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The famous 4-day Choquequirao trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the Cusco region. Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited lost city and the name means “Cradle of Gold.” The Inca arqueological site is considered, the litte sister of Machu Picchu, it is less known but 3 or 4 times larger than Machu Picchu. Choquequirao beautiful and full of mystery.

See the great Choquequirao ruins, enjoying the spectacular views of majestic snow-capped mountains, great valleys, and amazing canyons. See native animals such as Andean Condors, native flora and fauna such as orchids and many more. This is a challenging hike, even for those who are experienced! This is truly a once in a lifetime experience! We are specialists in this amazing route and offer the most frequent departures with experienced and professional guides.

Click on the link below to explore our blog with lots of pictures and experience the trek for yourself: Choquequirao Trek!

ITINERARY FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – ChiquiscaSanta Rosa

At 4:30am pick up at your hotel, and take you in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft), a 4 hours drive.  Along the way there are spectacular views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once we arrive at Capuliyoc we meet our horsemen and pack all our equipment onto the horses. After enjoying a boxed breakfast we start walking down to Chikiska until lunch time. There we enjoy great views of Apurimac Canyon, snow-capped mountains such a Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). After lunch descend to the Playa Rosalinas, then we hike up again for 2 more hours, arriving to Santa Rosa where we will spend the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea Time – Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16km/10 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Maranpata – Choquequirao

After an early breakfast, walk uphill to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft) have early lunch while enjoying the spectacular views of the archeological site of Choquequirao (3,150m/10,397ft). Then walk through a myriad of flora and fauna to the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao where a private guided tour awaits us in the afternoon. During the tour explore all the important sections, such as: palaces, temple, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama’s section and much more. Finally we head back to our second campsite located at Marampata, where we will have our afternoon tea and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea Time – Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Day 3: Marampata – Chiquisca

After an early breakfast descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) which takes about 3 hours, then finally we walk up a moderate hill for 2 hours to our third evening’s campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea Time – Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 14 km/9 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco

After a delicious breakfast, we walk up a moderate hill towards the Capuliyoc pass. Once there we enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. Take our private van to the archeological site of Saywite with lots of time to explore.  Finally our private transport will bring us back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening at around 8pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Distance: 6 km/3.3 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

INCLUDED

  • Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
  • Private transport from Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek) and Cacchora to Cusco
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
  • English speaking, experienced and professional guide
  • Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
  • 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or ill
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
  • Tent for our staff to sleep in
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
  • Thick foam sleeping mattresses
  • Private Guided tour at each archeological site
  • 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our mules
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c
  • Air Mattresses
  • Trekking Poles
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
  • Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide

PRICE

The Choquequirao Trek 4 days is available on any date that is best for you as long  as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.

  • US$497 per person( Personal porter included)

This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs,  we will provide you with a duffle bag to put your personal items.

DISCOUNTS

  • Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFLE BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /15p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
  • SMALL PILLOW

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Choquequirao Trek  4 days” 

WELCOME TO CUSCO

You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to the start if your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrivals terminal.

THE BRIEFING

It will take place the night before your trek departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

Of course! During the Choquequirao Trek 4 days  your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased.  Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your 4-day Choquequirao Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to forecast.  BUT you will experience different weather conditions as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Incatrailhikeperu specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

HIKING THE  CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

IS THE 4-DAY CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

YES. Its considered difficult, you need to be in good physical condition and well acustomed to the altitude. Fitness is very important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.  This trek is difficult.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE 4-DAY CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, we will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!   If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will come get you from your hotel.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?

It will depend on train availability (during high season it could be booked out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and an opportunity to enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore we usually book the train at 4:22pm.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Inca Trail Hike Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

PACKING LIST FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Inca Trail Hike Peru)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toiletpaper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
  • Couple Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40 Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Coca leaves.
  • Rain plastic poncho (provided by Inca Trail Hike Peru)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bags for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

Choquequirao Trekking Permits

Permits are purchased at the entrance in Capuliyoq hamlet and punched at the park station before approaching Choquequirao. No pre-reservations are needed because it doesn´t get crowded as Machu Picchu. Each Choquequirao permit cost is about 60 soles per adult, 30 soles for University students, and 25 soles per child.

When is the Best time to hike to Choquequirao?

The best months for hiking Choquequirao start from about May to September

Why?

Because these months promise better weather conditions, same as clearer views of the way and all the panorama. This time of the year, the rainfall is low, making the trail is much safer to walk and avoid mudslides or rockslides in one of the deepest canyons of the world.

Should I choose the 5-day Choquequirao or 4-day Choquequirao hike?

The main difference between taking a 5-day hike and a 4-day hike is that hiking over 5 days, you do this at a much more leisurely pace and can camp at the base of Choquequirao for what is called sunset and sunrise. Whereas taking it in a 4-day hike, you will definitely have to re-evaluate your physical endurance and start real early the second day to see the Choquequirao before dusk. If going with a responsible tour agency, they will provide you with an emergency mule for the difficult sections.

Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 7 days

There is a path that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu through other valleys and mountain passes, but of course, it takes longer, the minimum amount of time spent if continuing to Machu Picchu will be 7 or 9 days. If you want to spice up your trip in Peru and have time, then do the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu sanctuary.

How difficult is the Choquequirao trek?

Hard! no sugar-coating this for you, whatever way you do the Choquequirao trek, it is a hard trek. This is because you need to cross the Apurimac canyon on foot. In general, the first day has you descending 1500m (4921feet) which involves steep and slippery descents, the next day you climb back up the 1500 metres to reach the Choquequirao ruins. Both days involve a series of switch backs that are strenuous for all types of fitness.

Travel Tips for Choquequirao trek?

  • The ruins of Choquequirao are most appealing for those that crave adventure and love pristine natural landscapes!
  • Do not forget to bring good waterproof gear since depending on the season weather can be quite unpredictable.
  • The altitude of the ruins is also at 3000 meters, so the trek is only recommended for those that consider themselves relatively in shape.

Gallery Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

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