Highlights
The Best of Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
- Choquequirao Ruins: Explore this remote and lesser-visited Inca site, often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu.
- Stunning Views: Trek through the breathtaking Apurímac Canyon with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Diverse Landscapes: Experience varied terrains, from arid canyons to lush cloud forests.
- Capuliyoc Viewpoint: Enjoy spectacular vistas of the Apurímac River and the surrounding valley.
- Marampata: Visit this charming village, where you can interact with local communities.
- Flora and Fauna: Encounter diverse wildlife and native plant species along the trail.
Trip Details
Key Details about Choquequirao Trek Peru
- Sites to visit: Choquequirao
- Best time to go:April to October is the best season for this hike. In November and December, it starts to rain.
- Departures:Daily
- Type of Tour:Culture, adventures, and trekking in the Andes.
- Walking distance:64 km / 40 miles
- Pick-up place:We will pick you up from your hotel.
- Pick-up point: We will drop you off at Regocijo Square, near the main square.
- Duration of tour: 5 days / 4 nights
- Difficulty:Moderate
- Acclimatization:A minimum of 1 day of acclimatization to the altitude is recommended.
- Maximum altitude: 3,103 m / 10178 ft (Choquequirao)
- Group size:2 passengers min, 12 people max.
- Tour Name: Choquequirao 5 Day Trek
Trip Summary
Summary of Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora
Depart from Cusco in the morning, visit Tarawasi Sawite on the way, and arrive at Cachora. Stay overnight in San Pedro de Cachora, enjoying views of Mount Padrilloq.
Day 2: Cachora – Santa Rosa
Begin the trek after breakfast, observing snow-capped peaks like Padrayoc. Hike 21.70 kilometers, passing through various settlements like La Colmena and Playa Rosalina, and set up camp in Santa Rosa.
Day 3: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao
Start early and trek to Choquequirao archaeological site, taking about 5 hours. Explore the ruins, including houses and terraces. Witness the “flight of the Condors” and camp near Choquequirao.
Day 4: Choquequirao – Chiqiska
After breakfast, visit more ruins of Choquequirao before heading back to Chiquisqa. Enjoy views of Apurimac canyon and possibly see Condors. Stay overnight in Chiquisqa.
Day 5: Chiquisqa – Cachora – Cusco
Resume trekking early, passing through breathtaking landscapes and reaching Cachora in about 7 hours. Return to Cusco by 5:00 PM.
Itinerary
Cusco - Cachora
To start our Choquequirao Trek Peru We depart from Cusco early in the morning using our private transportation, heading towards the town of Cachora. En route, we make stops to explore archaeological sites and Tarawasi Sawite. We spend the night in San Pedro de Cachora, where we’re greeted by stunning views of Mount Padrilloq (6,000 m).
Cachora - Santa Rosa
In the morning, we enjoy our breakfast before loading our equipment onto mules and horses. From there, we can admire the majestic snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc, which stands at 5482 meters.
The hike on this first day covers a distance of 21.70 kilometers. Along the way, we pass by Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and a picturesque change in scenery from precipices to snowy mountains.
We stop for lunch at Playa Rosalina around 1:00 pm, where we can admire the impressive depth of the Apurimac canyon. After lunch, we continue to Santa Rosa, where we set up our camp.
The approximate duration of the hike is about 10 hours. Throughout the day, we pass through several settlements, including La Colmena (2870 masl), La Aguada (2915 masl), Capuliyoc (2915 masl), offering impressive views of the Apurimac Valley. We also trek through Huayhuacalle (2970 masl), Tinajayoc (2630 masl), Mirador (2370 masl), Cocamasana (2330 masl), Torowisqana (2285 masl), and Chiquisqa (1950 masl), where we find water in the forest. Finally, we arrive at Santa Rosa (2115 masl).
Santa Rosa - Choquequirao
In the early morning at 5:00 am, following breakfast, we resume our hike towards Choquequirao. After a 5-hour trek, we arrive at the archaeological site, ready to explore.
We’ll have the opportunity to explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, observing houses, terraces, and ongoing excavation works that reveal the secrets of this late-Inca city.
Around 3 pm, weather permitting, we may witness the majestic flight of the Condors. Our knowledgeable guides will share insights into the history and significance of Choquequirao, shedding light on its role during the Spanish conquest of Peru.
Following our exploration, we set up camp near Choquequirao and spend the afternoon further exploring the site.
Choquequirao - Chiqiska
After breakfast visit more ruins of Choquequirao and walk back to Chiquisqa. 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 10 hours. Altitude: 3033-1950 m.s.n.m. passing the same small settlements along the way. We stop in Playa Rosalina where we will have our lunch and after that we will continue Chiquisqa. Here we will spend the night in our camp.
Chiquisqa Cachora - Cusco
Early morning after breakfast (5:00 am), we continue to arrive to Cachora. On the hike we can appreciate the majestic snowcapped peak Padrayoc that decorate to Apurimac canyon again.
Walking time to reach Cachora is about 7 hours.
We arrive in Cusco around 17:00
End of tour Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
Inclusions
Included
- Pick up from your Hotel on the first day
- Bilingual Guide
- Alimentacion 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- 2 people for tents, mattresses, ponchos.
- Horses and mules to carry food, camping equipment, big backpacks.
- Horsemen
- Kitchens and kitchen equipment.
- Entrance to Choquequirao and Cconoc.
- First aid kit.
No Incluided
- Dinner the last day
- Sleeping bag (can be rented for $ 20 USd)
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Recomendations to visit Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
- Acclimatize to the altitude by spending a few days in Cusco or other high-altitude locations before starting the trek.
- Pack lightweight, quick-drying, and durable clothing to keep your backpack as light as possible.
- Carry essential items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a hat, and a rain jacket.
- Bring some cash in small denominations for purchasing snacks or souvenirs along the way.
Weather on Choquequirao Trek Peru:
The weather during the Choquequirao Trek can vary, and it’s important to be prepared for different conditions.
- Dry season (April to October): Expect cool temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night. Rainfall is less frequent.
- Wet season (November to March): Prepare for rain showers and muddy trails. Daytime temperatures can still be cool, but nights tend to be colder.
Restrictions to visit Choquequirao 5 Day Trek
The Choquequirao Trek does not require any permits, unlike the Inca Trail. However, it’s best to check with your tour operator for any specific restrictions or requirements.
Physical Preparation to visit Choquequirao Trek Peru:
Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises, such as hiking, jogging, or cycling, to improve your stamina and endurance.
Incorporate strength training exercises to strengthen your leg muscles and core.
If possible, try to do some hikes or walks at higher altitudes to acclimatize your body to the elevation.
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