In the Andean region lies the legendary citadel of Choquequirao, resisting the passage of centuries in the midst of the mountains' sharp boulders and wild vegetation, which still covers almost 80 percent of its surface. Its panoramic view is simply majestic. Imposing snow-peaked mountains and hills covered with the lushest vegetation are located at over 9000 feet, under and intensely blue sky eternally dotted with white clouds, in the realm of the condor and of history. Larger than Machu Picchu, the citadel of Choquequirao represents the latest archeological destination in southeastern Peru. Located 140 km from the Inca capital of Cusco, Choquequirao is a jewel lost in the midst of time, surrounded by imposing snow peaks and deep valleys. This 5-day journey has been designed for adventure lovers who want to hike a former Inca trail away from the crowds. Without doubt, an Andean experience that you will never forget!!! There is also an opportunity for horse supported trekking where two legs can be swapped for four.
According to Peruvian archeologists, this lost city was the place where the last Incas who escaped from Cusco, took refuge and resisted 40 years of Spanish invasion. After Manco Inca's defeat in Cusco, the survivors of the once powerful Inca Empire fled to Choquequirao. It was an important political and religious center, where the last descendants of the empire continued to perform its great rituals.
Early pickup from your hotel, and transfer by private transport to trailhead at Cachora. We start a three hour of leisurely hike along this fascinating Inca trail will be a good acclimatisation, and give us some amazing views of the snow mountains of PADREYOC and QORIWAYRACHINA . After lunch we rejoin the hike, and the trail follows a gradual descent of 1000 meters toward the dramatic canyon of the Apurimac-river, one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon. We set up camp site at Chiquisca.
We make a very early morning start down to the Apurimac river, and start a gradually but steep ascend of 4 hours to Marampata (2,900mt/ 9514ft). This is a challenging day. Meanwhile we see, and enjoy the natural wonder of the Apurimac river deepest canyon and may spot a condor, besides we see orchids, bromeliads and begonias flowers, etc.
After lunch, we ascend to the enigmatic lost Inca remains of Choquequirao at 3000 meters above sea level, and set up our camp site below this.
We start an early walk up to Choquequirao Inca remains, and spend half day visiting, and exploring the mystical Inca remains of Choquequirao surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery in the midst of the cloud forest. After lunch, we retrace our steps through the cloud forest and down to Santa Rosa where we set up campsite.
After breakfast, we continue our descent to the amazing canyon of the Apurimac-river and back up to Chiquisca for lunch. Rejoining our hike we continue up to Cocamasana where we set up our campsite.
Today we leave before dawn and take advantage of a fresh morning hike back up to Capuliyoc (lookout point) ,and down to trailhead at Cachora, where a vehicle awaits us to take us back to Cusco.
1.-Predeparture briefing
2.-English speaking professional tour guide. (for groups larger than 9 persons, two tour guides)
3. - Early morning transfer by private transport to trailhead
4.-Entrance fee to Choquequirao
5.-A chef
6.-Meals: 4 breakfasts / 4 lunches / 4 dinners /4 afternoon hot drinks
7.-Drinking water since the day 2
8. - Two-man Tents: (for a personal tent request, there is a surcharge of $30)
9. - Foamy sleeping mat
10.-Dining tent, cooking tent, cutlery, folding tables, and stools
11.-Mules, carrying heavy gear such as: food, tents, gas bottle, and cooking stuff, and 7kilograms/15 pounds of your belongings
12.-Emergency riding horse
13.-trasnsport back to Cusco
1. - First day breakfast
2. - Last day lunch
3.-First day drinking water
4. - Sleeping bag
5. - Inflatable matt
6. - Tipping your trekking stuff is customary.
