Choquequirao Trek 5 days
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!
Join the select few, who have journeyed to this mysterious archeological site, 3 times the size of Machu Picchu
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!
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Day 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – PLAYA
This incredible adventure begins at 4:30am, when your 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. You will only carry a small daypack with the essentials you will need on the trail.
From here, we can enjoy the spectacular view of Choquequirao Inca ruins, the Apurimac canyon and the stunning snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). Then we hike down for 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. After lunch we continue on for 2 more hours downhill to our first camp at Playa Rosalinas (2061m/6762ft). Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you and you’ll have time to settle into your tents, 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: difficult
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Day 2: PLAYA – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
After an early breakfast, we cross the bridge and hike for the next 4 hours all the way up to Marampata where we will have lunch enjoying the view of Choquequirao Inca ruins. After lunch we 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
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Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO
After breakfast, we will 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, and it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding new things.
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
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Day 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO – SAN IGNACIO – VILLA DE LOROS
Today is one of the easier days of our trek. We will 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 we walk a moderate uphill trek through a beautiful valley towards Villa de Loros (2,600m/8,580ft) where we 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
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Day 5: VILLA DE LOROS – SAYWITE – CONOC – CUSCO
Today is the relaxing day of our trek, with a bonus of the Saywaite Inca Ruins. After enjoying a delicious breakfast we take our 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. After lunch we head back to Cusco dropping you off at your hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and from Villa de Loros to Cusco
- Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Private Guided tour in each archeological complex
- Comfortable tents for two people in a four-person tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or unwell
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Tent for our staff to sleep in
- First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) and horsemen to care for them
- 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our mules
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
- Entry fee to the hot springs
- Rain poncho
- Taxes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag adequate for 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 porters of SPIDER TRAVEL PERU
The Choquequirao 5 Day Trek is available on any date that is best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
PRICE -$597 USD per person
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
- ***Private service is $200 USD extra 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– Clean and warm, rated to -10°
- Air Mattress: $20 USD
- Trekking Poles: $15 USD
- Single tent: $30 USD (for solo trekkers)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the horse 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
Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Humantay Lake 2 day Trek.
WELCOME TO 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 the start of your trek. 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 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 TREK
FIRST, to book your 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 US$211.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Trek. 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 or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
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 BOOKING?
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 Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
Yes for sure!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 Trek. 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 update your name for a fee of $25 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.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather patterns. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click on this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Spider Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses .
HIKING CHOQUEQUIRAO 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/15p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffle 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 duffle bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Choquequirao 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. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 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 ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREK?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SPIDER Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean.
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, 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 to booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 liter 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 professional 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 15 pounds 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 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
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters
- Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket for cold nights
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring 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 paste
- 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
