The Archaeological Park of Choquequirao, located at 3,050 meters above sea level at the top of a mountain and on the slopes of Salkantay snow-covered mountain, is the last Inca bastion that guards with jealousy: temples, squares, sacred enclosures, platform systems, and large walls built by the last Incas of Vilcabamba. It also houses one of the most incredible and beautiful landscapes in the world: the Apurímac Canyon and the icy peaks of Salkantay snow-covered mountain.
Very early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel in Cusco, you will be movilized in a private vehicle that will take you for about three hours to reach the beginning of the trail, called Capuliyoc (3,200 m.a.s.l.). In this point our cheff and staff will be waiting for you to give you breakfast and the guide will introduce the team that will accompany us on the trip. After a group photo you will begin the incredible expedition to Choquequirao. It will be a downhill hike for about three hours with some stops, until we reach the place where we will have lunch. The road can be dusty and slippery, so we recommend you bring good shoes for walkig and canes, in this tour we will have spectacular views of the Apurimac River, landscapes and a beautiful flora and fauna.
Very early in the morning, after breakfast, we will prepare to start the day, crossing the breccia, and then walk four hours uphill, in zigzags. On the way, we will pass by some sugar cane farms, we will have magnificent views of the valley from the opposite hill, with some luck you will be able to see some condors flying over you and you will enjoy the landscape with beautiful flora and fauna. This route is one of the most difficult parts of Choquequirao. Once we reach Marampata, we will have finished with the uphill road. We will have time to enjoy lunch at an altitude of 3,350 meters above sea level, then take a short break and continue to Choquequirao. This route is impressive because of the incredible views from the top to the Apurimac Canyon. We will be able to see Choquequirao, orchids, other flowers and black bears along the way. Upon the arrival at the camp, our staff will set tents up. We will be able to take a 30 minute ride to enjoy the sunset from the Inca site of Choquequirao.
After breakfast we will prepare for the most amazing day exploring Choquequirao. We will have a walk of about 30 minutes before arriving at the same archaeological complex. Once arrived at the place, our guide will explain you the history while doing the tour by this impressive Inca site.
Choquequirao is larger than Machu Picchu, although most of it is still hidden in the forest. The most impressive parts of this site are the temples, astronomical observatories and water channels. After a tour of about four hours, we will return to the camp for having lunch and rest. We will have time to continue exploring the site and also visiting the Usno area, where you will enjoy the sunset over the mountains. Then we will walk back to the camp for the second night in Choquequirao.
After a very early breakfast, we will prepare for the return trip; it will be two hours back to Marampata. We will observe the Apurimac canyon on the way. Our guide will show you the beautiful flora and fauna that is founded on the way. You will see impressive waterfalls in the distance. From Marampata, you will begin four hours walk to La Playa, for this stretch walking sticks are required. Halfway there, you will have a rest to enjoy some fruits cultivated in the area. Finally, we will arrive at La Playa for lunch. Then it will be another two hours, uphill to the Chikiska camp, which is located in the courtyard of a family house, this is where we will spend the night.
This last day you have to wake up early, have breakfast and get ready to return to Cusco. It will be a hike up a hill of about four hours until the end of the road, where you will enjoy the last lunch with our guide and porters. We will say goodbye to the camping staff and continue the trip just with our guide to Cusco. The arrival to Cusco will be around 6:00 pm, once there we will leave you at your hotel.
