we support responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism...

The Choquequirao trek is a truly spectacular hike that plunges down into the Apurimac canyon and then up again to the fascinating ruins of Choquequirao. While this is a quite tough hike, you are rewarded with spectacular views the whole way. The ruins of Choquequirao, perched on a ledge high above the Apurimac are not as extensive as Machu Picchu, but probably more fascinating and much more remote. This is certainly a very unique trail in the high Andes. In previous years it was necessary to trek to, and then return from Choquequirao along the same trail, which was not an ideal situation. We believe that this new route enhances the Choquequirao experience!

Choquequirao Huanipaca hike detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Chicquisca We depart Cusco at 7am in a private car. We pass through the rich agricultural farmland of the Anta and the warm valley of Limatambo. If there is time, we will visit the archaelogical site of Saywite before descending to the mountain village of Cachora, (2909m / 9543ft). Cachora provides a last opportunity to buy supplies. After lunch, it is a 2-3 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. We begin our descent on a zigzagging footpath, crossing scrub and later a forest of native trees called Phaty, in around 3 hours. Accommodation: Camping at Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft). Distance Travelled: 19 km / 11.80 ml/Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs

Day 2: Chicquisca - Choquequirao Departing early, we descend to Playa Rosalinas and the magnificent Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet) about 1 hour of hiking. We the begin our steep climb to Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft); where we can take a refreshing break, rest and buy water. We continue upwards, towards Marampata (2913m / 9557ft), a flat place where we can rest in similar conditions to Santa Rosa; enjoying a splendid view of Choqequirau. This spot also has bathrooms and we will have lunch here. n The climb from the river takes about 5 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the ruins of Choquequirao, from here we have two hours more hike to the ruins. (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) We will spend the late evening in the ruins, where we will watch the sunset and have the chance to see condors. Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite (bathrooms and cold water showers) Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 ml Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hrs

Day 3: Choquequirao - San Ignacio. In the morning we will have a second visit to the archaelogical site of Choquequirao, further understanding its importance within the Inca Empire. After a our tour, which will last several hours, we will return to our campsite to rest and have an early lunch. Then we will begin our descent to cross the Apurimaq River over the San Ignacio Bridge. The descent is very very steep and so we take our time, descending slowly. This path will demonstrate how steep this river valley is, as well as exposing some impressive and unforgettable views. We will camp in the buildings of the ex Hacienda San Ignacio, after crossing the river and climbing a gentle hill. Distance Travelled: 9 km / 5.59 ml Approximate Walking Time: 4 hours

Day 4: San Ignacio – Villa Los Loros - Huanipaca – Cusco We leave the ex Hacienda San Ignacio early, walking the valley of the Tambobamba river, leaving the Apurimac river and the impressive trail we walked behind us. A beautiful mango forest will see us off from this campsite. This trail ends at “Villa los Loros”, where we will have a final lunch. Our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (4 hours drive). We will arrive in Cusco between 7and 8pm. Distance Travelled: 8 km / 4.97 ml Approximate Walking Time: 5 hr

Itinerary Notes

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.
• Average group size 4 people, maximum group 10 people. Will depart any day with two people.

  What's included?

  For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

  • Pre Trek Briefing
  • Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
  • Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek at Cachora.
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao
  • English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
  • Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
  • Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
  • Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
  • Toilet tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (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.
  • 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 $8 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
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

  What is not included?
  

  • Breakfast on the first morning.
  • Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
  • Tips for the guide, cook and porters
  • Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $8US per day.

  You should bring:
  

  • A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
  • Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them. there are basic cold showers at most campsites on the Choquequirao route and therefore plastic shoes are useful for showering too.
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
  • Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
  • Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
  • Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
    We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
  • Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
  • Small towel or sarong as there are some cold water showers on this route.
  • Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
  • Original passport & ISIC (international student identity card - if you have one).
  • Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
  • Binoculars (if you have them)

  optional extras We can hire the following to you:

  • Sleeping Bag suitable for -5 degrees celsius. ($4.00 per day)
  • Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10degrees celsius. ($6.00 per day)
  • Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
  • Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
  • Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
  • Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule .
  • Single supplement for tent - prices for these treks are calculated on a share basis. If you would like a tent to yourself you need to pay a single supplement - $25 for the whole trek.

  • Want to join with others to reduce price? TREKKERS WANTED

prices 2010 4 day Choquequirao trek.

# people in group	2	3	4	5	6+
price USD (per person)	$515	$375	$330	$315	$295

NOTE: to extend the Choquequirao trek by one day (in order to spend a whole day in the ruins) please add approx $50 to this price. It will then be a 5 day/4 night trek. (this differs from our "comfort trek" which has some unique "add ons"

Only after the last tree has been cut down... Only after the last river has been poisoned ... Only after the last fish has been caught... Only then you will find out that money cannot be eaten
- Cree Indian Prophecy