Choquequirao Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
4/5
3100 MT / 9957 FT
CHOQUEQUIRAO
387 Review
from $490.00
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
This trek takes 5 days/4 nights and ends in choquequirao
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
23 reviews
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
This trek takes 5 days/4 nights and ends in choquequirao
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
23 reviews
Altitude
3100 MT / 9957 FT
Departure
CUSCO
Physical Level
4/5
Duration
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Group Size
8 PER GROUP
Seasson
MARCH TO DECEMBER
Accomodation
CAMPING
Trip Style
HIKING AND CAMPING
Overview
Choquequirao is located on the impetuous Apurímac River at the foot of the glaciers and surrounded by high snow-capped peaks and sitting on a high mountain range; Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited «lost city of the Incas.» Its name means «Golden Net» in the Quechua language and is believed to be where the last Inca rulers fled after the loss of the city of Cusco to the Spaniards during the conquest.
The ruins were first visited and described to the Western world by a French explorer during the 18th century. Hiram Bingham also visited the site in 1910 before its rediscovery of Machu Picchu in 1911. Although the site is quite remote, COPESCO recently built a road over the Apurimac River to increase accessibility to Choquequirao. However, the ruins are rarely visited. With the application of new regulations on the Inca Trail, Choquequirao will replace the traditional trek as an alternative to the adventurous trekker.
Itinerary
Cusco – Capuliyoc – La Playa
Our «Choquequirao Trek 5 Days» starts picking you up from your hotel at 4 am. You will travel in our private van with your tour guide and travel by car for about 3 hours until you reach the beginning of the trail called Capuliyoc (3,200 m).
We will meet your horses and muleteers. Your trekking chef will provide the first breakfast, and your trekking guide will introduce you to the team. The views of the snowy mountains are beautiful. After a group photo, we will begin the incredible expedition to Choquequirao. We will have a 3-hour hike, with descent with some stops, as necessary, until you reach your first lunch spot.
The Path can be dusty and slippery, but you will have no problem with good trekking shoes and trekking poles. We will appreciate breathtaking views of the Apurimac River, beautiful landscapes, flora, and fauna. After lunch, you will walk another three hours until you reach your campsite, which is at the bottom of a valley, called «La Playa» (1,800 m)
Day 2: La Playa – Marampata – Choquequirao
We started the day very early. You will start the day crossing the river in a cable car, and then we will have a 4-hour uphill walk in zigzags. We will pass some sugar cane farms; we will have the most impressive views of the valley from the opposite hill. We will possibly see some condors besides appreciating flora and fauna. This climb is one of the most challenging parts of the Choquekirao trip, so we will have an emergency horse if you get tired and want a ride.
Once we reach Marampata, we will have an uphill walk. You will have time to enjoy your lunch at 3,350 m. After lunch, you can take a nap and then continue the section of the last two hours to Choquekirao.
This will be the most impressive section of the whole trek because we can appreciate incredible views from the summit to the Apurimac Canyon. We can also enjoy the Choquekirao, where you will see the entire Inca site, besides enjoying orchids, among other flowers and black bears. Upon arrival at the camp, our porters will install it in their tents. This campsite is incredible because it will be right at the foot of the Inca site. If you still have some energy left, you can walk 30 minutes to enjoy the sunset from the Choquekirao Inca site.
«Choquequirao Trek 5 Days» Walking Distance: 16 km /9.16 m
Weather: Hot
Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, happy hour, and dinner
Exploring Choquequirao
We will start the day with a good breakfast; you will prepare for the most incredible day exploring Choquequirao. It will take us about 30 minutes to get there. Once you arrive, we will begin your history lesson and tour this impressive Inca site.
The site of Choquequirao is considered more significant than Machu Picchu, although most of it is still hidden in the forest. This Inca site is rife because the Incas had to study the mountain areas to build several buildings, terraces, and houses.
The most impressive areas of this site are temples, astronomical observatories, and water channels. After about four hours, we will return to the camp for lunch and rest. We will have more time to explore the site with our tour guides. You will be able to explore unique areas of the site, like the flame zone; it is a steep slope, downhill, 30 minutes where you will see the narrow agricultural terraces. The Incas probably built this to represent the constellation of flame in the Milky Way. We can also visit the area of Uno, where you can enjoy the sunset over the mountains. We will then return to their camp for the second night in Choquekirao.
Weather: Hot with mosquitoes
Meals Included in Choquequirao Trek 5 Days: Breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner
Day 4: Choquequirao – Marampata – La Playa – Chikiska
The day starts with an early breakfast; we will prepare for our trip back to Cusco. We will be two hours back to Marampata. You will appreciate breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon on the road.
The tour guide will highlight the beautiful flora and fauna you could have missed on your way to the Inca site. You will appreciate breathtaking waterfalls in the distance as well as clouds lifted from the bottom of the canyon.
In addition, depending on the weather conditions, we can enjoy the significant passages of the Andes. From Marampata, we will start the 4-hour hike downhill to the «La Playa» area. This portion requires trekking poles. Halfway, we will have time for a break to enjoy some fruits grown in the area. Cactus fruits are the main attraction. Finally, we will arrive at «La Playa» for lunch. Then we will have another two hours uphill to «Chikiska Camp,» which is in the backyard of a family house. We can also see some black bears, condors, hummingbirds, and more.
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days Trekking Distance: 18 km /11.32 m
Weather: Hot with mosquitoes
Meals Included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, happy hour, and dinner
Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Once again, we start the day very early and prepare to return to Cusco. We will have a walk of 4 hours uphill to reach the end of the walk, where we can enjoy our last lunch with our tour guide, porters and riders.
We will have a farewell to your team, and then we will continue with your tour guide to Cusco for about three more hours in the vehicle. We will pass by «Curawasi,» where the famous Anise (local tea) is grown. We will arrive in Cusco around 6 pm. We will leave you at your hotel.
Included
- Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the town of Cachora
- HOTEL IN CUSCO
- HIKING POLES
- SLEEPING BAG
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kgs, both are big enough for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 10kg)
- Emergency horse
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Cold boiled water during the all trek.
No Included
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
- Water on Day 1
- last lunch
Recommendations
Packing List
What To Bring
- A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco .
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
- Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
- Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
- Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
- Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
- Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into
- Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
- Binoculars (if you have them)
Travel Guide
he archaelogical area of Choquequirao is a cultural and natural complex located in the valley and cordillera of Vilcabamba. It is part of a system of Andean cities and segments that includes Ñusta Hispana, vitcos, Espiritu pampa, Concebidayoq, Pampaconas and Habas pampa. These were all linked by a network or roads / phats which eventually connect with the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The information in this document is but preliminary; investigations carried out by the specialized personnel of plan COPESCO continue.
LOCATION:
Choquequirao comprises areas of the provinces of Cusco and Apurimac and is situated at 3104.09 metres above sea level, in the foothills of the Salkantay mountain range, surrounded by the snowy apus of Ccoriwayrachina, Ampay, Choquetacarpu, Pumasillo and Panta, this “Cultural-Natural” complex spans districts of Santa Teresa and Vilcabamba in the “La Convencion” province in the departament of Cusco, as well as the districts of Cachora and Huanipaca in the Abancay province in the Apurimac department, in this wall it occupies both the left and right hand sides of the river Apurimac’s Canyon.
CLIMATE AND SOIL:
In geomorphic terms, the region is typified by “juvenile” inter-andean valleys interspersed with drepth canyons, that vary in depth from 1300m to 5000 metres above sea level, formed by the Apurimac river and its tributaries. Vertical erosion on its margins formed terraces exploited by the andean man for cultivation and small rural settlements.
The complex, situated at a subalpine level, has characteristics of both rainforest and subtropical andean country. Its average annual temperature is 12c, the sky in often clouded over, though there are sunny days with cold nights owing to the proximity of snow topped mountains the area has two markedly district seasons; the “rainy season” from december to march and the “dry season” from april to november.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Preliminary reports suggest a particular nature in between the skirts of the snowy hills where water works its way through the earth, generating an abundance of vegetation with cedar, “lambram“, “Chachacomo“, and “Inkallaulli” trees amongst others. In the shade of the above grow various species of medicinal plants, ferns, and other interesting plant species like orchids and bromelias. The exuberant vegetation and climatic conditions allow for a varied fauna including deer “Anteojos” bears felines, raptors and foxes as well as a spectacular birds like the andean condor, whose flight beautifies the quite afternoons, and the many species of humming birds.
Prices
| Number of persons | Price per person |
| 1 | $780.00 |
| 2 | $750.00 |
| 3 | $720.00 |
| 4 | $690.00 |
| 5 | $660.00 |
| 6 | $630.00 |
| 7 | $600.00 |
| 8 | $570.00 |
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
- group service : $570 per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Why Choose us
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL is a Local Travel Agency and Tour Operator with 10 years of experience in the world of tourism. We are specialists in organizing travel packages that include Machu Picchu (the main tourist destination in our country), Adventure tours such as the Inca Trail and alternative tours that also reach Machu Picchu. This article will help you know why you should choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, the local travel agency that personalizes services for demanding clients like you.
Get to know our work and entrust your trip to SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL!
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL is a local travel agency and tour operator authorized by the institutions that govern tourism regulations in Peru. That is why we have the necessary licenses and permits to operate within our country.
We offer a variety of travel styles for all tastes, our programs are flexible and we can create personalized tour packages that meet all the plans and expectations of our clients. We also carry out tours for clients with disabilities.
We provide personalized assistance 24 hours a day, before and during your trip. When you contact us, you will be assisted by our experts in travel to Peru, who will be happy to assist you and assist you as soon as possible, responding to your concerns and requested information.
We are specialists in offering individual services such as accommodation, travel tickets, entrance tickets to various tourist centers and much more, to make your trip a totally pleasant vacation.
We know you’ll be happy with our service, as evidenced by the hundreds of testimonials from our traveling customers from around the world. See the video testimonials on our YouTube channel, the recommendations and memories of travel experiences on various social networks such as TripAdvisor, which will explain why you should choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL for your next 2023 vacation in our country.
About our growth process
Continuous improvement is one of our commitments. One of our principles is that the work of each area is important in order to achieve the best final product. Therefore, throughout our history we have developed various projects with different areas, which have given us the following results:
We have completed the policy of our Integrated Management System as a sign of the guarantee of our organization. Also, read about our mission, vision and values on which we base this company.
Continuous training for tour guides, cooks, porters, drivers, those responsible for various areas such as Sales, Reservations, Operations, Administration, etc., on issues of customer service, quality of service to tourists, knowledge of the route and other issues concerning the tourism industry in Peru. Due to our progress in these areas, we have received the CALTUR 2018 Certification from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
About the Licenses and Authorizations of SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL – Travel Agency and Tour Operator, meets all the requirements and licenses necessary to operate and offer various services in the field of tourism throughout the Peruvian territory. The institutions mentioned below are in charge of regulating the tourism industry in Peru and we are subscribed to them:
We have the authorization of the DIRCETUR (Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco), a government organization that promotes competition, sustainability and the diversification of Peruvian exportable products, tourism and crafts.
We are subscribed to PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism), an institution belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of our country.
We are also subscribed to SERNANP, to be able to operate on the Inca Trail Network. The National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State, which is a specialized public technical body of the Peruvian government, dependent on the Ministry of the Environment of Peru, in charge of directing and establishing the technical and administrative criteria for the conservation of the Natural Protected Areas of Peru.
On the other hand, we have the recognition of our clients like you, who recommend us through TripAdvisor. You can view their travel testimonials with our company.
If you want to know more about SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, then you can also visit our YouTube channel, where you will find real opinions from traveling clients like you.
We invite you to read our article on the Responsible Tourism Commitment of SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL.
Among the reasons why choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, one of the main tasks of our organization is to promote responsible tourism. In this context, we handle three basic concepts:
We promote respect for culture, providing our clients with all the necessary information about the tourist destinations to visit so that they are aware of the customs, traditions, beliefs and different ways of life of the residents of the various populations of our country.
We promote the protection of the environment, through the care of the flora and fauna of the various destinations we visit, recycling, reduction in the use of water and electricity. For this reason, we recommend hiring the services of environmentally responsible tour operators like us, SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL.
We are committed to local initiatives, promoting the purchase of handicrafts, the consumption of excellent national cuisine, and support for community projects. You can be part of responsible tourism by helping to conserve the areas we visit and, if you wish, by directly supporting the residents of the local communities.
Why Choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL: We are a Team of Travel Experts
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL has a team of professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the area of tourism, who work together and efficiently to make your trip a perfect, pleasant, and unforgettable experience. Start dreaming of your next vacation to Machu Picchu with our help.
Inquire Now
Related Peru Treks
Here are some other options that will suit your needs
25% OFF
Choquequirao Treks
40% OFF
Choquequirao Treks
Choquequirao Trek 9 Days to Machu Picchu
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
4/5
4650 MT / 15255 FT
CHOQUEQUIRAO AND MACHU PICCHU
387 Review
from $940.00