Choquequirao Trek – Choquequirao Peru – 4 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

Your epic Choquequirao Trek begins with an 0430AM transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will embark on a 4.5 hours drive in our private transport to Capuliyoc. It is a remote Andean village at 2915 meters above sea level (9564 ft).

We will be meeting our support crew, horsemen, and chef here. We will be serving breakfast here, while our support crew will get things organized on a horseback. Our local expert will be briefing you on hiking the Andes and will share some tips. 

All set, we will begin the Choquequirao Trek with a gradual uphill hike to Capuliyoc viewpoint. The route will take us through some highland communities and farmlands. Once we reach the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Snow Capped Padereyoc peak. 

After contemplating the views and getting an introduction to the Andean mythology, we will begin with a three hour hike down the hill to an Oasis, Chiquisqa. We will then continue further down to Playa Rosalinas for lunch. 

Our chef and support crew will be hiking a little bit ahead of the group so they can have everything organized while you get there. After lunch, we will begin with a gradual uphill hike with more alluring views of the Apurimac Canyon to our campsite in Santa Rosa Baja. It is at 1900 meters (6234 ft).

As we reach the campsite, our crew will serve hot drinks and appetizers. Our guide will direct you to your respective tents which will be already set for you. In the evening, we will be eating a freshly cooked Andean meal under the clear skies.

Summary:

• Meals: Brunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping at Chiquisca
• Lowest Elevation: 1,900 m/ 6,270 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,915 meters/9,564 feet
• Distance to walk: 8 km / 5 miles
• Approximate walking time: 3-4 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Sights: Apurimac canyon, Padreyoc mountain

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Maranpata – Choquequirao Peru

We will be waking you up to a cup of freshly brewed Peruvian coffee followed by a traditional Andean breakfast. We will then begin our hike up the hill to Marampata through Santa Rosa Alta. Marampata nestles at 2925 (9596 ft).

You will be getting the first views of Choquequirao from here. The archaeological complex is just two hours away from here.

On our hike to Choquequirao Peru, we will be hiking through the dense tropical jungle. Our tour guide will be explaining to you the features of different plants along the route. You will also have the opportunity of spotting Alpacas and Llamas in their natural habitat.

As we will reach the Choquequirao campsite, our crew will be serving you a traditional lunch. After lunch, we will enter the Inca complex for an immersive tour. Our local expert will be explaining the history and why the complex was built. You will understand how the Spanish conquest had an impact on its existence and how the Incas left the complex abandoned. 

On this guided tour, we will be visiting the Pikawasi sector. We will continue with a visit to the main plaza, remains of the ceremonial sites, Inca temples, and the priest’s house.

Once you have contemplated the views of the complex, we will be visiting the iconic Llama Sector. You will understand the prominence of these Andean camelids to the Incas. The Incas used Llamas to transport crops and other products.

To express their gratitude, they decorated the gray stones with an image of llamas with 24 white stones in between.

You will have plenty of time to soak in the views and also witness the sunset from Choquequirao before returning to the campsite for dinner and a well-deserved rest. 

Summary:

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft
• Distance to walk: 14 km / 8 ¾ miles
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Demanding
• Sights: Apurimac river, Soray and Tuncarway mountains

Day 3: Choquequirao – Maranpata – Chiquisca

You will be waking up to the sound of chirping birds as the rays of the rising sun shimmer on the walls of Choquequirao. We will be serving you a hot cup of coffee. We will have your breakfast ready while you will be sipping in the coffee admiring the Incan masterpiece.

After breakfast, we will be hiking down the hill to Cocamasana.

Along the way, we will be crossing Maranpata. This time we will stop to tour some farms here. Locals here cultivate potatoes, quinoas and more. Our local expert will be explaining the process along with the head of the farm.

After witnessing this, we will be hiking through the blackberry farm to Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa is well known for its Avocado plantations. You will see plenty of Avocado plants here.

You will have the opportunity of savoring their traditional beverage, Chicha de Cambray. It is a fermented beverage.

Once you have enjoyed this, we will continue with a hike to Playa Rosalinas where we will be serving you lunch.

After lunch, we will be hiking through a dense tropical region to Chiquisqa campsite where we will be spending the third night camping. 

Summary:

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
• Accommodations: Camping
• Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft
• Distance to walk: 14 km / 8 ¾ miles
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Sights: Choquequirao ruins

Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco

After an early morning breakfast, we will be hiking for four hours, up the hill to Capuliyoc, where we started the trek.

Our support staff will be parting ways here. We will be meeting our driver for our journey back to Cusco. Along the way, we will be having a couple of stops and also have lunch before reaching Cusco. 

We will be reaching Cusco by 0500 PM.

Summary:

• Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
• Lowest elevation: 1,900 m / 6,270 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,850 m/ 9,407 ft
• Distance to walk: 8 km / 5 miles
• Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Sights: Saywite ruins-

Choquequirao Trek Includes:

• Private Transportation To Cachora or Capuliyoq (Trailhead)
• English – Spanish speaking guide
• Guided assistance
• Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping pad
• Cook and assistance of the Cook.
• Cooking equipment
• Snacks
• Daily tea service
• Dining equipment including chairs and tables
• Portable environmental Biodegradable toilet (The Pett)
• Food service in the campsites (3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu
• Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
• Personal trekking food – nutritionally balanced menu(Buffet)

Miscellaneous: 

• Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite)
• Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 7 kilos of your personal stuff like: sleeping bag and mat as well as cothes) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). During Choquequirao and Salkantay Sector.
• Porters to carry all our camping equipment as well as food.
• Choquequirao entrance fees, valid for 4 days
• Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our Cook and horseman
• Return Expeditions train ticket to Ollantaytambo / according to the availability we will use the same category of train to Ollantaytambo
• Private Transportation
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
• Pre trek Orientation – briefing (Hotel or Office)
• Insurance policy for our porters and Cooks.

Choquequirao Trek Doesn’t Include: 

• Breakfast – Day 1
• Lunch and dinner – Day 4
• Tips (optional)
• Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please):Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

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DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)

• UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years) : US$20. Please send us a a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
• Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
• Under 12 years old: US$20  Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 5 or more: US$20 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

RENTALS

• Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$60 for the entire trip
• (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$40 for the entire trip
• Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$30 for the entire trip

ADDITIONAL INFO:

• BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
• STORAGE Most Hotels have storage where you can leave your bags. However, if they cannot, then you can store your bags at our safe deposit for no additional cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

We can operate this trek on any day of your choice as long as we have a minimum of two trekkers. All departures are 100% GUARANTEED once your booking is confirmed. To Confirm and Secure the booking, kindly fill the booking form

4 Day Classic Choquequirao Trek (Prices for 2023 & 2024)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We wont Cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information as well as a Deposit of 30% and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$550

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): (Group Size: 04 Minimum – 12ppl Average – 16ppl Maximum)

Private Service: Price per person: US$750

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Persons Minimum)

If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.

What you need to bring on Choquequirao Trek:

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

Choquequirao Trek Packing List:

• Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
• Travel insurance  is essential (and some copies)
• Airline tickets (and some copies)
• US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera and Memory cards
• Rechargeable batteries and adapters
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks
• Pocket knife.
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Water bottle 
• Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
• Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also buy in Cusco.
• Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)

Clothes and Accessories: 

• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• A small towel and swimwear
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers (Zip off)
• 1 pair of hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
• Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
• Sport hiking sandals
• Watch or alarm clock
• Flashlight (headlight recommended)
• Money belt
• Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
• Wool hat, mitts, or gloves (preferably waterproof)
• Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired from us) we have goose down or synthetic sleeping bag 
• Thermal underwear
• Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)