Choquequirao Trek 4 days 3 nights - 4 Days

We’ll leave Cusco early in the morning and we’ll drive through a spectacular area along the farmlands of the Anta plateau, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Andes. The winding road descends more than 1,820 m until we’ll reach a bridge over the Apurimac Gorge, and then ascends through fields and leafy orchards before making its final descent to the village of Cachora. We’ll continue our bus ride for one more hour to Capulioc, at 3.400 m. (the whole journey takes approximately 5 hours). In Capulioc we can see breathtaking views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. At this point, we’ll meet our muleteer called “Demetrio” and the horses’ haul off load and we’ll begin our walk, catching the first glimpses of Choquequirao in the distance. You can see it from the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, which is in front of the majestic Pedrayoj (5.482 m.a.s.l). We’ll begin the steep descent through an area of dry cactus, Ichu (Stipa ichu), Bromelias or Achupallas and orchids flourishing in the Apurimac River Canyon, until we’ll reach Santa Rosa (1.550 m.a.s.l.) that is next to the Rio Apurimac (the Great Spoken Spirit River, as the Incas said). There we will camp.

Walk this day: approximately 20km for 5-6 hours.

We leave Santa Rosa very early in the morning, because during the ascent it is better to have a cool climate. We cross the mighty Apurimac River on a recently built iron bridge. For a wide road that ascends in zigzag takes us from the area of ​​the dry canyon, passes through small plantations of sugar cane to the prairies highlands, after 2 hours of walking we will make a small stop in Santa Rosa where we can buy mineral water, soda And taste of a delicious Chicha of sugar cane. After a short break, we continue with the ascent until arriving at Marampata (lunch place) at this place ends our steep walk. From this place we capture our first panoramic view of the buildings and platforms of Choquequirao through a deep valley. The final stretch of today’s walk passes through the cool shadows of a native cloud forest as we approach the wooded ridge (3000 m) where the Incas built their ceremonial center. We camp near the archaeological park of Choquequirao, this camp has hygienic service and cold shower. If we arrive early to the camp of Choquequirao we can visit the Archaeological Park.

We will have 3 to 4 hours guided tour of the most important places of the archaeological Park. Choquequirao is as mysterious as Machu Picchu and its name means “Cradle of Gold”. The Apurímac River roars at a distance of 1,450 m below, and is visible on both sides of a steep ridge to which clings the Inca city of Choquequirao. As we approach the heart of the city, an expanse of huge curving platforms guides our gaze towards an artificial hill and a ceremonial platform that overlooks the main square from above. The thermal currents of the afternoon attract the Andean condors up to here, which fly over the complex of temples, mausoleums, royal residences, ritual baths and water channels, large meeting rooms, tanks, hidden gardens and a giant staircase where we can appreciate the “Flames of Fire”. These structures still stand as testimony to the careful planning of the Inca engineers. Excavation work in Choquequirao is very recent and archaeologists are constantly discovering areas and structures unknown up until now. The steep hillside below the main square shows several groups of newly discovered buildings, including what is called the Crest Group, the Temple of Waterfalls, a fascinating ceremonial complex overlooking the waterfalls of a steep creek.

Then we will return to our camp to take our breakfast and ready our luggage to return by the same path, observing the great variety of flora and fauna; Again passing by Marampata, Santa Rosa (lunch place), Rosalina beach and finally we returned to the shade of the fruit trees and avocados in Chiquisca, where we set up our last camp.

This day we have to start the trek very early because during the day it is very hot in the canyon, that is why we have to get up early to take advantage of the freshness of the canyon, in reciprocity we will enjoy the incredible sunrise in the canyon of Apurimac and the last view Of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao.

As we walk for 3 hours along winding paths under leafy soft bark trees, full of orchids and bromeliads, we reach the mountain pastures that extend towards the viewpoint of Capuliyoc. Where we will have lunch farewell and we will say goodbye to the team that accompanied us on the way. Finally we will start the imposing trip back to the imperial city of Cusco.