Machu Picchu is undoubtedly considered the tourist icon of Peru, and of the more than 3 million tourists that visit us a year, more than 98% have their eyes on Knowing Machu Picchu. However, in Peru there are places that can also be considered a tourist icon of Peru, but due to the little marketing that is given, it does not get to be known as Machu Picchu is now.
Choquequirao is considered by many tourists who visited it as the other Machu Picchu and sometimes many tourists dare to say that it is better than Machu Picchu. The best thing about this archaeological center is that it can only be accessed on foot, as there are no railways or roads that can take you to Choquequirao itself or near it, so many tourists consider this journey as a full trek pilgrimage, an escape from the routine, a personal challenge, escape from the bustle of the city, and since it is not well known, sometimes the route is empty (without tourists) and at other times one can run into some tourists and these are few. Of course, on some occasions the route can be full of tourists (nationals, school promotions and foreign tourists.). But most of the year the route is with few tourists.
Choquequirao, is a lost city where the Incas took refuge from 1536. Located in the Vilcabamba Valley – The convention in the rain forest at 3300 m.s.n.m. This archaeological center is considered as important as Machupicchu. The journey begins in the city of Cusco. After 145 km of paved road and 10 of unpaved road, we reach the town of Cachora, where the 32 km path begins, surrounded by imposing landscapes, on the route we can also appreciate the flora and fauna of the Apurímac Canyon, the deepest in the world. , until reaching the “Cradle of Gold” of the Incas.
Why should you do the Choquequirao Trek?
Apart from experiencing immense ruins with a tranquility and privacy that you would never find in Machu Picchu, the trekking to Choquequirao is an incredible personal challenge, with views along the way that will take your breath away.
Flooded by a feeling of satisfaction when completing it, the Choquequirao Trek is an adventure that you will never forget. Our recommendation is that you take advantage of doing it as soon as possible (before it becomes too popular) and then convince the rest of your friends to dare.
Important Information:
Altitude during the Choquequirao Trek
- Capital: 3,350 m.s.n.m. (Cusco)
- Minimum: 1,500 m.s.n.m. (Rosalinda Beach)
- Maximum: 3,000 m.s.n.m. (Capuliyoq viewpoint)
Weather
- Semi-tropical, hot and humid days and cold nights with constant rain throughout the year
- Minimum Temperature: Between 4 ° C to 11 ° C Open Pueblo de Cachora (June)
- Maximum Temperature: Between 20 ° C to 26 ° C Playa Rosalinda (June)
- Rains: November to April
Itinerary:
It includes:
- Pickup at the hotel in Cusco.
- Drop off in the center of Cusco.
- Guided tour of the archaeological site of Choquequirao.
- Shared transfer by bus round trip between Cusco and Capuliyoc.
- Accommodation:
- 1st night in camp at Playa Rosalina (shared double tent).
- 2nd night in camp in Choquequirao (double shared tent).
- 3rd night in camp in Chiquisca (shared double tent).
- Feeding:
- Breakfast (every day, except the first day).
- Lunch (every day).
- Dinner (every day, except the last day).
- Camping equipment (transported by muleteer and horses):
- Tent.
- Luggage loading service (up to 7 kg per person).
- Bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Entrance to the archaeological site of Choquequirao.
Not include:
- Food not specified in the “Includes” section.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking sticks.
- Access to bathrooms on the way.
- Health insurance.
What to bring?
- 30 liter backpack to carry the things that you will use during the walk.
- Waterproof backpack cover.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles (recommended).
- First layer (synthetic shirts and pants).
- Short sleeve and long sleeve shirts.
- Warm jacket.
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and pants, or rain poncho).
- Synthetic underwear.
- Trekking shoes.
- Flip flops.
- Towel.
- Hat and gloves for the cold.
- Sun hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Toilet paper.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Headlamp.
- External battery (most of the accommodations do not have access to electricity).
- Water (1 liter per person on the first day; you can buy more water on the way).
- Snacks.
- At least 200 PEN for expenses not included in the trek.
