The Classic Choquequirao Trek 5D

PACKAGE DETAILS |The Classic Choquequirao Trek 5 Days & 4 Nights

Day 01 :  Cusco | Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

Early Morning Departure

Your adventure begins bright and early. We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and travel in our private transport to the town of Cachora. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the glacier mountains of Salkantay and Humantay in the distance.

Discover Cachora

Upon arriving in Cachora, you’ll get to explore the town, strolling through its picturesque streets that showcase its rich culture. Enjoy a nutritious and delicious breakfast before continuing your journey.

Meet the Trekking Team at Capuliyoc

Next, we head to Capuliyoc (2,890 meters / 9,482 feet), where you’ll meet the rest of our trekking team, including cooks and muleteers who will carry our belongings throughout the trek. After final preparations, we’ll begin our descent through the Apurimac Canyon.

Trekking Through Apurimac Canyon

We’ll trek for approximately three hours, zigzagging down to Chiquisca (1,900 meters / 6,234 feet), a beautiful hamlet surrounded by fruit fields. Along the trail, enjoy the stunning scenery of the Apurimac Valley and the majestic flight of condors. Marvel at the impressive views of the glacier mountains, Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina.

Experience the Apurimac Valley

As we delve deeper into the valley, you’ll notice the increasing heat, abundant vegetation, and the rhythmic sounds of the rushing Apurimac River, enhancing the adventure.

Arrive at Chiquisca Camp

After several hours of trekking, we’ll reach the tropical hamlet of Chiquisca. This warm, green camp nestled in the arid mountain provides the perfect setting to unwind. We’ll have dinner and spend the night here, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 02 :  Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa – Marampata

 Energizing Breakfast and Start of the Hike

After enjoying a delicious breakfast to recharge your batteries, we’ll embark on our hike. Our journey begins with a zigzagging ascent to Marampata (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet), where you can capture stunning photos of the canyon and surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Descent to Playa Rosalinas

We’ll start with a descent that lasts approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, taking us to the deepest part of the valley known as Playa Rosalinas (1,500 meters / 4,921 feet). Here, we’ll cross a pedestrian bridge to begin the most challenging part of our trek.

Lunch at Santa Rosa and Continued Ascent

Our next stop is the hamlet of Santa Rosa (1,970 meters / 6,463 feet). Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our team, helping you recover your energy. After lunch, we’ll continue ascending for approximately three hours until we reach the Marampata camp.

Afternoon at Marampata

In the afternoon, take in the impressive surroundings and feel the powerful energy near the citadel of Choquequirao. Stretch your muscles and relax as you witness a breathtaking sunset that casts a soft orange glow over the endless valleys and white glacial mountains.

Evening at Marampata Camp

As night falls, marvel at the beautiful sunset and a sky full of thousands of stars. After soaking in the stellar views, we’ll have dinner and head to bed for a well-deserved rest.

Day 3:  Marampata | Archaeological Complex of Choquequirao – Marampata

Start the Day with an Energizing Breakfast

Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast to fuel your adventure. We’ll spend the day exploring the breathtaking Inca site of Choquequirao, nestled in the mountains near the deepest canyon on the South American continent. Imagine the stunning landscapes that surround this magnificent Inca construction.

In-Depth Exploration of Choquequirao

Our guide will lead you through the most impressive corners of Choquequirao (3,050 meters / 10,007 feet), sharing fascinating stories of its past and the reasons behind its construction. With plazas, temples, and impressive platforms, Choquequirao is much larger than Machu Picchu and will leave you in awe of the Incas’ architectural prowess.

Picnic Lunch and Rest

Around noon, enjoy a picnic lunch and take some time to rest and recharge. This will help you recover your energy for the rest of the day’s exploration.

Discover the White Stone Llamas

Don’t miss the famous white stone llamas that adorn the platforms on the hillside, facing the mountain known as Apu Qoriwayrachina. Experts estimate that only about 40% of Choquequirao is visible, leaving much of its mystery intact. In the coming years, we hope to uncover more secrets of this incredible site.

Return to Marampata Camp

As the day comes to an end, we’ll return to our camp at Marampata (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet). Enjoy a delicious dinner and take time to reflect on the incredible day you’ve just had before heading to bed for a well-deserved rest.

Day 04:  Marampata | Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquisca

 Delicious Breakfast and Last Glimpse of Choquequirao

Begin your day with another delicious breakfast to fuel your return journey from Choquequirao. Take a moment to get a last glimpse of this unique site before we set off. We’ll have another opportunity to capture stunning photos of the great canyon from Marampata.

Descent to Santa Rosa

Our trek starts with a two-hour descent to Santa Rosa (2,970 meters / 6,463 feet), where we’ll stop for lunch. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to observe the diverse vegetation that thrives in this part of the trail.

Refresh at Playa Rosalinas

After lunch, we’ll continue to Playa Rosalinas. Here, you can dip your feet and refresh yourself in the cold waters of the Apurimac River, right in the heart of the canyon.

Ascent to Chiquisca Camp

We’ll then ascend to Chiquisca camp (1,900 meters / 6,234 feet), situated in the backyard of a local family’s home. This is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and learn about the Andean lifestyle, including their customs and traditions. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the strong connection that Andean communities have with Pachamama, or Mother Nature.

Evening at Chiquisca Camp

After a delicious dinner, you can rest peacefully for the night in our cozy camp. Reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had so far and the memories you’ve made.

Day 05 : Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco

Enjoy the Last Breakfast by the River

Start your day with a delicious breakfast while listening to the powerful roar of the river. We’ll leave as early as possible to avoid the intense sun at high altitudes. Take a deep breath and connect with the energy of Mother Nature as you embark on a 4-hour hike to Capuliyoc.

Say Goodbye at Capuliyoc

Upon reaching Capuliyoc, we’ll bid farewell to our trekking team and board private transportation to visit the famous Saywite monolith. This colossal rock, sculpted with over 200 geometric and zoomorphic figures, was a center of religious worship for the Inca people, emphasizing the significance of water in their culture.

Relax at Conoc Hot Springs

After exploring the historical site, we’ll head to the hot springs of Conoc. Relax and unwind in the warm waters, letting the refreshing pools rejuvenate you. Enjoy a prepared lunch after your soak, then we’ll begin our drive back to Cusco.

Scenic Drive Back to Cusco

During the drive, take a moment to appreciate the immense glacial mountains that have embraced you with their majestic presence throughout your journey. Reflect on the incredible adventure you’ve experienced and the deep sense of joy and satisfaction in your soul.

We’ll arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:00 p.m. and drop you off at your accommodation, where you can finally relax and unwind.

What Is Included?

Entrance Ticket for Choquequirao Trek

High Quality Service & Safety

 Pre-departure Briefing

 Experienced Tour Guide

Our official tour guides are fluent in both English and Spanish and hold professional training and certification. Selected for their expertise, reliability, and enthusiastic passion for exploration, they take pride in sharing the rich culture and history of our region. Throughout your journey, they will ensure your safety and comfort, allowing you to fully enjoy your experience without any worries.

Medical Kit or First AID Kit

All our trekking guides are extensively trained in first aid. Every February, we conduct mandatory training sessions to ensure their skills are up-to-date. Our guides are always equipped with a first aid kit to handle basic emergencies, such as altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, and scrapes. Additionally, they carry oxygen for more serious situations. In case of an emergency, we will evacuate you from the path promptly and ensure you receive the necessary treatment at a clinic.

24/7 Customer Service

We offer 24-hour telephone service to ensure easy communication with our office leading up to your trek.

Accommodation

• 4 Nights Accommodation in Tents

Meals

• 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 4 Dinners

Transportation

Transport

• Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel in our private transportation to Capuliyoc, the trek’s starting point.
• Day 5: Once you complete the tour, we’ll take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.

What Is Not Included?

• Sleeping Bag
• Walking Sticks
• Day 5 Dinner in Cusco
• Hiking Clothes & Gear
• Travel Insurance

• Original passport (mandatory to enter Machu Picchu)
• Personal luggage for Machu Picchu (5 kg max allowed in the train)
• Clothes to change after the tour (you might get some dust!)
• Daypack for personal items
• Money in soles for entrance fees, water, snacks and other expenses during each tour
• Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (hiking boots recommended)
• Waterproof clothes and rain cover
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water (1.5L per day)
• Sunglasses
• Scarf or hat in order to protect against the intense sunlight
• Warm jacket for the evening/wind
• Personal medications

What is included in The Classic Choquequirao Trek?

The Classic Choquequirao Trek includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, professional guides, cooks, muleteers, camping equipment, entrance fees, and all meals during the trek. You will also have access to the Saywite monolith and Conoc hot springs.

How difficult is The Classic Choquequirao Trek?

The trek is considered challenging due to its long distances, steep ascents, and high altitudes. It is recommended for trekkers with a good level of fitness and some prior hiking experience.

What should I pack for The Classic Choquequirao Trek?

Pack comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing, a warm jacket, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain jacket, a small backpack for personal items, a reusable water bottle, and a camera. Don’t forget your passport and necessary travel documents.

When is the best time to do The Classic Choquequirao Trek?

The best time to embark on The Classic Choquequirao Trek is during the dry season, from April to October. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for trekking and exploring the sites.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, all meals are included during the trek. Our professional cooks will prepare nutritious and delicious meals to keep you energized throughout your journey.

Is there any altitude sickness risk during the trek?

Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness as the trek involves high altitudes. It is recommended to spend a few days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize. Our guides are trained to assist with any altitude-related issues and carry a first aid kit and oxygen.

Can I join the trek as a solo traveler or a couple?

Yes, you can join The Classic Choquequirao Trek as a solo traveler, a couple, or as part of a group. We offer flexible options to accommodate different group sizes.

What wildlife and flora can I expect to see on the trek?

During the trek, you may encounter Andean Condors, various local bird species, and diverse flora including orchids. The trail passes through high Andean landscapes, deep canyons, and cloud forests, offering a rich biodiversity.

What is the significance of the Saywite monolith?

The Saywite monolith is a colossal rock sculpted with over 200 geometric and zoomorphic figures. It was a center of religious worship for the Inca people, emphasizing the importance of water in their culture. Visiting this site provides insight into the Inca civilization.

Flexible cancellation/ change

•  Cancel your tour at least 30 days in advance and it will be charged only 40% of the total amount to cover up administration expenses. Passed the 30 days it will be charged the full amount.
•  The policy to reschedule or to make any amendment allows the update to be made no more than 15 days prior to the date of your tour and it is valid until December 31st
  , 2022. (To reschedule Machu Picchu it will be charged USD 25 per person to cover up administration expenses.
•  The itinerary may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances, beyond the control of the operator, changes without prior notice.
•  In order to protect your investment, we kindly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
•  If for any reason your tour gets cancelled during the pandemic we highly recommend you to consider postponing your tour to 2025 or 2026. It will only be charged the amount of USD 25 for changing the date on the Machu Picchu entrance ticket.