Tour description:
A different experience to explore Inca culture is the Adventure to Choquequirao 04 days and 03 nights. This offers you the chance to discover a magical destination known as the “sacred sister” of Machu Picchu due to the architectural and cultural similarities between both sites.
This 4-day journey gifts us a variety of emotions, from the breathtaking views of the Apurimac River canyon and the surrounding mountain peaks to the rich biological diversity found here due to its location between the high jungle and the eyebrow of the jungle. Nature becomes our sanctuary amidst daily routine and stress.
This experience is designed for individuals in good health and optimal condition to face the challenges presented. It can be done individually to meet new people, as a couple, or in a group with friends to share emotions. It’s also suitable for families seeking an unforgettable adventure together.
DETAILS OF THE TRIP.
You will begin you day with a pick up from your hostel/hotel/homestay (if within close proximity to the main plaza) or pick-up at our office between 7:15 to 7:30am, you will depart for the drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you can appreciate beautiful and scenic natural attractions as well as the culture during our 3-3.5-hour drive. You will arrive at about noon to Abra Malaga, which is at an altitude of 4316 m. from this starting point, you will begin the bike ride down (paved / downhill, roads) towards the high forest which takes between 2-3 hours. Huamanmarca village from where the group will continue with the transportation all the way to Santa Maria. During the descent into the valley, you will also have the support of the transportation because it is going to carry all your belongings during the biking activity, and will provide security for the group until reaching the town of Santa Maria. After lunch, the group has the opportunity to participate in the rafting activity. In Santa Maria, you will spend your first night in a basic hostel.
(lunch, dinner included)
*The river rafting activity is optional and has an extra cost, and is possible to do after lunch on this date.
You will get up around 6:30 am, to enjoy breakfast and then begin the walk by the riverbank. Then you will begin an ascent/climb up the mountain that will take approximately 1 ½ hrs. The hike will continue until you will reach the highest point of the day hike, where you can admire the entire valley and the slopes of the canyon. Part of this hike includes a segment of the original Inca trail, which you will take to reach the town of Quellomayo (lunch point). Here you will have a delicious lunch break, take a cable car to cross the river (5 soles extra) then continue with the walk to the Hot Spring Cocalmayo where you can spend some time. Then the group can decide whether to continue by walking or take a bus to the town of Santa Teresa for our second overnight in a hostel.
(breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
*Hot springs activity this date for additional entrance fee. (approx. 10 soles).
*Cable car to cross the river (approx. 5 soles).
This morning, following breakfast, there in the option of an extra zip-lining activity (with 6 different cables), followed by a flat walk around the floor of the valley from Santa Teresa. Here you can appreciate the landscape bordered by mountains and nature, leading to Hydroelectrica. Here you will have lunch and then continue the like to Aguas Calientes for (approximately 3 hrs) along the banks of the river and also along the railroad tracks. On this hike you can see the flora and fauna of the area before reaching Aguas Calientes, where you will spend your last night.
(breakfast, lunch, dinner include)
*Extra zip-lining activity.
Around 4:00 am, you will get ready to go to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, climbing a path through the jungle. After registering in the control center of the park at 6:20am, you will have the chance to see the sunrise if the weather permits, then continue the visit within the Inca citadel together with a professional guide who will share whit you their knowledge for two hours. After this tour, the guide will then leave the group and there will be free time to visit and walk inside the citadel, or to climb the mountain (Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu if previously booked). The amount of time you have in Machu Picchu will depend on your train schedule so please check that closely.
You will take the tourist train from Aguas Caliente to Ollantaytambo where you will be met by the driver who will guide you to the vehicle the will transport you to the city of Cusco, reaching the end of the services. (The drop off will be at Plaza San Francisco or as close as possible).
What’s included?
INCLUDED:
- Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
- A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
- Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
- Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao
- A duffel bag where you can put inside 08 kilos from your personal stuff (it will be carry by the horses or mules)
- Horses or mules and muleteer to carry camping equipments and cooking stuff
- Transportation, Cusco to Cachora
- Four season tents (2 trekkers in each one) you will have enough space to put things inside
- Camping equipment (Kitchen tent, portable chairs and table)
- Mattresses
- 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
- Professional Cook
- Snack for each day of trekking
- Boiled water to drink during the trail
- Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
- Transportation, Cachora to Cusco
- First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon.
- A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group
NOT INCLUDED:
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Extra expense if you want to buy things along the trail
- Entrance fees to Waynapicchu Mountain or Mountain Machu Picchu. (it has an extra cost of 70 dollars per person)
- Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
- • Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 15 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
- • Mineral water (you can buy bottle of mineral water in Ollantaytambo)
- • Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)
WHAT TO PACK
The archaeological site of Choquequirao sits at an altitude of 3,033 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate, with cool nights. Visitors, however, don’t stay in the Inca compound after sunset. Additionally, the trail leading to the top of Choquequirao can be warm due to the proximity to the Apurímac Canyon. Temperatures at the site range between 5ºC and 25ºC.
It’s not recommended to do the tour without a travel agency. Given the complexity of the route, the most comfortable option is through a formal and authorized travel agency like VACATIONS IN PERU. This is due to the difficulty level of the journey, the need for provisions, and the importance of having a guide explaining the knowledge, history, and traditions of Choquequirao.
Though the trail demands good physical condition due to the lack of transportation, assessing the level of risk when trekking to Choquequirao is crucial, considering the steep sections. However, visiting during the dry season (from April to October) is suggested to avoid complications with rain.
To reach Choquequirao from Cusco and Abancay, you must head to the town of Cachora. From there, it’s a one-day uphill hike to the archaeological site. The return journey follows the same path.
Choquequirao is situated at an altitude of 3,033 meters above sea level.
At Choquequirao, you can admire Incan constructions as impressive as those in Machu Picchu. These include the Main Plaza, Colcas, Inca Cemetery, Kallankas, Ushnu, Andenes, and more. It’s important to note that Choquequirao is still in the process of excavation, with an estimated 30% of the original Inca compound valorized to date.
- Backpack
- Beanie, gloves and scarf
- Camara/Smart phone
- Coca leaves
- Extra cash for souvenirs, snacks etc.
- Flip flops/sandals
- Hat
- Hiking shoes
- Light clothes (for 3rd and 4th day of hike)
- Mosquito repellent (40% DEET or more is recommended)
- Plastic bag
- Personal medication
- Poncho
- Small backpack (for day activities)
- Snacks
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Toiletries
- Torch/flashlight and batteries
- Towel
- Warm clothes
- Water bottle
- Waterproof jacket and pants/Raincoat
GROUP TOUR STANDARD
- FROM $480.00
