Choquequirao Quest Holiday

New
4 days 3 nights
Peru
Photo Saul M.
Saul M.
Tour Provider
View Saul’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic

The term Choquequirao translates to "Cradle of Gold." Nestled high above the turbulent, glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by majestic, snow-capped mountains, Choquequirao is an isolated and infrequently visited "Lost City of the Incas." This archaeological site is often referred to as the sister of Machu Picchu; while it is less famous and attracts fewer visitors, it is three times larger than Machu Picchu. It served as one of the last strongholds for Incas resisting Spanish colonization following the conquest. Eventually abandoned, the site became enveloped in dense cloud forest, and archaeologists are still uncovering new areas of the city today.

Located at an elevation of 3,033 meters (9,951 feet) between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, Choquequirao's remoteness contributes to its allure: it can only be reached by footpath. The roundtrip trek spans approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) and involves a challenging ascent and descent between 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) and 3,100 meters (10,170 feet).

The cost for a private trek is an extra $100 USD per person.

Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

from
$537
per tourist for 4 days
Available dates
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Saul M.
Saul M. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, Spanish
Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Stunning Archaeological Site
Choquequirao is an impressive Inca site, often referred to as the "sister city" of Machu Picchu
Peru Trekking
Breathtaking Natural Scenery
The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush cloud forests to rugged mountain terrains
Challenging Trekking Experience
The journey involves a strenuous 40-kilometer roundtrip hike, with significant elevation changes

Route details

Day 1
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

This incredible adventure begins at 4:30am, when the guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive for the next 4 hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the way, there are picturesque views of villages, spectacular valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen, pack all of our equipment onto the horses. You will carry a small daypack with the essentials you will need on the trail.
Start walking all the way down to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m/4,840ft) where we have lunch. Along the way, you will enjoy great views of the Apurimac Canyon and mountain peaks such as Padreyoc at (5,571m/18,387ft). After lunch, ascend for two hours to our first campsite at Santa Rosa, (1900m/6234ft) where hot drinks and appetizers will be ready. You will have time to settle into your tents, which will already be set up, before dinner.

Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 16.5kms/ 10 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Peru Trekking
Day 2
Santa Rosa – Maranpata – Choquequirao
Day 3
Marampata – Chiquisca
Day 4
Chiquisca – Saywite – Cusco
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

Max Altitude: 5571 m.s.n.m.

The trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important for the trek and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is from moderate to difficult level.

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
3 nights
3 nights
Comfortable Tents

OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They all are comfortable.
AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for $20 USD.
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and the biochemical camping toilet are provided on the trek.

Sleeping bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers)

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included
  • pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek;
  • private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and Cachora to Cusco;
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites;
  • English speaking, experienced and professional guide;
  • comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent;
  • meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request);
  • 1 emergency horse (with helmet) which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or are ill;
  • all camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent;
  • tents for our staff to sleep in;
  • First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle;
  • pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen;
  • camping pillow and foam sleeping mattresses;
  • private guided tour at each archeological site;
  • 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our horses;
  • boiled water for drinking and washing purposes;
  • taxes.
Extras
  • flights;
  • sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of minus 10°C – $20 USD;
  • air mattresses – $20 USD;
  • trekking poles – $15 USD;
  • additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance;
  • tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen.
Group size
From 2 to 8 tourists
Duration
4 days
3 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
  • Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: 2-3L, please bring reusable, not disposable, bottles
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Fleece/ thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Tell me about your team
Important information about the trek
Cancellation of booking

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Jan – 31 Dec
    Request to book

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