Get ready for a difficult but life changing experience on the <strong>Choquequiraw</strong> trek. Also known as “<strong>Machu Picchu’s Sister City</strong>” sharing similar structures and architecture, <strong>Choquequiraw</strong> is an excellent choice for someone who wants a challenge and to complete a trek that has far fewer tourists and a more intimate experience. Choquequiraw is a sprawling complex for those that wish to have a more personal experience while exploring the ruins which are only 40% excavated. In the peak season, while <strong>Machu Picchu has 3000 visitors daily</strong>, Choquequiraw is much more exclusive having maybe 30 visitors daily with only 4,500 visitors for all of 2017. The time to accomplish this trek is now because part of the untouched natural beauty and exclusivity of this trek is due to the isolation and difficulty in accessing the site due to the need to trek in on foot which takes approximately two days. This will change soon though with the announcement of the construction of a cable car which will reduce the two-day hike to a 15min cable car ride. When this is completed, the President of the National Chamber of Tourism has estimated that they will receive approximately 200,000 tourists within the first year. The time to act is now.
<p>Your guide will pick you up at you hotel at 4.30 am in our private transportation, we will drive for about 3 hours until you get to Cachora, a small community where You will meet our horseman and your trekking chef. After a good breakfast, we will hike to the trailhead called Capuliyoc at 3,200m/ 10,498ft. You will start the amazing expedition to Choquekiraw. It will be 3 hours all downhill with some stops as you need until you arrive at your first lunch spot. The trail could be a little dusty and slippery but with good trekking shoes and trekking poles, all will be fine. On the way downhill, you will have spectacular views of the Apurimac Valley, the River, amazing landscapes. It’s another 3 hours from Chikisca our lunch spot until we reach the campsite, located at the bottom of the valley called La Playa at 1800 m/ 5900ft.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Snack, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.</p><p> Accmodation: Camping Outdoor.</p><p> Estimated walking time: about 7 hours</p><p> Distance: 14km.</p><p> Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.</p>
<p>After our early breakfast, we will begin the trek crossing the bridge, then it's 4 hours uphill with zigzags. Along the way you will pass by some sugar cane farms, more great views of the valley from the opposite hill, possibly some condors above (largest birds of the Andes) and beautiful flora and fauna. This climb is one of the most challenging parts of the Choquekiraw trek, in the case of emergencies we have an extra horse to ride for some sections. Once you arrive at Marampata you will be done with the uphill and have time to enjoy your lunch at 3.350m/10.990ft. After lunch and a good siesta, you will continue to the last section for 2 hours until Choquekiraw, it will be by far the most impressive section of the entire trek since you will have lots of amazing views from the summit to the Apurimac Canyon, Choquekiraw, lots of orchids, and flowers. The campsite is amazing, set up on one of the terraces of the Inca site.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Snack, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.</p><p> Accmodation: Camping Outdoor.</p><p> Estimated walking time: about 8 hours</p><p> Distance: 13km.</p><p> Difficulty: hard/demanding .</p>
<p>After an early breakfast, get prepared to exploring Choquequiraw. It takes 30 minutes to get there, your guide will take you to explore the Inca site, afterward, he will take you to the best spot for a brief story.</p><p>Choquekiraw is considered to be bigger than Machu Picchu, but most of it is still hidden in the forest. This Inca site is extremely spread out, they built several enclosures, terraces, temples, and platforms, as well as, water channels.</p><p>After the tour, you will head back the camp for lunch, in the afternoon, You will have more time to continue exploring further, this time to the terraces to the llama area is a steep downhill walk for 30 minutes where you will see really narrow farming terraces. This was most likely built by the Incas to representing the llama constellation in the Milkyway. Then, you will get to visit the Usno area where you can enjoy the sunset over the mountains and then walk back to your campsite where spend an extra night at Choquekiraw.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Snack, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.</p><p> Accmodation: Camping Outdoor.</p><p> Estimated walking time: about 8 hours</p><p> Distance: 13km.</p><p> Difficulty: hard/demanding .</p>
<p>After a good breakfast, we head the way back our way to Chiquiska. It will be 2 hours back to Marmpata as you already know you will have amazing views of the canyon of Apurimac, from Marampata, you will begin the 4 hours downhill to La Playa, this downhill definitely requires trekking poles, at halfway down you will have a small break to enjoy some local fruit that is farmed around such as Passionfruit, prickly pear fruit, abocados, and more. Finally, you will reach La Playa for lunch, after lunch, it will be 2 hours uphill to Chikiska where you will spend the night, our campsite is in the backyard of a family perfect place to see the amazing views of the valley.</p><p>Today on the way you may see Condors and Falcons flying in the Valley trying to catch chickens from farmers.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Snack, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.</p><p> Accmodation: Camping Outdoor.</p><p> Estimated walking time: about 8 hours</p><p> Distance: 13km.</p><p> Difficulty: hard/demanding .</p>
<p>After early breakfast, we will get ready to return to Cachora. It will be the last 4 hours uphill to arrive at the end of the trek where you will enjoy your last lunch with your guide, porters, and horseman. We will say goodbye to your trekking team, other than your guide, then, continue for about 3 hours, this time by car, driving back to Cusco along the road we will have the chance to visit the hot springs at Cconoc. afterward, You will continue to Curawasi, where people farm the famous Anis (local tea).</p><p>You will arrive in Cusco around 6 pm, we will drop you off at your hotel.</p><p></p><p> Meals: Snack, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.</p><p> Accmodation: Camping Outdoor.</p><p> Estimated walking time: about 8 hours</p><p> Distance: 13km.</p><p> Difficulty: hard/demanding .</p>
Items Included in this tour
- Pick up at your hotel
- Private transport from Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek) and from Villa de Loros to Cusco
- Entrance tickets to Choquequirao
- English speaking professional tour guide
- Guiding tour a log the way and archaeological complex
- Four-person tent comfortable for two people
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- An emergency horse which can be ridden in case of emergenciesor or exhausted.
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- 8 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our mules
Items not Included in this tour
- Sleeping bag (available at Viajes LA for rent)
- Inflatable sleeping pads for extra comfort (available at Viajes LA for rent)
- Trekking Poles (available at Viajes LA for rent)
<ul>
<li>Original valid passport and ISIC card, if you are a student.</li>
<li>Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c (rentable for $20 for duration of the trek)
Trekking boots</li>
<li>Warm clothes and hiking pants.</li>
<li>Layers of clothes for variable temperatures especially at night</li>
<li>Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries</li>
<li>Camera with an extra memory card.</li>
<li>Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses</li>
<li>Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool cap for cold night</li>
<li>Insect repellent</li>
<li>Waterproof clothing</li>
<li>Water bottles and purifying tablets – Optional</li>
<li>Personal medical kit with a simple whistle</li>
<li>Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips</li>
<li>Walking sticks (available at Viajes LA for rent)</li>
<li>Inflatable mattress (available at Viajes LA for rent)</li>
<li>Toiletries</li>
<li>Sandals or flip-flops and bathing clothes</li>
</ul>
Answer
Important Considerations Much of this trek is isolated and rugged. It is advised that trekkers acclimate by spending a few days at Cusco (3300m) or similar before attempting the trek.
The trail crosses several high passes, and has multiple days that cover significant distances and elevation changes. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and be experienced hikers. Additionally, weather and trail conditions can vary. Temperatures range from warm and humid to below freezing. Trekkers should be prepared for changes to the itinerary and to meet unexpected challenges with an open-mind and sense of adventure.
Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain is an excellent addition to a trip to Machu Picchu. It offers superlative views, but it is a steep climb that can take about three hours. Entrance to Huayna Picchu is limited and only at scheduled times. If you would like to consider doing the climb, it is important to book it in advance.
The last two days of the trek are through areas with heavy tourist traffic.
<h4><strong>PRICE</strong></h4>
2 trekkers: $640.00 per person
3 trekkers: $640.00 per person
4 trekkers: $600.00 per person
5 trekkers: $600.00 per person
6 trekkers: $550.00 per person
7 trekkers: $550.00 per person
8+trekkers: $540.00 per person
<h4><strong>DISCOUNTS</strong></h4>
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time you do tour, or visit Machu Picchu, <strong>students</strong> 18 and above, <strong>need the ISIC card</strong> to qualify for the discount. Students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Email us a copy at <strong>info@viajesla.com</strong>
<ul>
<li>Student Discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$ 10.00</li>
<li>Students from 12 to 17 years, a discount of US$ 10.00</li>
<li>Children from of 5 to 12 years, a discount of US$ 10.00</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>GROUP BOOKINGS</strong></h4>
*More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as <strong>free tours in Cusco</strong> <strong>city</strong>, free items for <strong>camping activities</strong>, and personal discounts. <strong>contact us</strong> at <strong>info@viajesla.com</strong>
<h4><strong>RENTALS & EXTRAS
</strong></h4>
The following list of prices fixed in the items, are adjusted to the <strong>Choquekiraw 5Days/4Nights</strong>. However, we consider discounting the price for each item, for more than 10 participants in the group.
<ul>
<li>Trekking poles – US$ 20.00</li>
<li>Sleeping bag – US$ 25.00</li>
<li>Inflatable mattress – US$ 20.00</li>
<li>Extra Tent supplement– US$40.00</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>UPGRADES</strong></h4>
<strong>Viajes LA</strong> includes 3 stars hotel room in <strong>Aguas Calientes town</strong> and <strong>Expedition train service</strong> back and forth to <strong>Ollantaytambo</strong>, however, you can upgrade your the services for an additional cost shown below.
<strong><em>Applicable only if you are doing Machu Picchu by train.</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Vistadome Train</strong> (back to Ollantaytambo) + US$65.00</li>
<li>Single Accommodation at Machupicchu town + US$40.00</li>
<li>4 stars hotel at Machupicchu town + US$ 75.00</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>DETAILS</strong></h4>
<strong>Viajes LA</strong> provides the best quality of items for our customers, for a better experience during the trekking, we concern about the <strong>safety</strong>, <strong>comfort</strong>, and <strong>satisfaction</strong> in every trekking activity.
<ul>
<li>Four season (Eureka k-2 tx) tents, for two people in each.</li>
<li>Black Diamond Trekking Poles.</li>
<li>Sleeping bags according to route requirement.</li>
<li>We use 3* hotels in Aguas Calientes, if you don’t want to share the twin bedroom, select Single Accommodation when Booking.</li>
<li>If you are nature lover and landscapes, <strong>vista dome train service</strong> is the choice, wider windows, and glass ceilings to see the mountains.</li>
</ul>