Visit CHOQUEQUIRAO! Our 4-day tour to Choquequirao is one of the most beautiful and incredible experiences that you shouldn't miss. Most travelers who have done this tour say it's challenging, but the effort is always worth it. Choquequirao is a fascinating archaeological site located in the Cusco region of Peru. It is often compared to Machu Picchu due to its historical significance and natural beauty. If you are interested in exploring the landscapes of the Andes and the jungle while visiting ancient Inca cities.
Trekking or hiking to Choquequirao is a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes that reveals ancient Inca buildings, mysteries, and llama-based art.
The exciting journey to Choquequirao begins very early from Cusco, heading to Capuliyoc in comfortable tourist transportation. Accompanied by muleteers and their loyal animals, we explore the beauty of the landscape as we ascend to the Capuliyoc pass, where we delight in stunning views of the Apurímac River canyon and the possibility of spotting condors in flight. The day continues with a gentle four-hour descent to reach Chiquisca, our campsite for the night. If the weather favors us, we may glimpse the distant mysterious ruins of Choquequirao. This first day immerses us in the serenity of nature, promising unique discoveries and experiences in the fascinating Andean environment.
Night of camping in Chiquisca.
After breakfast in Chiquisca, we start the hike to Playa Rosalina at 6:00 a.m., a short 30-minute journey. We cross the Apurímac River and ascend steeply to Santa Rosa for 2 hours, taking advantage of the morning freshness. In Santa Rosa, we rest for 30 minutes before continuing to Marampata, a 2.5-hour hike. At 2850 meters, we have lunch overlooking Choquequirao at 3103 meters above sea level. Then, we walk 2 more hours to our campsite, just 20 minutes from the Choquequirao Archaeological Center, designated by the Peruvian state.
Night of camping.
In the morning, we explore the impressive Archaeological Center of Choquequirao, known as the "Sister Citadel of Machu Picchu," built in the 15th century in the canyon of the Apurímac River. Guided by an expert, we discover 30% of the ruins, with the promise that Choquequirao will rival Machu Picchu in fascination. The day includes a hike back to Marampata and through the Apurímac Canyon, culminating in our campsite in Chiquisca at 1930 meters, for an approximately 6-hour experience in warm weather and a night of camping.
Night of camping in Chiquisca.
After breakfast, we leave the campsite to ascend for approximately two to three hours to Chiquisca. Then, we return to the Capuliyoc pass, where we enjoy our lunch. In the afternoon, we begin a two-hour return journey to Cachora, where transportation awaits us to take us back to Cusco.
This concludes our service with CuscoPeru.com.
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Our Choquequirao Trek starts very early. We depart from Cusco between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. approximately in our tourist transportation and head towards Cachora, an Andean community located 4 to 5 hours from Cusco at 2800 m.s.n.m./9184 ft. This is the starting point of our hike, surrounded by Andean mountains and snow-capped peaks (we will be accompanied by the impressive view of Nevado Padreyoc, which in Spanish means "the place of the Father").
Our transportation will drop us off near the Capuliyoc pass, where we meet our muleteers and mules. At this point, our chef will prepare a light meal to start our hike with energy. We will begin a short ascent of 15 to 20 minutes to the Capuliyoc pass (2,912 m above sea level) 9563 ft, from where we can observe the impressive Apurímac Canyon (considered the third deepest in the world).
From this point, it is possible to spot condors flying across this canyon regularly. If the weather allows, the archaeological site of "CHOQUEQUIRAO" (cradle of gold) may be visible.
Then, we descend for an additional three hours until we reach Chiquisca. Along the way, we may spot birds in the area, and if we are observant, foxes and vizcachas. This place serves as one of the initial campsites for travelers undertaking the trek to Choquequirao. This is where we will set up our camp and spend the night.
Walking Time on the day: Approximately 7 hours.
Weather: Warm with mosquitoes.
Night of camping in Chiquisca.
After a delicious breakfast in Chiquisca, we start our hike at approximately 6:00 a.m. towards Playa Rosalina, a short 30-minute journey. Crossing the Apurímac River, we face the steep ascent to Santa Rosa, which takes about 2 hours. Starting early is key to avoiding intense heat and making the hike more bearable.
Once in Santa Rosa, we take a 30-minute break before continuing our ascent to Marampata, a two-and-a-half-hour journey. In Marampata, located at an altitude of 2850 meters, we stop for lunch and enjoy spectacular views of Choquequirao, known as the sister of Machu Picchu and situated at 3103 m above sea level. We will walk another 2 hours to our camping area designated by the Peruvian government, which is only 20 minutes from the Choquequirao Archaeological Center.
Walking Time on the day: Approximately 7 hours.
Weather: Warm and cold at night.
Night of camping
In the morning, we embark on a guided tour of the impressive Choquequirao Archaeological Center, known as the "sister citadel of Machu Picchu." Located in the canyon of the Apurímac River and built in the 15th century, Choquequirao is a testament to Inca wisdom beyond its administrative and religious function.
Our professional guide will immerse us in the history and secrets of this ancient Inca citadel, where only 30% of its ruins are currently discovered and restored, with the promise of becoming as fascinating as Machu Picchu in the years to come.
We will explore its advanced hydraulic systems, the Grand Complex, the Main Plaza, religious and elite areas, and extensive agricultural terraces. This cultural immersion will be complemented by a hike back to Marampata and then through the Apurímac Canyon, culminating in our camp in Chiquisca, at 1930 meters. The hiking day will last approximately 6 hours in warm weather, ending with a night of camping in Chiquisca.
Walking Time on the day: Approximately 6 hours.
Weather: Warm.
Night of camping in Chiquisca.
We leave the camp after breakfast to start the ascent of approximately two to three hours to CHIKISCCA (Chiquisca), and then we make the return journey to the Capuliyoc pass, near which we have our lunch. In the late afternoon, we embark on our two-hour return journey to Cachora. There, transportation awaits us to take us back to Cusco.
End of Service with CuscoPeru.com.
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