Choquequirao trek

“CHOQUEQUIRAO CIRCUIT”

(5 Days / 4 Nights)

TRAVEL PLAN
1st day / Cusco - Cachora - Rosalina
Travelers are picked up at their hotel at 6:00 a.m. We head out on a private bus to the picturesque Cachora, a cliff hanging Andean village overlooking the imposing Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Hiking begins from Capuliyoc lookout spot; a few hours later, now near the bottom of the world, the tropical Rosalina is our first campsite. Dinner and overnight.

2nd day / Rosalina - Maranpata - Choquequirao
Once across the suspension bridge there's no turning back; the long, steep climb from the water (4920 feet) to Marampata (9515 feet) takes our last breath away. Along the way Santa Rosa is Julian’s (a local entrepeneur) rest stop where cookies and drinks can be bought. At Marampata, lunch means recovering strength and renewing spirits. Travelers know the goal is only two hours away along an easy trail to the Choquequirao campsite (9415 feet). After lunch, we suggest a quick visit to the Phaqchayoc Sector (a terraced agricultural system where corn is still grown) and The House of Waterfalls (according to archaeologists, the home of the Inca of Choquequirao). Back at the campsite, tired and proud, a warm meal is enjoyed before a good night’s sleep. (Bathrooms and cold showers available)

3rd day / Choquequirao full day
Beautiful day. We are stricken to observe how the vast majority of visitors take 4 days trekking but only a few hours or even minutes (!) to enjoy exploring the different sectors of Choquequirao. Bearing in mind that Choquequirao is scattered on both sides of the spur of Apu Corihuayrachina we know a fair amount of time is needed to understand the integrity of its context. Travelers will enjoy lunch near the ruins and hopefully view condors’ flight over the deep canyon. Back at the campsite, dinner and overnight. (Bathrooms and cold showers available)

4th day / Choquequirao - Villa Los Loros lodge
We head toward our lodge early, after breakfast. The ever changing landscape is fully appreciated with our now recovered muscles. The voice of the river as background and the imposing Apurimac Canyon seems to swallow the traveler. Finally, Playa San Ignacio. "Black Whip", "Machuco", "Cayguash" or some others are waiting for us. Our return on horseback is the perfect chance for a last look at the landscape we are now part of. Riding allows a great way to photograph friends who are traveling with us and the new friends this journey has given us; our fellow horsemen and their way of life will remain deep in the traveler’s heart. Beside the ruined walls of the Hacienda San Ignacio, lunch is served. The final stage takes us riding to Villa Los Loros lodge. Dinner and overnight.

5th day / Villa Los Loros lodge - Cusco
After breakfast we'll take a ride on the bus back to Cusco, arriving in approximately 5 hours, at around 13,00 p.m.

EXPECT:
Briefing at your Cusco hotel the day before departure; private transport service (Cusco - Cachora - Villa Los Loros lodge - Cusco); professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish); professional field chef; one night lodging at Villa Los Loros; three nights camping in Choquequirao Archaeological Park; high quality outdoor equipment (including 4 season tent, sleeping bag with personal hygienic sheets, extra comfort mattress, kitchen tent, dining tent, dining tables and chairs, all kitchen and dining utensils, lighting equipment, etc.); radio communication throughout the journey; first aid kit; all meals and beverages at the lodge and during the excursion; snacks; horsemen and pack mules; emergency saddled horse throughout the trek (1 for every 4 or 5 hikers); entrance tickets to Saywite and Choquequirao; personal saddled horse on your way back up from Playa San Ignacio to Villa Los Loros lodge.