Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is a nine days trek from Cusco. It takes you to two prominent lost cities of Incas. This is somewhat challenging trek but is totally worth the climb. The route takes you through some of he beautiful sights with pristine Andean landscapes. This is one of the treks that is rich in history.
Choquequirao is a less popular sight. The only way to reach the archaeological complex is by hiking through Apurimac canyon. It takes four days for a round trip from Cusco. This makes it challenging for some travellers to reach there and this is what makes it a true hidden gem. The trek offers beautiful views of the Apurimac canyon on the way.
Choquequirao was built in the same era, as Machu Picchu, by Pachacutec. This was the the last hold outs of Inca resistance to Spanish rule by Manco Inca. It is so massive, that even today the site has not been excavated completely. The archaeological site features a main plaza, Inca temples and agricultural terraces among others.
It won’t be surprising to have the whole complex for you while you are visiting. It is one of the best off the beaten tract sites in Peru.
An emblematic attraction, this is now the new wonder of the world. Machu Picchu was a royal estate. It was used for 80 years and was abandoned. This was home to around 750 people. Most of them who worked for the royal family.
As most Inca sites, farming was an important occupation and one of the prime sources of income. The agriculture terraces esist on a hillside. This was to ensure good drainage facility. Also to protect the citadel from landscapes and erosions.
This is one of the best example of Incan engineering.
Our nine days Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu with a local guide offers an insight to the Inca history and architecture. The trek also offers an enchanting views on your way.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
05:30 AM
At 0550 AM we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will then embark on a four hours road trip to Cachora. It is a small village at 2700 metres above sea level. Here we will meet our mule and muleteers. After organising our things on mule we will start our trek through Apurimac canyon for two and a half hours. We will reach Capuliyoc. A remote Andean village at 2915 metres above sea level. This is one of the spots on the trek that offers captivating views. From here you will get a panoramic view of Apurimac canyon. We will stop here for lunch.
After lunch, we will trek down the hill for three hours. We will then reach our first campsite in Chiquiska. It is deep down in the Apurimac Canyon. We will retire for the day after an exquisite Peruvian dinner.
After breakfast, we will hike down further deep into the canyon. It will be an hour’s hike to Rosalinas Bridge. An emblematic bridge that runs across the Apurimac River. It is at 1550 metres above sea level. From here, we will begin a four hour climb to Marnapata. A place from where you will get first glimpse of Choquequirao archaeological complex. The area is inhabited by deers, spectacled bears and butterflies. We will be camping in a campsite close to the ruins.
After breakfast, we will hike to Choquequirao ruins. Here you will have a guided tour. On this tour you will be visiting the llama sector. It is one of an unmissable attractions. The Incas embosses the steps and some farming terraces with geometric representations of llamas. This is almost 20 minutes away from Choquequirao ruins. We will then climb for forty minutes. From the view point here, you will get an enchanting view of Pinchayunuyoc farming terraces.
From here we will descend to Rio Blanco. Here we will stop for lunch. Later we will set up the tents and camp here for the night.
After breakfast, we will start the day by hiking up the hill for four hours. This will take us to an extraordinary site named Maizal. It nestles at 3500 metres above sea level. Maizal is a quiet place amidst the nature. The scenery around here is simply beautiful. We will be camping in this blissful place surrounded by enchanting views.
We will start quite early in the morning after breakfast. The trek will take us through lush green vegetation, it is a region that boasts different types of Orchids. From here we will be trekking along a section of Inca highway. Here, we will be passing through many mines that were functional for decades. Then we will hike to Victoria pass at 4150 metres above sea level.
The pass is popular to offer you sights of Andean condors flying above. This is the heart of Vilcabamba Mountain Range. After relaxing here, we will start a down hill trek. This will be for three hours to a village, Yanama. Here we will camp for the night.
We will start our trek to Ccolpa. It is a remote village at 2850 metres above sea level. From here, we will hike along a small path. From here there is a gradual climb to Yanama Pass. A pass at 4650 metres. From here, it gets a little easier, we will be descending to Pucara. We will stop here for lunch. After lunch, we will continue to Ccolpa. It is a traditional village, people here still maintain their traditions. Infact, they still speak in Quechua. We will camp here for the night.
After breakfast, we will hike through the jungle. We will be passing through different types of plants, birds and flowers. Our guide will explain about each of them. Walking through this picturesque setting, we will reach a waterfall. We will stop for lunch on the banks of the river. We will then continue by bus to Santa Teresa. It is a small town, home to hot springs. Here we will camp for the night.
After breakfast, we will hike for three hours to an archaeological complex of Llactapata. This is one of the Inca settlements that is well preserved. After you have had your fill of history here, we will hike for another two and a half hours to Hidro Electrica. Here we vill stop for lunch.
After lunch, we will take a train to Aguas Calientes town. In Aguas Calientes, we will be accommodating you in a basic ensuite hotel room.
Later at night we will meet at a local restaurant for dinner.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu. Once in the citadel, we will give you a two and a half hours’ guided tour. On this tour, you will be visiting the main plaza, the ceremonial site, the farming terraces among others.
After the tour, you will have some time to walk around. If you have booked your trek to Huyana Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, please advise us so we can organise accordingly.
Alternatively you can walk to the Sun Gate. This is the gate through which those on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu enter the citadel at dawn. They get to see the an exclusive view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. It is a two hours round trip walk from the citadel.
After the tour, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here you will be boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. At Olantaytambo we will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
