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An adventure that combines archaeology, nature and amazing mountain scenery on a less explored route. We take you to the last refuge of the Incas perched high above the Apurimac canyon. Choquequirao, which means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua, is a remote and mysterious archaeological complex consisting of fantastically well preserved Inca architecture. During your adventure you will be well taken care of by our professional team of English speaking guides, cooks and wranglers with their mules. We also have a supporting saddle mule in case of emergencies. Choquequirao is a must for all adventure lovers and is destined to replace the traditional hike as the serious trekkers alternative!
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Day 1: Cusco (3,350m) – Cachora (2,850m) ‐ Chiquisca (6,332)
Pick Up Time: 5am
An early start for a5 hours drive to the town of Cachora, which offers you wonderful views of the snow mountains of Salcantay, Humantay, Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica. Cachorais surrounded by mountains, one of them the snow‐covered Padreyoc (5,570m). Here we will meet with the horsemen and their mules who will be carrying all the camping equipment during the trek. The beginning of the walk will have some ecological differences and we will pass the mystic Padreyoc going through the pass of Capuliyoc (2800m /9186f). From Capuliyoc we will have a spectacular view on the canyon of the Apurímac and a part of the archeological complex of Choquequirao, and we will have a short rest there and be able to observe theway we came which looks like a stream on the edge of the mountain up to our camping place called Chiquisca (1930m / 6332f).
Hiking time: 7 hours in a warm climate
Day2: Chiquisca ‐ Playa Rosalina (1,550m) – Marampata (2,850m) ‐ Choquequirao(3,033m)
After having enjoyed our breakfast, we will descend for about one hour to La Playa Rosalina. From here we will go up in the canyon, in a warm climate, to the town of Marampata from where we will have a beautiful view of the archeological complex of Choquequirao. Along our hike today we will observe a variety of orchids and wild flowers as well as many species of birds. We arrive in Choquequirao in time to enjoy the sunset and maybe an opportunity to see condors flying nearby. We set up camp just outside of the ruins in the cloud forest.
Hiking time: 7 hours in both cool and warm climates
Day3: Choquequirao ‐ San Ignacio (1,500m) ‐Carmen Huerto (2,000m)
We will see the sunrise over Choquequirao, whilst your guide will tell you about history and the recently found excavations. At the moment Choquequirao holds many ancestral secrets yet to be discovered. The exact function of this site remains a mystery, but each year that goes by archeologists discover more of the "Cradle of Gold" and its significance. After this visit we will leave the site and go down a pretty route over a pass where we will have some impressive views of the Apurimac Canyon. We will also see an abundance of flora and fauna. We drop in altitude today from 3,033m to 1,500m (San Ignacio).From here we ascend to our camping place known as Carmen Huerto.
Hiking time: 5 hours in a moderate climate
Day 3 : Option with 5 Day Trek
Today we will spend an entire day in the Choquequirao complex. You will have time to visit the site more and perhaps take some short hikes to the nearby waterfalls or the terraces which have white llamas painted on them! We will overnight here again.
Day 4: Carmen Huerto ‐ Hacienda Tambobamba (2,500m) ‐Huanipaca (3,150m)
The Carmen Orchard, which is next to the Tambobamba property, was ruled by landowners in the years of the colonization. They had slaves and many acres cultivated. They were very rich in cultivating their agricultural products, cattle ranches etc. Tambó bamba offers natural wealth if different areas, from agriculture and cattle ranching, hereby preserving the tradition and knowledge of our Andean ancestors. On the route we will be visiting communities like Pacobamba and Huanipaca. From Huanipaca we will have the most impressive view of the glacier chain ´Sacsarayoc´, located in the region of Vilcabamba ´The last shelter of the Incas´. The next thing will be the transport back to the city of Cusco.
Hiking time: 5 hours in a moderate warm climate
2 Passengers : $780 per person
3 Passengers : $700 per person
4 Passengers : $630 per person
5+ Passengers : $590 per person
** FOR 5 DAY TREK PLEASEADD ON US$ 25 PER PERSON**
INCLUDED
Pre-departure briefing in our office
Collection from your hotel in Cusco and return in Private Transportation
Professional English Speaking Mountain Guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
Experienced Cook preparing delicious meals 3x a day
Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners (we provide generous amounts of nutritious meals and beverages and have vegetarian, gluten, wheat free options available)
Snacks enroute and tea time daily
Boiled water to replenish your supply from Day 1 – Lunch time onwards
Horseman to carry the camping equipment, ie tents, tables, chairs, etc.
Duffel bags to put your luggage into
Spacious good quality 4 man tents (for your comfort we put only 2 persons per tent). Single tents are available at additional cost if you do not want to share.
Comfortable sleeping mats (inflatable mat available to rent)
First Aid Kit carried by the Guide
Hot water for washing in your tent every day
Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
NOT INCLUDED
Breakfast on the first day and Dinner on the last day
Sleeping Bag - $30 per bag for 4D trek and $38 per bag for 5D trek
Extra horse in case you want to ride – $130 per horse (from 3 passengers upwards we include an extra horse in case of emergencies)
Personal Insurance – We highly recommend that you take out your own Travel & Medical Insurance before you leave your country!
Gratuities – In Peru it is customary to tip your Cook, Horseman and Trail Guide at the end of the trek, although this is entirely at your discretion.
Guideline (based on total payment from group)
Horseman: approx. Soles 60 per horseman
Cooks: approx. Soles 80-100 per cook
Guide: approx. Double of the cooks tip
OPTIONALS
Walking Poles - $12 per pole
Inflatable Pillows - $6 per pillow
Saddle Horses – if you are unsure about walking the entire way we recommend hiring a horse - $90 per horse for entire trek (including horseman)
Holiday or Election Increments
An increment of $35 per person is applicable leaving on or over these holiday periods or during election periods: Christmas (Dec 22nd, 23rd, 24th,25th) New Year (Dec 29th, 30th, 31st, Jan 1st).
A few snapshots from our amazing trekkers!
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