This spectacular trek (60 km.) lead you to the enigmatic last refuge of the Incas. Choquequirao (3.103m/10178ft) is considered the second Machu Picchu. Is close to the Apurimac River canyon and is one of Peru's recently-discovered archaeological and cultural treasures currently being prepared for opening for tourists from all over the world. To date, only 30% of the complex has been cleared for visits by Peruvians and foreigners alike, due to the fact the site has yet to under a rigorous scientific researching.
ITINERARY
1st Day: Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca
We leave Cusco about 7.00 am in our private transportation, and drive towards Cachora, an Andean community located 4-5h from Cusco. After driving for two and a half hours, we stop in Tarawasi, where we visit the archaeological remains of an Inca Usno, a place were ceremonies and celebrations to mother earth were conducted. We leave Tarawasi and continue along the road, across the Apurimac River and up again through Curawasi and to Saywite, our second stop an hour and a half later.
Here we visit the famous Inca rock that was believed to be the construction plan for the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, with carvings of animals representing the main deities. From Saywite, we continue on to Cachora only 30 minutes away and at 2800m/9184ft, where we will enjoy our box lunch. In the afternoon we start our hike climbing for two and a half hours towards the Abra Capuliyoc at 2750m/9020ft, where may we enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. We then continue descending two more hours towards Chiquisca, where we set our camp and spend the night. (L, D).
2nd Day: Chiquisca - Choquequirao
We leave Chiquisca as early as 6.00am to go down to Rosalina Beach, which will take about one hour. We then cross the Apurimac River and start climbing towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope. This climb will take an approximated 2h, and it is important that we leave early so that the heat does not make it more difficult than it has to be. In Santa Rosa, we make a half an hour break, where those who wish may try Cambray, a local sugar cane extract. Afterwards, we continue our hike slowly climbing for two and a half hours until we reach our lunch spot in Marampata.
From here we walk another two hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, located at 3103m/10178ft, where we will set up camp and enjoy some free time to explore the terraces and buildings. When the sun starts to set, you might want to sit and contemplate the canyon, where condors are sometimes spotted. (B, L, D).
3th Day: Choquequirao - Rosalina
After breakfast, we start our walk back towards Santa Rosa, where we have lunch. We then continue descending for another 2 hours until we reach Rosalina Beach at 1450m/4756ft, where we might have time to take a refreshing dip in the waters of the Apurimac River. We camp and dine here. (B, L, D).
4th Day: Rosalina - Cachora - Cusco
We leave camp after breakfast to start the two to three hour climb to Capuliyoc pass, where we stop for a while for having our lunch. After lunch we continue on our two hour return route to Cachora, where a private transportation will be waiting for us to take the group and staff back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time about 9.00pm. (B, L,).
We Provide :
Private round trip transport to Cachora; all camping and cooking equipment including good quality mattresses, Ausangate entrance fees, spacious two person tents, dining (tables and chairs)and cook tent, Extensive First-aid kit including Oxygen; professional English and Spanish speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R. Mules and cook team. All entrances fee needed for doing the tour (extras are by tour own), All Meals Whilst Trekking Included as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included:
Breakfast on the first day.
Sleeping bag.
Extra mule or porter (for asking before departing)
Any extra entrance fee
** Tips for Staff on the trail.
Equipment List:
On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine. During the day hopefully it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco. Good quality Alpaca jumpers are available in Cusco. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip.
Suggested List:
Comfortable clothes for travel
Smart clothes for night life
Shorts
T-shirts
A warm fleece or down jacket
Thermal underwear
Warm hat, gloves, scarf
Sweater (Available in Cusco)
Waterproof coat & trousers (poncho)
Socks / underwear
Trekking trousers
After trekking trousers & t-shirt
Good, well walking boots
After trek shoes (sandals)
Towel
Sleeping bag
Water bottle & purification tablets (optional)
Sunglasses
Swim suit
Sun-hat,
Head torch & spare batteries
Book, notepaper & pen (optional)
Sun block
Lip balm
Binoculars (optional)
Camera & batteries
Pocket knife
Insect Repellent
Walking sticks & protective rubber (optional)
Personal toilet kit
Money belt
Day sack & rain-cover
Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), general anti-biotic, after-bite, anti-diarrhoea tablets, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
We carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)
Please note:
The mules carry all your heavy camping gear but this is inaccessible during the day so please bring a small day-pack to carry your personal day gear in - ie water-bottle, iodine tablets, camera, sun-block, insect repellent, light fleece and rain jacket.
Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel.
Most good quality sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to donate any outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc they will be gratefully received by any of our staff.
Policy to Make a Reservation
Complete the booking form making sure that the name on the booking form matches that on your passport.
Deposit of % 50 PERCENT per person is required at the time of booking.
Upon receipt of your booking we will forward confirmation and complete information of the trail and included services.
The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
Upon receipt of your final balance you will receive detailed joining instructions.
And lastly please note:
The "Choquequirao Trek'' travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this trail so very special could also cause certain problems.
This is a very nature and adventure trek and we expect our clients to be prepared for any alteration in climate (Rainy season-November to April- and dry season - May to October) or/and change programmed events.
This expedition involves trekking up side and down between 1000 m./3,280 ft to 3000 m./9,842 ft, and involves steep descent and ascent. It is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in reasonable fitness.
You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors out of Gregory Adventure Perú control.
A pre-departure meeting will be held on arrival in Cusco. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a risk assumption form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.
