Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisqa – Playa Rosalina –Sunchupata – Choquequirao -Chaquisqa – Capuliyoc – Cachora

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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquiska

We depart Cusco early in a private car for a four hour drive to Cachora. We will visit the archaelogical site of Saywite before descending to the mountain village of Cachora, (2909m / 9543ft), a last minute opportunity to buy supplies. After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to 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. From here its a steep downhill descent for approximately 3 hours to our campsite. Distance Travelled: 19 km / 11.80 ml/Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs Accommodation: Camping at Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft).

Day 2: Chiquiska – Choquequirao

Departing early on the established trail, we descend to Playa Rosalinas and the magnificent Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet) about 1 hour of hiking. We the begin our steep climb to Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft); where we can take a refreshing break, rest and buy water. We continue upwards, towards Marampata (2913m / 9557ft), a flat place where we can rest in similar conditions to Santa Rosa; enjoying a splendid view of Choquequirao. This spot also has bathrooms and we will have lunch here. n The climb from the river takes about 5 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. (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) 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 (bathrooms and cold water showers) Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 ml Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hrs

Day 3: Choquequirao – Santa Rosa

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).

Day 4: Santa Rosa – Cachora – Cusco

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 7 and 8pm.

Included:

• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
• Chef
• Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
• Pick-up from your hotel
• Transportation by bus to and from Cachora
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Afternoon Snacks and 2 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Sleeping mattress
• Oxygen bottle
• First aid kit

Included:

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
• Tips
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What you need to take:

• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries and hand sanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Torch with spare batteries