GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 5 days/4 nights.
Point of departure: Cuzco
Point of Return: Cuzco
Size of Group: Small Group (Average 4, Maximum 8 People).
Travel style: Hiking, Trekking, is also an Archaeological and Cultural trip.
Value of the route: The route of the Choquequirao is one of the most interesting adventures in the Peruvian Andes
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Height: 1475 m.s.n.m.
Date of departure: Daily
Mapa Camino Inca 4 Dias
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
This great excursion begins with the pick-up from your hotel, which may be in Cusco City, to go in our private vehicle to the area known as Capuliyoc (Trek head). Our travelers will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes and incredible panoramic views found along the 45- kilometer 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 great old buildings surrounded by great history, which made it to be chosen as one of the 20 best worldwide tourist destinations of 2015, by the prestigious National Geographic Traveler magazine. Let us be your host to take and guide you to this incredible place, to make your trek an unforgettable experience!
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book your Excursion in advance as soon as possible because tickets sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 1 day before the Excursion as it will serve as acclimatization, prior to the Hike. Remember that Cusco City is at 3,400 meters above sea level.
- Check all the Personal Items that you will take to the trek.
- Visit us at our Main Office located in downtown Cusco City, 1 day before the Trek, at 7:00 pm. to receive an Informative Talk about the trip, led by the Tour Guide. This will help you be much more Informed, Safe and Ready for the Tour.
- Leave the luggage you will not take to the Excursion for free, in the luggage storage at our Main Office.
- If you have any questions or would like more information about this Trek, do not hesitate to contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
Itinerary
DAY 01: CUSCO-CACHORA-CHIQUISCA.
Pick up from your hotel at 5:00 am in our transportation and then drive to CACHORA (2,909 m./9,543 ft.), a village where we will have breakfast and prepare our bags before starting a 3-hour walk. We start our journey around 9:00 am. From here, the first 2-hour walk along a beautiful, descending path, with spectacular views of the valley and the river. The path is surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers such as begonias, orchids, cacti and you can see some local birds. Then we arrive at the beautiful viewpoint called CAPULIYOC (2,915m.a.s.l./9,561 ft), from there, we will have the privilege of spectacular sights of the snow-capped peaks Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora (mountains over 5,400 m.). At this point we will have time to enjoy our appetizers and take some photos of the stunning views of the river and canyon that extends through the valley. From there we will descend a unique zigzag path for 2 more hours, to reach our lunch spot. Finally around 1:00 p.m. we will have lunch. There will be time to relax, rest and have a refreshing tea, before getting ready to walk downwards for 2 hours more, to arrive at our camp called CHIQUISCA (1,836 m.a.s.l./6,023 ft) at approximately 17:00. Once at the camp, we will have a good rest before nightfall and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, popcorn and cookies. Then dinner before going to sleep.
Walking time: 6 hours
Distance to travel: 15 km. / 9.3 mi.
Weather: warm during the dayHeights: 2,909 m.a.s.l. down to 1,836 m.a.s.l.
DAY 02: CHIQUISCA-APURIMAC RIVER-CHOQUEQUIRAO CAMP
After breakfast, we leave early. Throughout the day we will see a great variety of bromeliads, orchids and stands of bamboo, we also hope to see typical birds such as: watchbird, toucans and a great variety of hummingbirds. From our campsite we walk for about 1 hour to descend to the bottom of the canyon, called PLAYA ROSALINAS, finding the magnificent APURIMAC river (1,550 m.a.s.l./5,084 ft). From there we begin probably the most difficult section of the trek due to the ascent, a steep 2-hour climb to SANTA ROSA (2,095 m.a.s.l.) where we will make a stop for a refreshing break. From SANTA ROSA we will continue uphill for another 2 hours towards MARAMPATA (2,913 m.a.s.l./ 9,557 ft), a natural floor where we can have a rest and our lunch, enjoying views of the Apurimac canyon. Here we take advantage of the facilities (bathrooms and laundry room). After a rest, we get ready to continue 2 more hours, towards our destination, the Choquequirao camp (3,033 m.a.s.l. / 9,951 ft). We will arrive at the camp at 5:00 p.m. There we will enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate and cookies, then dinner before heading to our comfortable tent to save energy for the next day.
Walking time: 7 hours
Distance to travel: 18 km /11.2 mi.
Weather: Hot during the day
Heights: 1,836 m.a.s.l. down to 1,550 m. and 1,550 m. to 3,033 m.a.s.l.
DAY 03: CHOQUEQUIRÃO INCA CITADEL-MARAMPATA
Today is the most important day because we are going to visit the great Inca site of CHOQUEQUIRAO (3,110 m.a.s.l. /10,120 ft.), which is located 15 minutes from our camp. After a delicious breakfast, we will have practically a full day exploring the mysterious Inca site of CHOQUEQUIRAO, where our professional guide will explain to you about the history of this magnificent place. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spanish, it was abandoned and forgotten until recent years, when tourism raised the city’s profile and exploration began. Even with this growing interest, only 35% 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, Inca houses, granaries, 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 guided tour, you will have extra time to explore and enjoy the place for yourself. In the afternoon we will have a delicious lunch and after the trekking to CACHORA will begin, along the route we have come from. We begin our hike, walk 2 hours to the MARAMPATA camp (2,913 m.a.s. l. / 9,557 ft.) to have dinner and a good rest, seeing a beautiful sunset over the mountains, and if we are lucky we can see condors, flying across the valley. Camp at MARAMPATA, (toilets and cold showers will be available).
Walking time: guided tour for 2 hours in Choquequirao + 2 hours that you can explore by yourself + 2 hours to the camp
Distance to travel: 6 km. / 3.7 miles
Weather: Warm during the dayHeights: 3,110 m.a.s.l. down to 2,913 m.a.s.l.
DAY 4: MARAMPATA-ROSALINAS BEACH-CHIQUISCA .
After our delicious breakfast at 7:00 am, we will start this day descending into the deep canyon. From MARAMPATA camping site we will walk for 1 hour and 30 minutes to SANTA ROSA, the first place to have a stop for a refreshing rest; after this we will continue downwards for another 1 hour and a half, towards ROSALINAS BEACH, where we will arrive at our lunch spot, located at the bottom of the canyon. Here we cross the Apurimac River (1,550 m.a.s.l. / 5,084 ft.) using a walkway. After lunch and a rest, we continue trekking with the 2-hour climb to the CHIQUISCA camp (1930m./6332 feet), to spend the night in our comfortable tents; here we will find some water, soft drinks, beers in a humble thatched house offered by local people.
Walking time: 6 hours
Distance to travel: 18 km / 11.20 miles
Weather: Hot during the dayHeight: 3,110 m.a.s.l. down to 1,550 m.a.s.l. and from 1,550 to 1,930 m.a.s.l.
DAY 5: MARAMPATA-ROALLA BEACH-CHIQUISCA.
This last day of our trek, we got up very early to return to Cusco City. After a delicious breakfast, from this point we will ascend for approximately 4 hours to CAPULIYOC (2,850 m.a.s.l. / 9,350 ft.). This is a once in a lifetime experience, walking through the beautiful and pleasant panoramic view, this will be our last stop, where we will have our lunch outdoors and from here we can again observe the beautiful Apurimac canyon and say goodbye to the unforgettable valley. After lunch we will walk the last 2 hours to reach the village called CACHORA (2,909 m.a.s.l. / 9,543 ft), a refreshingly countryside area. Here we are going to say our goodbyes to our riders, who carried all our belongings along the way. Here our private car will be waiting for us, to go to Cusco (3:30 hours ride). We will arrive in CUSCO CITY between 17:00 and 18:00 and finally we will drop you off at the hotel.
Walking time: 6 hours
Distance to travel: 15 km. / 9.3 miles
Weather: Hot during the day
Heights: 1,930 m.a.s.l. to 2,909 m.a.s.l.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Meeting and informative preparation talk with your Guide 1 or 2 days before the trek at our Central Office located in Cusco City.
- Safe luggage storage for your belongings in our Cusco Central Office, while you do the trek, if you do not have anywhere else to leave them.
- Transportation and pick-up from your hotel in Cusco City to the starting point of the Excursion.
- Bilingual Professional Guide for the entire route (Spanish and English).
- Entrance Tickets to the Choquequirao site
- Muleteers and Horses that will carry all the camping equipment such as: tents, tables, chairs, food, kitchen equipment, items for personal use and others.
- We will carry up to 7 kg. / 15 pounds of your personal luggage. To carry this load we will provide you with canvas bags (to place your personal items there) which will be given to you on the information meeting, 1 day before the trek. So you will only carry a small backpack with water.
- All food during the Excursion (03 dinners, 03 lunches, 04 breakfasts).
- We can provide vegetarian meals or special diets, according to your requirements at no extra cost.
- Boiled water from the 2nd day onwards.
- Camping equipment for the entire route: sleeping tent (high-quality mountain tents for 4 people, will be used only for 2 people for your convenience, comfort and enough storage space for your backpacks).
- Thermarest inflatable mattress.
- Dining tent + chairs + country tables, gas lamp for the nights.
- Complete kitchen tent and kitchenware to prepare all meals.
- First Aid Kit and Emergency Oxygen Tank that will be carried by the Guide.
- Return transportation from Cachora to Cusco City.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BE CARRIED
Many people think that the weather is hot in South America, but in the higher altitude area of the Andean range, temperatures can be very cold, especially at night. So we provide you with the complete list to organize your backpack in advance; if you don’t have one of the items, don’t worry, there are many camping stores in Cusco City where you can rent or buy what you need.
Please check this list of things required for the CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK and remember that everything is very important for the success of your trek.
Documents
- Original passport
- Student card, if you are a student
- Travel insurance (some copies)
Essential
- Day pack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Water bottle.
- Purification or filter tablets
- Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
- Money belt and some cash in Peruvian currency if you want to buy some souvenirs.
Clothes and shoes
- Hiking boots and sandals.
- Warm clothing: especially for the nights, such as a thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and rain poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, trousers, shorts, 4 hiking shirts)
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal first aid kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory pills
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen
- Lipstick
Personal hygiene items
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Body Wash Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body spray deodorant
- Toilet paper
Other articles
- Flashlight (or headlamp, recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory cards and additional batteries.
- Rubber tipped canes (optional).
- Pocket knife
- Some plastic bags.
- Sense of humor.
- Prior acclimatization in Cusco City is recommended, for at least 2 days and good general health.
* If you have any Questions or Queries about the Items you should bring to the tour, contact us at WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking 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 valuable information in a simple, fast 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 this. Just bring your own water for the first day. After this, our staff will provide you with water starting on day 2. Water is taken from the tap at each camp, then boiled and cooled. You can refill your bottle at breakfast, lunch and dinner. So don’t worry! Water will always be clean and safe 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 have during the trek. For your peace of mind we include All Meals and Snacks throughout the tour. All the reports and comments made by our clients guarantee and demonstrate that our meals are excellent.
All food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are purchased at the local market in Cusco City the day before the trek. Everything is carried by the porters, and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or rehydrated foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!
Each cook is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Food is served daily starting in the morning with a great breakfast, then we will give you some snacks to enjoy along the way, at noon you will have a good lunch. When you arrive at the camp you will enjoy tea time, and finally at night there is a delicious dinner. Without a doubt, all of this will exceed your expectations about food on the trek.
Below we show you some examples of what our Chefs can prepare and serve at meals:
- Breakfasts: Scrambled eggs, breads, pancakes, omelets, cereals, fruit salad, toasts, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, jam.
- Snacks for the Walk: Fruits, Cookies, Cereals, Chocolate, Candies.
- Lunch: Corn soup, Cream of Mushrooms, Cream of Asparagus, Rice with chicken, sausages, Fried trout, ceviche, meat, beans, fried rice, French fries, boiled vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
- Tea Time: Popcorn, fried wontons, tea, coffee.
- Dinner: Stuffed Chicken, vegetable omelets, pizza, spaghetti, pork chop, sautéed vegetables, salads.
In case you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to cater for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the trek.
3. ¿HOW DO I BOOK THIS TREK?
Booking this Tour with Us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also enjoy Payment Facilities such as Paying for your Excursion up to 1 day before your Tour and in 2 Installments:
- The First Installment 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. Pre-Payment will be made through a deposit of USD$200 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)
- The Second Fee will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, in person at our Main Office located at Historic Downtown, up to 1 day before the Tour.
⇒ To Book your Trek to Choquequirao 5 Days / 4 Nights, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.
2. Pay the First Installment (Pre-Payment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any payment method: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): Will be sent to you immediately after you have made the Pre-Payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Pre-Payment by another means such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other payment methods, let us know to send you all the necessary information for you to make it.
4. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE TREK?
Weather is very unpredictable along the Hike, it is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will encounter during the Tour. No matter what month you travel, be sure to have waterproof clothing on hand such as a rain jacket or a good rain poncho.
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), rainfall is very constant. However, don’t be surprised if some days are sunny this season. February is the month with the most rain, so during this month some hikes are 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?
Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give tips for the tour guides, cooks and porters. As you can see, this is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider will be greatly appreciated by our Staff.
6. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET ILL FROM ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Don’t worry!. All our Guides are trained in case you get sick with this condition. All our Guides carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well evaluated and cared for, which will allow you to continue with the Trek. In addition, all our staff is prepared in case of Emergency. After being treated, if you still feel very bad and cannot continue with the hike, the Guide will take the best decision for you whether 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 required to carry out the 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 do it whenever you want, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to assist you, call us at Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send us an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com. Also check the Contact Us link on this website .
9. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to Book your Excursion with Us, let’s look at some:
- Very good location of Our Travel Office that allows better coordination at any time. We are located in Cusco City’s Historic Downtown, just 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
- Excursion 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 in order, 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 provides you with support and safety. It also guarantees our seriousness and commitment to your satisfaction, which will be achieved with great responsibility and enormous pleasure.
- The Best Price for your trip and without hidden charges. Getting the best price is great and getting the best value is even better. We provide an All Inclusive Service trip at an affordable price, offering you the best Deals. We save you searching time with our Low Price Guarantee. How do we achieve this?… Simply because we are the Direct Tour Operator, managing the costs of the business at a local level and employing local people who will conduct your tour and without any intermediaries.
- Travel with Experts: The best Tour Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our Support Staff, locally known as “The Steel Team” is highly trained to assist all types of groups, families, friends, couples and all those who love outdoor activities.
- High Quality Equipment for your Tour. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated walking stick, through the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment every year, with a 2-year rotation, constantly looking for the best brands that are the most comfortable and safe for your trip.
- Excellent meals – All included. You don’t have to worry about food, because we include all meals during the entire Trek. Our chef will impress you with the quality of the food prepared in a small tent and small kitchen. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, we do not use canned or dehydrated foods. In addition, there is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets according to your needs, free of extra charge.
- Safe and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all departures, since we operate 100% of our treks. Other agencies hope to have enough clients to start an Excursion. 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 without surcharge. Normally our groups are small, and average 4 to 8 people.
- We treat our travel staff in the best way and are committed to social projects in our region. We practice good treatment for our workers. That is why we provide Inca Trail tickets, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our staff. The cooks and porters have paid Health Insurance and all of them have reasonable salaries according to the work they do. We are also committed to social program projects that bring benefits for children in local communities in Health and Education, which helps to improve their living conditions.
- We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are an eco-friendly company, committed to the environment and the sustainable use of ecological resources, which must have a minimal impact from Tourism activities. An important measure is that our kitchen staff uses biodegradable dishwasher detergents. We also constantly take part in Cleaning Campaigns for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Personalized Service and Support. When you ask a question, we will always respond. We are here to help provide personalized care 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 constantly purchased, 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 booking your 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, contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or email 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 Trek, the Choquequirao Route or the Lares Trek, or the famous Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 Days / 3 Nights.
PREVIEW 2024
USD $650.00 per adult (17 years or older)
USD $640.00 per student or child (4-17 years)
USD $0.00 per child (0-3 years old) – Free, traveling with the parents.
IMPORTANT:
Please note that this is a group tour.
IF you want a PRIVATE TOUR, request your quote by email at info@incredibleperutours.com or via WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006
A CONSIDERATION:
- Our passion is family travel, so if you are coming with children, contact us 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.
