This is a spectacular trek that will lead you to one of the mysterious last refuges of the Incas. Choquequirao is a huge archaeological complex located in the surroundings of the Salkantay Mountain and the Apurimac River Canyon. The excavations of Choquequirao started only recently, and until today archeologists are constantly discovering more structures and buildings. On the steep slope below the main complex lies a small group of newly discovered buildings. This ceremonial site is called „group of the mountain crest“ with the „temple of cascades“. It offers a fascinating view of the waterfalls of the nearby ravine.
1st day: Cusco to Chiquisca
We will leave Cusco at 6.00 am and drive in our private bus to Cachora, an Andean community, where we start our trek. Here we meet the horsemen with their horses, that will carry all the equipment. Our hike starts with a climb up to Abra Capuliyoc, at 2,750m, where we will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. We will then continue descending towards Chiquisca, where we will set our camp and spend the night.
2nd day: Chiquisca to Choquequirao
When leaving Chiquisca early morning, we cross the Apurimac River and start climbing towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope. In Santa Rosa we will take a break and try Cambray, a local sugar cane extract. Afterwards, we will continue our hike slowly climbing for two and a half hours until we reach our lunch spot in Marampata. From here, we will walk another two hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, located at 3,103 m. Here we will set up camp and enjoy some free time to explore the ancient terraces and buildings. At our campsite we will witness a beautiful sunset and hopefully be able to spot condors soaring over the valley.
3rd day: Choquequirao to Rosalina Beach
This morning we will enjoy a guided tour which will take us to the most important points of Choquequirao (cradle of gold). This site is just as mysterious as Machu Picchu and we will approach the heart of the city, where the extensions of the enormously bent terraces lead our view up to an artificial hill and a ceremonial platform. Often the thermal updrafts attract condors, which will soar over the temples, mausoleums, royal living quarters, ritual baths and water channels, assembly halls and warehouses. Behind the small hidden gardens spreads out a gigantic flight of stairs which is decorated with the famous mosaic of the „lama of fire“. Some areas of this impressive place are still covered in wild undergrowth that are ready to be restored to their original structure. After the tour, we will start our hike back towards Santa Rosa, to have lunch. More down at Rosalina Beach, we have our nightcamp with diner, but before that we can take a bath in the refreshing water of the Apurimac River.
4th day: Rosalina Beach to Cachora
After breakfast, we leave our campsite and climb for about 3 hours to Chiqusca and then to the mountain Ara Capuliyoc, where we eat lunch. Then we just have 2 hours more downhill to Cachora, where our private van awaits us to take us back to Cusco. Our estimated arrival time to Cusco will be 9 pm.
Important Notes:
This route has steep ascents and descents, with changes of altitude in one day of over 1,600m. There is usually warm weather during the day due to the lower altitude than Cusco. We recommend allowing one-day acclimatization in Cusco prior to the trek departure.
Departure and arrival times are aproximated.
