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Cusco · Peru
Choquequirao Trek 5-Days
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From $827.72 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Choquequirao Trek is one of the most beautiful places in Peru and has been nicknamed the ‘Twin Sister of Machu Picchu. This is the perfect trip for those who prefer to explore untouched terrain. Choquequirao Trek takes you off the beaten path, far from the crowded places, this trip doesn’t take you to Machu Picchu, instead, you’ll hike to another lost Inca Citadel. This spectacular archaeological site was hidden in the mountain for centuries and was recently uncovered. During the Choquequirao Trek, you may see less than a dozen travelers, making this place a truly unique and quiet retreat.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Get off the beaten path to Explore Choquequirao Citadel
- Learn the history of the last days of the Inca Empire
- Enjoy a Pachamanca underground barbecue as a local
- Marvel with the amazing views of the Apurimac Canyon
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Cusco
Cusco - Cachora - Capuliyoc - La Playa We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 am-5: 00 am and drive you across the Andes towards Capuliyoc, arriving at approximately 8:30 am.
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Cusco
Hiking. We will enjoy a delicious breakfast together before starting your tour to Choquequirao: one of the legendary lost cities of the Incas. It’s a 4-hour trek downhill from Capuliyoc (9550 ft / 2911 m) to our lunch spot at Chiquiska (1893m / 6210 ft). Along the way, you can enjoy some absolutely stunning views of the Apurimac canyon one of the deepest in Peru, and spectacular panoramas of the different landscapes: from the highlands of Peru to the dense vegetation of the cloud forest. Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles. Approximate Hiking Time: 6 hours Highest Elevation Crossed: 2,911 m / 9,550 ft
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Cusco
Hiking. After lunch we continue our journey for another 2 hours down to Playa Rosalina (1478m /4849ft), your tents and a hot drink will be waiting for you. Here we will have dinner and camp for the night.
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Cusco
Overnight in camp. Camp Elevation: 1,478m / 4,849 ft Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Day 2
Cusco
Hiking. La Playa - Marampata - Choquequirao After breakfast, we will get ready for one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of your tour. We start by crossing a suspension bridge over the canyon before trekking uphill for approximately 4 hours until we reach Marampata ( 2911 m /9550 ft). The route takes us through beautiful sugar cane farms, where the locals produce “Cañazo”, a traditional alcoholic drink that has been produced for centuries in the Peruvian Andes.
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Cusco
We will stop for lunch at a picturesque spot with breathtaking views of the mountains and the river.
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Cusco
Hiking at Choquequirao. After lunch, it’s another 2-hour ascent to Choquequirao (3030m / 9940 ft). The lost city of Choquequirao is located in a spectacular place: perched in the Peruvian Andes overlooking the deep canyon. This is a very important city from the Inca empire, built towards the end of their rule. Choquequirao was probably one of the entrance checkpoints to Vilcabamba the last capital of the Incas and was only recently re-discovered in the early 19th century. Distance: 10.6 km / 6.5 miles Highest Elevation Crossed: 2,911 m / 9550 ft
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Cusco
Our campsite is located right next to the archaeological site and so you have the freedom to visit this mysterious place at any time you like and as many times as you like, whether its to enjoy the sunset, sunrise or just for some quiet ‘me-time’. Camp Elevation:2,866 m / 9401 ft Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Day 3
Cusco
We will wake you up bright and early with a nice cup of hot coca tea or coffee to witness the amazing sunrise over the mountains.
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Cusco
Archaeological Exploration at Choquequirao. Explore Choquequirao Ruins After breakfast, we have the entire day to explore this magnificent Inca city. Your guide will take you on a comprehensive tour taking you to the most beautiful spots and teaching you about the history of Choquequirao and of the Incas. Choquequirao (cradle of gold) is nicknamed the twin sister of Machu Picchu but is almost twice the size. For this reason, it is expected that this largely unknown location will very soon become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. After you have taken all the time you need to discover Choquequirao. Distance: 8 km/ 4.9 miles Highest Elevation Crossed: 3,066 m / 10,059 ft
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Cusco
We will return to the same campsite for dinner and spend the night. Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Day 4
Cusco
Hiking. Choquequirao - Marampata - La Playa - Chiquisca We will wake up for the second time in this magical place. After breakfast, it is a 3 hours downhill trek to our lunch spot at Santa Rosa (2230 m / 7300 ft). We will then continue downhill for a further 2 hours, before trekking uphill for another 2 hours, until we arrive at our campsite at Chiquisca (1800m / 5905ft). This a perfect day to enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature. We will pass a wide range of different flowers and birds along the way and the sound of waterfalls can be heard in the distance. Distance: 8 km /11.32 miles Approximate Hiking Time: 8 hours Highest Elevation Crossed: 3,100m/9,300 ft
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Cusco
Overnight in camp. Camp Elevation: 1,450m/4,350 ft Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Day 5
Cusco
Hiking. Chiquisca - Capuliyoc - Cusco On our final day, we will get up, have breakfast, and prepare for our last 4-hour trek uphill to Capuliyoc. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our team of chefs and porters that have accompanied us on this expedition. Distance: 8 km / 11.32 miles Approximate Hiking Time: 8 hours Highest Elevation Crossed: 2,850m / 9,407ft
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Cusco
We will then take our private transportation to the archaeological site of Saywite; a beautifully carved rock that remains a mystery to archaeologists. You will have plenty of time to explore before we return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 5 pm.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Airport transfer on request in Cusco Professional Native Tour Guide Second Tour Guide for groups of 9+ Trekking Chef to prepare fresh meals Porters, horsemen Horses to carry food and equipment Duffle bag where you can put your personal stuff up to 7 kilos Pick-up and drop off from your hotel All transportation included during the 5 days of the tour Special dietary options available Comfortable camping equipment (dining tents, tables, chairs) 4 man Eureka tents for every 2 people Sleeping foam mattress Hot water bags to stay warm First aid kit with Oxygen bottle, satellite phones Entrance fee to Choquequirao site All taxes and booking fees included
Not Included
Sleeping Bag, air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us) Dinner on day 5 (When back in Cusco) Gratuities (Optional) Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)
What to Bring
Passport Rain gear Sun protection Personal Medication Toiletries Powerpack/battery charger Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up from your hotel at around 4.30 am.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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