Choqekiraw Trek 4 Days – 3 Nights

Best Peruvian professional trek to Choquequirao meaning “Cradle of Gold”. See first hand the magnificent archaeological site in the Vilcabamba mountain range near Cusco. Beautiful campsites, top notch tents and spectacular walking exploration of Incas City of Choquekiraw.

Choqekiraw, meaning “Cradle of Gold”, is a magnificent archaeological complex located in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Cuzco area. It is thought that this mountain range was the last refuge of the Inkas resisting the conquest; led by Manco Inka II.

Possibly built by Tupac Yupanqui Inka; this impressive archaeological complex stands out for its terraces decorated with llamas and a shepherd in the Llamachayoc sector. Another interesting detail is that these terraces are built with stones in a vertical position.

We can also see a spectacular demonstration of the high level of development achieved by the Inkas in the sector known as Pacchayoq, which includes a system of water channels, irrigating a complex of agricultural terraces.

The steepness of the slope where these terraces are found is awe-inspiring.

On our trek, we will enjoy some spectacular geography, flora and fauna; native to the pluvial yunger, inter-Andean valleys and rainforest.

The temperature on this trek can range between a minimum of 5ºC / 41ºF at night, and a maximum of 23ºC / 73ºF during the day.

We recommend following the basics of Sustainable Adventure Tourism on this trek. We must respect and protect the environment, as well as the archaeological complexes and local customs.

ITINERARY

Your adventure step by step

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoq – Chikiska

We leave the city of Cuzco early, driving along the road which goes north-west across the famous Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa (Blood Pampa, because of the ferocious battle between the Inkas and the Chankas over possession of Cuzco city). We cross the mountains and descend to the warm town of Limatambo (2600m / 8530ft), where the archaeological site of Tarawasi is found.

We continue in the direction of the Cunyac Bridge over the Apurimac River, the natural border between the Cuzco and Apurimac regions. We follow the road to the settlement of Curahuasi, famous for its aromatic liquor: Macerado de Anis.

On the way to our final stop is the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2909m / 9543ft), in the Apurimac region. After the town we drive about 40 minutes to get to the Capuliyoq lookout (2941m / 9648ft), where we register at an INC control post. From the lookout, we have a spectacular view of the Vilcabamba mountain range, the Apurimac River and Choquequirao.

We begin our walk downhill, leaving the Capuliyoq lookout , with a spectacular view of the Nevado Padreyoq.

We begin our descent on a zigzagging footpath, crossing scrub and later a forest of native trees called Phaty, in around 3 hours. Our campsite awaits us at Chikisca (1836m / 6023ft). We can expect a warm night in the valley,

Estimated total time is 3 hours, and a distance of 7km / 4.35 miles.

Meal: lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl / 9514 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1860 masl / 6102 ft
Distance Travelled: 7 Km / 4.35 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 3 hrs

Day 2: Chikiska – Choquekiraw

After a good breakfast, we begin our descent to Playa Rosalina (1800m / 5905ft), where we cross the bridge over the Apurimac River. Time to this point will be approximately 1 hour.

We begin our climb uphill, on a zigzagging path, towards Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft); where we can take a refreshing break, rest and buy water and sports drinks.

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.

Time from the Apurimac river to here is approximately 4 to 5 hours. The gradient varies from gentle steep to very steep. Very short flat sections. We have lunch.

We follow the path which begins flat, and then has several uphill and downhill sections before the INC campsite at Choquequirao (2847m / 9340ft).

Our next activity is to visit some sectors of the archeological park of Choqekiraw, like the Urin Plaza and Llamayoq a lower location at the west of the Main Plaza. Llamayoq is one of the highlights of Choqekiraw. impressive location to see very steep farming terraces with a special decoration in the stone walls.

The tour will last approximately 2.5 hours. We return to the campsite, have dinner and sleep. Total distance to the campsite 14km / 08miles.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1600 masl / 5249 ft
Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 3: Choquekiraw – Chikiska

After breakfast, we leave the campsite very early to start the second visit to Choqekiraw: the Urban sector, the main plaza of the Hanan sector and a beautiful lookout of the Apurimac river. Also the Usnu, the Priests House, and Piki Wasi, returning to Marampata around 1 pm to have lunch. Afterwards, we return by the same path to Chikisca, all the way down until the Apurimac river, and after that, a short uphill until the campsite. Beautiful sunset time.

Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1600 masl / 5249 ft
Distance Travelled: 15 km / 9.32 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 10 hrs
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Chikiska – Cusco

We leave our campsite early to avoid the strongest sun on our climb to the Capuliyoq lookout, where we will arrive in approximately 4 hours. This is the perfect place to see how deep is the valley of the Apurimac river and how high is the Padreyoq mountain. Here is a good chance to see condores. Then we walk along the flat stretch through to Capuliyoq, where we meet our transportation back to Cusco.

Meals: breakfast, and lunch
Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl / 9514 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1860 masl / 6102 ft
Distance Travelled: 7 km / 4.35 ml
Approximate Walking Time: 4 hrs

PRICES

Know our rates

PRICES AND SERVICES USD

Group service – Price per person

4-6

7-8

9-10

2680

1620

1225

1080

915

850

Services included

Private transportation Cuzco – Cachora
Guide service in Spanish/ English
Sleeping bag per person (-10 ºC – Eureka – Cimarron – mummy form, our sleeping bags are cleaned after every use) – available in private service
Sleeping liner – available in private service
Pillow – available in private service
Inflatable sleeping pad (Therm A Rest) – available in private service
Cook and assistant
Cooking equipment
Snacks
Daily tea service
Dining equipment including chairs and tables (Travel Chair)
Cooking, eating and bathroom (The Pett) tents
Portable environmental toilet (The Pett)
Food (3 breakfast, 4 lunch, 3 dinner)

Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – 4 seasons)
Single tents available for extra cost – USD$ 15.00 per night
Mule-handlers
Mules – for transportation of our camping equipment and transportation of personal belongings (available in private service)
Saddled horse (for every 6 passengers there is one saddled horse)
First-aid kit
Emergency oxygen bottle
One Pachatusantrek kit of 100% biodegradable products (toiletries) – available in private service
Pachatusantrek water resistant duffel bag for carrying personal stuff (on loan)
Pre departure briefing
Private Transportation Cachora- Cuzco

Services not included

Not mentioned food
Extra expenses
Optional tip for field staff
Evacuation expenses

IMPORTANT

Further Details

We recommend that you bring

Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
Waterproof clothing (poncho)
Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
Sunhat and sunglasses
Sun cream and insect repellent
Water bottles such as Nalgene
Basic medications
Walking sticks
Swimsuit and towel
Personal items
Personal snacks
Previous acclimatization in Cuzco city, for at least 2 days and general good health. Pachatusantrek offers easy one day and half day routes which can be completed before the main trek
DNI / Original Passport

Please note

For the group prices
We apply the 4 – 10 range price when we open a group
We need 4 persons to open one group

In case you are less number of persons and there is no any group open we will apply the price according to the number of persons.
Camping equipment for rent
Please check the difference between a group and a private service
Group service does not include the following services
Sleeping bag
Sleeping liner
Pillow
Inflatable sleeping pad
Transportation of your personal belongings
Pachatusantrek biodegradable toiletries
Please ask for our camping equipment and extra services to rent

Important Environmental Note

Pachatusantrek is committed to following the principles of ecotourism in our operations, and request the understanding and cooperation of trekkers, especially by not contaminating the waters and in the adequate disposal of non-biodegradable waste. We must also respect the customs and traditions of the local people.

” This trip was nothing short of outstanding. Our guides, were friendly, knowledgeable, and simply top notch. It was definitely worth every penny. The food was also amazing. I can’t say enough about this tour operator. They were well organized, helped us in advance of our trip and were just great people who really seemed to love what they do”

Patrick

GALLERY