Choquequirao, known as the other Machu Picchu, has recently gained a high level of importance and curiosity both tourist and cultural. Choquequirao is located in the jungle, which is the transition from the Andean valleys to the jungle. Life in this area belongs to those given in dry, montane and sub-tropical forests. The confluence of these environmental variations makes it an important attraction for visitors to observe various expressions of the fauna and flora of the place such as the spectacled bear, the condor, colorful butterflies and birds like the trogon, a bird similar to the quetzal.From the Andean perspective, its location is undoubtedly strategic, which allowed this singular settlement to encompass and have a mastery over what could be considered one of the most extraordinary altitudinal routes in the country.Choquequirao comes from the Quechua word "chuqui k'iraw", which means "Cradle of Gold", it extends in an area of 2000 hectares, where a set of structures are located above 3100 meters above sea level, and is part of a series of architectural complexes within the Vilcabamba Valley; last Inca resistance site. Its geographical position and its history make Choquequirao a pleasant and tempting place as an alternative form of cultural tourism.
The trip to Choquequirao is long and strenuous, but certainly unforgettable. It starts from Cusco by the road that goes to Abancay. At kilometer 154, take the detour to the town of Cachora, the last town before reaching the archaeological complex. From there he goes on horseback or on foot. The road has recently been extended and arranged. To travel through it, it is now more comfortable and safe. Choquequirao Trek requires good physical condition and adequate equipment. Starting from Cachora (2,900 m.s.) it is necessary to go down to the Apurímac River (1,530 m.s.) to camp. The second day goes up to 3,085 m.a.s.l. of altitude, where the complex is located. To return, the same path is used. Discover the most amazing experience with us, Short Choquequirao Trek gives you the opportunity to enjoy the best views and a unique hike experience.
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquispa.
Day 2: Chiquiska – Playa Rosalina – Sunchupata.
Day 3: Sunchupata – Choquequirao – Chiquiska.
Day 4: Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cachora.
We pick you up from the hotel at 6:00 a.m. to start the trip to the town of Cachora passing through the towns of Izcuchaca to reach the Archaeological Complex of Tarawasi, we continue our trip to the bridge Cunyac, we will pass through the district of Curawasi and Saywite to finally reach Cachora (10:00 a.m.) There we prepare the pack to animals and the muleteers and we start our Short Choquequirao trek up a gentle slope until we reach the pass of Capuliyoc (2800 masl) where we will have lunch after two hours of walking, and then head towards the town of Chiquisca (1930 masl). We will have the opportunity to observe magnificent views, beautiful landscapes, warm climate, glaciers of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the impressive abyss of the Apurímac, in this place we will have our first camp
After a deliciousbreakfast at 5:00 AM, we will continue our walk towards Rosalina beach (1550 meters above sea level), then climb the slope towards Santa Rosa (2100 meters above sea level), the place of our lunch, this journey is the most arduous , then we ascend to Maranpata (2850 masl), this is a smoother ascent, during this trip you will be able to appreciate all the way of the first day and the vegetation that exists in this place then we will cross a straight section in the direction of Sunchupata, here we will have our dinner and camp; from this point it is an hour to Choquequirao.
Very early after breakfast we will go to the Archeological Complex of Choquequirao an hour walk and be able to observe the sunrise of Choquequirao, place visited for three hours accompanied by our guide who will explain about this important Inca refuge. At an indicated hour we will start the return to our camp and descend to Santa Rosa instead of our lunch, to then descend to Rosalinas beach and go to the town of Chiquisca which is two hours from Rosalinas where we will have our campsite
After a good breakfast at our camp in Chiquisca at 06:00 a.m. We started our return along the same road to Cachora, which is the slope that was low on the first day, which is softer with a two-hour ascent until we reach the Capuliyoc pass and then be in 2 hours in the town of Cachora where we will arrive at approximately 12:00 pm, during this trip we will appreciate a lot of exotic flora and fauna, panoramic views of imposing snows, the impressive Apurímac canyon, considered the most spectacular in South America. Optionally in the afternoon we will move to the thermo-medicinal baths of Qonoc where we will rest for an hour and continue our return to the Imperial City of Cusco at approximately 8:00 p.m. Finally we will transfer you to your hotel.
To make Choquequirao Trek demands a good physical activity, in a few words this route is considered as a difficult route and even more for those who are not used to walking. However, the reward far exceeds the fatigue, but that if you have to always have the mind and body in good spirits and condition. Remember that you must walk from Cachora / Capuliyoc to Choquequirao and return to Cachora / Capuliyoc on foot.