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The Choquequirao trek combines the cultural tradition of the Andes with nature through an ancient civilization that left an indelible mark. Choquequirao, a Quechua word that means Cradle of Gold, is a much larger archaeological complex than Machu Picchu, as only 30% of the site is known. Thanks to the discovery of the ancient remains of the empire, there is evidence of the Inca and pre-Inca past.
During the trek of the Inca resistance in the middle of the Andean Amazon, the canyons and rivers offer physical challenges amid an exceptional biodiversity, dominated by multiple microclimates and cloud forests, which in turn are the land of the Andean bear and the puma, very close to the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is an imposing geography that has influenced the way of life and spirit of the high Andean communities for hundreds of years, mainly due to the beliefs of regional myths and stories linked to the last moments of the Tahuantinsuyo and the recognition of many unexplored places and hidden ruins.
Many believe that the site of Choquequirao was one of the last bastions of the Incas. It was a refuge for some people during the flight due to the Spanish conquest. In addition, its constructions, made of fine masonry, present many similarities with other residential sites of the Inca rulers. Visiting the Llaqta of Choquequirao and discovering its historical legacy magnifies the power of the Inca sovereign after his death and serves as a perfect prelude to the great wonder of the modern world: Machu Picchu.
We can recommend the following acclimatization hikes:
Pick up at hotel to go to the community of Capuliyoc.
DEPARTURE – DAY 1
04:00-am. Pick up at home to go to the community of Capuliyoc.
08:00-am. Arrive at Capuliyoc.
ARRIVAL – DAY 5
01:00-pm. Hidroeléctrica, Central Machu Picchu.
04:00-pm. Aguas Calientes.
VISIT MACHU PICCHU – DAY 6
Prices are per person in USD, depending on the group size. We do not have group outings with fixed dates. If you don’t want to book a private tour, check out our upcoming open groups within your dates.
For group rates of less than four people, consult an advisor.
All our trips include IGV with legislative compliance and tax responsibility.
Price: From USD 490. Book with USD 100.
| Choquequirao x6 days. | |
|---|---|
| 4-5 per | 490 USD |
| 6-8 per | 460 USD |
We start our adventure by picking you up at your hotel at 4 am with our private transport to Capuliyoc, where we will stop for breakfast, with the best views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and its imposing snow-capped peaks, such as Padreyoc and Corihuayrachina. Then, the descent begins to the bridge of Playa Rosalina, on the banks of the Apurimac River, where you cross a segment of the Apurimac Canyon, the largest in the Americas. The ascent to the village of Marampata represents about 1600 m of ascent. Halfway through, we’ll take a break for lunch before ending the day with a welcome at our first Marampata lodge.
On the second day, we will visit the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3272 m) and enjoy a magnificent guided tour of one of Cusco’s most important imperial settlements from the 15th century in the middle of the Andean Amazon. After a few hours, we will take a refreshment break and walk to the Pinchaunuyoc sector with its Inca terraces belonging to the Choquequirao complex. At the end of the afternoon, we will camp at the ruins of Pinchaunuyoc.
On the third day of the hike, we descend to the Rio Blanco. With the help of our team, we cross at one of the safe points and begin the ascent to the hamlet of Maizal. This ascent represents about 1,200 m of ascent through dense vegetation in a scorching climate. We will be greeted for lunch by a local family, after which we will be able to visit the complex of archaeological ruins hidden at the back of the village of Maizal in the dense vegetation surrounding our camp, bringing the day to an end.
We will climb the San Juan Pass (4,150m) along a beautiful, well-preserved Inca trail. Upon arrival, we can admire the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range, such as Pumasillo (5991 m), Yanama, and Choquetacarpo (5,520 m). Then, we will go to Yanama, entering dense vegetation that includes sections of the Inca trail that leads to Antisuyo and its millenary forest, the first in America. Upon arrival in Yanama, we will be welcomed by Don Antonio’s family. We will end the afternoon by sharing dinner with the local families.
From now on, we will continue without the horses until we reach Aguas Calientes. To do this, we will be picked up from our camp in Yanama with private transportation to Playa Sahuayaco for about 4 hours of travel. We will take a short break at the Mariano Llamoca pass (4660 m), from where we will have a spectacular panoramic view of several mountain ranges in the Cusco region, with their snow-capped peaks and glaciers: Salkantay (6272), Wakay’Willki or Veronica (5982), Lasunayoc (5936 m), Los Mellizos (5700 m) and Nevado Blanco (5500 m). Upon arrival at Playa Sahuayaco, we will taste local coffee produced by a family of local producers/exporters. After lunch at Hidroeléctrica, we will head to Aguas Calientes on a beautiful hike along the tourist train tracks. Don’t forget to look up in the trees for a chance to spot the national bird, the “cock-of-the-rock,” with its stunning electric orange fur. In the afternoon, we can visit the tourist town of Machu Picchu and enjoy the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes.
On this last day, we will visit the lost citadel of the Incas, MACHU PICCHU, discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham and listed as the discovery of the century. Guided tour of the main buildings of the citadel, such as the viewpoint of the main square, the temple of the three windows, and the Intiwatana, among others. Lunch (not included). Return to Cusco by train in the late afternoon for a spectacular view of the Andean nature.
