choquequirao 5 days

Choquequirao Trek 5 days

Private & Tailored Tour

From $1777 PP

Overview

The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” Located above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and seated on a high ridge, Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited ¨Lost City of the Incas.¨  The Inca archeological site is considered to be the sister to Machu Picchu. It is less known and less visited but three times larger than Machu Picchu.  It was one of the last refuges for those Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest.  The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.

Choquequirao is situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3033m/9,951ft. Its secret to keeping away the crowds is also part of its charm: it is only accessible by footpath. It’s a relatively strenuous 40k/25 mile trek roundtrip, with highs and lows between 1400m/4,593ft. and 3100m/10,170ft.

On this adventurous trek we will walk on the extensive system of Inca trails, hike through high Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also see native animals such as Andean Condors, birds, native flora and fauna, orchids and so much more!

Activities

Trekking, Adventure and history

Experts

Private Guide, Driver, Trip Managing Expert

Activity Level

Easy

SERVICES

Minimum 2 people

This incredible adventure begins at 4:30am, when the guide picks  you up at your hotel and drive for the next 4 hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the way, there are picturesque views of villages, spectacular valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen and pack all of our equipment onto the horses. Carry a small daypack with the essentials you will need on the trail.

From here, enjoy the spectacular view of Choquequirao Inca ruins, the Apurimac canyon and the stunning snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). Hike down for 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. After lunch we continue for 2 more hours downhill to our first camp at Playa Rosalinas (2061m/6762ft). Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting and you’ll have time to settle into your tent, which are already set up, before dinner.

  • Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea –  Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum altitude: 2061m/6762ft
  • Maximum altitude: 3100m/9300ft
  • Distance: 9kms/5.6 miles
  • Time: 5hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Difficul

After an early breakfast, cross the bridge and hike for the next 4 hours up to Marampata where we will have lunch enjoying the views of Choquequirao Inca ruins. After lunch walk to our second evening’s campsite, just 20 minutes from the ruins. Being so close to the archeological site, we can enjoy our view of the ruins into the late evening and watch for condors soaring on the winds from the canyon.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea  –  Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum altitude: 2061m/6762ft
  • Maximum altitude: 3100m/10170ft
  • Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
  • Time: 5hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Difficult

After breakfast, visit the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao for the entire day. There is so much to see! These ruins are three times the size of Machu Picchu and new sections, hidden under the dense jungle, are constantly being discovered. Enjoy the private guided tour and explore all of the beautiful sections of the temples, terraces, palaces, the llamas’ section, and much more.

Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua although this is probably not its original name. It is another “Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered officially late in the 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750 metres above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and is surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. Excavations and restoration of the 1810 hectares site began in the 1990s, it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding new and exciting buildings.

After our thorough explorations, we will return to the same campsite. Drinks and appetizers will be waiting for us and we can relax before dinner. Enjoy your last night next to these magical ruins, under an incredible sky of the southern stars.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea –  Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Altitude: 3100m/10170ft

Today is one of the easier days of our trek. Walk downhill for two hours to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,450m/4,787ft). We then cross the bridge to walk uphill for one hour to San Ignacio for lunch where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery and a great waterfall!  After lunch, walk a moderate uphill trek through a beautiful valley towards Villa de Loros (2,600m/8,580ft), set up camp for the last evening.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum altitude: 2600m/8530ft
  • Maximum altitude: 3100m/10170ft
  • Distance: 6kms/4 miles
  • Time: 2hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate/difficult

Today is the most relaxing day of our trek, with a bonus of the Saywaite Inca Ruins. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking private transport to the archeological site of Saywite, where we can explore and see an Inca monolith, several water fountains and ritual platforms. After spending time enjoying the site we drive to the hot spring of Conoc to relax after several days of walking. In the afternoon, head back to Cusco to your hotel.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch

Additional Information

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

  • Pre-trekking briefing with your guide at the office
  • Pick-up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc
  • Entry fees to Choquequirao
  • English speaking, experienced professional guide
  • Guided tour of Choquequirao
  • Comfortable and 4 season roomy tents (only 2 people in a 4 person tent)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our horses
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
  • Clean water to fill your bottles at each mealtime
  • Rain poncho
  • Taxes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C $25
  • Air Mattresses $25
  • Trekking Poles $20
  • Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the 7kg allowance
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide

Price Private

FROM $1777 USD per person

***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 4 people with a maximum of 8! 

Please read the following information carefully. It will help answer most of your questions about our services and Choquequirao Trek.

ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

We will welcome you at the  airport in Cusco and take you to your hotel.  Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding a sign with Glamping Peru Treks at the arrivals terminal.

THE BRIEFING

Your briefing will take place the night before the Choquequirao trek in the comfort of your hotel.

HOW TO BOOK:

FIRST, to book your  Choquequirao Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $316.00 USD per person in order to secure your departure. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page or booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

To avoid the excessive credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but there is a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address glampingperutreks@gmail.com to complete the payment. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets have been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.

*** If you cancel your Choquequirao Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT

Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important, in order, to gain entry onto the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other sites.  It must be the same passport that was used to book with us from the start. 

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, we can change it when you get your new passport  or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person.  We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  We recommend you dress in layers as it will be easier to adjust to the quickly changing weather.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER

Absolutely! All tours and treks provide a door to door service. Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel when we return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in  Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there.

There are tours that you can book while you are acclimating to the altitude.  Check out our Day Tours on our homepage.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – the staff do appreciate it. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour.  It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Glamping Peru Treks destinations. Of course, you are free to tip what you feel is  appropriate, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 

  • Original passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3L reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Glamping Peru Treks)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet Paper, hand sanitizer and small plastic bags

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

As a direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra pack horse who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear. Alternatively you can request an extra horse or porter for an extra 7KG. Please ask at booking for this service and it comes  at an additional fee. 

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece/ thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel bag
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK  

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring reusable bottles.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain poncho (provided by Glamping)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Have a Question About the Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike?

Talk With The Experts

WHY GLAMPING PERU TREKS

Small Groups

In an effort to provide a more personalized service, we at Glamping Peru Treks have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people.

Private Guide, Car & Driver

You always have private driver & private car flexible upon your travel schedules. Especially, in your Private Tour.

100% Personalized Itinerary

Hassle-free and uniquely personalized! You'll get a completely flexible trip plan tailored to your individual interests, wishes and budget.

Handpicked Hotels & Meals

Whether you are looking for a romantic resort or a boutique hotel, authentic cuisine or street food style; Tour Experts'll create the lifetime journey around your needs .

Camping Equipment

Our camping equipment is top of the line being replaced when needed. Our camping equipment is available for rent as well.

Environmental Sensitivit

As one of the few tour operators that dedicated itself to social responsibility. We are always looking for innovative ways of caring for our natural surroundings.

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