Choquequirao 4 Days / 3 Nights

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Choquequirao 4 Days / 3 Nights

This territory has a variety of microclimates. The landscape consists of snow-covered summits of more than 6000m, high Andean plateaus and a fantastic rainforest. This region is dominated by Manco Inca, place of the occidental invasion. This place includes different nucleus, sacred settlements and constructions.

Choquequirao Trek

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, Grandiose and mysterious, this abandoned city has lots of parallels with Machu Picchu and there are a variety of theories about its function and purpose. It´s only relatively recently, however, that COPESCO (the official body responsible for tourism in Peru) has partially uncovered the site and there still remains a lot more to be discovered.

Alternative Trek to Choquequirao 4 Days is designed for adventurers who wish to experience a trekking route different to the others, such as the Inca trail, where it often isn’t possible to find spaces. The Alternative trek to Choquequirao 4 days offers us one of the most amazing and incomparable experiences that has to be done at least once in our lives.

The most outstanding sights are the two-floor houses occupying the heart of the site, a fountain and a possible temple, a lovely stone wall and the large enclosures called kallankas, with their doors that lead nowhere and internal niches in trapezoid shapes that had the function of temples or meeting houses during Inca ceremonies.

Hundreds of platforms of all types and shapes, occupy the western and eastern slopes, which were used to cultivate products such as corn, potatoes or quinoa, indispensable to the small population. And perhaps coca, used by the elite as a display of their power.

Alternative Trek to Choquequirao 4 Days is full of beautiful landscapes including the impressive Apurimac Canyon, which we will have to cross to get to Choquequirao. According to new archaeological discoveries this Inca city is actually twice the size of Machupicchu. If you have 4 days to spare during your stay in Cusco, why not take a trip to Choquequirao under the guidance of our team at GOLDEN MAPI

Lying in a cloud forest, a dramatic 1150 meters above the Apurimac River and surrounded by the fascinating landscape of the Vilcabamba mountain range, Choquequirao has everything to offer an adventure trekker. Due to its remote location few tourists have visited this site so far. Fortunately, COPESCO have now also constructed a footbridge over the Apurimac River, below the site – making it more accessible.

It is a challenging but truly rewarding hike down to the depths of the Apurimac Canyon and then up to the site – in the clouds!

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days Itinerary:

Altitude: 1500 – 3030 m. / 4921 – 9941 f.
High season: Whole year
Duration: 4 days – 3 nights / 5 days – 4 nights
Level of difficulty: Moderate
*A minimum of 4 persons is needed for this trek

Itinerary

Inclusions

Prices

Booking

Itinerary

Day 1: First walking day: Cusco – Cachora -Capuliyoc – “Playa Rosalina”.

Early in the morning (at 05:00 a.m), we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in our private bus and drive west ward of the city of Cusco passing picturesque towns like: Izcuchaca, Limatambo, and Curahuasi. After 3 hours of travel, we’ll arrive to Cachora village and continue half hour more to Capuliyoc where our horses and muleteers will be waiting ready to start the Choquequirao trek. Along the bus journey, we will stop in Curahuasi to have breakfast, use the toilets and purchase some items for the trek. We’ll start the trek in Capuliyoc (2,750 masl); 45 minutes after we will arrive to a small pass from where you will be rewarded with beautiful mountain scenery of the Apurimac Canyon through which the Apurimac River (Speaker of God River) flows. Then, we will have a long descent to the campsite at “Playa Rosalina” (1,550 masl). Today, we will hike 6-7 hours.

Choquequirao trek 4 days

Meals: L – D

Accommodation: Camping 2 people per tents
Maximum Altitude: 3000 masl “Capulichayoc”
Minimum Altitude: 1500 masl “Playa Rosalina”
Distance Travelled: 17 Km
Approximate Walking Time: 7 – 8 Hours

Day 2: Climb up to Choquequirao: Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao.

We leave our campsite at 6:00 am to cross the bridge over the Apurimac River. We will climb switchback trails to Santa Rosa (2,100masl). This climb will take approximately two hours. Afterwards we will climb slowly for another two hours until we reach our lunch spot at Marampata. From here we will walk another two hours to reach the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. We will camp there enjoying some free time to explore the Inca terraces, buildings and to watch the sunset. We will camp at the outskirts of Choquequirao enjoying the sunset and perhaps we will see condors over flying the canyon.

Meals: B – L – D
Accommodation: Camping 2 people per tents
Maximum Altitude: 3050 masl “Choquequirao”
Minimum Altitude: 1500 masl “Playa Rosalina”
Distance Travelled: 14 km
Approximate Walking Time: 7- 8 Hours

Day 3: Explore Choquequirao: Choquequirao – “Playa Rosalina”.

After breakfast we will explore the extraordinary Inca archaeological complex of Choquequirao, with our guide. We will be guided to the high parts (hanan), and the lower parts (Hurin), and some areas that are still covered in wild foliage. After the tour we will start walking back, down towards Santa Rosa, where we will have lunch. Then, we will continue on to Rosalina beach at 1550masl. After a two-hour descent we will have time to take a refreshing dive into the waters of the Apurimac River; camp and dinner here.

Choquequirao the Inca settlement

Was built by Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1471-1493) and Huayna Capac (1493-1527). It was one of the last bastions of resistance and refuge of the Sapan Inca Son of the Sun, Manco Inca Yupanqui, who fled to Cusco after his siege of the city which failed in 1536. “Choquequirao was probably one of the entrance check points to the Vilcabamba, and also an administrative hub serving political, social and economic functions.Choquequirao’s urban design has followed the symbolic patterns of the imperial capital, with ritual places dedicated to the Sun (Inti) , to the Mother Earth (Pachamama), water and other divinities, with mansions for administrators and houses for artisans, warehouses, large dormitories or kallankas and farming terraces belonging to the Inca or the local people. Spreading over 700 meters, the ceremonial area drops as much as 65 meters from the elevated areas to the main square. Choquequirao also played an important role as a link between the Amazon Jungle and the city of Cusco.

Meals: B – L – D
Accommodation: “Camp Raqaypata” or “Playa Rosalina”
Maximum Altitude: 3050 masl “Choquequirao”
Minimum Altitude: 1500 masl “Playa Rosalina”
Distance Travelled: 14 km
Approximate Walking Time: 5 – 6 Hours

Day 4: Return to Cusco: “Playa Rosalina” – Cachora – Cusco.

After an early breakfast, we’ll leave the Camp and start the gentle climb up to Chiquisha. Then, we’ll continue to Capuliyoc Pass, and have another great opportunity to enjoy the canyon. After lunch, we will continue our return route to Cusco, and you will be transferred to you hotel.

Choquequirao means “Golden Cradle” is a ruined Inca city in South Peru, similar in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu. The ruins are buildings and terraces at levels above and below Sunch’u Pata. The hilltop was anciently leveled and ringed with stones to create platforms.

Choquequirao is located at 3,050 masl; is in the spurs of the Salkantay Mountain Range in the Province of “La Convención” in the region of Cusco above the Valley of river Río Apurímac. The complex is 1,800 hectares, of which 30% is excavated. The site is reached by a two-day hike from outside Cusco.

Inclusions

INCLUDES

Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in private car (cachora)
Entry fee to Choquequirao
English/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 8 people).
Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.

NOT INCLUDED:

Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Inflatable mattress

WHAT TO BRING:

Backpack with rain cover
Sleeping bag
Clothing for warm and cold climate (waterproof jacket in rainy season)
Rain pants and lightweight pants
Trekking shoes
Slippers or sandals (for showers and campsite)
Wool or synthetic socks and a sweater
Long- and short-sleeved polos/t-shirts
Rain poncho, winter hat, ballcap
Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper, Ziploc bag to store toilet paper if not near a toilet
Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light, and batteries
Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit
Extra money in soles (s/200.00 soles)
Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes – once gotten wet – will not dry at night; pack clothes to change out.

Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
Toilet tent
Meals as indicated 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 4 dinners (breakfast on day 1 and dinner and lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day are not included) (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
Hot coca tea every morning in your tent for a gentle and fortifying wake up!
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes, and boiled purified water to fill in your water bottle every morning.
Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $10 per day.
1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses plus a budget for their meals.
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle – but not blister treatments as known in western countries.

Prices

Price information:Price per person 2017 – 2018
Prices per person depend on the group size, the larger the group the lower the price per person.

GROUP SERVICE PRICE 2017 – 2018
Number of People for group :
2 Passenger	3 Passenger	4 Passenger	5 Passenger	6 – 10 Passenger
Book Now	Book Now	Book Now	Book Now	Book Now

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (THESE DISCOUNTS ARE NOT CUMULATIVE)

Students: US$ 6.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
Teenagers: US$ 6.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
Children: US$ 12.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Departure Dates: Daily departures are available along the year, although the period March to December is recommended to avoid the heart of the rainy season. All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.

OUR FIXED DEPARTURE 2017

January: 11th,15th,17th
Fefruary:
March:
April: 18th,21st,24th,26th,27th,30th
May: 3rd,7th,9th,10th,12th,14th,15th,18th,21st,24th,26th,27th,30th
June: 16th,18th,19th,20th,21st,23th,24th,25th
July: 1st,2nd,5th,8th,10th,13th,16th,18th,19th,20th,21st,23th,24th,25th
August: 14th,15th,18th,21st,24th,26th,27th,30th
September:21st,23th,
October:
November:,27th,30th
December:,10th,13th,

Notes:

(1) On our clients’ recommendation, we suggest spending an additional day in the settlement of Choquequirao to enjoy this beautiful archeological site in more detail. On our way back to Cusco, there is also the possibility of visiting the thermal baths in Cconoc. Ask us for more information.
(2) The trek to Choquequirao must not be underestimated. Especially the second day involves great physical exertion to complete. Combined with high altitude and extreme weather (it can get very hot) the trek can be hard work. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you are well acclimatized, in good shape, and healthy.
(3) From the first to the fourth day (from Cachora to Huanipaca) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 7 kg).
(4) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.

Booking