A four-day trek to Choquequirao (3,033 m), one of the last Inca strongholds, known as the 'cradle of gold'.
The route sets out from Cusco (3,350 m) to Cachora (2,850 m), where the muleteers and mules gather, and descends into the Apurímac River canyon via the Capuliyoc pass (2,800 m), with views of Padreyoc mountain. After camping at Chiquisca (1,930 m) and climbing through Playa Rosalina and Marampata (2,850 m), it reaches the Choquequirao archaeological complex, of which only 30% has been restored. The return descends into the canyon to San Ignacio (1,500 m) and climbs to the Carmen gardens (2,000 m), returning to Cusco via Tambo Bamba and Huanipaca (3,150 m). All three nights are spent camping.
Highlights
The Choquequirao archaeological complex (3,033 m), the 'cradle of gold'
The Apurímac River canyon, the 'talking river'
The Capuliyoc pass (2,800 m) with views of Padreyoc mountain
Marampata (2,850 m)
The Carmen gardens (2,000 m)
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Cusco / Cachora / Chiquisca
A very early departure from Cusco (3,350 m) to the village of Cachora (2,850 m), where the muleteers and mules that carry the equipment gather. The trail heads to the Capuliyoc pass (2,800 m), with a spectacular view of Padreyoc mountain, the canyon and the Apurímac River, the 'talking river'. It finally descends into the canyon to Chiquisca (1,930 m). Warm climate. Overnight in campsite. Meals: lunch and dinner.
Day2
Day 2: Chiquisca / Playa Rosalina / Marampata / Choquequirao
After breakfast, descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m) and continue to Marampata (2,850 m) for lunch. The trail then heads to Choquequirao (3,033 m), with a magnificent view of the archaeological complex. The afternoon is free to rest and take photographs. Cold and warm climate. Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day3
Day 3: Choquequirao / San Ignacio / Carmen
At dawn, explore the Choquequirao archaeological site, the 'cradle of gold', of which only 30% has been restored, with a guided walk through its history and excavations. Then descend to the depths of the Apurímac canyon to San Ignacio (1,500 m) for lunch, and climb to the campsite in the Carmen gardens (2,000 m). Moderate climate with mosquitoes. Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day4
Day 4: Carmen / Tambo Bamba / Huanipaca Pacobamba
The trail continues through the Carmen gardens, near the old Tambo Bamba estate (2,500 m), one of the most fertile valleys for growing maize and potatoes. It passes the villages of Pacobamba and Huanipaca (3,150 m) before returning to Cusco. Moderate, warm climate. Meals: breakfast.
What's included
Included: Camping and kitchen equipment
Included: Private transport Hotel / Cachora / Hotel
Included: Entrance to the Choquequirao complex
Included: Meals as per itinerary (vegetarian option)
Included: Cook, muleteers and mules throughout the camp to carry luggage (5 kg per person)
Included: Emergency horse
Included: First-aid kit and oxygen
What's not included
Not included: Breakfast on the first day
Not included: Dinner on the last day in Cusco
Not included: Sleeping bag
Not included: Domestic and international airfare
Not included: Domestic and international airport taxes and visa fees
Not included: Excess baggage fees
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with meals
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional excursions
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included