Choquequirao Trek
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Choquequirao, Marampata, Chikisca, Cusco, Peru.

Choquequirao Trek Huanipaca 5 Days

5 Days

Starting from US$600.00

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Duration 5 Days
Tour Type Specific Tour
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Group Size Up to 10 people
Languages English, Spanish

Tour Choquequirao Trek to Huanipaca 5 Days

On this adventurous trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also see native animals such as Andean Condors, birds, native flora and fauna, orchids and so much more.

Overview

Choquequirao Trek to Huanipaca 5 Days, choquequirao is one of the Inca citadel with a magical history because its name means the "cradle of gold" for sure place where the best goldsmiths lived, and located near silver and gold mines. with a unique architecture, choquequirao located on the way to the Amazon and with connection to the last citadel of the Incas "vilcabamba" The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” Located above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and seated on a high ridge, Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited ¨lost city of the Incas¨. The Inca archaeological site is considered, the sister to Machu Picchu, it is less known and 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last refuges, for those Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.

Activities

Trekking Adventure

Difficulty Levels

3 of 5

Accommodation

2 Day Lodge, 2 Days Camping

Maximum Altitude

4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

Starts

Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM.

Ends

Drop-off at Cusco around 18:15 PM

Day by Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 Cusco — Capuliyoc — Marampata.

    We will pick you up from your hotel between 3:30 to 4:00 AM to start our trip in a private van for 4 hours to northeast of Cusco city, through small towns until Capuliyoc town (2.800masl) where we have a delicious breakfast and where also we will meet with our trip staff (muleteers and horses).

    After breakfast we begin with our hiking for about 20 minutes and will arrive to our first viewer where we have a panoramic view, in front of us we can see the vilcabamba mountain range called ( padreyoc) and the famous Apurimac Canon, after having an amazing view we will start our descend for 3 hours through beautiful landscapes where you will be able to see different medicinal plants which were used by our ancestors ( muña, chilca and different varieties of plants) If we are lucky we will be able to see the majestic Condor, we descend until Chiquisca Hamlet (1800masl) where we have a delicious tipycal Cusco Lunch Buffet.

    After having Lunch we will have a 30 min break to continue with or hiking, Descending 45 minutes more until Playa Rosalinas (1700masl), located in Apurimac River separated by two important Peruvian regions CUSCO and APURIMAC

    After passing the famous Apurimac river we continue descending for 4 hours until Marampata (3500masl) on the way we will see bird dance, at sunset we will see andean people, how they live in the mountains with a style of life that maybe you wont believe compared to the city. We will arrive to our private Choquequirao trek Lodge approximately at 5:30 pm, after a small break its time for dinner, approximately at 7pm and overnight in our LOGDE, during the night you will be able to see constellations according Andean or Inca religión.

    • Meals

      Lunch and Dinner

    • Accommodation

      Lodge: Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge.

    • Difficulty

      Challenging

    • Walking Distance

      15 Km. / 9.3 mile.

    • Walking Time

      6.5 to 7 hours approximately.

    • Maximum Altitude

      2850 masl. / 9350 ft. (Marampata)

  • Day 2 Maranpata — Choquequirao.

    In the early morning you will be woke up with a coca tea and have enough time to organize our stuff. Approximately at 7:30am we will have a delicious typical Breakfast. Then we will continue with our hiking to Marampata, on this day the hiking is going to have a high level physically, where we will be able to see an amazing view of the Archeological Choquequirao Complex (3900masl) through our hiking we will have amazing canon views where our tour guide will explain about the flora and fauna, we´ll have 3 hours to explore all the Choquequirao.

    We will start our descend until Choquequirao Camping where our picnic Lunch is waiting for us, after having lunch we will take a 30min break and continue to an amazing place that only us know about it, this place is called cataratas de Pachayoc (water falls) a place where you will be in touch with the nature. Finally we will return to Camp Choquequirao where dinner is ready and is time to stop over.

    • Meals

      Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

    • Hiking Distance

      4 Km. / 2.4 mile.

    • Hiking Time

      3.5 to 4 hours approximately.

    • Maximum Altitude

      3106 masl / 10190 ft. (Choquequirao)

  • Day 3 Choquequirao

    After breakfast, we will visit the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao for the entire day. Enjoy the private guided tour and explore all of the beautiful sections of the temples, terraces, palaces, the llamas’ section, and much more. We will return to our same campsite for tea and spend the night.

    Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua Inca’s language although this is probably not its original name. It is another “Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered officially late in the 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750 metres above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and is surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. Excavations and restoration of the 1810 hectares site began in the 1990s, and it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding new things.

    • Meals

      Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

    • Difficulty

      Moderate

    • Walking Distance

      4 Km. / 2.3 mile

    • Walking Time

      4 hours approximately.

    • Maximum Altitude

      3040 masl / 9973 ft. (Choquequirao)

  • Day 4 Choquequirao — San Ignacio — Villa De Loros

    Today is one of the easier days of our trek. We will walk downhill for two hours to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,450m/4,787ft). We then cross the bridge to walk uphill for one hour to San Ignacio for lunch where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery and a great waterfall! After lunch we walk a moderate uphill trek through a beautiful valley towards Villa de Loros (2,600m/8,580ft) where we set up camp for the last evening.

    • Meals

      Breakfast and Lunch.

    • Difficulty

      Challenging

    • Hiking Distance

      16 Km. / 9.9 mile

    • Hiking Time

      5 to 6 hours approximately.

    • Maximum Altitude

      3040 masl / 9289 ft. (Choquequirao)

  • Day 5 Villa De Loros — Saywite — Conoc — Cusco

    Today is the relaxing and cultural day of our trek. After enjoying a delicious breakfast we take our private transport to the archeological site of Saywite, where we can explore and see an Inca monolith, several water fountains, and ritual platforms. After spending time enjoying the site we drive to the hot spring of Conoc to relax after several days of walking. After lunch we head back to Cusco dropping you at your hotel

    • Meals

      Breakfast.

    • Difficulty

      Moderate

    • Shuttle to Cusco

      4 Hours from Villa los Loros.

    • Maximum Altitude

      3040 masl / 9289 ft. (Choquequirao)

Trip Info & Details

Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure

Private transport from Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek) and from Villa de Loros to Cusco

Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites

English speaking, experienced professional guide

Private Guided tour in each archaeological complex

Comfortable tents for two people in a four-person tent

Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)

1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or unwell

All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent

Tent for our staff to sleep in

First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen

7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our mules

Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

Entry fee to the hot springs

Sleeping bag

Day 1: Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner on the last day

Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company

Inflatable mattresses

Tips: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

Is Choquequirao Trek 5 Days difficult, do I need to be in good physical condition?

The trail is certainly not easy, but it is not necessary to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Physical fitness is naturally important for the walk, and obviously the more fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trail and have more chances to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do walks, walks or some type of additional aerobic activity in the months prior to your trip. This hike is moderate to difficult.

How would you categorize this trek?

It is a 5-day hike across the Andean highlands and jungle border, on day 2 you will have enough time to know about choquequirao. So it can be categorized as a challenging, difficult trek. We recommend having previous training where you live (long walks on the countryside with backpack, hiking boots, etc) and being on a good fitness level.

How can I deal with altitude symptoms?

The best solution is arriving at Cusco City with a few days of antecedence so your body will trigger adaptation, compensation processes. Drink plenty of water, coca leaves tea and don’t do much physical effort. Also, take to the hike a good amount of water and coca tea. Finally, bring some altitude sickness pills just for precaution, although most people will not actually need them.

What is the best time of the year to do it?

We recommend you do the Choquequirao Trek on dry season, that is, from April until November, because the path and distances are demanding. Now if you want to really activate your inner soldier to defeat Andean heavy showers, mud, cold winds and mountains, rain season goes from November to March!

What should I know about the weather?

On dry season (April-November) it tends to be cold, windy, lowest temperatures occurring between June-July, no rain at all. You should bring warm clothing. On rainy season (November-March) it gets warmer but the showers are hard -although brief- and there can be hail too. Overall, Cusco heights must be approached as a winterly region. On the jungle border, the climate is subtropical.

What should I pack for this trek?

This is an essential, very important Choquequirao Trek FAQ. Next we list the most important items:

  • Woolen hood, sun hat or cap
  • Sunglasses, scarf, gloves
  • Polyester t-shirts (they keep you dry, comfortable)
  • Warm jackets (preferably windproof)
  • Nylon pants
  • Mountaineering socks
  • Hiking boots
  • Sunblock and mosquito repellent (both mandatory)
  • Of course do not forget your camera and smartphone.
  • Small plastic bags for garbage
  • Also: we will be on the wilderness for long periods of time, so you must bring bottled water (also purifying water pills so you can drink from the river), canned food, energy bars, snacks. Don’t be short of supplies.
  • BUT DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR BACKPACK! The trek is long and weight may become an issue.

How is the geography?

Uneven, rocky, unpaved paths along the Andean chain and the subtropical jungle border. You will be hiking below a wide blue sky of passing cotton clouds, exuberant green mountains, rivers, the valley and the canyon, lush, exotic flora. It is a healthy, clean, energizing and relaxing environment. The Choquequirao trek is an ultimate, ideal exercise for both body and mind.

Will the route and Choquequirao site be much crowded?

Not at all. Since this is a new package and of difficult level, it is attracting mainly seasoned hikers, so the paths and the site itself are still not receiving much general public. It is hiking on green light all the time. Know more about the Choquequirao Trek, Machu Picchu’s twin citadel.

Will I need a hiking pole?

A very useful Choquequirao Trek FAQ. And it is totally recomendable! The walking stick will give you complete balance and save a lot of physical energy. We rent them at a convenient price.

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially hikers, who want a private, clean and sanitary bathroom! On the first day we will be in our private hotel and there are rooms with private bathrooms you can request a room with private bathroom.

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially hikers, who want a private, clean and sanitary bathroom! On the first day we will be in our private hotel and there are rooms with private bathrooms you can request a room with private bathroom.

What happens if I can't finish the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

In case you cannot finish the walk due to a health problem, our guide will assist you and take you to the nearest city to get help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the walk for any respiratory problem. In extreme cases, you can organize the collection of a helicopter at your expense. (Travel insurance is required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you cannot finish the walk.

Are you leaving us at the hotel at the end of the 3-Day Choquequirao Walk?

Absolutely!! This is included in the Choquequirao Tour package, the last day we will leave you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will also leave you there! (It has an extra cost of (100 soles).

Can I change the departure date after the tickets have been purchased?

Of course. If you require it, we can change the departure dates. However, tickets are not transferable or refundable. Contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights, the deposit is not refundable at all!

What is the weather like in Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

The weather is very unpredictable and difficult to predict. We recommend dressing always in layers, since it is easier to adapt to different climates.

Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you can acclimatize normally. It usually takes between 24 hours and 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NECESSARY; Our guides are trained to treat you for altitude sickness.

How many people are there per group?

The group size is a maximum of 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. We specialize in small and private groups and offer a personalized service.

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Of course! During the Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights, your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both are free.

Is it important to request a saddle horse?

The First Day Walk is a challenge. We recommend taking between 70 to 100 soles (approximately 22-30 dollars) in case you are not good walking uphill so you can rent a horse on the route.

Essential

  • Original passport
  • For students: ISIC card
  • Insurance card/certificate
  • Walking stick ( Highly Recomemded )
  • Hiking boots
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • 2-4 t-shirts
  • 2 pairs of pants (1 for hiking, 1 for camp)
  • Long underwear for sleeping
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water
  • Toiletries/ Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • Camera
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Extra money for tips/snacks/beer.

Customer Reviews

9 day Choquequirao trek

As soon as Alex our guide met us at our hotel for our briefing, I felt that we were in safe hands. He was full of enthusiasm and information and looked after us really well. The other staff on our trip worked very hard and did not stop smiling. Andreas our chef created amazing meals with minimal resources, every day. I'm pretty sure we put on weight despite walking 105kms. Razer and Juillby, the Horse men took great care of our luggage and doubled up with efficent tent pitching, slick meal service, clean water, morning cups of tea and hot water. Nothing was too much trouble for these guys.

Paul E

Published at June 19, 2024 on Tripadvisor

A 5 star professional tour company.

A very professional tour company. Absolutely everything was taken care of. A real 5 star experience. Some little luxuries like hot water bottles at the higher altitude camps, tea, coffee, daily snacks, double mattresses for comfort, and 3 course meals for lunch and dinner really added to the experience. My partner and I booked the 8 day Choquequirao trek GROUP tour and were very fortunate to be the only 2 people! The tour still went ahead even though there was only 2 of us.

Joseph C

Published at 10th April, 2024 on Tripadvisor

4 day CHOQUEQUIRAO, everything perfect

We did the 4 day CHOQUEQUIRAO tour with Salkantay trekking, with our guide Fredie, chef Rene and horseman Carlos. Everything was amazing, we never felt rushed, and everything was taken care of (from tents ready upon arrival and super tasty food)

Sara A

Published at 11th December 2023 on Tripadvisor

Andean Pilgrimage

Walking with Yuri our guide to the ancient city of Choquequirao was the highlight of our year! We learned so much about the plants, animals, history, and culture of Peru! I could not recommend this trip more.

Juan Carlos was an amazing chef cooking up huge amounts of authentic Peruvian cuisine that was tasty and healthy! There was never a dull moment.

James L

Published at August 5, 2023 on Tripadvisor