Choquequirao: Archaeological remains of an Inca city

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREKKING 4 DAYS

5 best places to visit

Altitude

5571 m.s.n.m

Group size

Up to 8

Service

Group or private

Type Tour

Trekking

Difficulty

Challenging

Duration

4 Days

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREKKING 4 DAYS

4 day

from $537 per person

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

On this trek you will see the great Choquequirao ruins and have a real adventure enjoying the spectacular views of majestic snow-capped mountains, great valleys, and amazing canyons. You will also see native animals such as Andean Condors and birds of all types, native flora and fauna such as orchids and so much more. This is a challenging hike, even for those who are experienced! This is truly a unique not to be missed, 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

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

At 5am we pick you up at your hotel, and take you in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft), a 4 hour drive.  Along the way there are spectacular views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once we arrive at Cachora we meet our horsemen and pack all our equipment onto the horses. After enjoying a boxed breakfast we start walking to Capuliyoc until lunch time. There we enjoy great views of Apurimac Canyon, snow-capped mountains such a Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft) and the location of Choquequirao. After lunch we descend for two hours to our first campsite at Chiquisca (1,900m/6,270ft), where we spend the night.

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

Day 2: Chiquisca – Maranpata – Choquequirao

After an early breakfast we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) and then walk uphill to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft) where we have lunch while enjoying the spectacular views of the archeological site of Choquequirao (3,150m/10,397ft). Then we will 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 we will 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 just 20 minutes from the Choquequirao ruins, where we will have our afternoon tea and dinner.

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

Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquisca

After an early breakfast we will continue to explore some of the stunning sections of Choquequirao ruins and then we head back towards the rural community of Maranpata for lunch. Afterwards we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) which takes about 3 hours; finally we walk up a moderate hill for one hour 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. Then we walk for two more hours towards Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for lunch. Afterwards we take our private transport 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: 16 km/10 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

WHAT IS INCLUDED

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$537 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 INCATRAILHIKE 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 shopping center.

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.

HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

FIRST, to book your Choquequirao Trek 4 days , we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, train tickets without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com to make the payment. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

  1. According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need ISIC cards). For example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
  2. All students from 12 to 17 years, the discount is $40.
  3. For children from the age of 2 to 12 the discount is $60.
  4. Children between the ages of 0 to 2 are free.
  5. All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
  6. Send us a copy at info@incatrailhikeperu.com

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

Unfortunately the answer is generally “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!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 days ?

You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Choquequirao Trek for 4 days, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter the Choquequirao Trek 4 days. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru.  You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and  new passports, to be able to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train.  If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee.  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.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness

We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.  Check out our day tours on our Main Page.

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 by many, you need to be in good physical condition and well acclimated to the altitude. Fitness is naturally 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 dotted 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 ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREKS?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! INCATRAILHIKEPERU facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.”  Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.

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, INCATRAILHIKEPERU 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, for sure we wil pick you up there !

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. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu

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 Incatrailhikeperu 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? 

Yes, we are a 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

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 Incatrailhikeperu)
  • 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.
  • Swimming Suit

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 40Litres 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 Incatrail)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips