The trekking to Choquequirao is one of the best kept secrets in Peru. It is a beautiful walk that takes you through stunning landscapes and intact Inca ruins. Choquequirao has been nicknamed the “Twin Sister of Machu Picchu,” and it’s easy to see why. This is the perfect trip for those who prefer to explore unspoiled terrain and seek an adventure off the beaten track.
The trek to Choquequirao demands good will and important physical activity, in short, this route is considered difficult even more so 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cachora – Coca Masana – Playa Rosalina
We will pick you up from your hotel around 05:00 am. We proceed to drive almost 4 hours to Cachora. During the bus ride, you can observe the white snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica – the sacred gods of the Incas. We arrive at Capulliyuc after 4 and a half hours, where we meet our muleteers and our cook prepares a delicious meal to begin a two-hour hike to Chikiska. Then, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes to reach Coca Masana (2,330m). The temperature rises and the flora and fauna begin to change. We arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) finally we walk to Santa Rosa where our team will set up our tent to spend the night there.
Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao
Today is probably the most difficult day of the trek. After enjoying breakfast, we pack our belongings and start walking until we reach Marampata. We walk for about 2 more hours to reach Choquequirao, where our cook was waiting for us with a delicious lunch. After eating, we go to explore the archaeological site of Choquequirao, Peru, which makes us see again the glorious era of the Inca civilization. Later we return to Raqaypata where we have dinner and go to sleep.
Day 3: Choquequirao -Santa Rosa – Chiquiska
Waking up in the middle of the Andes is one of the pleasures of spending these days as a hiker! It is an incredible experience! Breakfast will be ready early, around 6:00 a.m. Then, we pack our belongings, enjoy breakfast and immediately start walking towards the town of Marampata, where the vegetation will become abundant and the weather warmer, so we keep walking until we reach Playa Rosalina, where we will have our lunch and then we have to keep walking to Chiquisca where we will have our camp.
Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco
We will wake up early at 5:00 am with coca tea brought to your tent. Afterwards we will pack, have our breakfast and begin the hike to the highest point of the Choquequirao trail, climbing for approximately 4 more hours to the Mirador Capuliyoq where we will have our last dinner with the entire Wayna trekkers family. Then we will take our private transport, which will be waiting for us to take us back to Cusco, arriving in Cusco at 5:00 or 6:00 pm.
What’s Included
Included
- English – Spanish speaking guide
- An additional tour guide for groups with more that 9 people.
- Pre-departure Choquequirao briefing, presented by the tour guides at 5:00 pm at the office a day before.
- Private Transportation To Cachora (Trailhead)
- A duffle bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal cares, personal items, sleeping bag are within this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
- Mules which carry group gear.
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
- Transportation to the trailhead.
- Boiled water to fill in your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide clean water after each meal, you only need water the 1st half day)
- Wake-up tea. Hot herbal tea brought to your tent, each morning before breakfast.
- Happy hour. Every afternoon our cook will prepare hot tea, and you will drink it with popcorn and biscuits.
- 4 season Tents for two people.
- Professional Chef and assistant.
- Foam Mattress and Pillow
- Snacks
- Daily tea service
- Large Dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery, and kitchen tent.
- We provide warm water bowls for cleaning purposes.
- Portable environmental Biodegradable toilet
- Foodservice in the campsites (4 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 snacks) – option for vegetarians, gluten free, lactose Intolerance and any food allergy.
- Horseman which carry all the camping equipment.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen Tank for emergencies.
- Plastic Poncho. When it rains a lot, your jacket will be very wet that’s why we give the plastic Poncho to protect you from the heavy rain. (Available in the rainy season)
- Rain cover for your backpack. (Available in the rainy season)
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be rented according to the needs of the individual and group.
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew (cooks, horsemen and Guides)
- Travel insurance.
EXTRAS
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $20USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
Prices for Choquequirao trek 4 days
Group prices
- $599 USD Per person.
***For groups of 4+ travelers, $30 USD discount each. (Applies for the group service only)
Private services:
- $150 USD PP
Add on’s:
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 40 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $25 USD
- Air Mattress – $25USD
- Walking sticks – $20 USD
Please read the following information.
Booking
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal, your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the classic Inca Trial has varying degrees of elevations, lowest is your starting point (thrailhead:km82) at 2 729m/8 923 and gets as high as 4 200m/13 779ft (Dead Women´s Pass). So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the classic Inca Trail. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air, it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Get in Shape!
Being physically fit will certainly help you to enjoy everything this famous trail has to offer. You do not have to be an athlete, but we do recommend that you are active and build endurance. There are a few ways to achieve this. You could join a health club a couple of months leading to the trek. Another option is to participate in an aerobic group activity, aerobics are known for increasing endurance. If you prefer the outdoors, walking or running for 15kms/9 miles day would suffice.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trek talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
Luggage.
Most people change hotels after hiking, therefore we offer a free secure luggage store while trekking. You only have to communicate at the briefing.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice which is going to be the same as it was confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
Packing List
- Passport.
- Hiking boots.
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho.
- Wide brimmed Hat
- Comfortable hiking attire.
- Hat for the sun.
- Sun block 35+
- Insect repellent.
- Toiletries.
- Disinfectant for hands.
- Personal medications.
- Camera.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Water for the first morning.
- Extra cash for personal expenses.
