Jornada Curta Choquequirao ~ 4 Dias e 3 Noites


Itinerary

DAY 1: Cusco | Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

Your incredible journey will begin at 4:30 a.m. when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and take you for five hours to Capuliyoc in our exclusive transport. During the journey, you will be amazed by the stunning views of the majestic snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay.

Upon arriving at Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), you will indulge in an exquisite breakfast and have the chance to meet the talented chef and skilled muleteers who will be part of your trekking team. They will ensure that your belongings arrive safely at each camp and will also provide quality meals.

Once you start your hike, you will enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Apurímac canyon as you traverse a wide and beautiful valley, descending for approximately three hours. During this trek, you will marvel at the magnificent views of the imposing Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina mountains. You will then arrive at the spot where you will enjoy a delicious lunch in Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft).

Once you are satisfied and energized, you will continue your route for about an hour and fifteen minutes until you reach the bottom of the valley, known as Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). Here, you will face the powerful Apurímac River, whose name in Quechua means “God that speaks.” This river has Class V rapids, making it an ideal destination for kayaking or rafting.

Finally, you will make a last ascent of two and a half hours to reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), your first campsite. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring to rest deservedly.

DAY 2: Santa Rosa | Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata

In the morning, you will receive a generous breakfast that will provide you with the energy needed for the hike. Then, you will depart around 5:30 a.m. and zigzag uphill for three hours until you reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft). There, you will be amazed by the impressive landscape and have the chance to take photographs of the canyon and the snow-covered peaks. After a brief rest and organizing your belongings, you will walk for an additional hour and thirty minutes until you reach the Choquequirao complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft).

On this day, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings and allow the energy of this ancient place to envelop you. Take your time to discover every corner of this complex located in the deep canyon. You are surely already imagining the stunning landscapes that await you. Your guide will accompany you throughout the site and provide information about its history and other interesting facts.

Choquequirao is considerably larger than Machu Picchu; however, it is estimated that only 40% has been discovered so far, so it is very likely that there is much more to explore in the future. You will have the opportunity to visit impressive plazas, temples, and terraces. All of this will make you wonder how the ancient civilization was able to build such a wonder high in the mountains.

Don’t miss some of the most significant parts of the complex, such as the white stone llama statues that were built to protect the sacred mountain located above the area known as Apu Qoriwayrachina. Choquequirao remains an enigma in many ways, and just imagine how much more we will learn in the coming years. At noon, you will stop at this magnificent place to enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, you will return to your campsite in Marampata to enjoy another excellent dinner and rest for the night. As the sun sets, you will be able to marvel at the starry sky and its constellations. Take a moment to contemplate their meaning before going to sleep.

DAY 3: Marampata | Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquisca

You will start the day with another generous breakfast before heading back, after having enjoyed wonderful moments during your journey through Choquequirao.

You will return the same way until you reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), where you will stop to visit a local family’s agricultural estate, where they grow sugar cane used for the artisanal production of Cambray, a popular drink in the area.

After enjoying a delicious lunch and a brief rest, you will continue your descent until you reach Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), where you will refresh your feet in the cold waters of the Apurímac River before starting to ascend.

You will follow the path back, but this time you will begin to ascend for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes until you reach the cozy Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where you will spend the night and enjoy a delicious dinner while chatting with your trekking companions about all the exciting things you witnessed today. You will be completely ready to rest when the time comes.

DAY 4: Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Sayhuite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco

Today you will enjoy your final breakfast on your journey while listening to the sound of the Apurímac River. Afterward, you will start early to avoid walking under the strong sun. Take a last deep breath and let mother nature guide you on the final part of your hike back to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft).

Once there, you will say goodbye to your trekking team who has accompanied you throughout the journey. Then, it will be time to board private transport to visit the impressive Sayhuite Monolith. During your visit, you will learn about its great religious significance to the Incas and how it was related to water.

After this brief history lesson, you will head to the Conoc hot springs and enjoy the relaxing waters that will help relieve tired muscles after the hike. Here, you will be able to enjoy your last lunch before returning to Cusco in private transport.

Make the most of the opportunity to admire the beautiful snow-capped mountains and capture memorable photos of the incredible landscape. You may feel physically tired at this point, but the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment you will experience will outweigh any fatigue. Finally, you will arrive in Cusco and we will accompany you to your accommodation so you can relax and rest as much as you need.

Inclusions

Includes:

  • Permits and entries
  • Entry ticket for the Choquequirao hike
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Experienced tour guide
  • Private camping equipment
  • First aid kit
  • Tent accommodation
  • Meals (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners)
  • Water for the hike
  • Snacks for the trail
  • Transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc
  • Transport from Capuliyoc to Cusco
  • Transport to the hot springs
  • Transport to Sayhuite Monolith

Does not include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Meals in Cusco
  • Extra drinks
  • Tips