GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 4 days/3 nights.
Point of departure: Cuzco
Point of Return: Cuzco
Group Zize: Small Group (Average 4, Maximum 8 People).
Type of Tour: Walking, Trekking, it is also Archaeological and Cultural.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult.
Height: 1475 m.s.n.m.
Tour Ranking: The Choquequirao Trek is one of the most interesting in the Peruvian Andes.
Mapa Camino Inca 4 Dias
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
This exciting tour begins with picking you up at the hotel in Cusco City, to go in our private vehicle to the area known as Capuliyoc (Hike Head), from where our travelers will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes and incredible panoramic views, found along the 45 kilometers route.
It is truly a unique experience, sharing unforgettable moments in full contact with nature, arriving at the little-known ancient Inca citadel of Choquequirao, where we can admire its magic and charm. We will see its large old buildings surrounded by rich history, which made it to be chosen as one of the 20 best tourist destinations worldwide in 2015, by the prestigious National Geographic Traveler magazine. Let us be your host to serve and guide you to this incredible place and make this Trek a truly unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
DAY 01: CUSCO-CACHORA-CAPULICHAYOC-CHIQUISCA.
We pick you up at the hotel at 5am in our transport and then head to CACHORA (2,909 m.a.s.l.), a village where we will have breakfast and prepare our backpacks, before starting the 3-hour walk. We start our journey around 9am. From there, in the first 2 hours of walking along a beautiful descending path, there are spectacular views of the valley and the river. The path is surrounded by charming plants and flowers such as begonias, orchids, cacti and you will be able to see some birds typical of the region. We will arrive at a beautiful viewpoint, called CAPULIYOC (2,915 m.a.s.l.), from there we enjoy the privilege of spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora (mountains over 5,400 m.a.s.l.). At this point there is time to enjoy our snacks, take some photos of the stunning views of the river and canyon that stretches across the valley. From there we will descend along a unique zigzag path for another 2 hours, to reach the lunch spot. Finally, around 1pm, we have lunch. You will have time to relax, rest and drink a refreshing tea. Then the hiking resumes for another two hours descending, until reaching our camp, located in CHIQUISCA (1,836 m.a.s.l.) at approximately 5:00 pm, to spend the night.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance to cover: 19km. / 11.8 miles
Weather: Hot during the dayHeights: 2,915 m.a.s.l. down to 1,836 m.a.s.l.
DAY 02: CHIQUISCA-MARAMPATA-CHOQUEQUIRAO RUINS
After breakfast we leave early, throughout the day we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids and bamboo, we also hope to see birds such as toucans and a wide variety of hummingbirds. From our camp we walk for about 1 hour to descend to the bottom of the canyon, called PLAYA ROSALINAS and the magnificent APURIMAC river (1,550 m.a.s.l.). From there the most difficult section of the path will probably begin due to the climb: 2 hours to SANTA ROSA (2,095 m.a.s.l.) where we will have time for a refreshing break. From SANTA ROSA we continue climbing for another 2 hours, towards MARAMPATA (2,913 m.a.s.l.), a flat terrain where we can rest, enjoy the views of the Apurímac canyon and the famous Inca citadel of Choquequirao. There we will have lunch and enjoy the facilities (bathrooms and laundry). After lunch we continue the hike for an hour, until reaching our camp, located on the outskirts of the large Inca complex of CHOQUEQUIRAO (3,110 m.a.s.l.) and spend the afternoon in the ruins, to later enjoy a beautiful sunset over the mountains and, if If we’re lucky, condors flying in the valley below. Camping in the CHOQUEQUIRAO area (toilets and cold showers are available).
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Distance to cover: 14km. / 8.7 miles
Weather: Hot during the dayHeights: 1,836 m.a.s.l. down to 1,550 m.a.s.l. then up to 3,110 m.a.s.l.
DAY 03: MARAMPATA-CHIQUISCA-ROSALINAS BEACH.
After breakfast we will tour the mysterious archaeological complex of CHOQUEQUIRAO, where our professional guide will explain the history of this magnificent Inca place. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spanish, it was abandoned and forgotten until recent years, when tourism raised the citadel’s visibility and exploration began. Even with this growing interest, only 50% of the citadel has been explored and many of its secrets are still waiting to be discovered. Currently we can visit the most important areas such as the main square, the houses, the barns, the ceremonial sector and its altars, the famous terraces and the large llama sector, where the Incas depicted this sacred animal in their buildings. After our visit to the sector, we will have extra time to explore and enjoy the place ourselves. Next, the trek to CACHORA will begin, along the route we came from. We begin our one-hour hike to MARAMPATA, having lunch there and rest well. After, we hike 4 hours downhill and arrive at the camp, located at the base of the valley, called LA PLAYA (1,550 m.a.s.l.) to spend the night next to the famous Apurimac (“God speaks”) river.
Walking time: 6 hours
Distance to cover: 13 km. / 8 miles
Weather: Hot during the dayHeights: 3,110 m.a.s.l. down to 1,550 m.a.s.l.
DAY 04: LA PLAYA-CACHORA-CUSCO.
After breakfast we leave the camp early to arrive in Cusco City in the afternoon. From this point we will climb to CAPULIYOC for approximately 4 hours, strolling through the beautiful and pleasant panoramic view, this will be our last stop, we will have lunch outdoors. After lunch, we finally hike the last 2 hours to reach the village called CACHORA (2,909 m.a.s.l.). There we will say goodbye to the drovers, who carried all our belongings along the journey. Our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco City (3h30 drive). We will arrive in Cusco City between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Walking time: 6 hours
Distance to cover: 19km. / 11.8 miles
Weather: Hot during the day
Heights: 1,550 m.a.s.l. up to 2,909 m.a.s.l.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Meeting and informational preparation talk with the Guide 1 or 2 days before the hike, at our Central Office in Cusco City.
- Store your luggage for free at our Central Office in Cusco City while you hike, if you have nowhere to leave it.
- We pick you up at the hotel in Cusco City on the first day of the tour.
- Bilingual Professional Guide for the entire Trek.
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
- Muleteers and Horses who will transport all camping equipment such as: tents, tables, chairs, food, kitchen equipment, personal items and others.
- We carry up to 7 kg of your personal luggage. To transport this load we will provide canvas bags (to place personal belongings there) which will be given to you at the information meeting, 1 day before the hike, you will only carry a backpack with water.
- All meals during the Tour (03 dinners, 03 lunches, 04 breakfasts).
- We can prepare vegetarian meals or special diets according to your needs, at no additional cost.
- Boiled water from the 2nd day.
- Camping equipment for the entire route, such as:
- Sleeping tent (high quality mountain tents for 4 people, will only be used by 2 people for convenience and extra storage space for backpacks.
- Thermarest inflatable mattress.
- Dining tent + country chairs + tables, gas lamp for night.
- Full kitchen, crockery and cutlery to prepare all meals.
- First Aid Kit and Emergency Oxygen Tank that will be carried by the Guide.
- Return transport from Cachora to Cusco City.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS FOR THE CLASSIC TREK TO CHOQUEQUIRAO
Many people think the climate is hot in South America, but in the high altitude region of the Andes temperature can be very cold, especially at night. That’s why we provide you with the complete list to organize a backpack in advance. But don’t worry if you can’t, there are many camping stores in Cusco City where you can rent or buy what you need.
Check this list of items needed for the CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK and remember that everything is very important for the success of your excursion.
Documents
- Original passport
- ISIC student card if you are a student
- Travel insurance (some copies).
Essential
- Pack for the day.
- Sleeping bag.
- Bottle of water.
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Some snacks like cookies, sweets, chocolates, energy bars.
- Some money if you want to buy souvenirs.
Clothing
- Hiking boots and sandals.
- Warm clothes: mainly for the night such as a thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, wool hat.
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, shorts, 4 hiking t-shirts)
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal first aid kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory tablets
- Insect repellent.
- Sunblock
- Lip moisturizer
Personal hygiene articles
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Spray body deodorant
- Toilet paper
Other articles
- Flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
- Walking sticks with rubber tips (optional).
- Switchblade
- Some biodegradable plastic bags.
- Good sense of humor.
- We recommend prior acclimatization in Cusco City, at least 1 day and good general health.
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers. Before doing anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, quick and practical way.
1. IS WATER INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?
Yes, we know that hydration during hiking is very important, so you don’t need to worry about it. Our team will provide water during the tour. So don’t worry!… There will always be clean, safe water to drink.
2. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
We understand how curious you are about the quality of the food you will consume during your trip. For your peace of mind, we include all meals and snacks during the hike.
For lunch we will deliver a tasty and nutritious Box Lunch. For dinner you will have the option to choose what you want to eat. Choose from: Corn Cream, Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Asparagus, Pasta, Pizza, Fried Trout, Meat, Chicken, Cooked Vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
All reports and comments made by our customers guarantee and demonstrate that our meals are of excellent quality.
All food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are purchased at the local Cusco City market the day before the trip and then prepared by our cook. We do not use canned or rehydrated foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!
Below we show some examples of what our Chefs can prepare and serve in meals:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bread, pancakes, omelets, cereal, fruit salad, toasts, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, jam.
- Hiking Snacks: Fruits, Cookies, Cereals, Chocolate, Sweets.
- Lunch: Corn Soup, Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Asparagus, Rice with Chicken, Sausages, Fried Trout, Ceviche, Meat, Beans, Fried Rice, French Fries, Cooked Vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
- Tea time: popcorn, fried wontons, tea, coffee.
- Dinners: Stuffed Chicken, vegetable omelets, pizza, spaghetti, pork chops, sautéed vegetables, salads.
If you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to serve vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so that you are always well fed throughout the tour.
3. HOW TO BOOK MY TOUR?
Booking this Trek with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also have Payment Facilities, such as Paying for your Tour up to 1 day before the Tour and in 2 Parts:
- First Part can be paid online, from the comfort of your home, by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our safe and reliable money transfer system. Prepayment will be made via a deposit of US$200.00 per person. (Click on the Book link)
- The Second Part or the balance will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, in person at our Central Office located in Historic Downtown, up to 1 day before the Tour.
⇒ To book the Choquequirao Classic Hike, simply follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It’s on the Book link.
2. Pay the First Part (Pre-payment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank or any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Receipt): We will send it to you immediately after making the Pre-payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Pre-Payment by other means such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or any other method, let us know so we can send you all the necessary information to do so.
4. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE HIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable along the Trek, it is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will encounter. No matter what month you travel, make sure to have waterproof clothing on hand, such as a rain jacket or a good rain poncho.
During the day, many people are surprised to learn that on the 3rd and 4th day we find a subtropical climate. The area extends within the High Jungle, known as the Cloud Forest or Mountain Jungle, which is full of exuberant vegetation with the presence of orchids, ferns, bromeliads and some mosquitoes.
During dry season (April to November), early mornings are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass, the clouds clear and the sun comes out, so it can be quite hot. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essential. However, keep in mind that sometimes it can be rainy in June and sunny in December.
During rainy season (from mid-November to mid-April), pourings occur. However, don’t be surprised if some days are sunny this season. February is the month with the most rain, so during this month the Trek is closed.
Remember a rain poncho is highly recommended, no matter what season you decide to travel. Also consider that when it rains the old stones on the path become slippery, so it is very important to use hiking boots with good tread and perhaps a rubber-tipped cane.
5. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE, COOK AND CARRIERS?
Don’t worry! All of our Guides are trained in case you become ill with this problem. They all carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well looked after, which will allow you to continue the Hike. Furthermore, our entire team is prepared in cases of Emergency. After treatment, if you still feel very unwell and are unable to continue the Trail, the Guide will make the best decision for you: to continue or return. For us, your Safety and Health always come first.
6. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET ILL WITH ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Don’t worry! All of our Guides are trained in case you become ill with this problem. They all carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well looked after, which will allow you to continue the Hike. Furthermore, our entire team is prepared in cases of Emergency. After treatment, if you still feel very unwell and are unable to continue the Trail, the Guide will make the best decision for you: to continue or return. For us, your Safety and Health always come first.
7. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST FEE AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
Unfortunately No. We will not be able to make any type of refund or change dates for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments are not refundable or transferable since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations necessary to carry out your Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets.
We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Change and Cancellation Policies on our website.
8. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can contact us anytime, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to assist, call us at Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send us an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com. You can also check the Contact Us link on this website
9. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TREK WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to book your tour with us, let’s look at some:
- Very good location of Our Travel Office which allows for better coordination at any time. We are located in Cusco City’s Historic Downtown, just 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
- Tour organized by an Authorized Peruvian Tourism Agency. We are 100% local workers. We are very proud to be Peruvian and have the great opportunity to share our Culture with you, with more than 15 years of experience organizing the best Tours to the most incredible tourist destinations in our region. We have all our documentation updated and valid, complying with all procedures and formalities before the Local Government, thus being a Travel Agency recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this gives you peace of mind and security. It also guarantees our seriousness and commitment to your satisfaction, which will be achieved with great responsibility and pleasure.
- The Best Price for your trip and no hidden costs. Getting the best price is great and getting the best return is even better. We offer an All-Inclusive trip at an affordable price, guaranteeing the best deals. We save you searching time with our Low Price Guarantee. How do we achieve it?… Simply because we are a Direct Tour Operator, managing business costs locally and employing local workers who will develop your trip without any intermediary.
- Travel with Experts: The best Tour Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our support team, known locally as “The Iron Team” is highly trained to serve all types of groups, families, friends, couples and anyone who loves the outdoors.
- High quality equipment for your trip. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated walking stick, including the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment every year, on a 2-year rotation, constantly searching for the best brands, the most comfortable and safe for your tour.
- Excellent meals – All inclusive. You don’t need to worry about food, as it is included throughout the Walk. Our chef will impress you with the quality of the meals prepared in a small kitchen tent. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, we do not use canned or dehydrated foods. Furthermore, there is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets at no extra cost, according to your needs.
- Safe and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all departures, as we operate 100% of our tours. Other agencies hope to have enough customers to start a tour. Even if we only have a single traveler for a Travel Date, this trip will be operated by us at the prices listed on this website and at no additional cost. Normally our groups are small and have an average of 4 to 8 people.
- We treat our travel team in the best way possible and are committed to social projects in our region. We practice good treatment of our workers. That’s why we offer tickets to the Inca Trail, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our employees. The cooks and porters have paid health insurance and all have reasonable salaries for the work they do. We are also committed to social program projects that bring benefits for children in local communities in the areas of Health and Education, which helps to improve their living conditions.
- We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are an ecological company committed to the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, which must suffer minimal impact from Tourism. An important action is for our kitchen staff to use biodegradable dishwasher detergents. We also constantly take part in Cleaning Campaigns along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Personalized service and support. When you ask a question, we will always answer. We’re here to help provide personalized service and support. Call or email our contact center from anywhere, anytime.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- The available permits shown on our website are always Updated and in Real Time.
- These permits available, are being purchased while you read, so their number will decrease as the hours and days go, until they sell out.
- Please note that the permits available are not only for our Company, but for all Tour Operators Authorized to carry out this route.
- We recommend you book the Excursion as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great Experience.
- If you are interested in doing this Trek and want to reserve permits, or would like more information, please contact us: Cell phone: +51 984525006 / WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
- If, there is no longer availability for your Travel Date, you can search for other similar Excursions such as: the Inca Trail Route of 2 days/1 night, the Salkantay Route, the Choquequirao Route or the Lares Trek, or the famous Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 Days / 3 Nights.
PREVIEW 2024
- USD $550.00 per adult (17 years or older)
- USD $540.00 per student or child (4-17 years)
- USD $0.00 per child (0-3 years old) – Free, traveling with your parents.
IMPORTANT:
- Please note that this is a group tour.
- IF you want a PRIVATE TOUR, please request your quote by email: info@incredibleperutours.com or via WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006
TO CONSIDER:
- Our passion is family travel, so if you are coming with children, get in touch to offer our
- promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Contact us to receive our offers.
- Incredible Peru Tours – IPT for your peace of mind does not have any hidden charges or expenses.
