Choquequirao Hike

LEVEL:  Difficult

(4 days/ 3 nights )

The Choquequirao route is a truly spectacular trek that plunges down into the Apurimac canyon and then up again to the fascinating ruins of Choquequirao. While this is a quite tough hike, 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 equally enigmaticac and fascinating. On this hike, you are often alone in nature with condors overhead.

Modern day explorer Gary Ziegler has studied Choquequirao extensively. Read his storyChoquequirao - Machu Picchu's Sacred Sister

Itinerary

Day 1: We depart Cusco at 7am in a private car. If there is time, we will visit the archaelogical site of Saywite before descending to the mountain village of Cachora, After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) 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. Our total hiking time today is about five hours. Accommodation: Camping at Chiccisqa .

Day 2: Departing early, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1550m) before beginning our climb to Santa Rosa and then onto Maranpata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the ruins of Choquequirao, from here we have two hours more hike to the ruins. We will spend the late evening in the ruins, where we will watch the sunset and have the chance to see condors. Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite

Day 3: 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

Day 4: 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. 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.

• Please note that this itinerary is subject to change depending on the walking ability of the group, the weather conditions and other factors.

Itinerary Notes

• You will note that two days of this trip are spent returning over the same route that you have come. We highly recommend continuing on with an eight day itinerary to either Huancacalle (The Last Bastion of the Incas) or to Machu Picchu (Great Ruins and Real Adventure) for a truly incredible experience.
• The times cited are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.

Included:

• Private transport to and from Cachora (it's not necessary to wait for local buses)
• While camping, 3 good and nutritious meals per day made by experienced cook. Optional meals for vegetarians.
• Camping equipment includes tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment.
• Guide
• Cook & assistant
• Muleteer and mules for camping and kitchen equipment.
• One “riding horse” for emergencies.
• First-Aid kit.
• Oxygen

Not included:

• Entry fees to Choquequirao (approx. 15 soles). Holders of ISIC cards can receive a discount.
• Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of 20 soles per day.
• Snacks or high energy trekking food
• Drinking water.
• Breakfast Day 1/ Dinner Day 4 /

What you should bring :

• Sleeping bag
• Changes of cothes for cool and hot weather
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Good trekking footwear and socks
• Plastic poncho, as well as other suitable rain protection
• Special medication
• Any special or high energy snacks that you might wish on the trail,
• Waterbottle and purifying tablets
• Toiletpaper,
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunblock and sunhat
• Walking cane (if you wish)
• Extra rolls of film or well charged batteries for your digital camera.

PRICE: US$295 per person (min. 2 passengers)

We offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart on most days. If you are travelling alone, you can still depart on this tour, any day. (Price: US$ 435)

If you have a group of five or more people, please contact us for a special rate.

For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking

For organisational reasons, especially in high season, we require one week to organise your booking, prior to departure.

APUS PERU Adventure Trekking Specialist

Phone (Peru) : +51 84 993 6026….. (Australia) : +61 8 9840 8044 ….. Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

Copyright A.Svenson 2005. All material used within this web site is original work and is subject to international copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.