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4 days
Choquequirao
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.
Your adventure step by step
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.
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.
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.
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.
Services not included
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We recommend that you bring
Please note
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.
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