Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights

Choquequirao is a lesser-known Maya ruin, but follows the same distinctly Incan design as Machu Picchu. In fact, Choquequirao is known as Machu Picchu’s “little sister.” This site is a little more off the beaten path, and a chance to experience an Inca site without as many crowds. It is believed that this is where the Inca fled to from Machu Picchu when the Spanish first arrived in the region in the 16th century. Along the way, you’ll be treated to incredible views, comparable to what you would see on the Inca trail. This trail includes a view of the Apurimac Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

Porters will carry your load, and almost all of your meals are prepared for you, either on the trail or at the campgrounds.

Note: this tour takes place from April to September.

##Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Santa Rosa

Depart from Cusco at 4:00 AM for a 4-hour road trip to the town of Cachora. When you arrive, you’ll admire the snow-capped peak of the Padrayoc Mountain before you set off on your hike. During your 13.5-mile (21.7-m) hike, you’ll see more of the snowy mountain range, including the summit of Wayna Cachora. Eventually your group will reach Playa Rosalina, which is right on the banks of the Apurimac Canyon, for more incredible views. Then, you’ll set up camp at the Santa Rosa campground.

Hiking: 7 hours

##Day 2: Santa Rosa - Choquequirao - Raqaypata

Your second day also begins quite early! After breakfast, you’ll set out on your hike at around 5:00 AM. After about 5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Choquequirao, where you’ll get to observe three levels. The site is a mixture of excavated as well as unexplored areas.

Have lunch and dinner in Raqaypata, a small encampment with its own small ruins. Walled terraces line the side of the mountain’s face.

Hiking time: 5 hours

##Day 3: Raqaypata - Playa Rosalina - Chiquisca

Set out the next day on the return hike to Chiquisca. On this long day of hiking, your guide will point out the orchids and other exotic plants that thrive in this environment. You’ll stop for lunch at Playa Rosalina, and then continue to camp once again at Chiquisca.

Hiking time: 10 hours

##Day 4:

After breakfast, you’ll set out on a 7-hour hike and once again catch sight of the majestic Parayoc Mountain in the distance. Once you reach Cachora, you’ll catch the shuttle back to Cusco and return to the city around 10 PM.

Hiking time: 7 hours Driving time: 4 hours from Cachora to Cusco Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

INCLUDED • Transportation in and out to the beginning of the trail (Cusco-Cachora and viceverse) • 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 dinners, 01 snack. • First Aid Kit: Kit, Oxygen • Full camping equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent, mattress (accommodation in double occupancy tents overnight) • Packhorses to carry the camping equipment and food. • 1 Packhorse for 4 days for each 3 persons. Weight allowance per person is 8 kilos. So 1 packhorse can carry 3 backpacks of maximum 8 Kilos each one. • 04 Camping nights – Tents for 2 or 4 people • English Speaking Professional guide.

NOT INCLUDED: • Sleeping bag • Tips: Minimum recommendable USD 3.00 per person per day for the porters team. For the guide would be minimum USD 10.00 per person for the total trek. • Extra drinks during the trail and the meals

TO BRING: • Personal Sleeping Bag (If you don’t have, please, see our note for rentals) • Backpack and Daypack • Bottle of water for the first day until lunchtime • Original passport put in a waterproof plastic bag, can be rainy • Mosquito repellent • Sunscreen • Sunglasses • Lantern • Pills for altitude sickness (easily purchased at pharmacies in Cusco ) • warm clothing (hat, scarf, wind breaker, poncho, gloves) • Hiking Boots. • (If stockings getting wet is always good to have warm and dry feet). • In the rainy season it is important to keep your personal belongings in plastic bags • Toilet paper • Snacks. • Camera Photo and batteries

Notes for rental • Saddle horse = USD 115 for 4 Days • DOITE SLEEPING BAG PENS: From -15°C to 5°C USD 7.50 Per Day. • Hiking sticks (with rubber tip) – pair of sticks USD 5.00 per day.