→ Choquequirao Trek: The Cradle of God in 4 days

The Choquequirao complex trek is very fascinating and one of the most popular trips in the Cusco area. And it’s no surprise as it´s surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an amazing variety of plants, birds and animals.

It is situated in the spur of the Salkantay Mountain range, at over 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was connected and in communication with Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails.

Choquequirao is considered "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". Visitors will have a chance to discover a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographic location of Choquequirao in reference to other religious centers of the same period tends to indicate that its function was that Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Choquequirao

Cusco – Capulliyoq – Chiquisca – Santa Rosa Baja

Bridge at Playa Rosalina over the Apurimac River

At 4:30 am we will pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco in our private transport that takes us to the town of Capulliyoq, from Cachora (2,850 m). There we will have plenty of time to try a local breakfast (not included in the package, although the price is quite reasonable). We will meet with the rest of our team (cooks and muleteers) and begin our long day's hike, which will take between 6 and 7 hours in this mountainous region. Along the way we will observe diverse landscapes typical of the different climates of the area with views such as the snow-capped mountain of Pedroyoc or even the diversity of flora and fauna that enhance our experience.

From the Capulichayoc viewpoint where we can observe one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Apurímac, with the Apurímac River at the bottom. From this point we will descend through several important points like Cocamasana, one of the best viewpoints of the Apurimac canyon. After a good rest, we will descend a little more to Chiquisca, where we will have a delicious lunch. From here we will have our first views of Choquequirao, a better view of the Choquequirao mountain where we will spend the night and the route that leads us there. We continue descending to Playa Rosalina (1,500m) and after crossing the bridge over the Apurimac River, we will ascend to our campsite at Santa Rosa Baja (1,950 m / 6,397 ft), where we set up the tents, and after a delicious afternoon tea and dinner, we spend the night surrounded by wonderful landscapes.

Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles, moderate
Climate: Warm, Hiking
Walking time: 6 - 7 hours
Camp: Santa Rosa Baja, 1,950 m / 6,397 ft
Maximum altitude: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft

Day 2 | Choquequirao

Santa Rosa Baja – Maranpata – Choquequirao Archaeological Site

After a good breakfast, we begin a strenuous 3.5-hour hike to our Choquequirao camp in Marampata, located at 2,918 m / 9,573 ft. After a rest we will ascend to the Choquequirao Archaeological Site at 3,050 m / 10,006 ft. During the hike you can enjoy the splendid Apurimac canyon, Choquequirao mountain and the beautiful rugged mountains around.

The guided visit to the "Golden Cradle", considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu due to the many similarities they share, while Machu Picchu is towards the Urubamba canyon, they have the same latitude, and both are large citadels of more than 8 hectares, and so far only one third of Choquequirao has been discovered, which would indicate that it is much more extensive. Archaeologists make new discoveries every day.

We will explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, the main citadel or main plaza of the Inca city, along with its incredible architecture and constructions on the mountain, we will descend to the area known as "Llamas Sector" where we will find the most beautiful terraces that feature iconography of llama figures made in the walls with different white stones and finally the most famous viewpoint from where we will appreciate the most classic image of Choquequirao known as "Ushnu Sector", place of sacrifices in the Inca era.

After the guided tour, we will return to our campsite, a comforting afternoon tea and dinner, we will camp and prepare to return by the same route.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles, challenging
Climate: Warm, Hiking
Walking time: 8 hours
Camp: Marampata, 2,918 m / 9,573 ft
Maximum altitude: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft

Day 3 | Choquequirao

Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca

After having a delicious breakfast, we begin our hike between 6 and 7 am heading to Chiquisca, located at 1,911 m / 6,269 ft. We will walk for approximately 5 hours downhill on the same trail we traveled days before, passing through the bridge at Playa Rosalina, where we will take a brief break.

Then we will continue walking uphill for approximately 1.5 hours to Chiquisca, where our Choquequirao trek camp is located. After a delicious lunch, we will have the afternoon free. The climate of this campsite is hot and dry, which makes it difficult to continue hiking, plus it is quite steep to Capulliyoq, our next destination back to Cusco, so we will take the opportunity to rest and share the day's experiences.

Finally, after afternoon tea and dinner, we will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
Distance: 11 km / 6.82 miles, challenging
Climate: Hot - Dry, Hiking
Walking time: 5 - 6 hours
Camp: Chiquisca, 1,911 m / 6,269 ft
Maximum altitude: 2,918 m / 9,573 ft

Day 4 | Choquequirao

Chiquisca – Capulliyoq – Cachora and return to Cusco

Panoramic viewpoint of Canion of Apurimac

Due to the weather that is sometimes very hot, this day we start the hike very early, before the first rays of the sun. After a delicious breakfast, we will walk approximately 4 to 5 hours uphill, through the Cocamasana viewpoint and we will say goodbye to the heat of the canyon and guarantee magnificent views of the Apurímac River, finally the highest point on the Capulliyoc hike 2,885 m / 9,465 ft from where we say goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins and the surrounding peaks. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while we are surrounded by the special flora and fauna of this area. To finally be back in Cusco in our transport.

Optional: If we have time and the group conditions allow, we can make a stop at Conoc, thermal springs ideal for relaxing and resting before returning to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, snacks and lunch
Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles, moderate / challenging
Climate: Dry, Hiking
Walking time: 4 - 5 hours
Maximum altitude: Cusco, 3,400 m / 11,155 ft

What's Included?

Transfers In / Out
Transportation from Cusco to where we start walking
Professional bilingual tour guide
Entrance fee to Choquequirao
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Professional Cook: Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-
allergies and general dislikes can be catered for so long as prior warning is given when booking the trip
Dining tent with tables and chairs
First aid kit
1 oxygen tank
Extra horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
Quadruple & waterproof camping tent (cap. 4 fitting 2)
1 sleeping mattress per person

What's not Included?

Meals after breakfast on Day 4
Sleeping bag.
Other items or activities not mentioned.

Additional Services

Sleeping Bag Rental U.S. $ 25.00 for entire trip.
Metal walking sticks US$ 15.00 for the entire trip.
Extra Horses for carrying your personal equipment $ 60.00 dollars for 04 days.
Supplemental single Tent for camping nights U.S. $ 35.00.

Hotel in Lima, Cusco or other cities in Peru can be booked for the kind you prefer (Standard, Economy, First Class, Luxury). Ask us about this service! We have confidential rates of each hotel in Cusco to be able to get you a good deal.