Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu

$ 650 /

per person

Review

Choquequirao Trek is an Inca city located within the Salkantay mountain and its ranges. It is made up of buildings, terraces of different levels an is considered a magical place full of history, flora & fauna. It is known for its incredible biodiversity. This route is considered the second sister of Machu Picchu, and with the AltitudeXperience team, you will explore each corner of the lost city of the Incas.

Tour Location: Located west of Cusco, in the Vilcanota River Basin, district of Santa Teresa and Apurimac, Department of Cusco.

Type of Tour: Adventure, Culture & Trekking and Camping.

Recommended: For those who wish to go deeper and learn more about the Incas off the beaten path (Moderate).

Difficulty: Moderate, challenging.

Considerations: This trek does not lead to Machu Picchu. If you are planning to do this magnificent trek, check out the details of the itinerary we have for you. “We look forward to taking responsibility for your next adventures in Cusco.”

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoq – La Playa

The trip will begin with the pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:50 am. Our journey to the first point of the trek in Capuliyoq lasts 4 hours. Once we arrive, our trek will truly begin. For the rest of the day, we will walk for approximately 5 hours downhill until we reach our camp on Rosalína beach located at 1578 meters.

Walking Distance: 7km

Camp Elevation: 1,870 mts

Weather: cold & hot

Day 2: Playa Rosalína – choquequirao

We will start our hike very early. Before leaving, our staff will have breakfast ready and after we eat, we will then continue with our walk to Choquequirao. This site is located at 3,050 meters, and once we arrive, we will spend the night surrounded by impressive views.

Walking Distance: 16KM

Camp Elevation: 3,050 mts (10,006 ft)

Weather: Chilly

Day 3: explore the majestic choquequirao

We will begin this exciting day with a delicious morning coffee (or tea) and a classic Andean breakfast. Following this, we will then explore the sacred ruins of Choquequirao. Without a doubt, there is a lot of history on this site and many mysteries in these ruins’ past. Our guide will tell you all the fabulous stories of the these sacred ruins and you will find yourself immersed in the deep history of this ancient site’s past. Once the exploration is finished, we will return to our camp to have a delicious lunch and then additional free time for you to explore the area, before we stay overnight at this camp.

Walking Distance: 8 KM

Camp Elevation: 3,050 mts (10,006 ft)

Weather: Chilly, Hot

Day 4: choquequirao – marampata – chickiska

After rising early and enjoying how beautiful Choquequirao is, we will continue with our return to Cusco. We will have a 4 hour walk back to the Apurimac canyon, after which we will arrive at our chikiska camp located at 1, 985 meters. This is where we will spend our last night, surrounded by beautiful views and a charming landscape that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Walking Distance: 12 KM

Camp Elevation: 1,985 mts (6,525 ft)

Weather: Chilly, Hot

Day 5: chikiska – capuliyoq – cusco

This final day will be the last day with the entire team. We will once again start with a good Andean breakfast, and then we will have a 4-hour ascent until we reach our lunch point. After lunch, we will have a small meeting where we will say goodbye with all of our travel staff, and then return to the city of Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 PM.

Included/Not Included

Included

Professional guides: highly trained guides for the high mountains and the history of the Incas.

Briefing: We will have an information session, you will receive a travel bag, the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and an air mattress.

Permissions: All permits are guaranteed based on availability, as soon as we receive your data and deposit, we will buy your permits

Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.

Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire trip, both by bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return.

Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, dormitory tents for two people.

Food: Our staff cooks so delicious, our meals are typical and traditional, we respect all food restrictions, if you have any restrictions, please let me know. All of our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy during the hike.

Water: From your first day you will be provided water, for your walks, this water is boiled, it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.

Transfers: Free roundtrip airport transportation.

Travel bags: Our travel bags will be delivered to you, where you will carry your clothes and other personal items, sleeping bags and a mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos.

First aid: Our team is trained in first aid, in case of emergency we handle an emergency plan if necessary for the most timely and quick attention possible.

Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so the little details are very important to us. For them we are committed to creating the real experience towards Machupicchu

Satellite Phones: For us safety is very important, keeping our clients safe is our priority, we have satellite phones for emergencies and emergencies that require communication. Our team has a satellite phone

Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this hike are included in the list price.

Not Included

Rentals: every Traveler needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and poles are recommended. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available to rent:

Inflatable air mattress: $ 15

Poles: $ 10

Sleeping bag: $ 20

Daypacks: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machupicchu does not allow the entry of backpacks more than 25 pounds.

Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for camping or lighthouses

Tips: Tips are always considered, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not required)

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but it is not mandatory, normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days.

Packing List

Essentials:

Immigration card

Backpack ( small)

Water bottles

Mountain shoes ( light on recommendation)

Passport

Student card ( if you booked as a student)

Duffel:

Absorbent shirts

Pants (for walks)

Warm jacket (preferably feather)

Hat (For sun)

Flashlight (personal use)

Waterproof jacket

Garbage bag (trash)

Sleeping bag (preferably feather)

Toiletries:

Repellents

Hand sanitizer

Toilet paper

Personal medication

Sunscreen

Altitude in Cusco

People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.

You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.

These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.

The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.

They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.

To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.

Getting to Cusco

All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.

The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.

Weather

Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.

Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.

Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.

Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.

Luggage Storage

Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.

While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the Alpaca Expeditions deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.

First Aid

ALTITUDEXPERIENCE guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.

In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.

Environmental Impact

ALTITUDEXPERIENCE carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.