Explore the two lost cities of Incas, Choquequirao and Machu Picchu on this Choquequirao Trek 5 Days, popularly known as 5 Day Trek Choquequirao Machu Picchu. Choquequirao nestles high up in the Quriwayrachina mountain range.
The name Choquequirao in Quechua means cradle of Gold. It is often referred to as the sister city of Machu Picchu. Both these Inca cities were built in the same era by Pachacutec. It has more or less a similar architecture.
However, Choquequirao due to its remote location attracts only a handful of people a day. Whereas, Machu Picchu being one of the popular destinations in South America, gets around 5000 visitors a day.
This is primarily because of Choquequirao’s remote location. It takes 2 days of hiking just to reach there from the nearest village. Infact, the Spanish conquistadors could not invade Choquequirao due to its location.
Local authorities are planning on installing a cable car which estimates a rapid boom in tourism to the archaeological site.
Please note that the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days is a high altitude experience. The highest point of the trek is at 4660 metres (15290 feet). We highly recommend you to spend 3-4 days in Cusco to acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. In our private transportation, we will be driving you to the northwest of Cusco City to a small village named Cachora. It nestles at 2909 metres above sea level (9543 feet).
At Cachora, we will have a brief stop so you can stretch and relax a bit. We will then continue the journey to Capuliyoc. It is another Andean village at 2915m/9563 feet. The drive from Cachora to Capuliyoc offers panoramic views of the Apurimac Valley.
At Capuliyoc, we will be meeting our muleteers and cook. After organising all your camping gears on mules, we will begin hiking down the hill to Chiquisqa. It nestles at 1836 metres (6023 feet).
During the trek, the guide will be explaining to you about the life of locals here and about the flora and fauna distinct to the region. After lunch, we will hike through the Apurimac River and Rio Blanco further to Santa Rosa (2200m/7215ft). We will be camping here for the night.
After breakfast, we will start to hike quite early in the morning to avoid the sun. We will be starting through an uphill hike from Santa Rosa to Marampata (3110 metres / 10120 feet). This will roughly take three hours.
We will be taking a break at Marampata from where you will get the first glimpse of the Inca Site, Choquequirao at a distance. After lunch, we will hike for two hours to the Inca ruins.
Our local expert will be giving you a detailed tour of the complex. Only 40% of the complex has been excavated and is open to tourism.
What can be seen today is most impressive and very much worth the challenging trek to get here. The stonework in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu. This is because the stone found here is very difficult to carve.
However, the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high status. Choquequirao evokes a sense of awe simply because of the sites’ surrounding beauty and isolation and condors can be seen frequently soaring the skies.
Return to our campsite for dinner and to relax under the many stars above us.
After breakfast, we will begin the hike. We will be descending to La Playa Rosalina. It is at 1550 metres/5085 feet. We will be hiking for four hours through the banks of the Apurimac River.
For lunch, we will be stopping by the river. We will then hike to our campsite in Chiquisqa (1836 metres / 6023 feet) for three hours.
After Breakfast, we will ascend about 2 hours to Capuliyoc (2915m/9561ft). Here our transport will be waiting to take us to Cachora.
We will then drive you to Ollantaytambo in Sacred Valley, for about 4 hours. Once at Ollantaytambo, we will have some time to check out the beauty of this village that is a testament to Incas advanced town planning.
We will then embark on a three hours train journey to Aguas Calientes. The journey offers enchanting views of the Andean farm. Once at Aguas Calientes, our representative will be meeting you and will transfer you to the hotel.
Early in the morning, the crew will be handing you over a snack box. You will then be boarding a bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel. It is a 25 minutes drive.
Our tour guide will be assisting you in clearing the security control. As we enter the citadel, you will witness the clouds clearing by as the Crepuscular rays beaming on the Incan walls.
We will then give you a guided tour for two hour. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own.
If you have booked a hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will direct you to the respective trailhead. You can also hike to the Sungate. It offers a spectacular view of the citadel. This is the point of entrance for those on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.
After you have visited Machu Picchu, you will be taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have some free time for lunch (not included in the tour package).
Late that evening, you will be boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will be meeting you on arrival and will be transferring you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will be arriving in Cusco by 0900 PM.
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, and I must say it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment we were picked up from our hotel in Cusco to the final awe-inspiring moments at Machu Picchu, every aspect of the journey was expertly organized and truly remarkable.
The trek itself was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Each day brought new landscapes to explore, from lush valleys to towering peaks, and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich flora and fauna of the region was truly special. The highlight, of course, was reaching the ancient ruins of Choquequirao, where we were treated to breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s rich history.
