Trek Choquequirao 4 Days – 3 Nights USD 400

DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CHIQUISKA

ACTIVITIES: Hike, in the Apurímac Canyon, from Cachora to the campsite, in Chiquiska.

DAY 2: CHIQUISKA – MARANPATA

ACTIVITIES: Downhill hike to Playa Rosalina, and uphill to Maranpata, guided visit of Choquequirao, and camping in Maranpata.

DAY 3: MARANPATA – COCAMASANA

ACTIVITIES: Down and uphill hike, from Maranpata to the campsite, in Cocamasana.

DAY 4: COCAMASANA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO

ACTIVITIES: Uphill hike, from Cocamasana to Capuliyoc.

DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISKA (10 km. – 6.3 miles / 5h.)

Very early, we´ll pick you up at your hotel, aboard our transportation vehicle, and will leave the city of Cusco, as a group, on a 4-hour trip to the locality of Capuliyoc, and the trek´s starting point, where our support staff will be waiting for us, with mules and horses, to load the camping and kitchen equipment, as well as our luggage.

On the way, we´ll contemplate the spectacular Apurímac Canyon, with its impressive depth and, in some occasions, we might sight the flight of a condor; the world´s largest flying bird. Today, we´ll go by the small human settlements of La Colmena (2,870 m.a.s.l. – 9,416 ft.), Cocamasana (2,330 m.a.s.l. – 7,644 ft.) and the Capuliyoc Vantage Point (2,285 m.a.s.l. – 7,496 ft.). Then, we´ll walk, downhill, to our campsite, in Chiquiska (1,950 m.a.s.l. – 6,397 ft.).

DAY 2: CHIQUISKA – MARANPATA (13 km. – 8 miles / 8 hours)

Early in the morning, and after breakfast, we´ll proceed with our hike, descending to the place called ‘Playa Rosalina’, to then ascend to our campsite, in Maranpata. After lunch, we´ll head towards the Incan Architectural Complex of Choquequirao, to visit that majestic llaqta.

There, we´ll explore houses, benched terraces and other sectors of that Incan city that are still in cleansing and excavation process. Then, around 3:00 p.m., and depending on the weather, we´ll have the opportunity to observe great condors, in full flight.

DAY 3: MARANPATA – CHIQUISKA – COCAMASANA (Return: 15 km. – 9.5 miles / 6 hours)

After an early breakfast, we´ll leave Choquequirao, and will descend back to Chiquiska, observing, once again, the Apurímac Canyon, with its exuberant vegetation, as we walk, downhill, from an altitude of 3,033 meters (9,950 ft.), to 1,950 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l. – 6,397 ft.), with lunch in Chiquiska. Afterwards, we´ll go on hiking to Cocamasana, where we´ll have dinner, and will spend the night, at the campsite.

DAY 4: COCAMASANA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO (8 km. – 5.2 miles / 5 hours)

Early (5:00 a.m.), and after breakfast, we´ll walk, uphill, from Cocamasana to Capuliyoc. Once again, on our way, we´ll have the chance to contemplate the majestic snowcapped Mount Padrayoc that towers over the Apurímac Canyon. Then, aboard our transportation vehicle will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we´ll arrive around 5:00 p.m.

*Campsites are subject to changes, in accordance to the guide´s criteria, and size of the group.

Included:

• Transportation: Cusco – Cachora – Cusco
• Professional guide.
• Burden horses, to carry the food, and kitchen and camping gear, as well as 5 kilos (11 pds.) of luggage, per participant.
• Cook and kitchen equipment.
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners.
• Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, etc.).
• Entrance ticket to the Archaeological Complex of Choquequirao.

Not included:

• Sleeping bag.
• First breakfast.
• Last lunch.
• Tips for the support staff.
• Other personal expenses.

Recommendations:

• A medium-size backpack, with a full change of clothes, for each day of the trip.
• Rain gear, such as waterproof jacket and pants, if available.
• Water-resistant hiking boots recommended.
• Personal hygiene kit and towel.
• Flashlight, with extra batteries.
• Photo/video camera, with extra batteries.
• Light binoculars.
• Wide-brim hat, or cap, to protect yourself from the sun, rain and cold.
• Wool bonnet, scarf and gloves.
• Thermic clothes, for cold nights.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunblock lotion and insect repellent.
• Throw-away handkerchiefs and napkins, and toilet paper.
• Plastic bags, to keep garbage.
• Snacks: Crackers, energy bars, dried fruit, muesli, water, etc.
• Water purifying tablets, in case you wish to collect water, from streams or rivers, on the way.
• Small and medium-size towels
• Swimming suit (optional).
• Extra cash, in Nuevos Soles (PEN).
• Optional: Hiking sticks, with rubber tips.