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5-day Trek to Choquequirao with full day tour of the “lost city of the Incas”

Choquequirao, Peru
Choquequirao, Peru
Choquequirao, Peru
Choquequirao, Peru
Choquequirao, Peru

Join a local certified guide from Peru Expeditions as he leads you on this stunning 5-day trek to Choquequirao with full day tour of the “lost city of the Incas”, where you will hike past massive glaciers, vast canyons and cloud forest ecosystems to reach this gorgeous and mystical archaeological wonder.

Private

Andes

5 Days

All year

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Trek to the incredible Incan ruins of the settlement of Choquequirao!
  • Learn about the mysterious and magical history of the area
  • Witness stunning scenery such as snow-capped peaks, huge canyons and glaciers

Description

This 5-day Trek to Choquequirao with full day tour of the “lost city of the Incas” promises to be one of the most epic, awesome and memorable experiences of your life, and I will guide you as we trek past towering and majestic snow-capped peaks, mesmerizing and idyllic glaciers and waterways, and countless species of native flora and fauna on our way to the phenomenal and special ancient Incan ruins of Choquequirao.

Choquequirao is located in South Peru, and is an Incan settlement that dates back to the 15th and 16 centuries. It was one of the last holdout areas from Spanish invasion, and has recently become increasingly popular to tourists as an alternative to Machu Picchu.

Our journey begins in Cusco, from where we drive to the starting point of out trek, Capuliyoc. There are already magnificent views out over the ruins and the Apurimac Canyon from here, and our day ends by setting up camp at La Playa Rosalinas.

Day 2 is a relatively gentle day, as we hike up to Marampata and then camp overnight just a 20-minute walk from the ruins.

The 3rd day is the highlight of the trip for most and the focal point for us all, as we spend the whole day exploring, discovering, learning about and generally admiring the massive and expansive ruins of Choquequirao. There are numerous buildings such as temples, palaces, terraces and llama’s quarters to walk around, and it is hard to believe that approximately only 30% of the site has been excavated thus far.

After the excitement of the day, we camp overnight and then head to the Apurimac River, before trekking to Villa de Loros (Town of Parrots) for our last evening.

The final day is spent exploring more archeological sites and monuments, before resting our weary muscles in hot springs. We finish back in Cusco, tired, happy, satisfied and content at what we have seen in the preceding 5 days.

Trekking to Choquequirao is an absolutely wonderful experience – book now to see something truly special.

If you want more time to get to Choquequirao and take in more of the countryside, try our 7-day trek to Choquequirao from Cusco, here!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transportation start and back

- Luggage transfer

- Permit and entrance fees

- Group porters

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Price details

Price does not include: sleeping bag, walking sticks, inflatable mattress.


Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa

At 5:30 AM, we pick you up from your hotel and then drive 4 hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (3100 MASL – 10170 FASL). Along the way, there are spectacular views of villages, valleys, and snow-capped mountains. Once we arrive, we will meet our horsemen who will pack all of our equipment onto the cargo horses. From here, we can enjoy the spectacular view of the Choquequirao Incan ruins, the Apurimac canyon, and the stunning, snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5571 MASL – 18387 FASL). We will then hike downhill for 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. After lunch, we continue on for 2 more hours downhill to our first camp at La Playa Rosalinas.

Day 2: Playa – Maranpata – Choquequirao

After an early breakfast, we cross the bridge and hike for the next 4 hours all the way up to Marampata where we will have lunch while enjoying the view of the Choquequirao ruins once again. After lunch, we walk to our second evening’s campsite, just 20 minutes from the ruins. Being so close to the ruins, we can enjoy our view of the ruins into the late evening and watch for condors flying above.

Day 3: Visit Archeological site of Choquequirao

After breakfast, we will visit the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao for the entire day. Enjoy the private guided tour and explore all of the beautiful city sections: temples, terraces, palaces, llamas’ quarters, and much more. We will return to the same campsite for tea and to spend the night.

Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua – the language of the Incas – although this is probably not its original name. It is another “Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered officially late in the 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750 meters/5741 feet above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River and is surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. Excavations and restoration of the 1810-hectare site began in the 1990s, and it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding new things.

Day 4: Choquequirao – San Ignacio – Villa De Loros

Today is one of the easier days of our trek. We will walk downhill for 2 hours to the magnificent Apurimac River (1450 MASL – 4787 FASL). We then cross a bridge and walk uphill for 1 hour to San Ignacio for lunch where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery and a great waterfall! After lunch, we take a moderate uphill trek through a beautiful valley toward Villa de Loros (Town of Parrots) (2600 MASL – 8580 FASL) where we set up camp for the last evening.

Day 5: Villa De Loros – Saywite – Conoc – Cusco

Today is a relaxing and cultural day on our trek. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we take private transport to the archeological site of Saywite where we will explore an Incan monolith, several water fountains, and ritual platforms. After spending time enjoying the site, we drive to the hot spring of Conoc to relax after several days of walking. After lunch, we head back to Cusco, dropping you at your hotel.

 

Details

Accommodation

Camping every night.

Meeting point

Cusco, Peru

About the guide

Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.

It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.

We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.

Languages

| English

Certificates

AGMP | IFMGA


What people are saying about Peru Expeditions

Bad Hetterscheid

5.00

September, 2022

William was such a knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient guide! He brought books and support materials to further explain the history of the sites we were seeing, was always ready with an answer to any questions, and had great suggestions of where to take photos. He chose a truly remarkable cook for our trek, who kept us well fed with a huge variety of foods (and an ample supply of it!) and filled with hot beverages at all hours of the day and night. He allowed us to set the pace each day, and was cheerful and helpful and relaxed throughout-he absolutely enhanced a wonderful experience! Many thanks to you, William!

Bad Hetterscheid

5.00

September, 2022

Eric from Peru Expeditions is a fabulous, safe, and conscientious Tour Operator. He chose an incredible guide for us (Darwin) who was highly esteemed by every guide we met at every point along the journey-the respect of one’s peers speaks for itself! We were very well supported, always had perfect timing with seeing sunrises, beating “the crowd” to our destinations, and had ample food. The Peruvian mountains are stunningly beautiful- I’m ready to go back again already! Book with Eric - he’s going to take good care of you.

Connor White

5.00

September, 2022

Great service and trip!

Johannes Besmehn

3.00

August, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Alexey Volegov

5.00

July, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Matt LAIRD

5.00

November, 2021

Our guide was William and he is the one that really made the trip great!

Juliusz Zulauf

5.00

September, 2021

It was really good climbing expedition. The company put good effort to accommodate our needs and requests. Lima Central Office support was outstanding. Edgar, our climbing guide was top notch. Supporting staff during the climb was very helpful and friendly as well. For my personal needs, some modification of an acclimatisation scheme would be beneficial. First week of the trip consisted of various day trips to destinations of increasing altitudes, but all nights were at Huaraz, at 3100 m altitude. For me, to be fully acclimatized I need to sleep at the altitude. My first night at the higher altitude was at Pisco refuge (4800 m) and resulted with mild altitude sickness preventing me from successful climbing the following day. I would prefer spending two nights at high altitude before first high climb. It might not be the case for some other people, but it was for me. If not for this, I would had awarded straight five stars.

Marcela Hronesova

2.00

July, 2021

Disappointed with the whole experience. Didn't climb with Juventino, never met him. Got a different guide. Booked Pisco and Chopicalcui as separate climbs with one day off in between to rest. Agency combined the climbs. They told me to of go from Pisco BC directly to Chopicalcui moraine camp. Got a different guide who didn't tell me that we'll get snowed in at moraine camp. Only found out about the snow once we reached Chopicalcui moraine camp. Spent the night there, next day had to go down. Disappointed rebooked my flight and left Peru. Waste of my time and money.

Marcela Hronesova

4.00

July, 2021

The agency gave me a guide Darwin, not Juventino. Climb was good, easy just walking. There is one dangerous section near the moraine area with very loose gravel. So make sure you don't slip there or you are dead. I stayed in refugio at the base camp which was much more comfy than camping. Darwin was good but give clients some breaks once in a while, not rush too much. It's a high altitude climbing after all.

Tony Hoffman

5.00

September, 2020

The hike was canceled. We didn’t go anywhere. Didn’t even get into the country.

Flormila Pineda Villanueva

5.00

May, 2020

My visit to Huaraz was one of the most beautiful trips of my life. Our days of adventure began with the visit of lagoons in the white mountain range; wilcacocha, churup, paron, lagoon 69 and we finish with the most beautiful Santa Cruz trek. Our trip was a complete success, during the stay in Huaraz we stayed at the ALPAMAYO GUEST HOUSE hotel, an excellent place in the center of Huaraz. I recommend Mr. Juventino to make his trip and his hotel the and if nice family People.

Koseth Saenz

5.00

May, 2020

He was very kind, patient and helped me to reach my goal the citadel of Machupicchu. One day I wanted to quit but he encouraged me to continue and waited for my step.

Pietro Garanzini

5.00

May, 2020

Our experience in Peru was an unforgettable journey, we started a journey in this country to visit Machu Picchu and the surroundings of Cusco as a sacred valley, etc. Afterwards, our next destination was to arrive in the beautiful land of Huaraz, where our main goal was the trekking of Santa Cruz and a not very difficult base climb and after the trekking of Huayhuash. We will be back next year with more customers, friends of our mountain club, thanks for everything and see you soon in Huaraz!

Michael W English

5.00

March, 2020

From the very first emails communication which was dealt with efficiently and provide all the required information and other options for myself to consider. When I arrived the communication was excellent and very well organised. When I return later this year I will without doubt be using Eric and the team. When we arrive at the start point to getting back the local guide was excellent. I have nothing but praise for the set up.

Wolfgang Gratz

5.00

September, 2019

We did the MTB-Huarascan-Circuit (Crossing Punta Olimpica Pass and Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass) with Eric Albinos „Peru Expedition“. All, the transfers, the hotel stays, the acclimatization tours and the circuit itself, was well organized. Eric and his staff were flexible to our wishes and very helpful. Our Guide Joni is an excellent mountain bike-guide and good tailor too if something is torn. The cook prepared delicious meals during the circuit. The camping equipment was in very good condition. We (Karin, Franz. Wolfgang) can fully recommend „Eric´s Peru Expeditions“.


 

 

 

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