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The Choquequirao Ultimate Challenge 4 Days / 3 Nights

Desde US$ 595

Summary

Itinerary

DÍA 1 Cusco – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa

The departure will be from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am and drive across the Andes towards Capuliyoc, arriving at approximately 8:30 am. After the first breakfast prepared by your chef, start the TreXperience to one of the Incas’ legendary lost cities, the Choquequirao citadel. The first part is a 4-hour downhill from Capuliyoc (2950 m – 9678 ft) to our lunch place at Chikiska (1950 m – 6398 ft). Along the way, you will get the first views of the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Peru. This part of the trek offers us spectacular panoramas with different landscapes, from the mountains of Peru to the dense vegetation of the clouded forest. After lunch, continue the journey for two more hours to Santa Rosa (2230 m – 7300ft), where we camp for the night.

  • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
  • Hiking hours: 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Difficulty: Moderate

 

DÍA 2 Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, get ready for one of the most challenging but rewarding days on this TreXperience! First, hike for 4 hours uphill to Marampata (2940 m – 9646 ft). On the way, you will visit sugar cane farms where locals produce “Cañazo,” a local alcoholic drink made for centuries and delivered to cities like Cusco. Lunch is in a local house with amazing mountains and river views. After lunch, ascend another 2 hours up and down to Choquequirao (3050 m – 10006 ft). A spectacular Inca Site perched in the Peruvian Andes, Choquequirao, was one of the last Inca cities built in the cloud forest and abandoned during Peru’s conquest. It might have been one of the entrance checkpoints to Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Incas, in the 16th century. Today, our campsite offers spectacular views of the Apurimac valley and the Peruvian Andes.

  • Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
  • Hiking duration: 8 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Difficulty: Challenging
DÍA 3 Marampata – Chikiska

Wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee or coca tea provided by your trekking team while you enjoy the most spectacular sunrise at this magical place. It will be a 3-hour downhill to Santa Rosa (2230 m – 7300 ft), our lunch spot after breakfast. Later, continue down for one more hour downhill and 2 hours uphill until the last campsite at Chikiska (1950 m- 6398 ft). This is a perfect day to enjoy the surrounding landscape from hundreds of different flowers, birds, and waterfalls in the distance.

  • Distance:  15 km / 9.3 miles
  • Approximate Hiking Time: 6 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
DÍA 4 Chikiska – Saywite – Cusco

On the final day, wake up early and enjoy the last breakfast with your team. Then, prepare for the last 4-hour trek uphill to Capuliyoc. We will arrange a special feast, the Pachamanca underground barbecue, where we will have different kinds of vegetables, meats, and fruits buried underground with hot stones. After lunch, say goodbye to all our trekking team that accompanied you on this expedition. Afterward, take private transportation to the archaeological site of Saywite, a great mysterious rock believed to be the complex irrigation system of the region. You will have plenty of time to explore the area, then return to Cusco and drop off at your hotel around 6:00 pm.

  • Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
  • Approximate Hiking Time: 4 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
  • Accommodation: Not included
Includes
  • All transportation included
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Second Tour Guide for groups of 9+
  • Trekking Chefs to prepare fresh meals
  • Porters, muleteers
  • Horses to carry food and equipment
  • Duffle bag for 8 kilos of your stuff
  • 3 meals per day
  • Vegetarian and vegan options
  • Comfortable camping equipment
  • Sleeping foam mattress, pillows
  • First aid kit with Oxygen bottle, satellite phones
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao site and Saywite
  • All taxes and booking fees
Not Included
  • Sleeping Bag, air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us)
  • Dinner on day 4 (When back in Cusco)
  • Gratuities (Optional)
  • Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)

Before Travel

  • Trekking backpack: From 25L to 35L for the day.

  • Footwear: Mountain boots with good grip (already broken in).

  • Layered clothing: Breathable t-shirts, fleece and thermal jacket.

  • Waterproofs: Rain poncho or technical jacket.

  • Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses and cap.

  • Insect repellent: Essential for lower areas.

  • Hygiene: Wet wipes, toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

  • Energy: Headlamp and Power Bank.

  • Hydration: Reusable water bottle.

  • Cash: Coins in soles for snacks or tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

01
What is the difficulty level of the trek?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging. It involves long descents and steep ascents, especially on the second day. A good level of physical fitness is recommended.


02
What is the best time to do the tour?

The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October), when there is less rain and trail conditions are better.


03
What is the weather like during the trek?

The weather varies depending on altitude:

  • High مناطق: cold mornings and nights
  • Lower areas: warm and humid
    Layered clothing is strongly recommended.

04
What type of accommodation is included?

The tour includes comfortable camping for 3 nights, with tents, foam sleeping mats, and pillows provided.


05
What kind of food is provided?

You will enjoy 3 freshly prepared meals per day, cooked by trekking chefs. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, along with snacks during the hike.


06
How much weight can I carry?

A duffle bag is provided for up to 8 kg , which is carried by horses. You only need to carry a daypack (25L–35L).


07
Are entrance tickets included?

Yes, entrance fees to Choquequirao and Saywite are included.


08
Is there phone signal or internet during the trek?

No, most of the route has no signal. However, the team carries a satellite phone for emergencies.


09
Do I need to acclimatize before the trek?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to spend at least 2 days in Cusco before starting the trek to adjust to the altitude.


10
What should I bring?

Essential items include:

  • Trekking boots
  • Layered clothing
  • Rain gear
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Reusable water bottle

11
Can I rent extra equipment?

Yes, you can rent:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Inflatable sleeping pad
  • Trekking poles

12
What happens in case of an emergency?

The team is equipped with a first aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite communication to handle emergencies.


13
Are tips included?

No, tips are optional, but appreciated for the guides, cooks, and support staff.


14
Is the tour suitable for children or older adults?

It depends on physical condition. Due to its difficulty, it is not recommended for people with heart, respiratory, or mobility issues.


15
What makes this tour special?

This trek offers a unique combination of:

  • Stunning views of the Apurímac Canyon
  • Cultural experiences (like traditional sugarcane liquor production)
  • In-depth exploration of Choquequirao (less crowded than Machu Picchu)

Traditional Peruvian cuisine such as Pachamanca

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