The Short Choquequirao Route 4 Days

PACKAGE DETAILS |The Short Choquequirao Route 4 Days & 3 Nights

DAY1 – Cusco | Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa.

Kick off your adventure at 4:30 am with a convenient pickup from your Cusco accommodation. Enjoy a scenic 5-hour drive to Capuliyoc, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Salkantay and Humantay snowy mountains.

Upon arrival in Capuliyoc, indulge in a delicious breakfast and meet your dedicated trekking team, including the cook and horseman who will ensure your belongings are safely transported to each campsite and that you’re well-fed throughout your journey.

Begin your trek with a 3-hour downhill walk through the stunning Apurimac landscapes, descending through a vast valley. Along the way, admire the majestic Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina mountains before stopping for a refreshing lunch at Chiquisca.

After lunch, reenergized and ready, we’ll continue for another hour and fifteen minutes to the bottom of the valley, where you’ll encounter the rushing Apurimac River, known in Quechua as “Speaking God.” This river, with its class V rapids, is perfect for canoeing or rafting enthusiasts.

Finally, we’ll embark on a 2-hour ascent to Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), our first campsite. Enjoy a tasty dinner and a well-earned rest under the stars.

DAY 2 – Santa Rosa | Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your hike ahead. Depart around 5:30 am and begin your 3-hour zigzag ascent to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft.), where you’ll be rewarded with incredible scenery and a chance to capture stunning shots of the canyon and snow-capped peaks.

After a brief rest and organizing your gear, continue hiking for another hour and thirty minutes to reach the Choquequirao complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft).

Immerse yourself in the ancient surroundings of Choquequirao, allowing the energy of this historic site to captivate you. Take your time to explore every corner of the complex, located deep in the canyon, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Your guide will lead you through the site, sharing its rich history and fascinating stories.

Choquequirao, larger than Machu Picchu, is believed to be only partially discovered, with experts estimating that only 40% has been explored. This means there is much more to uncover in the future. Visit plazas, temples, and impressive terraces, marveling at the ingenuity of the ancient civilization that built such remarkable structures atop the mountains.

Don’t miss the iconic white stone llamas, constructed to protect the sacred mountain overlooking the area, known as Apu Qoriwayrachina. Choquequirao remains a mystery in many ways, and future discoveries promise to reveal even more about this enigmatic site. At noon, enjoy lunch amidst the awe-inspiring surroundings.

In the afternoon, return to your camp at Marampata for a delicious dinner and a restful night under a sky filled with stars and constellations. Reflect on their meanings before drifting off to sleep

Day 3 – Marampata | Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquisca.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, gearing up for the return leg of your journey. After cherishing the beautiful moments at Choquequirao, you will head back along the same trail.

Descend to Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft) where you’ll visit a local family’s agricultural hacienda. Here, you’ll learn about the cultivation of sugar cane and its use in making Cambray, a popular local liquor.

After enjoying a delicious lunch and a short rest, continue your descent to Rosalinas Beach (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). Cool your feet in the cold waters of the Apurimac River before starting your ascent.

Begin the climb for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes until you reach the warm Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft). Spend the night here, enjoying a tasty dinner while sharing stories with your trekking companions about the day’s adventures. By nightfall, you’ll be more than ready for a well-deserved rest.

Day 4 Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco.

Enjoy your last breakfast of the journey as the sound of the roaring Apurimac River accompanies your meal. Begin your early start to avoid the heat of the midday sun, taking some final deep breaths as Mother Nature guides you on this last section of the trek back to Capuliyoc.

Upon arrival in Capuliyoc, bid farewell to your trekking team who has supported you throughout this incredible journey. Board our private vehicle for a visit to the colossal Saywite rock, a site of great religious significance to the Incas focused on water.

After your small history lesson, head to the Conoc hot springs for a relaxing dip, soothing your muscles after the trek. Enjoy your final lunch here before continuing in our transport back to Cusco.

Take advantage of your last chance to observe the beautiful snowy mountains and capture memorable photos of the stunning landscape. Though you may feel physically tired, the sense of satisfaction and achievement will be immensely rewarding. We will arrive back in Cusco around 6:00 pm, and you will be taken to your accommodation to unwind and rest as much as you need.

What Is Included?

Entrance to the Salkantay Sanctuary

Permits and Ticket for Inca Trail

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

• 3 Nights Accommodation in Tents

Meals

• 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
• Water on the trail
• Wake up tea

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 4: Once you complete the tour, we’ll take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.

Cargo Mules

While trekking, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp.

What Is Not Included?

• Extras and important equipment
• Sleeping Bag
• Walking Sticks
• Day 4 Dinner in Cusco
• Hiking Clothes & Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for our staff

• 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 Short Choquequirao Route package?

Our package includes round-trip private transportation from Cusco, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), camping equipment, guided tours with a professional guide, entrance fees to Choquequirao, and support from a dedicated trekking team, including a cook and horseman.

How difficult is the trek?

The Short Choquequirao Route is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves long hikes, steep ascents, and descents, so good physical fitness is recommended. However, our team ensures you are well-supported throughout the journey.

What should I pack for the trek?

Pack essentials such as comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing, a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, and personal hygiene items. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

When is the best time to trek Choquequirao?

The best time to trek Choquequirao is during the dry season, from April to October. This period offers the most stable weather conditions, making the trek more enjoyable and safer.

Is Choquequirao similar to Machu Picchu?

While both sites are significant Incan archaeological sites, Choquequirao is larger and less visited than Machu Picchu. It offers a more secluded and immersive experience, allowing you to explore the ruins with fewer crowds.

Can I visit Choquequirao independently?

Yes, it is possible to visit Choquequirao independently. However, we recommend booking a guided tour to enhance your experience with professional insights, safety, and logistical support.

Are there any altitude concerns?

Yes, some sections of the trek reach high altitudes. It is important to acclimate properly in Cusco before starting the trek and stay hydrated throughout the journey to avoid altitude sickness.

What is the accommodation like on the trek?

You will camp at designated sites along the route. Our package includes quality camping equipment and meals prepared by our cook to ensure a comfortable experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy will be provided at the time of booking. Please review it carefully to understand the terms and conditions.

Embark on this extraordinary adventure and uncover the hidden gems of Peru with our Short Choquequirao Route. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us for more information!

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.