The Choquequirao trek is a truly spectacular hike that plunges down into the Apurimac canyon and then up again to the fascinating ruins of Choquequirao. While this is a tough trek, you are rewarded with spectacular views the whole way.
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Max. 16 people
15,260 ft / 4,650 metros
Challenging
Cusco / Cusco
The Choquequirao trek is a truly spectacular hike that plunges down into the Apurimac canyon and then up again to the fascinating ruins of Choquequirao. While this is a tough trek, you are rewarded with spectacular views the whole way. The ruins of Choquequirao, perched on a ledge high above the Apurimac are not as extensive as Machu Picchu, but probably more fascinating and much more remote. This is a very unique trail in the high Andes,
Daily Summary:
Day 1: Cusco- Cachora – Chiccisqa – Santa Rosa
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao Ruins
Day 3: Choquequirao Ruins
Day 4: Choquequirao ruins – Santa Rosa
Day 5: Santa Rosa – Cachora – Cusco
Itinerary Notes – Choquequirao In Depth Trek
The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the pro-gress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here. Choquequirao is probably the toughest hike in the region. Please read our client reports to see what other people have thought, but nearly all of them find that its harder than they ex-pected. This trek shoud not be attempted by those who do not have some expe-rience in trekking, plus a solid level of fitness.
On the first day of the Choquequirao trek,depart Cusco at 5:30am in a private car for a 4 hour drive to the charming village of Cachora, situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks. We will stop in Cachora to purchase any last minute supplies before continuing by car to just before Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.
We will meet our arrieros (muleteers) here and walk for a further 15 minutes to have our boxed lunch here at the Capuliyoc mirador. From here, we descend steeply into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views as we descend for 3.5 to 4 hours to Chiccisqa (1836m / 602)
Departing early again today to get the best out of the day (around 6am) we continue upwards onto Maranpata where we will have a break. The climb from the Santa Rosa to Maranpata (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) takes about 3 hours and is a tough uphill stretch.
A little further on from our break site we will get our first view of the ruins of Choquequirao! From here we have 2 more hours hiking to the ruins. After the rigors of the past two days, this is a gentle undulating hike. We take our lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) nearest to the ruins, before we head to the Choquequirao ruins for the afternoon. Spending the afternoon exploring the ruins, we will watch the sunset and keep our fingers crossed for the chance to see condors.
Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite 3050m (10,000 ft)
Today we have a full day around Choquequirao.
Only around 30% of the Inca remains of Choquequirao have been excavated. What can be seen today however, is most impressive and very much worth the challenging trek to get here. The stonework in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu, because the stone found here is very difficult to carve, but the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high status. Choquequirao evokes a sense of awe simply because of the sites’ surrounding beauty and isolation and condors can be seen frequently soaring the skies.
We have a chance to more fully explore the ruins and have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we return along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, descending to our tropical campsite at Santa Rosa. (5 hours hiking) Accommodation: Camping at Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft) Depending on the progress of the group, the guide may elect to camp at Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft).
Early in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the canyon of the Apurimac, we descend to the raging river, and then begin an arduous climb that is rewarded with spectacular views. We climb for about four hours, and have lunch in Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet). The final two hours of our hike into the village of Cachora refreshingly flat through pretty farming countryside. Our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (4 hours drive). We will arrive in Cusco between 7and 8pm.
**Optional extra (no extra cost, but must be booked at the time of booking or at the latest during your briefing) About 3 hours from Cusco we will take a small detour to the hot springs of Conoq. a little known hot spring popular with local people. You can take a soak there before getting back in the private van for the rest of the drive back to Cusco.
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15,260 ft / 4,650 metros
Challenging
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