4 or 5 Days
Daily Tour
8 people
English
When possible it’s highly recommend hiking the trail, 58km, over 5 days; so that you will have the opportunity to spend a full day (trek day 3) in the Choquequirao ruins.
The Incan citadel is situated in the vast landscape of the Vilcabamba Range; above the Apurimac River Canyon. As a result; thick forest has covered this Inca site for many years and have re-discovered the citadel in relatively recent times.
Choquequirao was the dwelling of the last rebel Incas of Vilcabamba and similar to Machu Picchu; and it is widely believed that the Spanish never discovered this last remaining fortress. This is a challenging trek traversing different ecosystems, and it’s possible to include Machu Picchu as part of the trek route.
The 4-day trek is a long slow descent into the Apurimac valley; followed by a relatively steep climb on day 2 (then tracking out the same way you entered). Once through the challenging parts of this route; you’ll get to experience one of the best Inca Trail & Machu Picchu alternatives in the surrounding Andes of Cusco. The relative solitude of the Choquequirao trek makes this a very unique and excellent alternative.
There are amazing views of the Vilcabamba Range and the trail descends deep into the Apurimac Canyon.
Drive from your hotel in Cusco to the rustic Cachora village where your trek will begin. After having lunch, start your trek by following a switchback trail down into the Apurimac canyon. You’ll stay the night in Chikiska, a small mountainside settlement with beautiful views down into the Apurimac valley.
Start Elevation: 2900m / 9514ft.
Max Elevation: 2945m / 9648ft.
Approximate Walking time: 6 hrs
Distance travelled: 19km / 11.80 ml
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Chikiska
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from your campsite at Chikiska and continue your trek across the Apurimac River and pass through the communities of Santa Rosa and Maranpata. The steep path passes through territory which can get humid and hot depending on the season. One of the more strenuous days, with dramatic views of the canyon as you approach the ruins of Choquequirao. In the evening, you’ll arrive at your campsite, located right near the ruins of Choquequirao.
Start Elevation: 2847m / 9340ft
Max Elevation: 3100m / 10170ft.
Approximate Walking time: 8 hours
Distance travelled: 14km / 8.69 ml
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight:Choquequirao
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at your campsite, head out to visit the ruins. With few other tourists around, explore the main plaza, ritual bath, and inlaid stone llamas at the ruins of Choquequirao. The site sits atop a hill rising 1,600m above the Apurimac and was hidden from the Spanish for centuries until Bingham stumbled upon it before Machu Picchu. The site is yet to be completely excavated, with much of it still shrouded by jungle and cloud forest. In the evening, return to your campsite near the Choquequirao ruins.
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Choquequirao
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It will be a long yet slower & more leisurely hike back to the first campsite at Chikiska and after an unforgettable experience well worth the walk. Today you can really enjoy the trekking and take in the vast changes of the environment & landscapes.
Start Elevation: 2847 masl / 9340 ft
Max Elevation: 2941 masl / 9648 ft.
Approximate Walking time: 9 hours
Distance travelled: 19km / 11.80 ml
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Chikiska
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Setting off in the early morning light you’ll begin the hard climb to Capuliyoc, from where you’ll again be able to appreciate the impressive background of the Apurimac canyon and feel like you’ve earnt the view!.
The route begins to even out and it is only 2 hours back to the town of Cachora where private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Member Since 2022
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