Classic Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days
Duration
4 Days
Difficulty
Medium
Tour Type
Trekking
Reviews
Overview
Classic choquequirao trek: Is a program that takes to the inca archaeological site of Choquequirao, the only way to reach this wonderful site, is by a walking. this inca city, is part of the complex system of Andean towns in the Vilcabamba region. amongst the names given to this site, is the vilcabamba region, the last refuge of incas, brother city of machu picchu.
It is a trails that leads by the spurs of the mountains chain of salkantay, situated at 3,100 m.a.s.l. a perfect hike for people who is looking for natural places and get out of the stress and tourist paths. It is located in the middle of nature, surrounded by snow coated mountains such as: Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, and Pumasillo. The hike starts in Cachora district in apurimac region, from where it gets in to Mollepata District, in Anta Province of Cusco Region.
If trekking is your mind, discover new and less travelled places. We have frequent departures in small groups and daily departures in our private tours. Highly personalized services at a good rate, leaded by expert tour guides. If you are looking for a longer program or to connect to machu picchu just let us to know.
Highlights
- Explore the picturesque countryside of Britain and Ireland
Included / Excluded
- Private transport from cusco to Capuliyoc.
- Complete meals during program.
- Inflatable mattresses.
- Park fee.
- English speaking tour guide.
- Cook, cook helpers.
- Horses to carry equipment.
- Muleteers.
- First Aid Kit.
- Return Transport.
- Sleeping Bags.
- Souvenirs.
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Huancalle – Santa Rosa
Depart at 05:00 hrs, from from City, drive to Cachora village in approximately 4 hours. Cachora is the last town of the way, at this site we start our Choquequirao trek. Our equipment will be taken on the mules or horses. Nice view mountains, the changing landscape will capture the attention, including the Apurimac canyon with its impressive depth, from this site we also you can see at very large distance the famous inca site.
From a place called capuliyoc, the trail leads all downhill passing by, settlements named la Colmena (2870 above sea level), after this there is Cocamasana (2330 above sea level), Torowisqana (2285above sea level) and finally chiquisca (1950) and reach playa Rosalina where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch we will climb up to santa rosa where we will camp. At a fresh and rewarding site with nice view. Distance 12 km, difficulty: challenge.
Day 02: Santa Rosa – Inca City
After a nutritious breakfast, we continue with our hike, the path runs by switch back uphill until the inca city, to make it easier, we’ll make several stops to catch energy, and enjoy the nature, santa rosa alta is a nice stop point were even some bear will be available to buy and drink, this section of the path provides some clear water spring inviting to get it, further up lunch is in a wide view point where also we finish the hardest part.
From lunch, there is coming enjoyable section leading to the inca city, a path with small ups and downs and after 2 more hours, the group will arrive the second campsite.
At the camp-spot of the archaeological site, the team will set up tents, from trail nice terraces of the lower sector are seen. if there is time we may try to summit the archaeological sit, get the usnu and wait “if lucky, we can see the flight of condors”. (highest camp “3.100 masl”).
2nd day difficulty: hard work challenge 13 KMs.
Day 03: Choquequirao – Cocamasana.
After an early breakfast, it starts the guiding sightseeing of the archeological site, where all information is given by our native professional guide. After guided tour, we start the return hike, using the same trail back to Apurimac river and chiquisca.
This part of the trekking shows the impressive canyon, beautiful orchids and lush native vegetation, passing the same small settlements as on the way up to the archaeological park. We continue our hike up to chiquisca camping spot. Where we spend the last night at coca masana. (warmer camp site). 3rd day hiking distance is 13 km, walking time in hours is about 06 hours.
Day 04: Chiquisca – Cachora
Wake up with a cup of tea, then breakfast. The las part of the hike is still challenging, but the view is nice, we will appreciate the Apurimac river and canyon, the switch-back trail and the view of the snow covered mountains. If the road to Huancalle in ok, our driver will meet us up there and make it pleasant for us, we will lunch and then take transport to the city, with an optional visit to the hot springs of Cconoc.
Then from here, drive back to Cusco, where the classic Choquequirao hike ends, by leaving you at your hotel or at a safe ad down-town site.
If you are interested in an easier hike, you may want to check at Salkantay trek, this is a hike that leads to Machu Picchu. we also have as well the Choquequirao Machu Picchu, for fast people which is done in only 3 days.
FAQs
1: When is the best season to go?
The best season to hike to Choquequirao is during the dry season: April is transition and provides the most spectacular vies, same as October and November, while from May to September all dry.
There are still some hikers who wants to hike during the rainy season, if that is your situation, then we can evaluate the week and accordingly we can provide you an answer if it would be possible or not. Some years are more rainy, and some not.
2: What is the weather like?
The region has extremely variable weather conditions. Temperatures are mainly warm, but the Andes weather is very changing. Here are some general highlights:
During a sunny day you can expect temperatures of about 22 – 30°C, the coldest temperatures are at Choquequirao where the minimum could be 0°C. Depending the season.
Dry season (April-October) it tends to be hot during the day, and cold nights only at Choquequirao that can reach as lowest 0°C, (between June-August, even no rain at all). You should bring warm clothing for the camp, but light gear such as t-shirts o shirts for the day time). For rainy season (November-March) it gets nice gentle temperatures during the day, but you need to bring rain gear as well, if sunny the temperatures are very warm up to 35°C at the river ground. Overall, be prepared, sub-tropical and tropical weather conditions at the same area and the same day.
3: What is the food like, along the trek?
Our meals are based on organic food, managed by our expert trekking cooks, who will pack all fresh. We serve novo Andean food (Peruvian dishes, according season) where breakfast consists in: Omelets, pancakes, cereals, eggs, oatmeal, coffee, hot-chocolate, etc.; for lunch, we provide meals based on a quinoa, pasta, vegetables, soups and main course usually in a small version of buffet including lomo-saltado, rise, potatoes, meat, salads, and similar dinner that comes with a dessert.
Note: If you are vegetarian, or vegan, no worries, we provide this meals with no extra cost, you only have to let us to know on advance.
4: How about the terrain? How challenging is it?
The Choquequirao trail in Uneven, rocky, unpaved path, rated as the hardest and the most difficult trekking trails in Peru, and covers approximately 60 km / 36 miles on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill for the classic trail that can be done in 3 days, 4 days or 5 days. A trail which in terms of altitude, it is entirely at a lower elevation that Cusco city, but hard because the trail descend a lot to reach the river, then a steep climbing to reach to the Inca city.
5: How difficult is the trek.
It is considered the hardest trekking trail of Peru, it covers 64 kilometers of train (32 km to each way for the traditional trek), for the 3 days, 4 and 5 days programs, while if you decide continuing to Machu Picchu, the part covered by food is about 76 kms. The trail runs by the Andean highlands, with an average of 16 km per day. Expect downhill and uphill, that demand extra energy, and previous training before you come.
