Trekking Choquequirao – The Lost City 4 Day
23 reviews 
Trekking Choquequirao – The Lost City 4 Day
23 reviews
Overview
The Choquequirao ruins was most likely built during the reign of the Inca king Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. It is considered to be the last bastion of resistance and refuge for the Sons of the Sun, who had fled from the city of Cusco when it was under siege in 1535. Led by Manco Inca Yupanqui, they took refuge in this incredible sister site to Machu Picchu. Presumably, it was used both a check point to access the Vilcabamba Area and a cultural and religious center.
Highlights
The name Choquequirao means the golden cradle and hints as its prestigious use for the royal Incas. The city also played an important role as a connection between the Amazon Jungle and the city of Cusco. The region has a lot of microclimates and a landscape full of snow-covered peaks above 6000 m.a.s.l (19685 feet). The Choquequirao trek is a magical way to discover the great citadel of the last Inca kings, as well as immerse yourself in the beautiful local environment.
Trip Details
- Altitude: 1500 – 3030 m.a.s.l. / 4921 – 9941 f.a.s.l.
- High season: March to November
- Duration: 4 days – 3 nights / 5 days – 4 nights
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- A minimum: of 2 people is needed for the Choquequirao trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora - Capuliyoc - Chiquisca
We will leave Cusco at approximately 5:30 am. First, we will head for the village of Cachora to meet our horsemen and the mules that will carry all our camping equipment during the expedition. Thereafter, we will continue our journey towards the pass of Capuliyoc. The trek offers beautiful views of the mythical mountain Padreyoc, as well as deep canyons and the sacred Apurímac river, meaning “speaking river”. We will descend into the canyon’s valley to a place named Chiquisca, where we will spend the night.
Climate: warm
Hiking time: 8 hours Aprox.
Cachora (2850 m.a.s.l. / 9350 f.a.s.l.)
Capuliyoc (2800 m.a.s.l./ 9186 f.a.s.l.)
Chiquisca (1930 m.a.s.l. / 6332 f.a.s.l.)
Day 2: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina– Marampata– Choquequirao
After breakfast, we will descend to the beach, Playa Rosalina. From there, we will hike to Marampata, where we will get our first view of the archeological complex of Choquequirao. Our camping site is located 25 minutes from the ruins.
Climate: Both cold and warm
Hiking time: 8 hours Aprox.
Playa Rosalina (1550m/5085f)
Marampata (2850m/9350f)
Choquequirao (3033m/9951f).
Day 3: Choquequirao – San Ignacio – Carmen
We will first visit the archeological site of Choquequirao at sunrise. By now, only 30% of this “golden cradle” will have been exposed to the suns first rays. After exploring the site, we will descend to the Apurímac canyon’s deepest section called San Ignacio and stop for lunch. After that, we will ascend to our camping site in the beautiful gardens at the place known as Carmen.
Climate: Moderate climate with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 6 hours Aprox.
San Ignacio (1500m/4921f)
Carmen (2000m/6562f).
Day 4: Carmen – Tambo bamba – Huanipaca.
The gardens of Carmen are situated close to the manor of Tambo bamba. It is a region that was governed by rich landowners during the 19th and 20th century as it was considered to be one of the most fertile valleys to cultivate maize and a variety of potatoes. We will also pass little villages such as Pacobamba and Huanipaca and finally, return to Cusco by bus.
Carmen – Tambo bamba (2500m/8202f)
Huanipaca (3150m/10335f).
Climate: Moderate, warm
Hiking time: 5 hours
Transport time: 5 hours.
Notes Itinerario
Included
- Private transport from the hotel to the town of Cachora and return journey
- Entrance fees to the Choquequirao Inca site
- 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 people. Also included are mattresses, food tent with table and chairs, and bathroom tent)
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks). Vegetarian option available)
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules, for all camping and personal luggage (Maximum 7kg. per person)
- Emergency horse
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
No Included
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4
- Tips
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
What To Bring
- Backpack with rain shelter.
- Sleeping bag.
- Clothing for warm and cold climates, like a waterproof jacket.
- Rain pants and lightweight pants.
- Trekking shoes.
- Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
- Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
- Long- and short-sleeved polo’s / T-Shirts.
- Rainponcho and a hat.
- Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
- Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), a flashlight and extra batteries.
- Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
- Original passport, original ISIC student card (if you are a student) and extra money in soles.
- Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes – once wet – will not dry at night. So
- take some extra clothes to change into.
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