Choquequirao trek is another good alternative to Inca Trail, this beautiful and archaeological site also called Cradle gold is considered as the archaeological site where the last Inca rulers were harboured.
The Choquequirao trek is a spectacular hike where we dive into the narrow Apurímac canyon and then ascend on the other side of the mountain to the fascinating Choquequirao ruins. Along the way, you will appreciate amazing views all the way. The Choquequirao ruins are located in a mountain on the right bank over the Apurímac river canyon. It is not as extensive as Machupicchu because part of this site is found in excavation and archaeological restoration but probably more fascinating and the region is much more remote. It is certainly a unique walk in the Andes.
These archaeological remains are made up of a set of buildings and terraces distributed in different levels, from the lower level Sunch'u Pata to the highest truncated top, which was leveled and surrounded with stones to form a platform with an area approximately 150 square meters. Choquequirao is also known as the "sacred sister" of Machu Picchu because of the similarities presented both structurally and architecturally with it. Well, not long ago it became known around this majestic place, awakening in this way the interest of many tourists and researchers.
Day 01: Cusco - Cachora - Coca Masana - Playa Rosalina
Day 02: Rosalina Beach - Choquequirao
Day 03: Choquequirao - Raqaypata
Day 04: Raqaypata - Coca Masana
Day 05: Coca Masana - Cachora - Cusco
Location: Departure from Cusco to Cachora (4 hours) return by the same route, Cachora - Cusco Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights can be released in 5 days / 4 nights for people who like to explore more time, but reconsider the Inca Trail highly recommended 9 days Choquequirao trek difficulty: Difficult but the walk is not in much height. It is between the levels of 2,915 masl - 3,100 masl. Classification of the Adventure: The Choquequirao hike is one of the best known and most adventurous routes in the region of Cusco.
Choquequirao trek starts when we leave the Incan capital of Cusco at 4 in the morning for a five hour drive northwest across the country of the Anta Plateau to the authentic little town of Chachora (2,892m/9,488ft), the starting point of the hike in our private transport, which offers great views of the glacial mountains of Salcantay, Humantay, Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica. It is a 150 kilometer drive and the last 10 are on a dirt road. Along the way there are fabulous views of villages, valleys and frost-topped mountains. During the course we descend into the town of Limatambo where the archaeological remains of Tarawasi are, from here we continue to the little village of Cora Wasi where the Saiwite Stone is. We ascend through abundant open lands and fruit farms before making a final declination to the village of Cachora.
Here many of the locals work as mule drivers to add to their earnings. There you will meet the expedition help team including the horse carrier and horses and we pack your equipment on to the mules and the horses.
From here we take our daypacks and start our trek along the edge of the mountains through this magical and historically abounding lands, gradually its a two hour hike to Capuliyoc (2,915m), from where you will appreciate the first exquisite vistas of the Apurimac Valley and river extending below, as well as the glacial-topped summits of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora (3033m), the wooded hills on the other side of the canyon. You will then start a slow descent to Coca Masana, into the canyon (2,330m7/644ft), where we hike through a drier land superabound with cacti which contrasts with the green slants of the other side of the canyon. The weather becomes considerably hotter and the plants and animals are different. Don't forget to bring a high deet mosquito repellent for this area. Finally you reach the next campsite at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) (1,550m), near the stormy Apurimac River (whose Quechua native name means "Great Speaker of God"), known for its class five rafting rapids where you will set up camp and spend the night. Your guide will present this astonishing Inca land to you. We lunch and then dinner in the first campsite. We reccomend you to take walking sticks for the first day of Choquequirao trek.
Optional: Visit to the Saywite Stone, a limestome outcrop, about 4 metrs diameter which the Incas chiseled into a 3 dimensional image of the domain of their sovereignty, Tawantisuyo. The stone is carved with pictures of flowers, animals and land of their empire and was used in rituals that had to do with the worship of water.
Estimated trekking time: 5 - 6 hours
Trekking distance: 9 Km
Max. elevation: 3, 100 m
Min. elevation: 1, 500 m
Choquequirao trek difficulty: Easy
This is the most difficult of the 5 day Choquequirao hike. After an early breakfast a severe steep path waits for us and after about five hours of trekking we reach Raqaypata next to the Chunchullomayo River where you we stop for a late lunch and a greatly merited break. The afternoon trek is not as steep as the morning and along the way we see an array of orchids and wild flowers as well as a variet of bird species. After hiking 2 hours more we reach the archaeological site and have a Choquequirao tour, in time to appreciate the sunset and maybe see condors flying closeby. We set up camp just outside the ruins in the cloud forest. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Estimated trekking time: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 15 Km
Max. elevation: 2, 950 m
Min. elevation: 1, 550 m
Choquequirao trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
Today is devoted to investigating the marvellous Choquequirao ruins, considered the other Machu Picchu where the last Inca Tupac Amaru was raised among Inca preistesses. The guide will tell you all about its history and the value of this site and then you will have free time to explore the many areas of the complex. Late in the afternoon start the return hike and camp the night at Raqaypata. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
After breakfast, continue the return hike with a steep plunge towards the Apurimac River where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon a four hour ascent to the final campsite Coca Masana. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Estimated trekking time: 7 - 8 hours
Trekking distance: 15 Km
Max. elevation: 2, 950 m
Min. elevation: 1, 450 m
Choquequirao trek difficulty: Almost challenging
Last day you will observe the canyon that forms the Apurimac River. You will then take a new path that traverses the throat of the canyon with an extraordinary vista of Wayna Qalli towards the canyon, thought of as the most impressive in South America. Reach Cachora with a return bus to Cusco.
Meal budget: Please allow USD 20-50 for meals not included.
Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "Single room" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!
