Overview
The Choquequirao known as the other Machu Picchu, The ‘lost city’ Choquequirao (meaning ‘cradle of gold’) was discovered in the 18th century by a French explorer. It was also visited by Hiram Bingham prior to his discovery of Machu Picchu
Grandiose and mysterious, this abandoned city has lots of parallels with Machu Picchu with temples and agriculture terraces built in the steep sections of mountain similar to Huayna Picchu mountain terraces, a whole city built over 4000 feet over the Apurimac River, high up in the mountains but covered in the jungle.
Apart of Choquequirao ruins it offers you spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, native families along the way, wildlife and magnificent Andean Condors that are the biggest flying birds, it is a perfect adventure for you who is looking for less crowded treks and amazing adventures of life.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek with our professionally trained local guides that enjoy hiking as much as you do and love being in the mountains
- Enjoy our premier camping equipment every night
- Savor the Peruvian cuisine brought by our chefs to the mountains, they trained whether you are vegetarian, vegan or kosher or if you have any especial request they will be there ready to make you happy with the food and made of scratch.
- Be waked up by our chef with a cup of coffee in tents
- Tour extensively Machu Picchu’s sister ancient site of Choquequirao.
Details
- Type of tour: Historical, guided trip, train ride, trekking, camping
- Distance covered: 51.3 km (31.6 miles)
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Lowest elevation: 1,475m (4, 839 feet)
- Highest elevation: 3100m (10,170 feet)
- Level of difficulty 1 to 10: (10 being impossible): 7
Group size: Our hiking group sizes are very important to guarantee the quality of our service of giving you a personalized service that is the reason we run with an average of 2 to 7 hikers.
Could you imagine trying to hike silently along an isolated trail, carefully not disturbing shy wildlife, with 15 or 20 other travelers? Or walking in a remote area to explore the pristine wilderness with dozens of other tourists at your side? We know meaningful nature encounters must be undertaken in small groups, which also makes the trip flexible.
Accommodation: This trek includes 4 nights in tents, we use 3 seasonal roomy tents for 2 people, if you are a solo traveler let us know so we can accommodate someone else or we will just bring a private tent only for you at your request.
Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS was a dream that came thue on 2015 for Jose Condor who guided treks from 2014 until today and have been to Machu Picchu for over 1000 times, he started being a porter on the Inca trail the went to university for tourism degree, now Peru by Locals has a groups of top guides around among men and women that had a professional degree and get refresh training every year with WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER since our treks go in the wilderness and your health is our priority in our trips so, our guides totally trained to assist any needs while on you are vacationing, we invest on our guides because we believe they are the main ingredient of any trip.
Location: This trip starts in Cusco city or Sacred Valley at your request, you will need to fly to Lima which is the capital of Peru, then to Velasco Astete of Cusco airport which is a small domestic airport.
Departures: This hike is operated by PERU BY LOCALS 100%, when you book your hike or take any tour package. You go with us, we don’t rearrange tours, and we depart every day and year-round; the size of the groups is from 2 to 5 people on average, which allows us to give you personalized service.
We take bookings year round and this hike does not need to book with a long time in advance so, anytime you are ready join us and reach us for any questions you have to our 14/7 number +51 989585967 or email us to info@perubylocals.com
Itinerary
DAY 0: BRIEFING
At PBL we believe it’s important that all of our guests get the last details about the Choquequirao trek (the itinerary, the challenges, what to bring etc) before we start the lifetime adventure. At a pre-arranged time, your guide will provide a full pre-trek briefing at your Cusco hotel the day before the start of the trek.
DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINA
We will pick you up at 5:30am for about 4 hour drive in our private transport to Capuliyoc 2915m / 9563 ft). We will stop in the town of Curawasi for breakfast, The views along the way are spectacular that will make the journey enjoyable as well as appreciate heards of cows, cheeps, mountain villages.
Once at Capuliyuc we meet our horsemen and horses and pack all our equipment onto the horses, including food, tents and our gear for the night
We then start by walking in up and down terain to Capuliyoc view point from here we will have great views of the deep Apurimac canyon, snow capped mountains and the majestic Choquequirao way far on top of the mountains.
After reaching Chuiquica qe will stop for lunch based o organic and nutritious meal. Our food is a definition of deluxe, while we eat we get to enjoy great views of Apurimac Canyon, snow-capped mountains such as Padreyoc. After lunch we then descend for two hours to our first campsite at La Playa Rosalina that is the base of the canyon where we will spend the night.
- Lowest Elevation: 1,475m / 4839ft
- Highest Elevation: 2915 m/ 9563 ft
- Distance to walk: 10.3 / 6.4 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: PLAYA ROSALINA – CHOQUEQUIRAO CAMPSITE
We will wake up by 5am and have early breakfast, so to ascend 1400m / 4,600ft, we will reach the small town call Maranpata for a delicious lunch, after meal and NAP, and then we will walk towards the campsite of Choquequirao that near the ruins, and the 2 hours hike will be much easier than the moorning hike.
One we make to camp tents will be set ready, because the up hills we will be probably swety so, if you want to take shower you have a change to tak cold one for free or just sit and relax watching the sunset.
- Lowest Elevation: 1,475m / 4, 839 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,817m / 9,242 ft
- Distance to walk: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Demanding
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – RUINS EXPLORING
The day arrives to see the ruins of choquequirao, after a nutrisious breakfast we will walk up to the main area to visit the main plaza, usno or ceremonial platform, store houses and others.
We will definitely go to Llamas and snakes part, did we say snakes? Don’t be scared, the inca buil agricultural terrazes and decorated with Llamas and snakes in stones. Then we head back down to lunch followed by our nap.
After lunch we will head down to terrazes section or Pacchayoc that has a huge number of agricultural terrazes in very Steep Mountain that almost look hunging off the mountain, we will be back in camp by 4 pm for a good tea time before dinner.
- Highest Elevation: 3,010 m / 9,875 ft
- Distance to walk: 7.3 km / 4.5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours with breaks
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PLAYA ROSALINA – CHIQUISCA
Today will be very long and we will head back down down to Apurimac river, we will drop down about 2,000 feet to the river where we will stop for lunch and of course our propper nap.
The views that trek offers us is pretty espectacular especially our camp with the view of the canyon and sunsets are often beautyful.
As the night falls our lst dinner with our cooks will be ready
- Lowest elevation: 1,475m / 4839ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,010 m / 9,875 ft
- Distance to walk: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
DAY 5: CHIQUISCA – TRAIL HEAD – CUSCO
On our last day on the trek, we climbed back up to the start of the trail of Papuliyoc, this will us about 3 hours up with great views where ou cooks will have lunch ready waiting.
This our very last time with our horse riders, so its good time to shake hands with our incredible crew that made this trek happend. Then we settled in for a scenic ride back to Cusco
- Lowest elevation: 1,475m / 4839ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,010 m / 9,875 ft
- Distance to walk: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Transport to and from your hotel in Cusco
- Organic meals (5B, 5L, 4D)
- Entrance tickets to Choquequirao
- Horse riders that will load the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc.)
- Chef for preparing our awesome meals everyday all from scratch
- Boiled drinking wáter for whole trek
- Professional trekking guide, knowledgeable in history, tradition, fauna and flora. Our guides are trained in Wilderness firts responder in USA standars,
- First Aid Kit, carried by your guide
- Equipment (sleeping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, air pads)
- Duffle bag for putting your belongings for the horse to be carried
- Sleeping bag, if you don’t have one you can rent one from us for USD 20
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Gratitudes for porters and guides, we recommend to tip with 15% of the total cost.
Packing list
- Original passport – Please remember to bring your original passport, which should be the current one; if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both (the one you used for booking your trip and the new one). The information you provided us in time of your booking have to match your tickets in the Classic Inca trail.
- Sleeping bag– Recommended at least 5°F (If you don’t have one, you can rent from us for $ 20)
- Good hiking shoes – They should be broken already; if you have acquired new ones, make sure to break them down before you come. They should be comfortable for your feet and possibly have ankle support.
- Down warm fleece – The jacket should be warm enough for the nights and a jacket that is wind windbreaker resistant.
- Few t-shirts– Made for hiking; as you will sweat a lot, you may consider bringing at least 3 or 4 of them, one for the hike, one for the night and one clean for Machu Picchu
- Socks – Bring at least 3 pairs
- Sun hat – As some days can be hot and sunny, we recommend you to bring a sun hat that can keep the sun off your face.
- Light long pants – Trekking pants are the best ones, especially those that you can zip off the legs, plus they dry fast.
- Clothes for sleeping – Warm long underwear; you can use your fleece to sleep in and you may consider bringing gloves, especially for the campsite
- Head lamp– All the camps are dark so you will need to bring your headlights for organizing your stuff in your tent or going to the bathroom at night
- Sunscreen– SPF 35+ recommended
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles – They are very helpful, they can take 30% off your weight (if you don’t have them, you can rent them from us for $10 per pair for 4 days of hiking)
- Camera– With spare batteries or phones take great pictures nowadays (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
- Bug repellent – There are mosquitos all year round so make sure you pack your bug repellent
- Water bottle – Machu Picchu national park does not allow to bring plastic bottles, please make sure you have a Nalgene bottle or camel bag, before we leave the hotel in Cusco make sure you have filled up your water bottle for the first day then you will be able to get more from us whenever you will need it.
- Toiletries
- Prescription medicines, please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
- Food restrictions – If you have any allergies or preferences, make sure you add in the booking form.
- Book to read – you will have some spare time at every camp to read your favorite book or those that are about Machu Picchu that may make your journey more interesting (the following books are recommended by us: Last Days of the Incasby Kim MacQuarrie, Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams
Important information
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?
The day before the trek starts your guide will meet you at your chosen hotel in Cusco at 5:30 pm for a pre-trek talk, so we recommend you book a hotel in the downtown area of Cusco.
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE? HOW CHALLENGING IS IT?
The trek is rated as moderate to challenging and covers approximately 51 km (31.6 miles) on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections. This trek does not have very high elevations so, it is mostly fisical challenge.
HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THIS TREK?
This trek does not require booking in advance but we recomend to book at least with couple weeks in advance that give us a good time to put everything togheter for you to enjoy the this amazing adventure with no worries.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK DURING THE YEAR?
Weather in the region is extremely variable and you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through ten bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. During a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F), however, on the second day the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 23°C to 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with the minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F). The Cusco area has only 2 well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but also there are several sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically at noon, the temperatures can reach 23 °C (77°F), the annual highest temperature.
WHAT DO HORSES CARRY FOR ME?
You only carry a day-pack with everything you may need for a day´s hike (water bottle, rain gear, cameras, snacks). Horses carry the rest of your extra bag and will meet you upon arrival at the next stop. You will be allowed to put up to 8 Kilos / 17 pounds may include a sleeping bag 1.5 Kilos / 3.3 pounds, sleeping pad kilo /2 pounds, extra clothes for the night such as long warm underwear, warm fleece, and others.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICAL SITUATION?
There is no electricity while you are on the trek – that is why we recommend you to bring extra batteries for your camera if you are considering taking lots of pictures or bring an extra portable recharger for using your phone a lot you. And all the camps are dark so you will need to bring your headlights for organizing your stuff in your tent or going to the bathroom at night.
WHAT I AM GOING TO EAT ON THE TREK?
Our meals are based on organic food, and we pack from the beginning fresh vegetables.
Your lunch would be based on a Quinua, pasta, vegetables soup and the main course usually in a small version of buffet including rice, potatoes, white or red meat and, salad such as avocado.
Dinner is usually similar but comes with dessert.
Breakfast is based on eggs, omelets, pancakes, bread, cereals, oatmeal, and drinks. You will be very well fed and may just want to pack very little snacks with you because we will even give you snacks such as fruit and a cookie for the way.
Note: We have options for vegetarians or vegans too, – in time of your booking advise us so we know what to make for you on the trek.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN CUSCO BEFORE THE TREK TO ADJUST TO THE ALTITUDE?
This trek does not require altitude adjustments so, but we will recommend you to spend a day in Cusco for your body to rest at least and be ready for an amazing adventure. This trek is more about physical endurance so, train before comming.
DO I NEED TO BRING MONEY ON THE TREK?
You should consider bringing money, as you may want to buy bottled water, snacks, Gatorade, beer? etc. from locals that live along the way, especially on day one, as well as if you are thinking to give appreciations or tips for the porters and guides too.
The last lunch at Aguas Calientes is not included, so you will need money for that as well. We recommend you bring soles rather than dollars; there are banks and exchange offices in Cusco where you can change any type of currency.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN MEDICINE OR FIRST AID?
Your guide will have a first aid kit all the time while you are on the trek, which includes some pain killers, bandages, small bandages to prevent blisters, an oxygen tank, pills for the case of diarrheas, and similar. At any time of the trek please feel free to ask for anything you may need, however, if you need any special medication or you have a special medical condition, please, contact your doctor to get the best advice before the trek.
CAN I RENT A SLEEPING BAG FROM YOU? WHAT TYPE SHOULD I BRING?
We rent sleeping bags that are specially designed for cold temperatures in the treks and we offer sleeping bags for up to 5 ºF = -15 Cº, In time you are booking your trek with us, you should request the sleeping bag if you need it, as at the spot it won’t be possible to rent it.
If you have one, make sure they are down and for temperatures up to 5 ºF = -15 Cº, or, even better, made for colder temperatures than that –, you don’t want to be cold.
HOW BIG MY GROUP IS GOING TO BE?
We are specialized in both small and big groups, but we like small groups because that way our clients get personalized service especially when you encounter lots of things on treks, such as Incan sites, flowers, flora, and fauna – your guide spends lots of time with you so you can learn more about our culture and history.
We limit the size of our groups on treks to up to 8 people.
Of course, if any situation requires more than 8 people in a group, that is not any problem for us at all, – for example, a group of friends or family that is more than 8, we are happy to have them in a single group.
HOW DO I GET WATER ON THE TREK?
You will be provided with boiled drinking water from day 1 to the end of your trek., However, make sure you will get enough water for the first day, (you can also purchase it on the way to the beginning of your trek). People usually drink about one and a half liters of water per day, some even more so, you need to bring water bottles for the first day to refill them. We recommend you to bring Nalgene water bottles or camel bags so that way we can make less garbage., you will encounter locals selling bottled water along the way but not everybody is responsible, many people litter and that is sad. We need to take care of our home and nature – that is why we recommend you refill your bottles when you can and thank you for being part of our green home.
IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT?
In the Inca trail, there is no a minimum age or limit,- any person who is prepared for trekking can do it., Inca Trail is a challenging trek so, there is a requirement of being fit., that is why everybody that is thinking to trek Inca trail should have a certain level of fitness -, you don’t want to give up in the middle of the trek, as Inca trail is not like walking in the park but is also not impossible.
WHAT TIME DO I GET BACK TO CUSCO ON THE LAST DAY?
You will be back in Cusco around 5 pm after the trek., If for any reason you have to be back in Cusco earlier than that, please advise us at the time of your booking or at least over one month before your trek begins, as we have to buy you the train ticket for exactly the specified trains.
WHAT IS THE TOILET SITUATION ON THE TREK LIKE? SHOULD I BRING MY TOILET PAPER?
This trek has toilets especially at lunch and campgrounds but they dont usually offer toilets paper, We recommend one role for every two people, but in the case for any reason, you will need extra, your cook will have extra roles for you., Please don’t hesitate to ask for it as they are always prepared for any emergency.
DO I NEED WALKING POLES?
Walking poles are recommended for everybody, they will help you a lot down and uphill, Our expert guides say that they can take up to 30% off the weight of your body and pair of them is recommended per person.
If you don’t have any but you want to have them on your treks, you can rent them from us as well – a pair costs US$ 15 for the four days.
HOW BIG MY DAY BACKPACK SHOULD BE?
Thirty-litre backpack will be big enough to carry your belongings such as water, rain gear, and extra clothes.
HOW BIG THE SLEEPING TENTS ARE? HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SLEEP IN?
Our tents are for 4 seasons and each one is designed for 3 people, but we use it for 2 (2.30 cm length/ 0.90 inch), width 1.70cm/0.70 inch).
Please, email us if you are a solo traveler, about if you want to share a tent or you want to have your tent to sleep in.
IS THERE ANY PLACE TO WASH MYSELF? ARE THERE SHOWERS?
This trek does not offer you showers but our crew will provide you a small bowl of wáter to wash once arriving to camps.
CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE ON THE CREDIT CARD OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN CASH?
We take the balance of the payment in cash, so you won’t need to pay extra fees, Of course, you can use PAY PAL or CREDIT CARD, but you will need to pay the fees that are usually over 4.5%.
On the day of your briefing when your guide will meet you, one of the representatives will meet you too to collect the rest of the balance for your trek.
PERUVIAN CURRENCY
The Peruvian sole is the currency of Peru, and usually fluctuates in the 3.3 to 3.8 Nuevo sol to 1 US Dollar.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the national language of Peru, also a 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (Inca language) Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English.
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours and we cater to your interests when we plan your tour
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members which have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff in Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protect our environment.
- We are committed to creating Jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and school equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to education of needed once.
- Our trips are designed carefully to your needs and we create diverse unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length, a we offer wide range of tours and treks and all the tours. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes free worry trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru small group specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, like history or photography for all ages whether you are traveling alone, with friends, in couples, family. At Peru by Locals there is not
Small groups are the best and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
Price
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GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important, we run tours from 2 to 8 people usually per group and we open any tour dates with 2 guests, this service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences so, you can take advantage of your valid time.
Accommodations
Costs are based in doublé bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy contact us to info@perubylocals.com or to our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To asure your booking with us we will require 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost and the outstanding remaining will be paid 30 days prior your trip.
Choosing this option
- Once a date tour is opened with 2 guests, the travel date won’t be probably changed later.
- This a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
- The quality of service is the same as the private.
- If for any reason one of yo, the plans will or others can’t continue the tour for any reason the tours will go as planned from the beginning to the end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service is can be start from 1 person to any number you desire and you can choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3 start hotels but we can costumize with 5 star hotels.
Costs are based in doublé bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy contact us to info@perubylocals.com or to our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To asure your booking with us we will require 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost and the outstanding remaining will be paid 30 days prior your trip.
Choosing this option
- We cater this tour to you need with flexibility.
- Once a date tour is opened it can be still changed if the time allows it at your requested time.
- This a great option to spend time with your parent, family, and friends or travel for especial occasions as honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.
