters for political, social, and economic functions, but it was also one of the last bastions of resistance and refuge for the Inca ruler, Manco Inca Yupanqui, who fled Cusco after his siege of the city failed in 1535.

      Its urban design has followed the symbolic patterns of Cusco, with ritual places dedicated to Inti (Sun god), to the earth, water, and other divinities, with mansions for administrators and houses for artisans, warehouses, large dormitories or kallankas and farming terraces belonging to the Inca or the local people.

      Overnight at Campsite.

      Meals included: B, S, L, D

    4. DAY 4 Choquequirao – Rosalina Beach

      Today you will have a guided tour of Choquequirao complex: A visit through the Hanan or higher parts, and Urin, the lower sides. After the tour, we will start walking back to Santa Rosa, have lunch and then continue descending for another 2 hours until we reach Rosalina Beach (altitude: 1450 m / 4756 ft). You can take a refreshing swim in the waters of the Apurimac River. Have a delicious dinner and relax at the Campsite.

      Daily Trek Statistics
      Distance: 18 km / 11.18 mi
      Minimum Altitude: 1450 m / 4756 ft
      Maximum Altitude: 3100 m / 10170 ft
      Approximate Time: 7–8 hrs
      Gradient:

      Very challenging

      Overnight at Campsite.

      Meals included: B, S, L, D

    5. DAY 5 Rosalina Beach – Cachora

      We will leave the campsite after breakfast to start the 2- to 3-hour climb to Chiquisca, and back to Abra Capuliyoc, close to our lunch spot. Then, we will continue in the afternoon with our 2-hour return route to Cachora, where our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (estimated arrival time 9:00 p.m.).

      Daily Trek Statistics
      Distance: 18 km / 11.18 mi
      Minimum Altitude: 1860 m / 6102 ft
      Maximum Altitude: 2800 m / 9184 ft
      Approximate Time: 6–7 hrs
      Gradient:

      Challenging

      Meals included: B, S, L

    Legend
    B Breakfast
    S Snack
    L Lunch
    D Dinner
    BL Boxed Lunch

     

    Trek Price per Person / double occupancy tent (US$)
     Private Service based on 2 people – includes a porter to carry your belongings*.

    US$ 1,183

     

    TREK NOTES:

    The Choquequirao Trek 5 days is customizable. If you would prefer to add destinations to your trip, please let us know in the Comments Section of the Get Free Quote form. You can also fill out our Design Your Trip form or Contact Us form with your specific needs.

    • This Choquequirao Trek 5 days is available every day of the year.
    • The recommended period to do the Choquequirao Trek 5 days is from April to October.
    • A minimum number of people: 02 people.
    • Price does not include local sales taxes; as foreign travelers are sales tax exempt according to Peruvian Law.
    • If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our 4-day Machu Picchu Tours.
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • Pre-departure briefing.
    • Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek).
    • Choquequirao entrance fee.
    • Campsite fees.
    • English-speaking adventure guide.
    • Personal tents: 2 people in each 3-person capacity tent (4 seasons).
    • Duffle bag to place your belongings.
    • One foamy and one inflatable sleeping pad per person.
    • Dining tent with tables and chairs.
    • Kitchen tent.
    • Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities.
    • Pack animals to carry camping equipment and your belongings.
    • Cook and cooking equipment.
    • One emergency horse for every 6 people.
    • Wranglers.
    • Meals (4 breakfast, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, daily morning snack, daily tea service except the last day) – the vegetarian menu is available at no extra cost.
    • Hot water every morning and evening for washing / boiled water to refill your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunchtime if requested with enough time ahead.
    • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
    • Transfer from Cachora to your hotel in Cusco.
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • International and domestic flights.
    • Visas required to enter Peru.
    • Airport taxes.
    • Hotel accommodation in Cusco.
    • Drinks.
    • Tips.
    • Dinner on the last day.
    • Sleeping bag.
    • Walking poles.
    • Processing and wire transfer fees.

    Altitude sickness is associated with headache, fatigue, nausea and malaise. The symptoms do not always appear and depend on each person.

    We recommend you to rest for at least 3 hours upon arrival, eat light as digestion might be slower during your first days, and drink plenty of fluids.

    You may find some medicine against the altitude sickness, like “sorojchi pills” (it contains caffeine), or people may recommend you to drink coca tea. However, both options are not advisable for people with heart diseases, respiratory disorders, diabetes or high blood pressure.

    We recommend that you consult your physician before your travel.

    A natural medicine, like the “Muña” tea (Andean mint), will help for a good digestion.

    From May to September – this period is called the “dry season”. These are the months of highest contrasts, being very hot and dry during the day and very cold with occasional frosting and dry at nights and early mornings. Mid-April and May are the best time for the Highlands, where fields and mountains show unusually lush vegetation with magnificent views and good weather. You can find flowers in full bloom, the grass green, and the streams full.

    The “rainy season” is from mid-October to March, being particularly intense during January and February, where it can rain all day. Temperatures are mild during the day, with only a small fall overnight.

    Please fill the “Design your trip” form, including information such as: full name of travelers, number of adults and children, start and end dates of the trip, destinations of your interest, hotel category and type of accommodation, and your flight details if already booked. Your travel advisor will contact you soon.

    You can also reach us by email at sales@intenseperu.com, WhatsApp (+51) 99 400 8833 or international phone call +1 800 670 9510 (Toll Free USA and CAN).

    To secure a booking with Intense Peru, we require a 50% down payment at the time of booking in order to guarantee the reservations. Visa, Wise App, wire transfers, or direct deposits are all valid forms of payment. We must have received full payment as well as all relevant personal information and documentation 30 days prior to the initial date of your trip.

    An acclimatization period is essential for enjoying adventures in high mountains. All travelers who trek Choquequirao must take a prior 3 to 4-day acclimatization period to allow for enjoying the trek at over 3,000 m (9842 ft), without experiencing any health problems.

    Bring clothes you can use in layers so that you can adjust your body temperature depending on local conditions and time of day. Alternatively, you will also find excellent quality alpaca and llama wool products available in town, for easy wear and staying warm at night.

    Bring a small foldable pouch, daypack, or backpack to carry your valuables, a water bottle to keep you hydrated and any extras like a light coat to be prepared for lighter temperature.

    Daytime in the Andes can be extremely sunny and bright, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and some sunscreen; lip moisturizer is also useful since the air is dry.

    Hiking Choquequirao requires proper footwear. Sturdy shoes with good ankle support or light hiking boots.

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