Personalized Private Service, 2013

Trekking & Camping to Choquequirao Ruins

The Recently Discovered Inca Gold Refuge 5 Days - 4 Nights

Price Information:

N`People	2 to 3	4 to 5	6 to 7	8 to 10	11to 16
Prices US$	U$650	U$600	U$550	U$ 450	U450

Description of Choquequirao.-
Considered as the last Inka refuge which resisted per decades to the Spanish conquerors. It is located in the canyon of the Apurimac River to an altitude of 3.030 m above sea level. in a strategic geographical area between andean mountains and the edge of the jungle, although, it is difficult to access here it is not impossible and above all it is a challenge and an exciting experience for those who enjoy adventure.

Day01:Cusco – Cachora  - Coca Masana -  Playa Rosalina.- We leave Cusco at 6:00 am in the morning for the 4 hour drive to Cachora in our private transportation. On the way we will make a stop to enjoy our breakfast admiring the wonderfull and amazing Limatambo Canyon, on right top the great Apu –Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, then we will continue to the little village of Cachora, after meeting our expedition portarage support know as arrieros we arrange our equipment on mules / horses we will be ready to start a soft hike through this unknow mystery and very rich historically territory. It is a 3 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. We then descend toward Coca Masana (2330m) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change, essential to bring a high deet mosquito repellent. Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m beside the raging “The Speaker God “Apurimac River

Day02: Rosalina Beach – Choquequirao.-This is considered the hardest of the 5 days trek, but views around this place is really fantastic which is the combination of high cloud forest and Ceja de selva region of Cusco, After an early breakfast to climb a steep trail. It is a 5 hour hike to Raqaypata beside the Chunchullumayo River where we will have a late lunch and a much deserved rest. Along we way we will observe many orchids and wild flowers as well as many birds. From Raqaypata to Choquequirao (3035m) is a 2 hour hike. We will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the sunset and maybe the opportunity to see a Condor flying nearby. Our campsite will be just outside the ruins.

Day03: Choquequirao – Raqaypata.- Today is dedicated to exploring this incredible sacred town of Choquequirao peacefull and special site , Retreat of the Novility and Priests and high class Incas taken from the Holly Cusco , to be near the nature and divinities as mountains and offer rituals . Here you will see more elaborated buildings and integrity of the inca architecture, strong platforms called as andenes , for planting or adorning with exotic plants and wild bromelias and orchids , same as a top located guard-houses to protect the area, with a surprising water-chanel acuadect system. Our guide will explain the history and importance of the site. After you will have free time to visit the many sectors of the complex and take nice post-cards pictures . Late in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp the night at Raqaypata , with a lot of luck we can observe the really impressive Fligh of Condors around this valley.

Day04: Raqaypata – Coca Masana.- After breakfast we continue our return trek with a steep descent towards the valle visiting little villages on the way where we can interact with the very friendly locals mestizos who most dedicate their time farming and cattling cows and sheeps then we will stop in a nice mirador of Apurimac River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon we will climb for approximately 4 hours to our final campsite at Coca Masana, again a lot of mosquitos in this area Walking poles or wood stick and insect repellent are very recommended.

Day05: Coca Masana – Cachora – cusco.- After a 3 hour climb we reach Capuliyoc. From then on it is a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our friendly Arrieros and take the bus back towards Cusco. We will stop at the archaeological site at Saihuite, a chance to rest and have lunch. A further 4 hours by bus bring us back to Cusco.

Our hike Includes:

1. Official English speaking guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
2. Transfer by private van from Cusco to Cachora
3. Entrance to Choquequirao ruins (one time)
4. Horses to carry food and camping gear and backpacks
5. Experienced cook
6. Cooking equipment
7. Teatime everyday (coffee, tea, popcorn, biscuit)
8. 4 capacity tent ,- 2 persons per tent with plenty space for backpacks
9. Double thickness foam sleeping mattress
10. All meals on the trail is provided ( Vegetarian optional )
11. Water supply (boiled) after every dinner or breakfast
12. Return by private van from Cachora to Cusco
13. Kitchen and dining tent with camp tables and chairs
14. Tents and food for our camp staff
15. Trekking price include government sales tax (19% as know IGV)
16. First aid kit and oxygen bottle for any participant and our camp staff
17. SOUTH ADVENTURE PERU TOURS gift (Private VIP Service only)

It does not Included:

1. Backpack 65lt, if you plan to hire a horse take a big plastic bag to cover your stuff
2. Sleeping bag can be hired from our office for $5 USD per day
3. Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco/Peru)
4. Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
5. One complete change of clothing
6. Sweater and jacket (something warm)
7. Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended )
8. Flashlight and batteries
9. Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
10. Sun block (sun protection cream)
11. Insect repellent
12. Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
13. Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc
14. Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
15. Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs)
16. You also need to bring your original passport on the trail
17. Optional: walking sticks or poles

We recommend to Bring:

• Original passport .
• Backpack & Daypack ( If you hire an extra porter , we will provide a duffel bag )
• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles:
• Warm clothes :
• Thermals : Gloves / scarf : wool socks.
• T-shirts and trekking pants .
• Flash light : head torch
• Camera and extra batteries
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses
• Personal medical kit / insect repellent :
• Rain Gear: poncho/ a good rain jacket :
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
• 2 litre water bottle
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc.

Important.- Every night keep everything locked up in your tents to prevent any problems with robberies.

Choquequirao Weather.- Dry season (April – November) Day temperature 20ºC/35ºC
Night temperature 5 ºC/10ºC Wet season (December – March) Day temperature 17ºC/22ºC
Night temperature 0 ºC/7ºC

Advice for Hikers: Is recommendable have yellow fiber vaccination (malaria) because you will be 3 days in the high jungle. We never hear news about problems with malaria in this zone but are better to be prepared... It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude for that try to spend 2 nights in Cusco (3400m) prior to do the trek.

Local Kids and Adults along the trek.-Along the way you will met many people, specially kids walking long distance to arrive at school and study 5 hours and they back home after maybe 30 minutes or 2 – 4 hours depending how far they live from the school. Normally they are son or daughter of poor farmers living on the mountains. We strongly recommend help us to give some present to them like pencils, notebook, dictionaries, toys, clothes (socks, gloves, hat, t-shirt, etc) and something to eat. We don’t recommend giving them things like candies, chew gun, soda, camping knife or money. If you really like to make picture of them, especially of adults we strongly advise you to ask first. If you don’t speak any word of Spanish language (español) coordinate with your guide to see if is possible to have picture of them. Local people don’t permit take picture of them, because they believe you taking their spirit on your camera.

Hire Horse and Horseman.- Horses can carry up to 120Kg = $140 USD for the full duration of the tour ($35 USD per day). Each horse comes equipped with saddle and assistant who will provide food and care the horse every day.... Riding a horse you will need to carry a daypack with your Camera, bottle of water, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season but as a precaution). Your bag will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.

Terms and Conditions of trip, 2012