Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
4 Days from $ USD 100.00
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
43 Reviews | Min Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | Max Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | 5 Days from $ 1 900.00
Introduction
The Choquequirao Trek 5 days is a package designed for tourists who wish to have more time to visit the beautiful Inca city of Choquequirao, and thus discover in more detail one of the last places of residence of the Incas.
The wonder of Choquequirao not only focuses on the Inca constructions but is complemented by natural beauty in perfect harmony.
Like Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas or of other communities in the Andes, Choquequirao is organized into two halves or neighborhoods: the one above or Hanan, and the one below or Hurin.
The upper neighborhood brings together several buildings related to the cult: temples and fountains grouped around a square, large terraces irrigated by a whole set of canals, and warehouses or collcas to store the products used to supply the local population. The lower half houses large buildings, very well preserved, gathered around a wide esplanade.
Trip Details
- Location: Peru
- Duration: 4 days
- Type: Hiking & Adventure Tours
- Destinations: Cusco, Tarawasi, Cachora, Chiquiska, Marampata, Raqaypata, Choquequirao, Chiquiska, Cachora
- Difficulty: Demanding
Highlights
Discover Lima City in just 1 day.
- Miraflores: Huaca Pucllana pre-Inca temple and The Love Park /
- Barranco: Murals, pittoresque old mansions and The Bridge of Sighs /
- San Isidro: The Olive Park /
- Historical downtown Lima: Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Martin and The Catacombs museum
Itinerary
ITINERARY DAY 1 : CUSCO - CACHORA - COCAMASANA - PLAYA ROSALINA
Departure at 4am from the city of Cusco we travel 4 hours by bus to Cachora, while the group is having breakfast our team will be preparing the horses and camping equipment. On this day you walk 22 km, the first part is flat and then you go down to Rosalina beach on the banks of the Apurímac river. Camp at 1550 masl.
Physical Level
1, Easy
PLAYA ROSALINA - CHOQUEQUIRAO
After breakfast the climb starts for Choquequirao, we will start or zigzag way for approx. 5 hours arriving at Raqaypata which is next to the river Chun Chullmayo where we will have our lunch and a short rest. We will continue our journey and on the way you will see a great variety of orchids, wild flowers and many birds. From Raqaypata to Choquequirao we will walk approximately 2 hours until we arrive at the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, we will arrive, more or less that at 3:00 p.m., we will explore the complex, we have a spectacular view of the canyon and it is possible to observe condors flying, we will be able to observe the sunrise. Our camp will be near the complex at 3033 meters above sea level.
Physical Level
1, Easy
CHOQUEQUIRAO - PLAYA ROSALINA
After breakfast, we will visit places of interest such as temples, agricultural terraces, military zones, astronomical center and the Sacred Temples, the guide will explain the history and the importance of the archaeological sites, after the guided tour you will have free time to visit the different sectors of the complex. After the visit we will start the return to Santa Rosa where we have lunch and then continue to Playa Rosalina. We can take a refreshing bath in the Apurímac river. Camp.
Physical Level
1, Easy
PLAYA ROSALINA - CACHORA - CUSCO
After breakfast we continue our hike to Chiquisca and then to Cachora, where the bus will be waiting to return to Cusco.
Physical Level
1, Easy
What to Bring
- Back Pack
- Sturdy Hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Rain jacket or a Poncho, waterproof trousers (especially for rainy season Nov-March)
- Plastic bags to store your spare clothes
- Sleeping Bag (can be rented with Dos Manos)
- Flashlight and batteries, pocket knife, matches
- Camera
- Water Bottle (preferably metal so it is more heat-resistant)
- Hat and / or beanie to protect you from the sun and the cold
- High factor sun block & insect repellent
- Toilet paper and personal toiletries
- Extra snacks
- Towel
- Swimsuit (recommend for the hot springs)
- Personal medical kit
Recomendaciones
Passengers should personally carry the following: Cleaning supplies, small first aid kit with a couple of bandages, cream for muscle aches, pills for: altitude sickness, fever, upset stomach, water purification tablets, sun block, mosquito repellent, bottled water. Bring a flashlight, plastic rain poncho, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, walking stick, trekking shoes, thermal clothing for the night, light clothing for the day, money at your discretion, do not forget to bring your original passport.
Students must carry a valid student card.
Pricing List
What to Bring
- Back Pack
- Sturdy Hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Rain jacket or a Poncho, waterproof trousers (especially for rainy season Nov-March)
- Plastic bags to store your spare clothes
- Sleeping Bag (can be rented with Dos Manos)
- Flashlight and batteries, pocket knife, matches
- Camera
- Water Bottle (preferably metal so it is more heat-resistant)
- Hat and / or beanie to protect you from the sun and the cold
- High factor sun block & insect repellent
- Toilet paper and personal toiletries
- Extra snacks
- Towel
- Swimsuit (recommend for the hot springs)
- Personal medical kit
Travel Guide
Physical effort for Choquequirao trekking
The level of difficulty of the Choquequirao trek is medium. From the town of Cachora to the archaeological site there is a total of 31 kilometers in one direction and 31 kilometers in the other.
Distance of the trek to Choquequirao:
The total round trip distance from Cachora to the Choquequirao ruins is 60 kilometers.
Altitude of the Choquequirao trail.
Choquequirao is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. Due to its location, it is believed that this Inca site served as a checkpoint between major Inca sites such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
The hike to Choquequirao has a maximum elevation of 3,035 meters above sea level at Choquequirao’s main plaza and a minimum elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level at “Playa Rosalina”.
The weather in Choquequirao Trek
The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate with cold nights. However, tourists will only visit the Inca site after sunset.
When is the best time to visit Choquequirao?
The best time to visit Choquequirao is between April and October. Choquequirao has two seasons:
Rainy season (November to March): it is characterized by frequent river rains. The sun is not as intense, but the rain can affect the hike.
Dry season (April to October): characterized by less frequent rainfall. Days are warmer and nights are cooler. However, the low probability of rain facilitates the trek.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Choquequirao is in April, May and September, with October generally being the best: less people, lower prices, less rain and warmer nights.
How do I get from Cusco to Choquequirao on my own?
Although many tourists choose to travel to Choquequirao as part of an excursion, it is also possible to do it on your own. To do so, you will have to follow the usual route and pay the entrance fee at the Choquequirao gate.
Campsites in Choquequirao
There are designated campsites in Choquequirao and even some simple hotels. Choquequirao campsites are surprisingly well maintained and many have toilets, showers, tents and simple kitchens.
- Cachora (0 km): The starting point of the trek to Choquequirao is a small town with hotels, restaurants and many grocery stores.
- Cocamasana (16 km): A new campsite with good views over the valley, but often not open. Three small plots and a terrace with free space for tents, simple sanitary facilities.
- Chiquisca (19 km): Paying campsite just before a difficult descent to the river, with basic sanitary facilities and showers, and possibility to buy prepared food
- Playa Rosalina (21 km): a pay site next to the river, with beautiful scenery, campfires at all sites, sanitary facilities, showers, a very basic grocery store, and a kitchen that prepares simple food. Reports in 2019 indicate that this site is less well maintained than in the past and has no running water.
- Santa Rosa Baja (24 km): pay campsites with very basic toilets and showers, but good views of the canyon. Nearby is a private lodge that sells simple food and meals. Nearby is a second family farm with horses and mules, but there are many bugs.
- Santa Rosa Alta (25km): free camping just above Santa Rosa Baja with clean facilities and simple meals. Pitches are nice. Reports indicate that it is usually closed, but the owner plans to open it soon.
- Marampata (28km): a small town with several campsites, stores for shopping and even a small hotel. Best place to rent a mule if you are too tired to continue the hike on your own.
Faqs Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
What is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is an Inca town with similar characteristics to other cities of Cusco, especially Machu Picchu.
The resemblance with Machu Picchu is largely due to the similarity with the geographical situation of the place where it was built.
According to several studies, the ruins of Choquequirao were also a fortress and a ceremonial center. The truth is that, due to its hidden location in a high and remote mountain, it was a strategic point for several purposes.
Like Machu Picchu, the ruins of Choquequirao were abandoned over the years and covered by the jungle until they were rediscovered.
What is the architecture of Choquequirao like?
Choquequirao has many Inca buildings. However, only 30% of the total area has been excavated.
The main buildings are made of quartzite, carved with great detail. The rest of the walls are of rough stone.
These walls were covered with clay both inside and out.
It is believed that the walls of the Choquequirao ruins were painted bright orange. In reality, however, only a few buildings retain this paint.
What can be seen in the ruins of Choquequirao?
The ancient city of Choquequirao consists of two main plazas, temples, fountains, canals, workshops, warehouses, elite residences and other more common buildings.
The ceremonial center of Choquequirao is a large platform that can only be accessed through a double pole.
The main buildings in this area are colcas (storehouses).
Like Machu Picchu, the ruins of Choquequirao have structures that mark the solstice and equinox.
Do I need trekking poles?
We recommend the use of trekking poles, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are several occasions during the trek when trekking poles are useful, whether climbing a mountain or walking on difficult trails.
Is altitude sickness common, and how high is the Choquequirao trek?
It is impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitudes is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full 2-day trek in Cusco (3,399 masl) is very easy for some people, but it is easy enough to drink some water, but if you can arrange to have a minimum of 2-3 days in case of breaks in the trek, then this is what we recommend as there is plenty to do here as well. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail reaches 4,280 meters above sea level on the second day.
Will I need to bring water?
We recommend that you buy a 1.5 to 2 liter bottle of water to carry on the first day. Every night during the trek, we will boil water so that you can refill the same bottle every morning before you leave. If you plan to drink from a stream or waterfall, we recommend that you bring water purification tablets or filters.
Is the trail still good during the rainy season?
Some people like to go during the rainy season because there are fewer tourists, but we tell them to be prepared for wet weather and to have the proper clothing and equipment. Possibly snow, so be prepared for a possible reroute if the guide finds that a pass cannot be passed. We do not recommend this hike in the months of January, February and March.
Will I need extra money?
It is essential as the natural hot springs in “Aguas Calientes” (10 soles) and / or the hot springs of Cocalmayo in the village of Santa Teresa and advice for the trekking staff, souvenirs, snacks in Machu Picchu, bottled water, drinks. etc. You should bring at least 300 soles as emergency money.
How can I prepare for the altitude & avoid altitude sickness?
There is a simple and easy way to prepare for the high altitude around the Cusco area: Spend at least 3 nights at high altitude, such as Cusco city, Lake Titicaca or the Sacred Valley.
What permits are required?
No pre-purchased permits are required. However, you must have an entrance ticket to the Choquequirao ruins, which we have included in our Choquequirao trekking cost.
Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
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