Choquequirao Trek 4 Days – Choquequirao Peru
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days is an off the beaten path experience. It is and alternative route to Machu Picchu. It takes you to the lesser-known archaeological site – Choquequirao Peru. The complex nestles at 3200 meters above sea level (10498 feet) high up in the Corihuayrachina mountain range.
The trek offers enchanting views of the Apurimac river snaking through the canyons. You will also get to see the flight of the Andean condors.
The name in Quechua means Cradle of Gold. Both Sacred Sisters Choquequirao and Machu Picchu were built in the same era by Inca emperor Pachacutec. Both Inca sites have more or less similar architecture.
When the Spanish invaded South America, the Incas left the city abandoned. Due to its remote location, they could not invade Choquequirao Peru.
Most of the complex is covered in dense vegetation. In fact, only half of the complex is now cleared and is open to tourism.
Hiram Bingham, the American professor who rediscovered Machu Picchu was in search of Vilcabamba and Choquequirao but he accidentally reached Machu Picchu and claimed it to be the last refuge of the Incas.
Machu Picchu gets over 5000 daily visitors. However, Choquequirao ruins get only a handful of visitors a day. This is because of its remote location. The only way to reach there is by going on a four-day hike.
To enhance tourism, the Peruvian government is planning on installing cable cars. This will see a rapid boom in tourism in the region.
The nine days Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek is one of the best alternatives to the classic Inca trail. You will be visiting Choquequirao and Vilcabamba. You will then visit Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
The highest point of the Choquequirao Trail 4 Days is the Choquequirao ruins at 3106 meters above sea level. We highly recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco before the trek to acclimate.
Why Minka Peru Expedition?
Minka Peru Expedition is a local tour operating company based in the city of Cusco. We have an excellent team of local tour guides who are from the region. They have plenty of knowledge of the Inca history and Andean culture. They are also mountaineering experts with knowledge of first aid.
Please note that the trek is quite challenging. Especially because of the high altitude. We highly recommend you to spend three to four days in Cusco acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness.
Do take a moment to check our reviews on Trip Advisor.
FAQs
When was Choquequirao built?
The citadel of Choquequirao was built in the 15th century, during the height of the Inca Empire. Choquequirao and the Vilcabamba valley served as the last bastion of Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest of the region in the 16th century. After the defeat of the Inca Empire, Choquequirao was abandoned.
Why was Choquequirao built?
Initially, Choquequirao was built by the Incas as a checkpoint before entering the Vilcabamba Valley. However, during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Choquequirao was used as a base of the Inca resistance led by Tupac Amaru I.
Who discovered Choquequirao?
Choquequirao was discovered by the Spanish explorer Juan Arias Diaz Topete in 1710. However, public interest decreased over the years. Later, in the year 1909 Hiram Bingham and Clarence Hay visited the area and made a detailed study of Choquequirao. This expedition drew public attention, which caused a series of excavations followed by restoration works.
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Destination
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Departure
Pick up from your Hotel -
Departure Time
5:00 AM. -
Return Time
Approximately 6:00 PM. -
Dress Code
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk -
Included
AccommodationEntrancesFirst aid kit and emergency oxigenMealsPick up from your HotelProfessional GuideTransportation -
Not Included
Walking Stick
Day 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CAPULIYOC – CHIKISKA – SANTA ROSA
Day 2: SANTA ROSA – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – MARAMPATA – LA PLAYA ROSALINAS – COCA MASANA
Day 4: CHIQUISCA – CACHORA – CUSCO
Tour Location
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NOTES ON THE ITINERARY
- The times given on this itinerary are approximate.
- Hiking times depend on how the group progresses.
- The trip offers plenty of adventure.
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS INFORMATION
- For complete information, please send us an email.
- We will have a meeting at your hotel before leaving to give you complete trek details and to answer any questions.
Available discounts are not cumulative
- Students: US$ 29 students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid
- Teenagers: US$ 20 up to 16 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings
- Children: US$ 46 up to 10 years of age, passport
DEPARTURE DATE
We operate this tour around the year.
Choquequirao Trek Includes:
- Pre trek briefing.
- Pickup from your hotel on the morning of trek departure.
- Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in a private car.
- Entry fee to Ausangate.
- English/Quechua/Spanish-speaking professional guide. (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people)
- Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
- Basic foam mattress.
- Cook and Cooking equipment. (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
- Toilet tent.
- Toilet paper, pack in &pack out.
- Meals. (optional vegetarian food) Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes) Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items. (up to 7 kg/ 15lbs per person)
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower.
- Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals.
- Tents for our staff to sleep in.
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment.
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunchtime, if requested with enough time ahead.
Choquequirao Trek Does Not Include:
- Breakfast on the first morning.
- Dinner on the last night.
- Entrance to the thermal springs.
- Sleeping bags – If you haven’t got a sleeping bag or you don’t want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish.
Recommended Things To Carry:
- A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature.
- Sandals or plastic slip-on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf, and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag. (we can hire these to you)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain, and cold.
- Sunblock.
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters, etc.
- Small towel.
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs.
- Cash in soles and/or US$.
- Original passport.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are recommended.
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries.
- Camera and batteries. (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended.
- Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount.
- Optional: walking sticks or poles. (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
How to make a booking
If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please e-mail us
- Once you have chosen your tour, please read the Booking Terms & Conditions, as your booking is subject to these terms.
- Then fill out and submit the Reservation Form that you will find in the Booking Online section of this website.
- In case your reservation is confirmed, a money deposit will be requested to secure your reservation.
- Once we confirm the deposit reception, your booking is confirmed. A Service Confirmation Form will be sent to you including all the details of your program.
In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please contact us we will be very glad to assist you. Your request will be answered by mail.
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag USD 5 per day.
- Walking Stick USD 2 per day.
- Inflatable Mattress USD 5 per day.
PRICE $USD PER PERSON
Private Group| Person | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5-6 | 7-8 | 9-12 | Per Person USD | |
| $ USD | 600 | 550 | 500 | 450 | 380 | 360 | 350 |
|---|
Igov
I booked a private tour of the Choquequirao ruins and Freddy was my guide. His knowledge is exceptional. The price was economic and the service was amazing. I highly appreciate Freddy´s patience and willing ness to help.
Justin S
Choquequirao is a wonder that many people who visit Peru still do not know. An entire Inca complex where you can also appreciate the flight of the condors. More attention should be paid to its proper care and preservation.