Choquequirao Trek

Choquequirao Trek (5 days/4 nights or 4 days/3nights)

Choquequirao This is an increasingly popular alternative to the Inca Trail, the  Choquequirao Trek. Meaning 'Cradle of Gold' can be made via trekking over 3 days, and the trek can pretty much leave ever other day, especially during peak season. Choquequirao is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salkantay (3035m) and the edge of the jungle, located in the canyon of the Apurimac River. Above all this trek is a challenge and an exciting experience for those who enjoy adventure. Difficulty of trek: Moderate to difficult Length of trek: 5 Days / 4 Nights or 4 Days / 3 Nights Start point: Cusco End point: Cusco Type of trek: Archaeological, Cultural, Camping, Ecological, Hiking Day 1 Cusco - Chikikska Leaving Cusco at 5.00am arriving at Cachora town at 8am where we will prepare ourselves for the walking tour by putting our backpacks and all equipment on horses or mules. Afterwards, we have a 7 hour hike ahead of us, stopping for lunch in a place called Capulioc. During today's walk we will observe Apurimac canyon with its impressive depth, amazing views of mountains and peaks and the other of the beautiful semi-tropical valley. We will set up campsite today in Chikiska. Day 2 Chikiska - Choquequirao Another early morning we are up at 5am! After breakfast our trek will lead us to the great treasure Choquequirao (3,577m) where the view itself justifies the great effort of today. Here you will see 3 levels of excavated ruins, where we will have some time to explore parts of this late magical Inca town, sacred fountains, and 'torreones'. If we are lucky, we might even spot "the flight of the condors". Day 3 Choquequirao - Cocamazana Chochequirao will be seen all day, and also the agriculture terraces and sector of the Llamas sculptures that are a more remote sector of the main plaza and is northwest of choquequirao. With only 3 hours of walking, it is a place that is spectacular to explore for its dense vegetation, and here with Abroad Trekkers we are giving you an extra day to explore. Day 4 Cocamazana - Cusco After breakfast we trek in front of the amazing Padrayoc and afterwards we will return by the same way descending to the Apurimac river, and then to Chiquisca where the cooks will be waiting for us with a delicious lunch. After we will get ready to continue walking to Cocamazana where we will spend the night. Today we have a total of 7 hours walking. *Depending on the speed of the walking and fitness levels of the group, we have the choice to camp in alternative places on this night. Day 5 Cocamazana - Cusco Waking up at 5am we soon depart for a 5 hour walk to Cachora where we will have our last lunch for the trip, and catch our bus back to Cusco. We will arrive late in the evening. *Please note: its possible to make the trek over 4 days Included: • Pick up from your hotel in the morning of trek departure • Private bus transfer from your hotel to the beginning of trek point • Entrance fee for Choquequirao • Horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and 6kgs of personal items) • One emergency horse • Cooks for: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 3 Lunches (food includes: pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. Hot drinks: Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, including coca leaf tea that is excellent for altitude!) • Tea time/ Snacks: coffee/ tea, popcorn and biscuits • Bilingual & professional tour guide • Tents for 2 people (but has capacity for 3), so there is plenty of space for your backpacks • Accommodation for crew • Sleeping mats, table(s) & chairs, kitchen tent • Short bus from Machu Picchu to AguasCalientes (return) • First Aid including spare Oxygen Not Included: • Sleeping bags (we have for rent at $4 per day and they are good for -15) • Flashlight • Tips for guide, cook and porters What to bring: • Original Passport (same one you made the reservation with) • Waterproof hiking shoes or boots recommended • Backpack and/or Daypack (You may need one for the horse and one to carry. We do have duffel bags available for hire if need) • Sleeping bag for up to -8 degrees Celsius (available for rent at $4 per day) • Clothes for cool and hot temperatures • Flashlight Camera and film • Batteries • Sun protection (hat, sun screen, sun glasses) • Insect repellent -minimum recommended 20% DEET (no malaria has been reported • Rain jacket or Poncho • Water proof back pack cover • Water bottle • Water purifying tablets (in case you want to pick up water from the rivers) • Personal medical kit • Passport and ISIC card if you are a student (originals required) • Money for souvenirs, drinks and tips (easier in smaller change) • Toilet paper • Snacks such as chocolate, muesli, energy bars, dried fruit etc. • Travel towel • Swim suit • Walking poles if you think you will want them Options and Rentals: • Single tent supplement $10 per day • Sleeping bag rental ($4 per day) • Vegetarian meals • Personal horse and horsemen for riding or carrying extra personal belongings while on the trek. Extra cost is $50 for the 4 days Students: Take advantage of our $20US discount for students if you hold a valid International Student Identity card (ISIC). You must send us a scanned copy of this when making your reservation and present the original to the entrance control office. Failure to do so will result in a loss of permit and denied entrance to the Machu Picchu. Single Travelers: If you are traveling single we will pair you up for sleeping arrangements with someone of the same sex. If you prefer to have your own tent the surcharge is $10 per day. Accommodation: Is nice, clean and friendly with private rooms (Twin with 2 beds or Matrimonial with one bigger bed). Generally we have our clients stay in Machu Picchu Inn or Hotel Presidente. Please note however that alternate accommodation options may be used.

Click here to Book & Reserve your Choquequirao Trek