Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N

PROGRAM ITINERARY

STYLE: ACTIVE

• Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Fixes Departures: Daily departure
• Group Size:  2  – 10 persons
• Frequency: March – November

TOUR DESCRIPTION

The southern approach to Choquequirao from Cachora requires a steep descent from almost 3200 metres down the Apurimac river at 3,937 ft., followed by an even steeper ascent up to the Inca city. The site is perched a magnificent 3,658 ft above the Apurimac river, surrounded by densely-forested mountain slopes in the shadow of the huge, snowcapped Salkantay massif. In recent years, the ruins have been partially-cleared by Peruvian archaeologists, and can be easily explored by those intrepid enough to undertake the demanding trek required to get there.

(B) = breakfast / (L) = lunch / (D) = dinner

Day 1. Cusco  – San Pedro de Cachora  – Santa Rosa Campsite

We leave Cusco at 05:00am in the morning traveling to the small village of Cachora. On the way we will have an opportunity to visit Saywite, a limestone rock about 6  metres in diameter on which the Incas carved an unknown city model, at the same time, images of flora, fauna, topography and customs of the 15th century empire. Later on, we will arrive after four hours to Cachora town where we meet our today’s horse man, right after, we begin our first day of hike. The plan will be to head along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, with the river almost below us, about half-way through the day, we will begin our winding descent to the river, while it, the heat becomes intense, finally we arrive to the Santa Rosa camp site where we’ll have the chance to have a refreshing shower in the river nearby.

Day 2. Santa Rosa – Choquequirao Inca city

Amazing as the rest of the days, we will make the steep in ascent up to Choquequirao, Inca settlement. The path will lead us through dense cloud forest for about two hours, when we finally get our first view of the citadel on a spur ahead of us. Another two hours walk and with Choquequirao now almost in sight, leads us to our destination exploring the ruins and, hopefully, see some condors. These Andean birds with a wingspan of up to three metres, tend to rise up from the floor of the canyon on the afternoon thermals, providing visitors on the central plaza of Choquequirao a magnificent show. That night, after an unforgettable sunset and a good meal, we will camp close to the Inca remains.

Day 3. Choquequirao  – Playa Rosalina campsite

After exploring the entire archeological complex of Choquequirao and studying all the sectors in detail we head of towards to Playa Rosalina descending back along the same path to Santa Rosa. We continue our gradual descent from the 9,950 ft. close to Apurimac River at 5, 085 ft.Today’s hike ends at Playa Rosalina where we spend the night.

Day 4. Playa Rosalina – Cachora – Cusco

An early start today will help us to avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee us some magnificent views of the Apurimac river and the surrounding peaks. On our journey we reach the lookout at Capuliyoc one final time where we say goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while surrounded by the flora & fauna. Finally,  we climb to our last destination, San Pedro de Cachora, to head Cusco by bus.

IT IS INCLUDED:

• Pick up from airport to hotel/back
• Transportation to Cachora starting point.
•  Entrance ticket to Choquequirao
•  Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horsemen and horses
•  English/Spanish speaking professional guide
•  Meals
•  Personal camping equipment such as tents, pad.
• Emergency horse

IT IS NOT INCLUDED:

•  Sleeping bag (rent for $20)
• Walking sticks (rent for $12/pair)
•  First breakfast
•  Last lunch
•  Tips

WE RECOMMEND TO BRING:

•  A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
•  Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
•  Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
•  Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
•  Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
•  Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
•  Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
•  Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
•  Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
•  Sun block
•  After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
•  Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
•  Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
•  Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
•  Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
•  We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
•  Your own medical kit with any special medications.
•  Small towel or sarong
•  Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
•  Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
•  Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
•  Walking sticks or poles.
•  Binoculars (if you have them)