Choquequirao Tour 7D/6N
5D/4N
And it is not surprising, since it is surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an astonishing variety of plants, birds and animals.
It is located in the Salkantay mountain range, more than 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurímac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was connected and in communication with Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails.
Choquequirao is considered “The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire”.
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover a complex hydraulic system, probably used for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural purposes. The geographical location of Choquequirao, in relation to other religious centers of the same period, tends to indicate that its function was that of an Inca enclave towards the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu; this trail is an excellent option for visiting Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
The purpose of the Route to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu was religious and ceremonial, a pilgrimage that included rituals to honor the mountains and peaks along the route, such as the sacred mountain Salkantay.
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Trip Details
- Tour Itinerary
We leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m. in a private van for a 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc, situated on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. We then hike for 2 hours to Chiquisca, where we have lunch. After lunch, we continue the hike for 1 more hour to Playa Rosalina (1550 meters/5084 feet), where we spend the night.
We set off early, ascending to Santa Rosa and then to Marampata, where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is demanding. From the lunch spot, we will be able to see the remains of Choquequirao. Then, we walk for 2 more hours to the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3110 meters/10120 feet). We will spend the afternoon there, enjoying the sunset and watching some condors fly by.
After breakfast, it will be possible to explore more of the Choquequirao archaeological site and rest a bit before lunch. In the afternoon, we will climb a ridge and hike to the remains of Pinchinuyoc, where we will camp for the night (2 hours of downhill hiking). This will undoubtedly be the easiest day of the trip.
After a delicious breakfast, we will hike downhill for 2 hours and reach the Rio Blanco canyon (1990 meters/6527 feet), where we will rest before beginning a difficult climb to our campsite in Maizal. The climb takes between 3 and 4 hours.
We set off at 7am and hike uphill for about 3 hours through semi-jungle to the Victoria Mines. We visit them, as well as some Inca ruins, before climbing for another 1 hour to Victoria Pass (4130m/13,546ft). There are spectacular views from the pass as we descend towards the picturesque village of Yanama (about 2 hours walk), following a section with some well-built Inca steps.
Once in Yanama, we take local transport to Lucmabamba. Along the way, we enjoy the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and waterfalls.
On this day, we walk for 3 hours along the original Inca Trail and through the cloud forest to the Puncuyoc Pass and then to the Inca ruins of Llactapata (2,700 m/8,907 ft), an Inca site located right in front of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Once there, we can enjoy the unique perspective of Machu Picchu from afar. Then we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant, where we have lunch. We continue walking to Aguas Calientes, passing by the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, enjoying the surroundings of the iconic Machu Picchu and the wall surrounding the Inca citadel.
Highlights of the day: The excitement for our visit to Machu Picchu will increase as we hike early in the morning through the forest to reach the site before most other tourists – even the Inca Trail trekkers! You will have plenty of time to explore this amazing world wonder while enjoying the beautiful sunrise from this unique vantage point. Your group will learn about this mystical place on a two-hour guided tour of the ruins. Afterwards, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you have already booked tickets) or walk to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge (no additional tickets).
We will have breakfast at 5 a.m. and take the first bus to Machu Picchu, just in time for sunrise. The trip will take half an hour until we reach the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: An unforgettable experience you will never forget. Your guide will skillfully lead you through the impressive ruins and its main streets.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to wander around the town squares, as well as do some of the following activities on your own:
- Climb Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
- Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
- Hike to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
- Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day.
Then, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and at 4:22 p.m., take the Expedition Train for the return trip to Cusco, stopping at the Ollantaytambo station and taking our private van back to Cusco and your hotel, arriving around 8 p.m.
