Choquequirao Trek

This is the most difficult of the 5 days. After an early breakfast a severe steep path waits for us and after about five hours of trekking we reach Raqaypata next to the Chunchullomayo River where you we stop for a late lunch and a greatly merited break. The afternoon trek is not as steep as the morning and along the way we see an array of orchids and wild flowers as well as a variet of bird species. After hiking 2 hours more we reach the archaeological site of Choquequirao, in time to appreciate the sunset and maybe see condors flying closeby. We set up camp just outside the ruins in the cloud forest. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Today is devoted to investigating the marvellous ruins of Choquequirao, considered the other Machu Picchu where the last Inca Tupac Amaru was raised among Inca preistesses. The guide will tell you all about its history and the value of this site and then you will have free time to explore the many areas of the complex. Late in the afternoon start the return hike and camp the night at Raqaypata. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast, continue the return hike with a steep plunge towards the Apurimac River where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon a four hour ascent to the final campsite at Coca Masana. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

The last day of hiking. You will observe the canyon that forms the Apurimac River. You will then take a new path that traverses the throat of the canyon with an extraordinary vista of Wayna Qalli towards the canyon, thought of as the most impressive in South America. Reach Cachora with a return bus to Cusco.

• Pre-Briefing (Our guide will be visiting your hotel 2 or 1 day before the trek for your brieging);
• Early morning transfer by private bus to Cachora - the initial point of the trek
• Accommodation: Campsites (4 nights)
• Entrance fee to the Choquequirao
• Meals: 4x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner and 4x afternoon hot beverages (please advice us in advance if you are a vegetarian; this option is for NO extra additional cost);
• Professional bilingual Tour Guide;
• Professional Trekking Cook;
• Muleteer;
• Horses to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 5 kg of each passenger's stuff;
• Water every day (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own);
• Camping equipment: Eureka Mountain Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks);
Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress);
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• A pair Hiking poles;
• A Polar blanket per person;
• A pillow;
• Tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents;
• Rain Ponchos;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• Tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• Medical first-aid kit;
• Tourist Transportation from Cachora to Cusco;

• Breakfast on the day and lunch on the last day
• Travel insurance
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory)

Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the first and fifth day (if sunny) and in Choquequirao, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Choquequirao has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

• Original passport or copy
• It is necessary to carry cash since in the villages near Choquequirao there are no banks or ATM and it is not possible to use credit cards.
• It is important to carry a flashlight with a solar panel since there is no electric current along the trek and also there is no signal for cellular.
• As you advance, the temperature is stronger, therefor there are mosquitoes, it is necessary to wear repellent and sun block.
• The trek and the heat produce sweat that is why we lose water and we need to rehydrate. Carry enough water and cleaning pills.
• See carefully what is necessary to take, it is not recommendable to carry a lot of things because it will make your trip less light and if you want to carry a heavy luggage we suggest to rent horses or mules in the Cachora Town.
• Walk in group, although no thefts were reported, the suggestion is more for your safety, it is possible to get lost so you must take this recommendation into account.
• Light clothing (for the day), warm clothing, and thick socks (for sleeping at night).
• Wear comfortable sneakers, specially trekking sneakers.
• Bring clothing for rain such as: ponchos and jackets.
• Sandal (for a higher comfort while at a campsite
• Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.