If you’re addicted to challenging physical activity, love nature, and are
passionate about the history of ancient civilizatiohttps://ecoexpeditionstravel.com/tours/choquequirao-trek/ns, this route is the perfect
choice for you. Discover this off-the-beaten-path architectural jewel of the
Incas on a trek that will challenge your physical and mental limits and
provide you with the most epic adventure imaginable.
In Quechua, Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” This incredible site sits
high looking over the Apurimac River, and snowy peaks surround it. Tourists
rarely visit it due to the fact it’s not as ‘famous’ as Machu Picchu, and you can
only get there by hiking. It’s three times bigger, though, and just as
impressive! Join us and discover the secrets of this beautiful site and learn
why it’s only recently being uncovered.
The departure will be from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am and drive across the Andes towards Capuliyoc, arriving at approximately 8:30 am. After the first breakfast prepared by your chef, start the TreXperience to one of the Incas’ legendary lost cities, the Choquequirao citadel. The first part is a 4-hour downhill from Capuliyoc (2950 m – 9678 ft) to our lunch place at Chikiska (1950 m – 6398 ft). Along the way, you will get the first views of the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Peru. This part of the trek offers us spectacular panoramas with different landscapes, from the mountains of Peru to the dense vegetation of the clouded forest. After lunch, continue the journey for two more hours to Santa Rosa (2230 m – 7300ft), where we camp for the night.
After breakfast, get ready for one of the most challenging but rewarding days on this TreXperience! First, hike for 4 hours uphill to Marampata (2940 m – 9646 ft). On the way, you will visit sugar cane farms where locals produce “Cañazo,” a local alcoholic drink made for centuries and delivered to cities like Cusco. Lunch is in a local house with amazing mountains and river views. After lunch, ascend another 2 hours up and down to Choquequirao (3050 m – 10006 ft). A spectacular Inca Site perched in the Peruvian Andes, Choquequirao, was one of the last Inca cities built in the cloud forest and abandoned during Peru’s conquest. It might have been one of the entrance checkpoints to Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Incas, in the 16th century. Today, our campsite offers spectacular views of the Apurimac valley and the Peruvian Andes.
Wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee or coca tea provided by your trekking team while you enjoy the most spectacular sunrise at this magical place. It will be a 3-hour downhill to Santa Rosa (2230 m – 7300 ft), our lunch spot after breakfast. Later, continue down for one more hour downhill and 2 hours uphill until the last campsite at Chikiska (1950 m- 6398 ft). This is a perfect day to enjoy the surrounding landscape from hundreds of different flowers, birds, and waterfalls in the distance.
On the final day, wake up early and enjoy the last breakfast with your team. Then, prepare for the last 4-hour trek uphill to Capuliyoc. We will arrange a special feast, the Pachamanca underground barbecue, where we will have different kinds of vegetables, meats, and fruits buried underground with hot stones. After lunch, say goodbye to all our trekking team that accompanied you on this expedition. Afterward, take private transportation to the archaeological site of Saywite, a great mysterious rock believed to be the complex irrigation system of the region. You will have plenty of time to explore the area, then return to Cusco and drop off at your hotel around 6:00 pm.
Packing light and only bringing essential items is important, as you’ll carry your gear throughout the trek.
