Considered one of the last refuges of the Incas, located at the top of a mountain at almost 3,350 m. and surrounded by the Nevados de Salkantay and Humantay
Choquequirao or Choquequiraw means “Cradle of Gold” in the language of the Incas (Quechua), although this is probably not its original name. “Lost City of the Incas” this remote and mysterious archaeological center has preserved its architecture intact.
During the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Hike you will have the company of our team of professionals in adventure routes: professional guides, experienced cooks and porters and we will also have the support of muleteers and their attendants.
The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 9 Days will take you to two of the most important archaeological sites in Peru and Cusco: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Itinerary:
Included:
- Interview with the guide prior to the walk and he will give us the maps.
- Additional guide for groups greater than 9 people.
- An expert chef on roads.
- Chef’s assistant for groups larger than 9 people
- Horses carrying camping equipment and food.
- Food along the way: 8x breakfast, 8x lunch, 8x dinner.
- Vegetarian option is free; just inform us in advance, please.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen balloon.
- Camping equipment: tents and mats.
- Kitchen equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent, kitchen utensils.
- Basic Accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Return train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo, Expedition Service, hours: 16:22 hrs. or 18:20 hrs. or 21:50 hrs., subject to availability.
- Tourist transport: Ollantaytambo Station – Cusco.
Not included:
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu of USD $ 65.00.
- Rent an extra horse to ride when they get tired at USD $ 200.00.
- Vistadome service: USD $ 30.00.
- If you want to extend your stay in Aguas Calientes (the town just below Machu Picchu), contact us for hotel prices, please).
NOTE:
There is a minimium of 4 passengers to book this tour, please if you require a private tour for less than 4 passengers, ask our sales department to send you an special price for the group.
We recommend to bring:
- Bag
- Hiking shoes
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket or Rain Poncho
- Plastic bags for your used clothes
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight and batteries, pocket knife.
- Camera
- Water bottle, preferably metal to better withstand the heat.
- Hat and / or cap to protect yourself from the sun and cold
- High factor sun protection cream and insect repellent
- Toilet paper.
- Snack (cookies, energy bars, chocolate).
- Towel.
- Money.
- Personal first-aid kit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How important is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao is a surprisingly well-preserved ruin of an Inca city located in Vilcabamba – Cusco – Peru. It is considered to be the “Sister City” of Machu Picchu as there are many similarities between the two.
Choquequirao in Inca times was both a cultural and religious center for the Incas. Predictably, this citadel was used as a checkpoint to ensure access to the Vilcabamba areas, which connected the jungle with other important centers such as Písac and Machu Picchu. It was also considered a refuge for the Incas who, on the orders of Manco Inca, left the city of Cusco to take refuge in the cities of the Vilcabamba region, when around the year 1535 Cusco was besieged by the Spanish. At present we can still see that Choquequirao has some walls with decorations of figures like llamas
What is the height of Choquequirao?
The lost citadel of Choquequirao is at 3,035 m.a.s.l. and at the lowest point of the walk you will be at 1,461 m.s.n.m. The climate is similar to that of Cusco, so it is advisable to acclimatize to the heights before the walk. It should be noted that the road to Choquequirao is warm due to the Apurímac canyon.
What is the distance between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu?
There is 43.8 km that separate the archaeological site “Choquequirao” from the citadel of Machu Picchu.
We also offer you an exclusive package for this journey: the “Choquequirao Trek 8 days”.
This adventure is certainly for those who are addicted to heights. The route is one of the complex ones in Peru, it is full of winding paths, unique panoramic views, deep valleys, a great variety of plants (orchids, groves), animals in their habitat, etc.
How is the weather in Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Hike?
The archaeological site of Choquequirao has a temperate climate. The walk to this place has a hot climate due to the proximity of the so-called ‘Apurímac Canyon’.
When is the best time to go to Choquequirao?
The best time to visit Choquequirao is during the high tourism season (April to October). During those days, there is little chance of rain so the walks are safer.
