Explore the ruins of Choquequirao & Machu Picchu 5 Days
The walk to one of the last sacred cities of the Incas, nestled in the Apurimac river canyon, we refer to the Choquequirao; An impressive place that was built by the Incas in their expansion stage to the territory of the Amazon jungle.
The archaeological complex of Choquequirao is considered one of the sites with a lot of history and fine stone finishes, built on the flanks and mountains with a steep slope. Currently only less than 30% of the total area has been discovered, which is hidden by thick cloud forest.
The trek to Choquequirao is cataloged as one of the hardest in Peru, because in a single day you descend more than a thousand meters, and the next day ascend again up to 3 thousand meters. But making such a physical effort is worth it, since not many visitors a year manage to reach the Inca sanctuary of Choquequirao, the views from the high peaks are simply spectacular, with wonderful sunsets.
After having enjoyed the fabulous ruins of Choquequirao, we will visit the modern wonder of Machu Picchu, with this you will complete the visit to two of the best archaeological attractions in South America.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the impressive lost citadel of the Incas, the majestic Choquequirao, which in Inca times was one of the most powerful cities of the Empire.
- Stroll through the gardens, temples, royal houses, agricultural terraces and the great altar or Ushno, where the Incas carried out their rituals for the mountains and mother earth.
- Explore the great canyon of the Apurimac, which is lost in the immensity surrounded by great snow-capped mountains, next to the dense cloud forests.
- If you are a lover of bird watching, this site is perfect since you can enjoy different microclimates, where different species of hummingbirds, tanagers, eagles, and the condor of the Andes live.
- Enjoy the best sunrises and sunsets in the Andes, at night you can also appreciate the sky full of stars and constellations next to the Milky Way.
- Savor the best gastronomy in the world, Peru is one of the countries with the best culinary art, in this expedition you will delight your palate with our typical dishes prepared by our experienced cooks.
Inclusions of this tour
CUSCO - CACHORA - CAPULIYOQ - MARAMPATA
We will pick you up from your hotel between 3:30 to 4:00 AM to start our trip in a private van for 4 hours to northeast of Cusco city, through small towns until Capuliyoc town (2.800masl) where we have a delicious breakfast and where also we will meet with our trip staff (muleteers and horses).
After breakfast we begin with our hiking for about 20 minutes and will arrive to our first viewer where we have a panoramic view, in front of us we can see the vilcabamba mountain range called ( padreyoc) and the famous Apurimac Canon, after having an amazing view we will start our descend for 3 hours through beautiful landscapes where you will be able to see different medicinal plants which were used by our ancestors ( muña, chilca and different varieties of plants) If we are lucky we will be able to see the majestic Condor, we descend until Chiquisca Hamlet (1800masl) where we have a delicious tipycal Cusco Lunch Buffet.
After having Lunch we will have a 30 min break to continue with or hiking, Descending 45 minutes more until Playa Rosalina (1700masl), located in Apurimac River. After passing the famous Apurimac river we continue hiking uphill a zigzagging road for 4 hours until Marampata (3500masl), at sunset we will see andean people, how they live in the mountains with a style of life that maybe you wont believe compared to the city. We will arrive to our camping site at 5:30 pm, after a small break its time for dinner, during the night you will be able to see constellations according Andean or Inca religión.
Camping Tent
TOUR IN CHOQUEQUIRAO RUINS - MARAMPATA
After breakfast, we will continue with our hiking to the ruins of Choquequirao, on this day the hiking is going to have a high level physically, where we will be able to see an amazing view of the Archeological Choquequirao Complex (3100masl) we will have amazing canon views. Choquequirao is also knew as the lost city of the Incas, we will visit the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao for the entire day.These ruins are three times the size of Machu Picchu and new sections, hidden under the dense jungle, are constantly being discovered. Enjoy the private guided tour and explore all of the beautiful sections of the temples, terraces, palaces, the llamas’ section, and much more.
After to visit all of this places we will start our descend until Choquequirao Camping where our picnic Lunch is waiting for us, after having lunch we will take a 30min break and continue to an amazing place that only us know about it, this place is called cataratas de Pachayoc (water falls) a place where you will be in touch with the nature. Finally we will return to Marampata where dinner is ready and is time to stop over.
Camping Tent
SANTA ROSA - PLAYA ROSALINA - CAPULIYOQ
After a nutritious breakfast, we get ready to descend to the Apurimac River, and then we begin our return journey along the same path that took us the first day to Choquequirao. We will have a brief stop at the Playa Rosalina site, where we will freshen up and fill our canteens with more water for the journey.
From that point we head uphill to the Chiquiska farmhouse, there we can learn about the preparation of a typical drink of this region, we refer to the Cambray, which is prepared based on the fermentation of sugar cane juice. You can usually see all the travelers and muleteers consuming this slightly alcoholic drink. It is also a beautiful place where different types of tropical fruits are produced, such as mango, citrus, the sacred coca leaf, etc.
After a short break, we head to the site of Cocamasana, it will be three hours of ascent, the weather is quite dry and hot, but the landscapes that surround us are impressive.
After having lunch, we will make the ascent of the last part to the Capuliyoq viewpoint, where we will spend the night in a beautiful and comfortable lodge, with impressive views of the Apurimac river canyon, and the snowy Padreyoq.
Camping Tent
CACHORA - LIMATAMBO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
Today we will have a spectacular sunrise, between the mountains, we will say goodbye to the great site full of energy. After having breakfast we will thank our cooks and muleteers, with whom we live a great adventure in the Choquequirao. Then we will drive to the majestic sacred valley of the Incas, during the journey we will pass through the towns of Limatambo, Huaypo, and at noon we will arrive at the mythical living town of the Incas Ollantaytambo, where you can explore its temples and sacred sources of water worship.
In the afternoon after lunch we will take a train trip to the town of Aguas Calientes, this will take approximately 1hr 45 min, this journey is super attractive for its landscapes that are constantly changing, from the valley floor to the mountain and the cloud forests. At night after settling in our hotel, you can enjoy a delicious dinner in a tourist restaurant, and prepare for the next day’s visit to the sacred sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Retama Machu Picchu
GUIDED TOUR IN MACHU PICCHU - RETURN TO CUSCO
This day the tour in Machu Picchu will take place early in the morning, after getting ready at the hotel, we will take the bus at 5:30 am. After a trip along the road surrounded by vegetation and impressive views of the Putukusi mountain, we will arrive at the access point for the sacred sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
First, before passing the control, those who wish to use the toilets will be able to do so. Since there are no bathrooms inside Machu Picchu, if you are going to go outside once inside, unfortunately you will not be able to re-enter.
Our visit to the wonder of Machu Picchu will be through circuit number 2, since it is one of the most complete. On this tour you will be able to go up to the famous guardian’s house from where the postcard photo of Machu Picchu will be taken, then you will pass through the main gate, the ceremonial plaza, the Inca’s house, the ceremonial fountains, you will see the temple of the sun, but not up close; You can also access the pyramid where the sundial is located.
Continuing with the circuit you will arrive at the sector of the sacred rock, and finally you will visit the urban area where the royal houses of the Inca nobles were, and also the room of mirrors. After 3 hours of travel we will retire with our guide, and once outside you can have a drink or food. Because inside the complex is prohibited.
Then you can take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have enough time to have your lunch. At 2:30 p.m. it will be the time of the return train to the Ollantaytambo station, where your return transportation to Cusco awaits you, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Best season to travel
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Price $ USD 880 PP or Reserve now with $ USD 200 PPChoose your preferred departure date to proceed
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