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Choquequirao is a lost city where the Incas took refuge in 1536. Located in the rainforest, at 3,100 meters above sea level, in the Apurimac Valley, Santa Teresa district, La Convención province. This archaeological site holds the same importance as Machu Picchu. The trek starts from the city of Cusco. After 145 km of paved road, you reach the town of Capuliyoc. Along the way, you'll be treated to wonderful views and can admire the local flora and fauna in the Apurimac Canyon before reaching “CHOQUEQUIRAO”, the Incas’ “Golden Cradle”.
The journey from Cusco to Curahuasi, at 3,600 m above sea level, begins early in the morning, with breakfast served on arrival (not included in the trek price). The drive takes about 3 hours. You'll then continue to the town of Capuliyoc, where the muleteers are waiting to begin the hike, which lasts 6 to 8 hours (depending on your fitness and pace). This is where the trek begins. Along the way, you'll admire the Apurímac Canyon, and after 2 or 3 hours you'll reach Chiquisca for lunch. You'll then continue with a 2-hour descent. You'll cross the Apurímac River, from where a roughly 3-hour climb begins (the toughest part) to finally reach the Santa Rosa camp for your first night in a tent.
After breakfast, you'll set off again toward Marampata; the walk takes about 3 hours and is the most difficult part of the trek. Along the way, the scenery includes mountains, snow-capped peaks, and a semi-tropical valley on the left side, all the way to Marampata. The walk lasts about 2 hours and follows the easier route leading to the Choquequirao camp. From here it takes another hour to reach the Choquequirao Ruins.
Lunch will be served at the Choquequirao camp, and in the afternoon there will be enough time to visit the Inca complex of "Choquequirao" – a magical place full of energy and culture, with its main plaza, sacred fountains, towers, agricultural and urban sectors, and terraces from which you can see the Incas' domain. At a set time you'll begin the journey back to camp for your second night in a tent.
Early in the morning, the return journey toward Playa Rosalina begins, passing through Marampata and then descending to Santa Rosa, where you'll take a short break. The descent then continues to Playa Rosalina for lunch, followed by a rest period while waiting for the temperature to drop before starting the two-hour climb toward Chiquisqa for the overnight stay at camp.
Breakfast will be served at 5 a.m., followed by an approximately 3-hour climb along the same route as the first day, a gentle slope toward Capuliyoc. Along the way you'll see local flora and fauna and breathtaking views over the Apurimac Canyon. From Capuliyoc, transfer to Cusco with a stop in Curahuasi for lunch (not included in the price). Arrival in Cusco expected around 5 p.m., marking the end of our service.
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