DURATION: 4D/3N
DESTINATION: Choquequirao
DEPARTURE: All year
LEVEL: Hard
CATEGORY: Adventure Tour
The archaeological city of Choquequirao is located 3050 m.a.s.l. and is considered to be “the last refuge of the Inca state”.
DAY 1 – CUSCO – CAPULILLOC – CHIQUISCA-PLAYA ROSALINA
We will depart Cusco at approximately 4.30 a.m. and arrive in the town of Curahuasi where we will have breakfast. This will take around 3 hours. We will then head to Capulilloc pass, passing by the towns of Saywite and Cachora, where we will organize our team of mules (to carry our bags and equipment) and then start the descent of our hike. From here we can appreciate the majestic snow-peaks of Padriyoc and Wayna Cachora as well as see the beautiful change in landscapes from precipices to the impressive gorge of Apurimac Canyon. In Chikiska we will have lunch and after head to our campsite in Playa-Rosalina where we will have dinner and spend the night.
DAY 2 – PLAYA ROSALINA – SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA- CHOQUEQUIRAO
Early in the morning after breakfast, we continue our hike ascending to the villages of Santa Rosa and Marampata where we can appreciate the spectacular scenery. From Marampata we continue towards the complex archaeological site of Choquequirao, which will take approximately 1 hour and half. During this part of the hike you can see the complex of Choquequirao and located nearby is our campsite where we will have lunch. After lunch we will spend the whole afternoon on a guided tour exploring the Inca construction “Choquequirao” with time also to enjoy this majestic place on our own and appreciate the houses, terraces, principal plaza, llama sector, and if we are lucky see the “flight of the condors”. Our guide will also explain the history and importance of this site. At the end of the tour we will return to the campsite that was mentioned earlier.
DAY 3 – CHOQUEQUIRAO Altitude: 3033 m.a.s.l. – CHIKISKA .
After an early breakfast we will depart Choquequirao descending back the way we came, where we have the opportunity to appreciate again Apurimac Canyon, the lush vegetation, flowers and orchids, and finally arriving back at Playa where we will have lunch. This will be followed by a 1-hour siesta before continuing our hike up to our campsite in Chikiska where we will have dinner and spend the night.
DAY 4. – CHIKISKA – CAPULIYOC 8KM (3 H) – CUSCO
Early in the morning after breakfast we will follow the trail up where we can enjoy again the spectacular view of the majestic snow-capped mountains of Padriyoc, which decorate the Canyon of Apurimac. When we arrive in Capuliyoc we will have lunch and await our transportation that will take us back to Cusco.
* Campsites are subject to change, dependent on the size of the group and their physical condition.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- Transport Cusco – Capuliyoc – Cusco (private transport)
- Professional guide
- Horses to carry food and camping equipment, 7 kilos per person.
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Snacks
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses)
- Extra horse
- Entrance fee to the archaeological site of Choquequirao.
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag
- Walking sticks
RECOMENDATIONS:
- A small backpack with light cloths for the trip.
- Waterproof clothes (jacket and pants if available).
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Camera and batteries.
- Hat and beanie to protect from the sun, rain and cold.
- Sunblock.
- Handkerchief.
- Toilet paper.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, water etc.
- Water purification tablets.
- Small towel.
- Cash in soles.
- Optional: walking sticks.