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Itinerary
Choquequirao Trail – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Capuliyoq – La Playa
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30am in our private van, and we’ll drive for about 4 hours until we reach Capuliyoc—the starting point of the trek (2,900m). There, we’ll meet up with our team and our professional chef. They are responsible for setting up camp, carrying all of the supplies, loading and gathering the horses, and for cooking delicious meals while on the trail. Our chef will serve you your first breakfast as you survey the stunning view of the snowcapped mountains glinting in the morning light. Once you’re done eating, we will begin the Choquequirao Trail adventure. On the first day, the walk is all downhill and will last for about 3 or 4 hours or just until we make it to our designated lunch area.
The trail we will be on is made from dirt meaning that it’s a little dusty and slippery, but if you have good hiking boots and hiking poles, you will be fine. Breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon and its many amazing landscapes—each with its own beautiful and unique flora and fauna—accompany you during your descent. It’s another hour after lunch until we reach the campsite of Chiquiska which is located at the bottom of the valley next to La Playa river (1,500m).
DAY 2: La Playa – Choquequirao
As soon as we cross the river, you can look forward to passing through massive sugar cane farms and tasting a traditional drink called cambray. This delicious beverage offered by the locals is fermented from sugar cane and is quite appropriate because, today, we will have to conquer what are quite possibly the most challenging parts of the Choquequirao Trail. The path we hike today zigzags uphill for about 4 to 5 hours, but as you climb, you are likely to be accompanied by massive Andean condors circling above you. These magestic creatures are the largest flying birds in the world and are sadly an endangered species, but hiking the Choquequirao Trail permits you the rare and amazing opportunity to actually see them in their natural habitat. As you climb, you will also have the chance to fully appreciate just how beautiful the untouched environment is despite its challenges. If you become tired, there will be an emergency horse to help you through some of the sections.
Marampata, located at 3,000m above sea level (9,780ft), features stunning scenes overlooking the trail and the Apurimac. It is also the perfect place to stop and enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, we will continue on to the last section of our trek which takes approximately two hours before we finally reach Choquequirao. This area will be by far the most impressive section of the entire Choquequirao Trail. Displayed before you like a scene straight from The Secret Garden, brightly colored orchids stand innocently amongst the ancient stone walls of this awe-inspiring city. The views from the summit absolutely take your breath away as you scan the canyon below. Depending on the season, you may even see a few spectacled bears (also known as the Andean bear). Upon your arrival to the campsite, our porters will set up your tents, and if you have some energy left, you can climb the ruins Choquequirao to enjoy the fiery sunset.
DAY 3: Tour in Choquequirao – Marampata
Following an early breakfast, it will be time to begin the most amazing day of the Choquequirao trek. It will take about 30 minutes to get to the ruins, and then we begin our tour. Choquequirao is considered to be bigger than Machu Picchu, but most of it is still hidden by rainforest. The most impressive sectors of this site are the temples, water channels, astronomical observatories, and the location of the site itself. We’ll explore the ruins with a professional tour guide who will regale us with the rich Inca history of the site. After about 4 hours, we’ll head back to the campsite for lunch and a little siesta.
Following this, we will have more time to continue exploring the massive site. Remember our personal guides are experts in archeology, geology and history. They will gladly inform you of the wonderfully exquisite details that really drive the significance of this place home. You will also get to tour the «Llama Terraces» (colloquially dubbed as the Llamas of Choquequirao). This is a steep downhill 30 minute walk with very narrow farming terraces featuring llamas that were built into the wall with white stones. After this exploration, we are going to walk back to the campsite located in Marampata. Here, we will spend a perfect night enjoying the Inca constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
DAY 4: Marampata – La Playa – Chiquiska
After breakfast, we will begin making our way back to Chiquiska. While admiring the sights of the Apurimac canyon, the guide will point out the distinctive plants and animals that we will come across during our journey. The first 3 hours of the hike is a steep downhill trek to back to La Playa. We more than highly recommend hiking poles for this part.
Once we finally reach La Playa, we can take a dip in the Apurimac River while we wait for lunch to be prepared. It is an ideal way to relax the muscles and to feel refreshed. We highly recommend doing this because after our scrumptious lunch, we have to start climbing to the opposite side of the mountain. Going back to Chiquiska should only take 2 hours, but of course it is all uphill from this point. Assuredly, not only the views but the black bears, condors, humming birds, and other wildlife along the trail definitely make the effort worthwhile.
Day 5: Chiquisqa – Capuliyoq – Cusco
Today is the last stretch of our trek. After an early breakfast, we will start the day by climbing the mountain until Capuliyoq—the starting and ending point of the Choquequirao Trail. After surviving this adventure, you deserve some beers and to enjoy your last lunch with your guide, porters, and horsemen. You’ll say goodbye to everyone from your team other than your guide. Together, we will continue on for about 4 hours in our minivan back to Cusco. Along the way, there will be a few stops, and even you’ll get to visit Curahuasi where people farm the famous Anis (a local tea). You will be back in Cusco around 6pm, and we will drop you off at your hotel.
Inclusions
What is Included in Choquequirao trek?
- Pick up from the Airport/Hotel
- English Spanish speaking tour guide
- Professional cook
- Briefing
- Entrance Fee to Choquequirao
- Briefing the night before the trek
- Duffel bag to pack your hiking gear
- Horses to transport the camping equipment and food supplies
- Emergency horse
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the trailhead
- 4-man tent for every 2 people
- Dinning tent
- Kitchen tent
- Meal: 5 breakfast, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Water: we will provide you water every day at breakfast time, at lunch time and at dinner time
What is not Included in the Choquequirao trek
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Air mattresses
- Transportation to the hot spring
- Entrance fee to the hot spring
- Extra expenses
- Tips
Price
Choquequirao Trail – Prices
Our Private Tour service is available and priced by party size.
- 2 Hikers: $700 USD per person
- 3 Hikers: $680 USD per person
- 4 Hikers: $660 USD per person
- 5 Hikers +: $640 USD per person
Student discount: $20 per student. To aply to student discount you shoud follow the below govenment requirements
Students from 18 to 25 years old get discount of $20
Students from 12 to 17 years old, they get discount of $20.
Children from under 11 years all they get discount of $20.
The Ministry of Culture has changed its regulations regarding student discounts for entrances to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits. For anyone wishing to obtain a student discount, the following requirements must be met: (1.- Must be under 25 years of age 2.- Must have a valid institutional student card with A.- Photograph B.- Student´s full name C.- Expiry date in 2019 that includes the date of reservation and the date of visit to Machu Picchu). Please note ISIC cards or any alternative documents proving student status will not be accepted. Unfortunately, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria we will not be able to offer the student discount.
Some considerations
For example, if you book your trek at the age of 17 but, you turn 18 before you start your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
Please send all documents to info@inkatrailexplorer.com
Upgrades
Optional Rentals
- Sleeping Bag: $25 USD
- Hiking Pole: $8 USD each
- Inflatable Mattress: $25 USD
- Single Tent Supplement: $25 USD
Optional Upgrades
- Sacred Valley Tour: $180 per group of 6 if you booked with this trek
- Maras Moray Tour: $160 per group of 6 if you booked with this trek
- South Valley Tour: $ 160 per group of 6 if you booked with this trek
Important Info
Important Information
We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, so we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, so we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know!
Upon your arrival in Cusco City
You will be welcomed by one of our transfers at Cusco airport and then you will be transferred into your hotel. Find out your transfer in Cusco airport holding our Inka trail Explorer. Please you should provide us your flight schedule before you leave home.
The briefing
Your guide will meet you in your hotel 1 or 2 days prior you start the trek, depending on your preference. your guide will explain everything concerning the trek in detail. This includes the Lares Trek schedule and a few tips on how to make your trek easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings.
Can I leave my Suitcase in your storage?
Usually most of the hotels in Cusco city offers a free storage but, definitely you can leave your suitcase in our storage while you go on trek or tour, we offer a free storage.
How do I Pay my final Balance?
Your final balance should be paid in cash and it can be done in American dollars or in the local currency (Peruvian soles). We kindly request pay your final balance at least 24 hours prior you start the trek. You also can pay your balance via PayPal 10 days prior you start the trek. To pay your final balance via PayPal, you need to log into your PayPal account using our e-mail address – peruinkatrailtours@gmail.com
Can I cancel my trip or change my departure date?
As soon as you make your confirmation by paying your deposit we proceed to purchase the Inca trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. According the government regulations, the Inca trail and Machu Picchu permits or tickets cannot be canceled, changed of date or transferred into other traveler and unfortunately there is not a refund.
Do I need my Original passport when I travel into Peru?
Very important to bring the original passport with you. If you are a foreigner, you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu. Not just any passport. It has to be the passport you used to book your trip in Peru or buy your entry tickets to different attractions in Cusco – Peru.
If you renew your passport after you book your trip in Peru, you must travel with both the old and the new passports. You can send us via e-mail a copy of your new and old passports and we will be able to upgrade your new passport information.
How fit do I need to be to hike these trails?
As long as you enjoy hiking, you’ll love these trails – you’ll be hiking about eight miles a day, but there’s no rush, you can take it at your own pace. In fact, the slower the better I say, as that way you get plenty of time not only to enjoy your surroundings, but let your body acclimatize to the altitude as well.
We recommend doing plenty of exercise before you leave home, as the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your hike. We suggest you try to go for a short walks or running 2-3 times a week. If you have access to some walking trails that go over hills then go and explore, Hit the gym if you can’t do outdoor activities.
That said our trips are designed for regular active people, so you don’t need to be a triathlete or anything – though if you are you won’t be bored!
What if I need a special diet?
We cater all the food restrictions you might have; we work with professional cooks who will take care of you. You also can specify your particular requirements when you fill up our booking form.
- Vegan (no meat or animal products)
- Vegetarian (no meat products)
- Fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
- No red meat (eat chicken & fish)
- Gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
- Lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
Do you recommend buying travel insurance?
You should have full travel insurance cover – please be aware that some insurance companies require insurance to be purchased within 7 days of deposit payment. It is imperative for you to have medical cover and emergency repatriation and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also includes trip cancellation and other travel mishaps (e.g. flight cancellations or delays, trip interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects).
Packing List
Essecencials
- Passport
- Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
What do you need pack in your Duffle Bag?
Remember you are packing for 4 nights of camping . Horses will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt.
- 2 wicking T-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- 1 fleece jacket
- Warm, down jacket: This trek includes 2 cold nights of camping.
- Headlamps are essential!
- Waterproof gloves (Even if they are ski gloves, bring them.)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, but you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: We provide warm water each day, but you may feel cleaner if you use soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags are useful for organizination and seperating your dirty clothes from the clean ones.
- Sleeping bag: We recommend down bags for at least -10°C.
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First-aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
What do you need pack in your Daypacks
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend bringing something on the smaller side.
We recommend carrying your passport, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student), and the following in your daypack:
- Water: We supply clean water at each meal, but you are responsible for your first morning of water only because we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Woolhat
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips
