Choquequirao Trek 4 Days/ 3 Nights
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 a true diamond in the rough. It is less known and less visited but three times larger than its sister site Machu Picchu. For these reasons, it has maintained its ruggedness and charm. It is considered a difficult hike by many, making it the perfect option for the adventure seeker or the avid hiker who is looking for bragging rights. Its definitely worth it, with only 1/3 of it being excavated and new discoveries being made every day. This trek allows you to be part of a journey to the rediscovery of one of the most fascinating parts of Inca culture.
Choquequirao is situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3033m/9,951ft. It’s a relatively strenuous 40k/25-mile trek roundtrip, with highs and lows between 1400m/4,593ft. and 3100m/10,170ft.
This trek allows you to be part of a journey to the rediscovery of one of the most fascinating parts of Inca culture
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 a true diamond in the rough. It is less known and less visited but three times larger than its sister site Machu Picchu. For these reasons, it has maintained its ruggedness and charm. It is considered a difficult hike by many, making it the perfect option for the adventure seeker or the avid hiker who is looking for bragging rights. Its definitely worth it, with only 1/3 of it being excavated and new discoveries being made every day. This trek allows you to be part of a journey to the rediscovery of one of the most fascinating parts of Inca culture.
Choquequirao is situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3033m/9,951ft. It’s a relatively strenuous 40k/25-mile trek roundtrip, with highs and lows between 1400m/4,593ft. and 3100m/10,170ft.
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Day 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – PLAYA ROSALINAS – SANTA ROSA
This incredible adventure begins at 4:30am, when your guide picks you up at your hotel and drives 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. You will only carry a small daypack with the essentials you will need on the trail.
Then we start walking all the way down to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m/4,840ft) where we have lunch. Along the way, you will enjoy great views of the Apurimac Canyon, and mountain peaks such as Padreyoc at 5,571m/18,387ft. After lunch, we ascend for two hours to our first campsite at Santa Rosa, (1900m/6234ft) where hot drinks and appetizers will be ready for you. You will have time to settle into your tents, which will already be set up, before dinner.- Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
- Difficulty: challenging
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Day 2: SANTA ROSA – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
Your guide will wake you with a hot cup of tea or coffee to enjoy in your tent before you get up. After an early breakfast, we start our adventure by walking uphill for 2 hours to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft). We enjoy the scenery and then walk through a micro-climate of an astonishing variety of flora and fauna to the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao! We have lunch here and then we will have a private guided tour of the fascinating site in the afternoon.
During the tour, we will explore all the important sections, such as the palaces, temple, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama’s section and much more. Your guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of this amazing site! Finally, we head back to our second campsite located just 20 minutes from the Choquequirao ruins, where we will have tea and dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 8km
- Difficulty: Challenging
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Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – CHIQUISCA
After an early breakfast, we explore even more enchanting sections of the Choquequirao ruins. The site is at least three times as large as Machu Picchu, with new ruins being discovered hidden under the jungle all the time. Having explored as much as we can, we then head back towards the rural community of Maranpata for lunch. You will see the traditional way in which these rural communities still live. Many aspects of their lives have changed little in the past 500 years!
After lunch, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) for two hours. This is a very sacred river in traditional Inca beliefs and you will understand why as you marvel at its strength and power. Finally, we walk up a moderate hill for one hour to our third campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft). Once again, your tents will be set up, with hot drinks and appetizers ready for you.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
- Maximum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
- Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
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Day 4: CHIQUISCA – SAYWITE – CUSCO
After a delicious breakfast, we walk up a moderately difficult hill towards the Capuliyoc Pass. Once there, we can enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. Then we take our car to Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for lunch. Afterward we take our private transport to the archeological site of Saywite taking plenty of time to explore it. Finally, our van will take us back to Cusco to your hotel, arriving in the evening, around 6pm.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
- Minimum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft
- Distance: 8km
- Difficulty: Challenging
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
- Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and Cachora to Cusco
- Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
- English speaking, experienced and professional guide
- Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- 1 emergency horse (with helmet) which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or are ill
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
- Tent for our staff to sleep in
- First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
- Pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
- Camping pillow and foam sleeping mattresses
- Private guided tour at each archeological site
- 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our horses
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
- Rain poncho
- Taxes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of minus 10°C – $20
- Air mattresses – $20
- Trekking poles – $15
- Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of SPIDER TRAVEL PERU
The Choquequirao Trek 4 days is available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
PRICE -$537 USD per person
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
***The cost for a private trek is an extra $200 per person.
DISCOUNTS
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFLE BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /15p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
- BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
- CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Choquequirao 4 Day Trek.
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SPIDER TRAVEL PERU board at the exit from the arrivals terminal.
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Choquequirao 4 Day Trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK
FIRST, to book your 4-day Choquequirao Trek, you need to select your trek/tour date and the number of travelers on the right hand side. Then proceed to the next page to complete the booking form.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Choquequirao Trek permits without the following information:
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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 $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@spidertravelperu.com to complete the payment.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Choquequirao 4 Day Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Choquequirao 4 Day Trek, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number 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. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passport to be able to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
HIKING THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
YES. Its considered difficult by many, you need to be in good physical condition and well acclimated to the altitude. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and are more likely to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is difficult..
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Spider Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you off at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up from there!
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. 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 trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SPIDER Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel is appropriate, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the 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 local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L, please bring reusable, not disposable, bottles
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SPIDER Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
As a direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs 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.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 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
- Quickdry 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
- 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
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. 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 your canteens
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SPIDER)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
