Choquequirao, or ´cradle of gold´ in its spanish translation, is an archeological complex that only recently has been discovered. Here one finds an impressive series of unique Incan ruins, terraces, worship centers and more, in the jungle which is borded by the Apurimac river canyon. From there, one may take an alternative hike that opens up the wonders of natural beauty. The hike begins in the village of Cachora and ends in the same spot.
In order to best prepare for the hiking tour, it´s advisable to take two days of acclimatization in the surroundings of Cuzco so that our team can offer all the facilities and comforts necessary to enjoy the route to its fullest.

Day 1: Cusco (3,350m // 10,990feet) - Trek 1 Cachora - Chiquiska (1800m // 5.905feet)

• Early in the morning, a scenic drive of 4 hours takes us to the village of Cachora where we meet our muleteers (arrieros). We begin our trek of approximately 2 hours to the pass of Kapuiyoq (2800m // 9,186feet) where we catch our first astounding view of the Apurimac river canyon and the snowcapped peaks around it. A 3 hour descent brings us to a our first campsite en Chiquiska (1800m // 5.905feet)
• Number of hours of trekking: 5h a 6h
• Ascent
• Descent
• Lodging: Overnight camping in tent.
• LD

Day 2: Chiquiska - Choquequirao(3250m / 10,662feet)

• After breakfast we begin descending all while appreciating the magnificent scenery of the Apurimac  canyon until reaching 1495m of altitude. From there we pass over the modern hanging bridge suspended above the Apurimac river. At this point we begin a long and arduous ascent of 5 hours' duration to arrive at our destination: the beautiful archaeological complex of Choquequirao. Our arrival coincides with an incredible sunset over the snow-capped peaks, followed by a delicious dinner and a well-earned rest in our campsite (3000m)
• Number of hours of trekking:  6h to 7h
• Ascent
• Descent
• Lodging: Overnight camping in tent.
• BLD

Day 3: Choquequirao

• Today we visit the restored sections of the ruins and we explore the areas recently discovered which are being excavated and restored by COPESCO.
• After lunch we have an optional visit to the Casa Cascada (about 300m below Choquequirao) and spend an entertaining afternoon partaking of a Pachamanca (typical Andean meal cooked in a sunken earth oven). From the Usno -highest point in the ruins- we again appreciate the sunset over the magical Canyon of the Apurimac, surrounded by the various Apus or tutelary mountains of the region. With a bit of luck we shall see a condor, in all his magnificence, bidding farewell to the Sun God.
• Lodging: Overnight camping in tent.
• B/Pachamanca/D

Day 4: Choquequirao - Cocamazana (2300m // 7,545feet)

• After a delicious breakfast we begin our return journey, descending to the Apurimac River where we stop for lunch. An ascent lasting 3hrs brings us to our campsite in Cocamazana. From here we enjoy one last spectacular sunset before dinner.
• Number of hours of trekking:  5h to 6h
• Ascent
• Descent
• Lodging: Overnight camping in tent.
• BLD

Day 5: Cocamazana - Cachora - Cusco

• Today we begin early in order to avoid the intense sun, climbing for about 2 hours, leaving the Valley behind until reaching the Pass of Kapuliyoq (2800 m). From here a gentler trail leads us to the town of Cachora where we arrive around noon.
• After a rest, we bid goodbye to our muleteers and continue by bus to the archaeological site of Saywite. This represents a scale model carved by the Incas on a large boulder, showing all of the ecological systems that they knew of, each with their respective flora and fauna. We enjoy a delicious lunch in the company of this magical monument.
• In the afternoon we continue by bus to Cusco, and a well-earned rest.
• Number of hours of trekking:  3h to 4h
• Ascent
• Descent
• B/Box Lunch

The sequence of times indicated is subject to modification depending on weather conditions or unforeseen events

Prices Include:

• Transportation and excursions included in the program.
• The admission rates precluded in the program.
• 4 breakfasts + 3 lunches + 1Box Lunch + 4 dinners and snack + 1 Pachamanca.
• Sleeping Tents for 4 days + camping equipment
• Pack animals and Muleteers + 1 emergency saddle horse.
• Professional and Qualified Guides, with specific Mountaineering training and instruction received in Cusco and in Huaraz, ample experience in trekking, English and (or) Spanish-speaking. For knowledge of any other language, please contact us.
• Trail Cook.

The rate does not include:

• Extras drinks and beverages.
• Tips
• Sleeping Bag.
• Trekking shoes.
• Any personal equipment, clothing, backpack, etc.

Prices may vary according to type of accommodation, time of year and number of participants. Please CONTACT US: info@travelatin.com for further information.

1- Extra day in Cusco

We recommend you to remain one extra day in Cusco and enjoy the city environs and its friendly people

• The Price Includes: 1 Night in hotel, 1 breakfast
• The Price does not include: Lunch, Dinner, Gratuities, Additional drinks, Entrances, Transfer and Tours

2.- Excursion Combined by Cusco City:

Pleasant excursion of half day for visit the archaeological and colonial attractive of Cusco city: Koricancha, Cathedral and the archaeological places around the city

• The Price Includes: Transport and Excursion, professional Guide
• The Price does not include:Entrance BTC (Tourist ticket), Entrance to the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, Gratuities.

3.- Excursion to the Mines of salt in Maras - Moray - Saline - Cusco:

The colorful population of Maras, multicolored whim of the nature, lodges the more important mines of salt of the region being operated from the Incanato and the Virreinal period, where it was the first producing center of salt of the southern part of the mountain range.

• The Price Includes: Transport, 01 Lunch in familiar restaurant, 01 specialized guide
• The Price does not include: Lunch, Dinner, Gratuities, Additional drinks, Entrances, Entrances to Moray and Salt mines of Maras.

For extra days oganization contact us at: info@travelatin.com.