CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

Discover the majesty of the Peruvian Andes in a unique four-day adventure that will take you through stunning landscapes and towards the heart of the ancient Inca citadel of Choquequirao. This trek invites you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Incas, as you explore centuries-old agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and ancestral plazas that have withstood the test of time. For four days, you will walk along ancient trails, surrounded by towering mountains and the natural beauty of the Andes, in an experience that will challenge your physical and emotional limits. Get ready to discover Choquequirao in all its grandeur, marveling at the magnificence of a lost civilization and connecting with the ancestral energy of this sacred place. Join us on this unforgettable adventure and let yourself be captivated by the magic of Choquequirao!

IMPORTANT: The trek to Choquequirao is a challenging adventure that requires good physical and mental condition to be successfully completed. For several days, you will walk on difficult terrain and face weather changes, demanding endurance and determination. Additionally, the altitude and long days can test our physical and mental capacity.

To fully enjoy this experience and successfully complete the journey, it is important to prepare adequately, both physically and mentally. Pre-training, maintaining an appropriate pace during the hike, and maintaining a positive attitude are key. It is also essential to listen to our body, rest when necessary, and be prepared for the challenges that may arise along the way.

By overcoming these challenges, we not only manage to reach Choquequirao but also strengthen our determination, endurance, and ability to face and overcome obstacles, which can be a transformative and enriching experience.

If you are not used to exercising regularly, it is advisable to start hiking, trekking, or other aerobic activities several weeks before your trip. This will help you strengthen your muscles, improve your endurance, and prepare you physically for the hike you will take during your trip. Starting with short hikes and gradually increasing the distance and intensity will help you avoid injuries and condition your body safely. Consulting with a health professional before starting any new exercise program is also a good idea to ensure that you are fit to do so. If you want a shorter tour, you can opt for Choquequirao 3 days 2 nights, or Choquequirao trek of 4 days 3 nights may suit you.

ITINERARY

DAY 01: CUSCO – CACHORA – CHIQUISKA

We will start our journey in Cusco, meeting at Plaza Regocijo (parallel to Plaza de Armas) between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. We will begin the trip enjoying the wonderful views of landscapes that cross the pampa of Anta as well as Limatambo, and then pass to the Apurímac region and continue towards Curahuasi to later reach our first destination, the archaeological park of SAYWITE, about 3 and a half hours travel from Cusco. Here we can admire a stone carved by the Incas, where they designed numerous miniature structures as models. We will also explore other ceremonial centers. After the visit, we will continue towards Cachora, specifically to Capuliyoc, where we will enjoy lunch overlooking the Apurímac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow-capped mountain. After lunch, we will start our adventure descending for about 3 hours, passing through the viewpoints of Cocamasana until we reach Chikiska, where we will have dinner and spend the night in a rural accommodation.

DAY 2: CHIQUISKA – SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA

We will start early this day after breakfast. We will descend for about 1 hour until we reach the Apurímac River, in a place known as Playa Rosalina. We will cross the river and begin to ascend towards Santa Rosa, a journey that will take us between an hour and a half to two hours approximately. This section requires considerable physical effort, so we will try to climb when the sun has not yet fully risen. After a short rest in Santa Rosa, we will continue ascending for about three and a half hours until we reach the town of Marampata, where we will have lunch and free time in the afternoon to rest. Marampata offers a spectacular view to witness the sunset if we are lucky. After having ascended about 1500 meters above sea level, we will rest for the rest of the day. There we will have dinner and stay overnight.

DAY 3: MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO – MARAMPATA

We will wake up early to make the most of the day. After breakfast, we will head to Choquequirao, a journey that will take us approximately an hour and a half. Once there, we will explore and learn as much as possible during the day, as we will dedicate much of the day to touring this wonderful archaeological site. Lunch will be a snack that we will take with us. In the afternoon, we will return to Marampata, where we will have dinner and spend another night.

DAY 4: MARAMPATA – CHIQUISKA

We will start the day calmly and after having breakfast we will start the return journey for about two hours until we reach Santa Rosa, after resting, we will continue descending for about another hour and a half until we reach the Apurímac River, we will stop to take photos and rest for a while, then we will begin to ascend towards Chikiska, where lunch awaits us and here we will have dinner and spend the night to continue the next day.

DAY 5 CHIQUISKA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO

We will start the day relaxed and have breakfast and then continue our walk towards Capuliyoc for about 3 hours approximately. There we will finish our walk and this incredible experience. Then, we will return to Cusco arriving around 5:00 pm.

IMPORTANT: This route is less strenuous, but still, in case you are not sure of completing this route by walking, you can choose to hire an extra horse to help you in the ascents. Horses cannot be used in descents due to the risk of falling, they can only be used for ascents.

Activities: Hiking
Difficulty level: 5 High (have good health and physical condition)Distance: up to 16 kilometers. – Terrains: slopes, roads, paths, and royal roads with very steep ascents and descents, narrow and irregular paths with high difficulty. – Altitude: with ascents and descents up to 800 meters above sea level. – Recommended for people with good physical condition. Maximum altitude: 3106 meters above sea level / 10190 feet
Accommodation and Food: In rural lodgings in the area
Walking distance: 42 Km or 26 miles approx.
Type of tourism: Trekking, hiking, ecotourism.
Departure day: Any day with a minimum of 4 people.
The tour starts: In Cusco
Ends: In Cusco near the main square

What’s included?

Private transportation from Cusco to the beginning of the trail in Capulioc / Cusco.
Three nights of accommodation in rural lodging.
Professional guide in Spanish.
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. (vegetarian option at no extra cost)
Muleteer and mules to transport the client’s luggage (up to 6 kg maximum).
One Emergency horse.
First aid kit and oxygen ball.

Not included:

Day 1: Breakfast.
Day 4: dinner.
Entrance to Choquequirao (60 soles for adults national or foreigner and 30 soles for students).
Walking sticks (available for rent).
Tips: Tipping is tradition, muleteers as well as the guide will be happy to receive it if they deserve it.
TRAVEL INSURANCE (it is highly recommended to have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen event, remember that it is an adventure trip).
Expenses not mentioned in the itinerary (water, snacks, other drinks, etc.)

WHAT TO BRING:

Original Passports: Carry your documents and if you are also a student, originals.
Copy of travel insurance: We recommend carrying a copy of travel insurance in case there is an incident and it is necessary to use the insurance.
Small Backpack: Opt for a sturdy and comfortable backpack, just enough to carry your essential belongings.
Appropriate Footwear: A pair of sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes to face various terrains and weather conditions.
Technical Clothing: Technical clothing and lightweight layers to adapt to temperature changes during the hike. 2-4 t-shirts. 2 pairs of pants (1 for excursions, 1 for camping), comfortable trekking pants (NO JEANS)
Waterproof Jacket: A waterproof or windproof jacket to protect you from rain and wind.
Hat or Cap: A hat or cap to protect you from the sun during the hike.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Broad-spectrum sunscreen and insect repellent to protect you from natural elements.
Energetic Snacks: Snacks like dried fruits, energy bars, and nuts to maintain energy during the hike.
Camera or Phone and extra power bank: A camera or phone to capture unforgettable moments, along with an external battery. Flashlight: You may need a flashlight in case the night catches up with us.
Personal Hygiene Items: Basic hygiene items, including toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Hiking Poles: Hiking poles to help with balance and reduce leg strain.
Sandals or Lightweight Shoes: Lightweight sandals or comfortable shoes to wear at the lodging.
Extra money in soles: It is advisable to carry extra money in soles (approximately 700 soles) for your extra expenses during the hike.

Remember that the weather can vary, so it is important to be prepared for both sunny and rainy conditions.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER CODE:

Travel with a spirit of openness and authenticity to connect with the local community. Be aware of local sensitivities and avoid any behavior that may be offensive.
Practice active listening and observation to better understand, rather than simply assuming that you know everything.
Accept and respect cultural differences, including concepts of time and thought patterns.
Explore and appreciate cultural diversity rather than seeking the exotic.
Learn and respect local customs. Recognize that as visitors we are only a part of a larger community and not expect special treatment.
When bargaining, remember that the poorest merchant may be sacrificing their profits for their dignity. Avoid making promises that cannot be kept.
Reflect daily on experiences to enrich personal understanding, recognizing that what benefits one may affect others.
Be committed to traveling respectfully, responsibly, and sustainably, actively collaborating to achieve this.

If you want to know more about us, you can visit our main page at: https://infocusco.com.pe/