Choquequirao: the new Machu Picchu
Choquequirao is one of the most promising destinations for the future. You can reach Choquequirao only by foot via an ancient Inca trail.
To be honest: it is not Machu Picchu (yet), but here you will be impressed by the sound of silence. Not many tourists, no clicking cameras and no mobile phones. Peruvians are still in the process to renovate and rebuild the site.
It is estimated that still 80% of the site is covered by jungle. Please find our itinerary for this beautiful trek
through the fascinating and unspoiled nature east of Cusco. In case the Inca trail
is fully booked, the Choquequirao trek is a worthy alternative.
Choquequirao trek - 5D / 4N.
DAY 1: CUSCO - CACHORA - COCA MASANA - PLAYA ROSALINA
We leave from Cusco at 4:00 am. Arriving at Cachora town at 7:30 am where
we will enjoy our breakfast. In the meantime we have met the staff of
the trek and after dividing the equipment over the mules and horses, we
start our fascinating trek. It is a 2 hours hike to Capuliyoc (2915m).
Here you will be impressed by the first beautiful panoramas of the Apurimac
valley stretching below and the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna
Cachora. We descend toward Coca Masana (2330m) where the climate becomes
noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. Finally we
arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m beside the raging Apurimac
River where we will set up our camp and spend the night.
DAY 2: ROSALINA BEACH - CHOQUEQUIRAO
This day is for the most beautiful though most severe hike of the 5 days.
After an early breakfast we take a steep ancient inca trail. It is a 5
hours hike to Raqaypata beside the Chunchullumayo River where we will
have a late lunch and a well deserved rest. Along the way you will be
impressed by the many orchids and wild flowers as well as various species
of birds. From Raqaypata to Choquequirao (3035m) is a 2 hour hike. We
will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the sunset and
maybe the opportunity to see a Condor flying nearby. Our campsite will
be just outside the ruins.
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO - RAQAYPATA
Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible ruins of Choquequirao.
Our guide will explain the history and importance of the site. Afterwards
you will have free time to visit the many sectors of the complex. Late
in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp for the night
at Raqaypata.
DAY 4: RAQAYPATA - CHIKISCA
After breakfast we continue with a steep descent towards the Apurimac
River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon we will climb
for approximately 4 hours to our final campsite at Coca.
DAY 5: CHIKISCA - CACHORA - CUSCO
On our last day of trekking you will be impressed by the canyon that was
formed by the Apurimac river. We will take a new trail, that crosses the
throat of the canyon. We will have an impressive view from Wayna Qalli
towards the canyon, considered as the most spectacular one in South America.
On Arrival at Cachora, we will take our bus towards Cusco.
Included:
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Cachora, the starting point of the trek.
- Spanish and English speaking professional guide
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Horsemen and horses to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
- 1 emergency horse.
- Transfer to return from Cachora to Cusco
- Gear:
Igloo tents
Mattress
Dinner tent
Chemical toilet tent
Kitchen tent
Table set and seats
First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
Options:
- Sleeping Bag: US$18 per 5 days.
|
