The Choquequirao Trek offers an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a more authentic and less crowded route to Machu Picchu. From the ancient ruins of Choquequirao to the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, this journey promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Immerse yourself in the Andes mystique, uncover the Incas’ secrets, and forge lasting connections with fellow trekkers. The Choquequirao Trek is not just a physical challenge; it’s a transformative experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Prepare for a lifetime journey and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, Choquequirao is an ancient Incan city that predates Machu Picchu. This archaeological site is often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu due to its similar layout and architectural style. Choquequirao is believed to have served as an important religious and administrative center for the Incas and played a significant role in their civilization.
Unlike Machu Picchu, which attracts thousands of visitors daily, Choquequirao remains relatively undiscovered. The remote location and challenging trek to reach it have helped preserve its authenticity and charm. Exploring Choquequirao allows you to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the Incan culture and its impressive engineering skills.
The connection between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu is more than just historical. The Choquequirao Trek offers trekkers a chance to experience the journey that the Incas themselves might have taken to reach Machu Picchu. This alternative route provides a unique perspective on the Incan civilization and allows you to appreciate the grandeur of Machu Picchu even more.
Why choose the Choquequirao Trek over the traditional Inca Trail?
While the traditional Inca Trail is undoubtedly famous and iconic, the Choquequirao Trek offers a different experience that appeals to adventurous travelers seeking a more intimate encounter with nature and history.
Here are a few reasons why you might consider choosing the Choquequirao Trek over the traditional Inca Trail:
Less Crowded: The Inca Trail can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. The Choquequirao Trek, on the other hand, sees far fewer trekkers, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful and secluded journey. This sense of solitude enhances the overall experience and allows for a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.
Authenticity: Choquequirao offers a more authentic glimpse into the Incan civilization. With fewer visitors, the site remains relatively untouched, allowing you to explore the ruins at your own pace and soak in the atmosphere without the distractions of crowds.
Breathtaking Scenery: The Choquequirao Trek takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Andes. Each step offers a new and awe-inspiring vista, from snow-capped peaks to lush valleys. The diversity of the terrain adds an extra layer of excitement to the trek and ensures that you’ll always enjoy the scenery.
Here are some tips to help you get ready for your adventure:
Fitness and Training: The Choquequirao Trek is physically demanding, so good physical condition is essential. Start a training regimen a few months before your trek, focusing on cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking to build endurance.
Acclimatization: The trek takes you to high altitudes, so acclimatizing is crucial. Plan to spend a few days in Cusco or other high-altitude destinations before starting the hike to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air.
Your private trekking team, led by an expert guide, will meet you at your hotel. Prepare for a scenic 4-hour drive, where you’ll witness the rustic charm of farm villages boasting potato fields, vibrant vegetable patches, and sprawling avocado and fruit plantations in Limatambo and Curahuasi Valley. Your journey pauses at Capuliyoc for a delightful lunch.
Post-lunch, the real adventure begins. From the Capuliyoc viewpoint, marvel at the vast expanse of the Apurimac Canyon, the meandering Apurimac River, and the distant visage of Choquequirao.
Today’s 4-hour hike will take you along a stone-laden path, with the magnificent Apurimac canyon as your backdrop, until you reach the Chiquiska camp. Meals included: Lunch and Dinner.
Friendly Reminder: It’s essential to come equipped. Sturdy hiking shoes and quality socks are vital to prevent blisters.
Altitude: Capuliyoc 2800 m/8900 ft to Chiquiska camp 2000 m./6000 ft., Distance: 12 km, Time: 4 to 5 hours.
Starting the day with a hearty breakfast, our journey will lead us downhill toward Playa Rosalina. Here, we’ll traverse the expansive Apurimac River, a significant tributary of the Peruvian Andes that eventually pours into the Atlantic Ocean.
Post-crossing, we embark on a five-hour climb to Marampata. This spot, perfect for a lunch break, boasts breathtaking views of the Apurimac canyons and nearby landmarks, including the picturesque Huanipaca village.
Re-energized, our trek resumes with a series of ascents and descents en route to the Choquequirao basecamp. Navigate through the day’s challenging stretches, surrounded by the lush Bambu greenery. If fortune favors, you might spot the rare Andean spectacled bear amidst the foliage.
Altitude: from 1600 to 3000 m. Distance: 16 km. Time: 8 to 9 hours.
Kicking off the day with a delightful breakfast, we’re set to delve deep into the wonders of Choquequirao – an archaeological marvel second only to the famed Machu Picchu. As we navigate the hidden treasures of this ancient Inca city, our guide will enlighten you about its rich history and significance.
Our exploration begins at the ceremonial area, where you can sit and soak up the aura of tranquility and positive energies. For those with a penchant for yoga, this location is a haven for peaceful retreats.
Our journey then advances to the residential and agricultural sectors, where the depiction of llamas is intricately carved into the farming terraces, a testament to the artistic prowess of the Incas.
Post-exploration, we’ll head back to our camp for a hearty lunch. The rest of the afternoon presents a choice: unwind at the campsite or venture further down to the lower agricultural areas, where cascading waterfalls invite you for a refreshing dip.
Total exploration time: approximately 6 hours.
Following a delightful breakfast, we’ll embark on our journey back towards Marampata. Here, cherish a final sweeping view of Choquequirao, framed against the backdrop of the vast canyons and surrounding peaks.
Our trail then descends for approximately four hours to Playa Rosalina, where we’ll cross the majestic Apurimac River and pause for a well-deserved lunch. Rejuvenated, our hike resumes with an ascent, leading us to the Chiquiska camp by evening.
Altitude: 3000mts/9500fts Chiquiska 2000mts/6000fts, Distance: 20 km, Time: 7 to 8 hrs.
We’ll kick off the day with an early breakfast and commence our four-hour ascent to Capuliyoc. This morning’s trek offers panoramic views of the
Apurimac canyons, the trail zigzagged through stone paths enveloped by native trees. Upon reaching Capuliyoc, we’re treated to a final mesmerizing view of the Apurimac Canyons set against the backdrop of the majestic mountains.
As we pause here, our crew will prepare a sumptuous farewell lunch. This meal also allows us to gather, reflect on our journey, and extend our heartfelt goodbyes to the trekking team. With memories in our hearts, we’ll then drive back to Hotel Cusco, marking the end of an unforgettable expedition.
Altitude: 2000mts/6000fts Capuliyoc 2800mts, Distance: 12 km, Time: 4hrs.
Massage sessions: us$50 per 1-hour session. Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco.
The Cusco Region mainly presents two seasons, the rainy season, from November to April, with the heaviest rainfalls usually occurring between January, February, and March, and the dry season from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Inca Trail, the temperature ranges from 15-20°c during the day if it’s sunny, to 10-28°c during the day if not sunny, or 05-15°c at night in the first two campsites. At Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, at a lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer, though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
There are benefits and drawbacks to visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu during each season. The dry season is usually crowded at all the sites, and especially on the Inca Trail, you need to ensure your permit at least six months in advance.
The rainy season can be a very pleasant time for you who are looking to do cultural tours or for you who will design your vacations without trekking, including visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu with fewer people.
The altitude of Cusco city: 3400 meters
The population of Cusco: 1,300,000
With the new regulations of the Peruvian government, the Machu Picchu entrance tickets go on sale from 6.00 am to 3.00 pm.
With the new regulations from the Peruvian government, the Wayna Picchu tickets go on sale from 7.00 am until 10:00 to 11:000 am. The hike Will take 45 minutes up and 30 minutes down all the way. The step is not recommendable for people who have vertigo.
Note: It’s essential to book in advance to ensure your entrance tickets to the sites.
The hike will take you 1.45 hrs and 1:00 hrs down. The tickets go on sale in two windows of time from 6 to 7 a.m., and the second group is from 8 to 9 a.m. Takes longer, but it’s more beautiful.
It is the biggest problem in South America, not just in Peru. It can affect us on our tour treks. Roads are often blocked as well as trains stop their operations. Usually, the advice is two weeks in advance to prevent do not affect too much any of this country’s problems on our tours. In the worst-case, Private Machu Picchu Will let you know to cancel the tours or treks. Your health and safety are our top priorities.
Cusco has an airport, mostly for domestic flights from inside the country. Our international airport is Jorge Chavez in Lima.
LATAM Airlines is the biggest company that operates in Peru and has connections all over the world. It is the only airline that doesn’t have too many cancellations in the weather conditions here in Cusco. The time flight from Lima to Cusco is one hour. You can always connect your flights to Puno, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado Jungle, Iquitos, or the north of Peru, in our extension tours.
There is always a bus option from Lima to Cusco. The time will take you 22 hours.
Peruvian cuisine is recognized for its biodiversity of products and continues conquering the whole world. Peruvian food is being awarded internationally for owning the most delicious food in the world.
The Cusco Region has unique gastronomy for the use of local products like potatoes, quinoa, corn, a variety of vegetables, and its exotic fruits, plus guinea pig and alpaca meat. Your travel expert will recommend restaurants that you can visit here in Peru and Cusco.
On our treks, we provide you with delicious food. You just need to make sure to let us know your dietary restrictions before departure on our treks, as well as our chefs are well-experienced in cooking in the mountains.
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We took the 5 day/4 night Inca Trail Trek with Private Machu Picchu, and added an extra day in Machu Picchu Pueblo for birding ...
