Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

Discover the route to Choquequirao

4 Days

TRIP SUMMARY

Built on top of a mountain ridge in the Andes, the lost city of Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold, 3050m) needs to be part of your Peruvian adventure. It is comparable only to Machu Picchu (Old Mountain) in its beauty, architectural grandeur, and engineering accomplishment: Inka stone walls protect the two ancient palaces and temples; fountain systems, canals, and aqueducts that feed the farming terraces are intact and can be seen from many miles away. This is a truly spectacular but demanding hike. Never fear: we will be supported by a fantastic team of guides, porters, and cooks as we walk through the pages of history to this ancient Inka citadel

Choquequirao Trek Itinerary 4 Days

Day 1: Cusco–Cachora –Santa Rosa

We leave from Cusco at 4:00 am. Arriving at Cachora town at 6:30 in the morning where we will have our breakfast. Hereafter we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. From that place we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow-covered peaks, it is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km of distance. On the way, we will observe Padrayoc and WaynaCachora snow-covered peaks, and we can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains.

We have our lunch in a place called Playa Rosalina at 1:00 pm. On the way, we will observe Apurimac canyon with its impressive depth and in Santa Rosa, we will set up our campsite.

The approximate time of the hike is about 10 h. On this day we will pass the small settlements: La Colmena (2870m.a.s.l.), La Aguada (2915m.a.s.l.), Capuliyoc (2915 m.a.s.l.) impressive lookout point where we can see all Apurimac Valley, Huayhuacalle (2970m.a.s.l.), Tinajayoc (2630 m.a.s.l.), Mirador (2370 m.a.s.l.), Cocamasana (2330m.a.s.l.), Torowisqana (2285 m.a.s.l.), Chiquiska (1950 m.a.s.l.) grove place where we can find water, Playa Rosalina (camp in 1550 m.a.s.l.), La Huerta (2705 m.a.s.l.) and finally we arrive in Santa Rosa (2115 m.a.s.l.).

Day 2: Choquequirao – Raqaypata

Early morning (5:00 am) After breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquequirao. We will arrive at the archaeological place Choquequirao after 5 hours. Good time to enjoy that majestic place. We will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin, where we can appreciate houses, terraces, and other parts of this late Inca-town, like the ruin in the progress of excavation, and finally, areas unexplored that can tell us about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. Approximately at 3 p.m. (depending on the weather), we can appreciate “the flight of the Condors”.

Choquequirao is considered “The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire”. The oldest reports assign Juan Arias Diaz as one of the first persons that explored the zone in 1710. Our bilingual guide will explain the history and importance of the site after the Spanish arrived in Peru. We will have our lunch and dinner in Raqaypata (2910 m.a.s.l.)

Day 3: Raqaypata – Chiquiska

After an early breakfast, we pack and start walking back to Chiquiska. On the way, we can observe again Apurimac canyon. Here we may be lucky to appreciate the flight of the Condors, the exuberant vegetation, and its variety of flowers and orchids.

The time of the hike is about 10h. Altitude: 3033-1950 m.a.s.l. Passing the same small settlements as on the way up. We will stop in Playa Rosalina where we will have our lunch and after that, we’ll continue to Chiquiska. Here we will spend the night at our campsite.

Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco

Early morning after breakfast (5:00 am), we continue to arrive at Cachora town. On the hike, we can appreciate again the majestic Padrayoc snow-covered peak that decorates Apurimac canyon.

The time of the hike to arrive at Cachora is about 7 hours. On the way back to Cusco we make a stop in Cconoc and enjoy the hot natural springs Showers are available at the same time we can see the native product of the area.

We will arrive in Cusco approximately at 10 pm.