Choquequirao Adventure: 4-Day Andean Experience
Choquequirao Adventure: 4-Day Trek to Peru’s Hidden Inca Gem
Embark on a 4-day “Choquequirao Adventure,” a private trek to the enigmatic “Lost City of the Incas.” This journey unveils the splendor of Choquequirao, an awe-inspiring archaeological site rivaling the grandeur of Machu Picchu. Perched atop the Andean mountains, 3,050 meters above sea level and 1,500 meters above the Apurimac River, Choquequirao offers an unparalleled hiking experience through challenging terrain. Discover the grand plaza, sacred shrines, and hidden wonders amidst deep valleys and high mountain passes. This trek not only tests your endurance but also immerses you in a diverse landscape of Andean flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for majestic condors soaring overhead as you traverse this ancient path. Ideal for the adventurous spirit, this tour combines cultural significance with natural beauty, promising an unforgettable and sustainable exploration of Peru’s lesser-known Inca treasure.
Highlight
- Discover Choquequirao: Witness the splendor of the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ during a 4-day trek, exploring grand plazas and sacred shrines amid the Andean peaks.
- Breathtaking Andean Views: Ascend 3,050 meters above sea level on this challenging trek, savoring the panoramic vistas over the Apurimac River and the majestic Andean range.
- Condor Sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Andean condors, soaring gracefully over the Choquequirao archaeological site, adding a thrilling element to your hike.
- Intimate Trekking Experience: Embark on a private journey through Andean landscapes, immersing yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Peru’s lesser-known Inca trails.
- Sustainable Exploration: Join a responsible and eco-conscious tour, ensuring your adventure to Choquequirao contributes positively to the preservation of this unique Inca treasure.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to the Gateway of Choquequirao
Depart from Cusco and drive towards Capuliyoc.
Begin the descent to Chiquisca, a stunning entry point to the trek. Experience the raw beauty of the Andean landscapes. Camp at Chiquisca, under the starlit Andean sky.
Day 2: Conquer the Apurimac Canyon
Embark on a challenging hike across the Apurimac Canyon. Witness breathtaking views and a variety of Andean flora. Ascend towards Marampata, a vantage point offering panoramic vistas of the canyon. Camp at Marampata, reflecting on the day’s journey and preparing for the exploration of Choquequirao.
Day 3: Explore the Choquequirao Ruins
Dedicate the entire day to exploring the enigmatic Choquequirao ruins. Uncover the mysteries of this lesser-known Inca site, rivaling Machu Picchu in grandeur. Spend a second night at Marampata, allowing more time to absorb the site’s historical significance.
Day 4: Return to Civilization
Begin the return trek to Capuliyoc, retracing the scenic path with a fresh perspective.
From Capuliyoc, embark on the journey back to Cusco, filled with memories of a lifetime exploring the “Lost City of the Incas”.
Prices for this trek
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE | |
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1 person | US$ 1,263 per person |
2 people | US$ 725 per person |
3 people | US$ 546 per person |
4 people | US$ 499 per person |
5 to 8 people | US$ 470 per person |
9 to 14 people | US$ 416 per person |
More than 15 people | US$ 360 per person |
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
* Prices are based on the number of people traveling together.
Includes and excludes
Included
- Lodging: 3 nights in Chiquisca and Marampata Homestay with local families; basic accommodation, rooms, and beds are simple. We use these houses instead of tents.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Saywite and Choquequirao).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-offs.
- Meals: According to the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available). The meal is prepared by the local families where we lodge.
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- All ground transportation.
- Sleeping bag.
- Pack animals to carry personal gear up to 5kg per person.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Breakfast on the first day.
Trip code: TCH4D01-PVT
Day 1 – Drive to Capuliyoc and descend to Chiquisca
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- Pick up from the hotel at 06:00. Transfer to the head of the trail at Capuliyoc (2,920m/9,580ft), where we meet our horse riders and pack all our equipment onto the horses. The drive takes roughly four hours.
- Stop visiting an Inca monolith, several water faucets, and ceremonial platforms at the Saywite archeological site.
- Then on to Capuliyoc, where we will first see the stunning Apurimac Valley below us while the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Huayna Cachora tower above us!
- At Capuliyoc, we meet our horse riders and pack all our equipment onto the horses.
- We have a delicious lunch before starting the hike.
- After a fantastic view, we will start our descent for 3 hours to Chiquisca (1,850m/6,070ft) through beautiful landscapes and see many medicinal plants our ancestors used. If we are lucky, we will see the famous Apurimac Canon.
- At Capuliyoc, we can share, cohabitate, and stay with a local family. The family prepares dinner and will also provide us with clean bedrooms and toilet facilities.
- Overnight at Local Family House (Homestay).
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2 – Cross the Apurimac Canyon and climb to the Marampata
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- We depart Chiquisca at 7:00 am to descend to Playa Rosalina (1,520m/4,986ft), which will take around one hour. We reach the roaring Apurimac River, known as “Speaking God.”
- We next cross the River and begin zigzagging up a steep hill towards Santa Rosa (1,970m/6,463ft). This ascent will take around two hours, and we must go early so that the heat does not make it more difficult than necessary.
- In Santa Rosa, we stop for a half-hour to rest and refresh. After that, we continue hiking for another two and a half hours till we reach the Marampata village (2,900m/9,514ft).
- As soon as we arrive, the homeless family may offer us lunch.
- Afternoon free to relax and explore. We may live with a local family.
- The family cooks dinner and provides clean, pleasant rooms with toilet facilities.
- Overnight at Local Family House (Homestay).
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Visit and tour the Choquequirao ruins for a whole day
- After breakfast, we trek for another two hours to reach the 3103m/10178ft-high Choquequirao ancient site. These enormous Inca remains have only been partially cleared of undergrowth. When Choquequirao’s full splendors are unveiled, it is believed to be just as spectacular as Machu Picchu. The ongoing excavation of the site continues to find fresh archaeological discoveries, some of which are unique to this site. Among the excavated remains are a sizeable sloping bank of excellent terracing, a series of ritual baths, and a central plaza surrounded by formal and high-rank residential structures. We explore the main square, the distinctive llama terraces, and the Usnu (altar).
- The Choquequirao site is far more extensive than Machu Picchu, yet only 40% has been explored.
- The whole day will be spent at the spectacular archeological site of Choquequirao. Enjoy the private guided tour and visit the temples, terraces, castles, and llama sector.
- After the tour, we begin walking back to Marampata, where we will spend the evening and eat dinner.
- Overnight at Local Family House (Homestay).
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4 – Return to Capuliyoc and Back to Cusco
- Early breakfast at 06:00 today is a more extended day, and we will hike one hour down to Santa Rosa. Then we continue for another hour and a half until we reach Playa Rosalina, where we may cool off in the Apurimac River.
- After this, we will continue our ascent to Chiquisca; along the route, we will have the opportunity to bask in the beauty of the Apurimac Canyon again! One-hour walk up to the Chiquisca, where we will have lunch and rest.
- After lunch, we climb for about three hours to Capuliyoc, where our hike ends, saying goodbye to our muleteers.
- We will embark on the 4-hour drive back to Cusco and drop off at the Cusco hotel.
- The approximate arrival time is between 20:00.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.