Choquequirao, considered to be a sister city of similar significance to that of Machupicchu and built along similar lines. On this adventurous trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems.
Difficulty: Average.
Choquequirao according to most scholars, was most likely built during the reign of the Inca king (Sapa Inca) Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui and has been suggested as the last bastion of resistance and refuge for the Sons of the Sun. The infamous Inca fled from the city of Cusco when it was under siege in 1535. Under the leadership of Manco Inca Yupanqui, they hid in the sanctuary of Choquequirao. It has been presumed to have been used as a check point to access the Vilcabamba area, as a cultural and religious center, as well as occupying a key position, as an elevated structure making uninvited guests visible to them. The city played an important role as it was a link connecting the Amazon Jungle to the city of Cusco. The region has many microclimates consisting of snow-covered peaks at around 6000m (19685f), amongst some of the most spectacular mountainous peaks, are deep rich valleys entering into the thick exotic jungle.
Day 1
We will leave Cusco (3350m/10991f) at approximately at 5:30 am on the first morning. On this leg of the trip we will head straight for the village of Cachora (2850m/9350f), there we will meet our horse guides, with horses and mules that will carry all the camping equipment during the expedition. From there we will continue our journey towards the pass of Capuliyoc (2800m/9186f). The trek offers a stunning view of the mythical mountain Padreyoc, the deep canyons and the river Apurímac which the locals call “speaking river”. Finally, we will descend towards the picturesque canyon’s interior named Chiquisca (1930m/6332f), where we will spend the first night.
Climate: Warm.
Hiking time: approximately 7 hours.
Day 2
After enjoying breakfast, we will make the descent to La Playa Rosalina (1550m/5085f). From here, we’ll continue our journey to Marampata (2850m/9350f), where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the archeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m/9951f) and the surrounding area. Our camp site is located 25 minutes from the settlement.
Climate: depending on the day a mixture between cold and warm.
Hiking time: approximately 7 hours.
Day 3
At sunrise, we will first visit the archaeological site of Choquequirao. At this time of morning only 30% of this region known as the “golden cradle” has been exposed to light making it an incredible sight. Our expert tour guides will take you to discover the history and recent excavations of Choquequirao, whose importance is only starting to be fully understood, holding many ancestral secrets of the Inca and the nature they had been so deeply connected with. Hiking time: approximately 6 hours
Climate: reasonable climate with mosquitoes.
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll take our belongings, descending the Apurímac canyon’s to its deepest part called San Ignacio at 1500m/4921f and have lunch. Finally, we will hike up to our camping site for the night, in the beautiful gardens of Carmen located 2000m/6562f above sea level.
Climate: moderate climate with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: approximately 6 hours.
Please be advised that due to the varied ecosystems of this region, there will be multiple changes to the scenery making day four one of the most picturesque of the tour and one day the avid naturists and photographers will enjoy immensely. It is also important to note that the route from Choquequirao to San Ignacio is quite slippery in some spots. For this reason we ask everyone to take care especially on the decent, and insist that everyone carry sufficient water with them.
Day 5
The gardens of Carmen are located in close proximity to the manor of Tambobamba (2500m/8202f), a region governed by landowners since the 19th and 20th century and considered to be one of the most fertile valleys, capable of cultivating maize and a variety of potatoes vital to the people of the region. We will pass little villages such as Pacobamba and Huanipaca (3150m/10335f), finally returning to Cusco by bus.
Climate: moderate, warm.
Hiking time: approximately 5 hours.
Transport time: approximately 5 hours.
Please be advised the trek to Choquequirao must not be underestimated. In particular day two involves great physical exertion completing the peaks, combined with high altitude and at times extreme weather (it can get very hot). We strongly recommend that you are well acclimatized before starting the trek, are in good shape, and healthy (we recommend trying Coca, or Muña tea, in preparation for your journey).
Remember for most of you this may be your only expedition to these amazing sites so please bring extra money, and rain protection to enable your journey to be as spectacular as the view. This packing list has been devised by some of the best experts in the tourism business in the Andes.
Welcome to the beautiful sights and experiences of Peru.
