Munaycha :: CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS / DIFFICULTY LEVEL: MEDIUM - HIGH

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A spectacular 60km / 38 miles walk that will lead you to the mysterious refuge of the Incas. An enormous archaeological complex, including undiscovered parts hidden amongst the vegetation, located on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon in the surroundings of Apu Salcantay. Here you can enjoy wonderful views and appreciate the great variety of flora and fauna found in these parts.

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISCA

Early morning we leave Cusco or the Sacred Valley in our private transport. We will head through the Limatambo valley accompanied by the spectacular view of Salcantay snow peak and then cross Apurimac river. We will then pass the anis fields at Curahuasi and stop to admire the carved stone which represents the Tahuantinsuyo at Sayhuite. Four hours later we will arrive at the village of Cachora where we begin our trek. The trek starts with gentle slopes towards Capuliyoc, by the edge of the Apurimac Canyon. From here we descend into the canyon and in the distance you will be able to see the ruins of Choquequirao. We will continue the trek until we reach our first campsite at the community of Chiquisca.

DAY 2: APURÍMAC MARAMPATA

After a delicious breakfast we continue our walk descending for approximately 40 minutes until we reach the hanging bridge that crosses the Apurímac River. From here we will start a steep ascent passing Santa Rosa, followed by a more easy-going path until we reach our second campsite close to the citadel of  Choquequirao.

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO

This day is dedicated to exploring the varioussections of the spectacular archaeological complex and the cloud forest in which it is situated.  We will camp in the same place as the night before .

DAY 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO - CHIQUISCA

We will set off early in the morning heading downhill towards the Apurímac River. The transparent waters of Apurimac makes the perfect spot to enjoy a swim. Later, we will have lunch and then ascend to the fourth campsite at Chiquisca.

DAY 5: CACHORA AND CUSCO

Alter breakfast we begin the last part of our trek with an uphill steep slope, followed by a more relaxed walk until we reach Cachora where we will wait for our transport to return us to Cusco.

Notes

This trek can be quite strenuous as you will be ascending and descending covering a wide range of altitude 1,600 msnm (5,200 ft), on the same day. We recommend that you  acclimatize yourself by staying in Cusco for at least 2 days prior to the trek.
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What to bring

  • Sleeping bag.
  • One bag per person that must not exceed 9 kg / 19 pounds, including sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
  • One daypack used during the trek.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for the campsite.
  • Warm clothes.
  • One waterproof jacket or poncho.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen lotion.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
  • Water container.
  • Camera.

Included

  • Private transport from Cusco hotel to Cachora and back to the hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley on the last day.
  • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR expedition tents, capacity for 3 persons but used for 2 to ensure comfort.
  • 1 sleeping pad per person.
  • Dining tent with table and chairs.
  • Toilet tent.
  • Shortwave radios.
  • Experienced bilingual guide (2 guides for groups of 8 or more).
  • Chef and cooking equipment.
  • Horses to carry equipment (food, tents, etc.) and luggage (maximum 9 kg / 19 pounds per person including sleeping bag and sleeping pad),
  • One spare horse for each 5 persons.
  • Accommodations for the whole staff.
  • All meals during the trail, plus a snack each morning and tea service in the afternoon all but the last day.
  • Other: hot water every morning and  water to refill water containers.
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen.

Not included

  • Sleeping bag.
  • Hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
  • Walking poles.
  • Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
  • Tips and other not specified services and/or expenses.