Choquequirao Trek (5 Days)

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Cachora – Chiquiska.
1 stop
1
An early morning scenic bus ride of approximately four hours through high Andean plains will bring us to the village of Cachora, where we will meet our mule drivers. Leaving the village, we will begin with a gentle hike along an old mining road to Kapulyoq Pass (2800 meters / 9,240 feet). From this pass we will have our first mesmerizing view of the deep Apurimac canyon and the surrounding snow peaks. After resting and enjoying the scenery, we will continue our descent of approximately three hours along a dusty trail, zigzagging down the arid wall of the canyon, to our first camp at the Chiquiska oasis (1800 meters / 6000 feet)
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Chiquiska – Choquequirao
1 stop
2
After a nourishing breakfast we will continue our descent to the valley floor, where we will cross the Apurimac River (1495 meters / 5000 feet). From here we will start to climb the long, steep trail (approximately five hours) to our destination: the impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao, where we should arrive just in time to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the deep canyon and the surrounding mountains (3000 meters / 9,900 feet).
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Choquequirao
1 stop
3
During the morning we will visit the restored section of Choquequirao and explore some of the ruins that are still covered by lush cloud forest vegetation. Much work has been done in recent years to excavate, clear and restore the site. After lunch, those who choose to can visit the Cascade House(restored buildings and terraces some 300 meters (1000 feet) below the main structures of Choquequirao). Later, our evening meal will consist of a typical Peruvian “pachamanca” (traditional Andean ingredients cooked in the earth). Volunteers to help with the preparation will be welcome! From the highest point of the archaeological site (the “usno”, or ceremonial platform) there are fine views of the Apurimac canyon far below, and if we are fortunate we may even see a great Andean condor soar above us.
7 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Choquequirao – Cocamazana
1 stop
4
After breakfast and a last chance to explore independently the main structures of the archaeological site, it will be time to begin the long descent to the Apurimac River, where we will stop for lunch and a rest, before the three hour climb to our last camp at Cocamazana (2300 meters / 7,600 feet). On our last night together we will enjoy an excellent meal with spectacular views of Choquequirao Trek and the Apurimac Canyon.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Cocamazana – Cachora – Cusco
1 stop
5
Cusco
In order to avoid the intense sun, we will start our day early with the climb up to Kapulyoq Pass (2800 meters / 9,250 feet), from where we will continue along a flat country road to the village of Cachora, arriving before noon. After a well-deserved rest we will say goodbye to the mule drivers and begin our return bus journey to Cusco. If there is time, along the way we will stop and visit Saywite, an enormous rock carved by the Incas into a 3-dimensional representation of their empire, complete with flora and fauna. We will arrive back in Cusco in time for a hot shower, before heading into town for a night out!
6 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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