CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK  5 D / 4 N

introduction 5 Days Trek to Choquequirao

The archaeological site of Choquequirao was named for the first time in the year 1710 by Lorenza Huertas Vallejos. It means "cradle of gold." The area is relatively unexplored and is not well known yet. It’s located high on a ridge spur almost 1750m above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River Choquequirao this encircled with many snow mountains like, Salcantay 3250 m.s.n.m. Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpuy and Pumasillo. The architecture of this area it is not very variable for the type of rocks around of this areas, but gives a lot of importance for the style of constructions does not variable too much. The Choquequirao park is located south 13º 23 ' 07 ' in valley Santa Teresa province of the Convention. It is part of complex Andean system towns in the valley Vilcabamba that belongs to Spirit pampas, Ñusta Hispanan, Concebidayoc, Habas pampas and Pampaconas. Everything those in time of Incas were united buy communication with Machupicchu with the system on the way with other cities. It is still in exploration, cleaning and restoration by COPESCO constructed a footbridge over the Apurimac River below the ruins.

Even today the ruins are still rarely visited although, with the enforcement of new regulations on the Inca Trail, Choquequirao is destined to replace the traditional hike as the serious trekkers alternative. 

 

Itinerary

 

DAY 1 CUSCO – CACHORA –CHIQUISQA

We leave Cusco at 5:00 am for the 5 hour drive to the town of Cachora, arriving in the town of  San Pedro of Cachora at 10:00 a.m. In this city we will meetour horsemen they arrange our equipment on mules and horses. It is a 2 hour hike to Capulichayoc (2900m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac Valley. From this point we will be able to observe the majestic snow capered mountain. Padrayoc with an altitude about 5450 m. Then we descend toward Caserio de la Colmena and Chiquisqa (2350m) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m beside the raging Apurimac River where we will set up camp and spend the night.

 

 

 

Day 2 CHIQUISQA- CHOQUEQUIRAO

Up at 5 am for breakfast. This is considered the hardest of the 5 days to climb a steep trail. During thelong  hike to Marampampa, we will observe many orchids and wild flowers as well as many birds. Beside the Chunchullmayo River we will have a late lunch and enjoyed a  view of the Apurimac Canon.

From Marampampa to Choquequirao (3035m) is a 2 hour hike. We will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the sunset and if we are very lucky with the weather we may see some Condors flying nearby Our campsite will be just outside the ruins.

 

DAY 3 – CHOQUEQUIRAO -

After breakfast at 6 am, we visit the incredible ruins of Choquequirao. Our professional guide will explain the history and the importance of the site. Then you will have free time to explore the many sectors of the complex. It is very magnificent. Late in the afternoon we’ll  go back to the  camp site.

 

DAY 4 CHOQUEQUIRAO - CHIQUISQA

After breakfast  at 5:00 am, we will continue our return trek down a steep decent towards the Apurimac River. It is 6 hours down to Rosalina Beach where we take  lunch and a little rest. In the afternoon we will climb for a few hours to our final camp site Chiquisqa.

 

 

DAY 5 CHIQUISQA - CACHORA - CUSCO.

After a 3 hour climb we reach Capulichayoc. From here it is a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our horsemen and take the bus back towards Cusco. We will stop at the archaeological site at Saiwite to rest and have lunch. A further 4 hours by bus brings us back to Cusco. After a luxurious hot thermal springs shower it's time to enjoy a much deserved beer and a good meal