5D/4N trek to Choquequirao
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.
Day 1: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
Day 2: 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.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: 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.
Includes:
• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:30 AM.
• Private transport Cusco – Cachora
• Entrance fee to the archaeological park of Choquequirao.
• A double tent and roll mattress.
• Dinning and cooking tents with tablets and chairs
• English speaking guide
• Full meals : Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
• First aid kit ,emergency oxygen bottle.
• Horses to carry tents , food , cooking equipment.
• Hot water every morning and evening for washing your hands /
• Cold water every morning
It does not Included:
• Extra personal porter ( 9 Kilos US$ 40/ 18 Kilos US$ 80 )
• Tips for you tour guide , porters and Cook.
• Sleeping bag US$20.( Down one)
• Last dinner.
We recommend to Bring:
• Original passport .
• Backpack & Daypack ( If you hire an extra porter , we will provide a duffel bag )
• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles:
• Warm clothes :
• Thermals : Gloves / scarf : wool socks.
• T-shirts and trekking pants .
• Flash light : head torch
• Camera and extra batteries
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses
• Personal medical kit / insect repellent :
• Rain Gear: poncho/ a good rain jacket :
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
• 2 litre water bottle
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc.
Price Information:
N`People |
2 to 3 |
4 to 5 |
6 to 7 |
8 to 10 |
11to 16 |
Prices US$ |
U$600 |
U$500 |
U$450 |
U$ 400 |
U350 |
Extra additional information: Single tent supplement US$ 15/ Sleeping bag down US$20 Treking poles US$10 / Back Pack 60 Lt.US$20 / Extra personal porter 9 Kilos US$40 / 18 Kilos US$80 for whole trip.
