| Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAYS

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

DESCRIPTION

Description:

This sister city of Machu Picchu still holds hidden secrets.

In ancient times, Peru was ruled by the powerful Inca Empire, a civilization that created impressive architecture that remains to this day. The famous Machu Picchu, haven been built by the Incas on a much older megalithic enclave, being one of the most famous examples of their skill and mastery. However, Machu Picchu is not the only monument built by the Incas. There are also others lesser known, but still equally impressive. One of them is Choquequirao (‘Cradle of Gold’), which still holds hidden secrets as archaeologists have only managed to scratch the surface of everything that remains hidden underground.

Choquequirao is also known as the “sister” of Machu Picchu, since it is similar its organizational structure and architecture. Choquequirao is located in the foothills of the Wilkapampa Mountains, in the province of La Convencion in the northwest of the Cusco region. The city became known to Europeans when it was discovered by the Spanish explorer Juan Arias Díaz in 1710. While Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 and excavated the following year, it is estimated that only a third of Choquequirao has been excavated: the rest is left hidden and waiting to be revealed.

Like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is centered on a high hill with an even higher mountain behind it and a bluff jutting over the site. In addition, below each city runs a sacred river. At the height of the Inca Empire, Choquequirao may have functioned as a provincial administrative center and a vital link between the Amazon jungle and Cusco. There has also been speculation that Choquequirao served as a pilgrimage center for ceremonial events within the region. There is also evidence that Choquequirao was an important center for the cultivation and distribution of coca.(Source: Ancient Origins)

ITINERARY

1st Day: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca (3350 – 2850 – 1930m)

We depart from Cusco (3350m) early in the morning, heading northwest to the town of Cachora (2850m), surrounded by mountains and the majestic snowy Padreyoc (5571m). This is where we will meet with the mules and the arrieros who mind them and help to haul the camp equipment during our trek. After beginning to walk along slopes, we will have the presence of the enormous deity of Padreyoc in the Capuliyoq Pass (2800m). From Capuliyoq, we will take a break to admire the Apurímac Canyon and part of the Choquequirao archaeological complex, before working our way down the serpentine edge of the mountain to our camping site at Chiquisca (1930m).

Hiking time: 7 hours in warm weather with mosquitoes

2nd Day: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao (1930 – 1550 – 2850 – 3033m).

After a delicious breakfast, we hike down for approximately thirty minutes to Rosalina Beach (1500m). From there we begin the ascent to leave the Canyon, in a warm and comfortable climate, towards the town of Marampata (2850m), where we will have a beautiful view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao. The sunset over Choquequirao, accompanied by the iconic Andean symbol of the condor, highlights the highest mountains of the Vilcabamba range to the Choquequirao archaeological complex (3033m). 20 minutes outside of the ruins, we will set up our camp.

Hiking time: 7 hours in warm and cold weather

3rd Day: Choquequirao – Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca (3033 – 2850 – 1550 -– 1930m).

In the mist of a spectacular sunrise, we’ll set out to Choquequirao, accompanied by a guide who will educate us on the history, ruins, and recent excavation findings. Currently Choquequirao, “the Cradle of Gold”, has been 30% restored, with the remaining parts being a puzzle to uncover from beneath local flora. A restoration project is underway and is speculated to be completed a few years from now when Choquequirao will be presented to the world in its entirety — perhaps becoming be a great attraction surpassing Machu Picchu itself.

After our time at Choquequirao, we’ll return to Marampata and at the deepest part of the Apurímac Canyon (Rosalina Beach 1500m), before continuing on up to the forest of Chiquisca camp (1930m).

Hiking time: 6 hours in warm weather with mosquitoes

4th Day: Chiquisca – Paso Capuliyoq – Cachora – Cusco (1930 – 2850 – 2800 – 3350m)

During the morning, we ascend in the midst of a dry landscape as the temperature steadily rises. We will stop for a rest at Capuliyoq (2850m) to admire the Apurímac Canyon one more time and try to spot the flight of Condor. From the Capuliyoq Pass, the route is more flat and provides an incredible view of the mountains and snowy peaks. We will end our trek at in the town of Cachora, with transportation ready to return us to Cusco after one of the best excursions in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

ADDITIONAL

What do you need to bring?

Small backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold weather (such as fleece and a hard shell), long pants, hiking shoes, hiking poles, rain poncho, hat, scarf, sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer. Bottle of water and purifying tablets. Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), flashlight, and batteries. Small snacks, such as chocolate bars and dried fruit. Original passport and extra money in Soles.

Included:

Private transport from your hotel to the town of Cachora
Professional grade camping gear (We use professional tents such as Doite, Modelo Himalaya, extra light/4.5kgs and Doite, Modelo Cima 4/4.5kgs; both of which are wide enough for 2 campers. Sleeping pads, a dining tent with table and chairs, and a toilet tent are also provided)
Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, with vegetarian options available)
Bilingual, professional guide
Cook and assistants
Mules and their minders, for camping gear and personal belongings (a maximum of 8kg per guest)
Horse in case of emergency
Admission to the Choquequirao archeological complex
Return transportation from Cachora to Cusco
First aid kits and supplemental oxygen

Not Included:

Sleeping bag (if you do not have one of your own, we can offer one for $5 USD/day)

POLICIES

Cancellation Policies:

Cancellations with more than 20 days notice will be refunded at 80% to cover third party costs and management expenses
With less than 20 days notice, all sales are final and nonrefundable

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