Choquequirao Trek 4 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

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From $537

OVERVIEW

The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” and is located above the wild, raging Apurimac River, surrounded by high snowcapped peaks and set on a high ridge. The Inca archaeological site is considered the sister of Machu Picchu but is less known even though it is 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. This is one of the last known refuge for the Incas who continued to resist the Spanish conquistadors and who were forced to continue to retreat further into the dense Amazon Jungle. 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.

On the 4-Day Choquequirao trek, we hike through high Andean landscapes with beautiful glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through cloud forests with astonishing bio-diversity. We will also observe native animals such as Andean Condors, other types of birds, native flora and fauna such as numerous varieties of orchids and much more. We are specialists in this amazing route and offer the most frequent departures with experienced and professional guides.

 

*** please note:  difficulty of trek is subjective  

 

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Service Level: Standard-comfortable mid-tier accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.
Physical Rating: Challenging hike with undulating terrain. You need to be in good physical condition and well acclimatized before embarking on this trek.
Travel Style: Cultural, adventure, Hiking, trekking and camping
Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.

ITINERARY

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5am, ready to start your Choquequirao trek. Once you have been picked up we will drive for the next 4 hours to the village of Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft).

You can catch up on some sleep, or you can drink in the incredible views of rural villages, lush deep valleys, and snow capped mountains as they rush past the car windows. On arrival to Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen who will carry our equipment for the duration of the trek.

Ensure that you have everything that you will need for the day in your daypack and hand over your duffel to the horsemen before settling in for a picnic breakfast. Once you have had your fill we begin the days hike, heading off to Chuquisaca- a gorgeous little village overlooking the Apurimac Canyon.

From here, you will get your first glances of Choquequirao from across the canyon. We continue along the trail, having lunch along the way. There is another two hours hiking after lunch before we reach our first campsite at la Playa (1,900m/6,270ft).

Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you upon our arrival to camp. Your tents will already be set up for you, so you can settle in and rest a little before dinner.

  • Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,900m/5,700ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,400ft
  • Distance: 18kms/11 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

We start the day with a delicious breakfast before continuing our descent, eventually reaching the beautiful Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft). The second part of the hike is a little more strenuous as we begin the uphill slog to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft).

Our arrival at the village signifies lunch time. The meal is accompanied by amazing views of the Choquequirao archeological site (3,150m/10,397ft).

The hike after lunch is short, and it is not long before we arrive in Choquequirao itself. The trail into the site winds its way through a beautiful natural garden brimming with flora and fauna unique to Choquequirao.

Make sure to let your guide know about what interests you the most- if you want to spend a little while learning about the plants, or if you prefer to dive right into the history. Your guide knows Choquequirao inside out and they are always happy to share the knowledge with visitors.

During the tour, we will explore the many sections of Choquequirao. Get ready to explore palaces, temples, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama area, and much more.

After a long day, we head to our campsite, located just 20 minutes from the Choquequirao ruins, where we will have tea time and dinner before settling in for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,150m/10,397ft
  • Distance: 14kms/9 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After an early breakfast we head back into the ruins to explore a little more with the energy of a new day at your back. Once your Choquequirao itch has been scratched, it’s time to head back down to the indigenous community of Maranpata, where lunch is waiting for us.

Eat up, as we have a full afternoon ahead of us. The first section of the afternoons hike is three more hours downhill to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft).

Here we can take a quick break before starting on out final section of the day- a one hour uphill trek to our campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft).

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
  • Distance: 14kms/9 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

The day begins with our final breakfast together. Fuel up, as the rest of the day is an uphill slog. The first section of the day is a moderate to difficult incline back up to the Capuliyoc pass.

Once we reach the top of the pass, we can take a moment to look back on how far we have come. Take a moment to soak in the incredible views of the Apurimac canyon and the surrounding mountains with a new found appreciation.

We have another two hours of hiking before reaching the village of Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft), where we stop for our final meal of the trip. After lunch, we take our private van to the archeological site of Saywite, where we have plenty of time to explore.

Finally, our driver will take us back to Cusco and drop you directly your hotel, arriving around 8pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft
  • Distance: 16kms/10 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Prices

The Choquequirao trek 4 days is available on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people $ 537 USD per person

DISCOUNTS

  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD– All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping bag –$20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent – $30 USD (Tent is for solo trekkers only)

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is provided at each mealtime
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

  • Transfer from your hotel from the airport upon your arrival
  • Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and Capuliyoc to Cusco
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
  • English-speaking, professional guide
  • Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
  • Emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or are ill
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
  • Foam sleeping mattresses
  • Private guided tour at each archeological site
  • 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our pack horses
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREKKING?

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C
  • Air mattresses
  • Trekking poles
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
  • Accommodation before and after the trek
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Flight tickets
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of ORANGE NATION PERU

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack (30 – 40L)
  • Personal Water: 2-3L reusable bottles (not disposable)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG

As a direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Fleece / Thermals
  • Warm clothes
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery Charger – No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag waiting at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring reusable bottles.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
From USD $537

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2023
Excellent based on 360 reviews
Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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