The term “Choquequirao” translates to “Cradle of Gold.” Positioned high above the turbulent Apurimac River, encompassed by majestic snow-covered peaks and perched on an elevated ridge, Choquequirao stands as a secluded and seldom-visited “Lost City of the Incas.”
This Inca archaeological site is often referred to as Machu Picchu’s sister, albeit lesser-known, less frequented, and three times larger in size.
Serving as one of the final sanctuaries for defiant Incas resisting Spanish conquest, the city was eventually abandoned and reclaimed by the thick, encompassing cloud forest vegetation. To this day, archaeologists continue to uncover new sectors of this ancient city.
Situated at an altitude of 3033m/9,951ft, Choquequirao lies nestled between the Peruvian Andes and the jungle. Its charm lies in its seclusion: it can only be reached via footpath. The journey involves a relatively challenging roundtrip trek spanning 40k/25 miles, with elevations ranging from 1400m/4,593ft to 3100m/10,170ft.
This thrilling journey kicks off at 4:30am when your guide collects you from your hotel. You’ll embark on a 4-hour drive in our private vehicle to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). En route, you’ll be treated to charming vistas of villages, stunning valleys, and majestic snow-covered peaks. Upon reaching Capuliyoc, we’ll meet our horsemen and load our gear onto the horses. You’ll only need to carry a small daypack containing the essentials for the trek.
The trek begins with a descent to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m/4,840ft) where we’ll stop for lunch. During this leg of the journey, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Apurimac Canyon and notable peaks like Padreyoc, towering at 5,571m/18,387ft. Post-lunch, we’ll hike uphill for approximately two hours to our initial campsite at Santa Rosa (1,900m/6,234ft). Here, hot beverages and appetizers will await you. After settling into your pre-prepared tents, dinner will be served.
Your guide will greet you with a steaming cup of tea or coffee to savor in your tent before rising. Following an early morning meal, we embark on our journey, trekking uphill for approximately two hours to reach the quaint village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft). En route, we’ll admire the landscape and traverse through a unique micro-environment brimming with diverse plant and animal life towards the awe-inspiring Choquequirao archaeological site. We’ll indulge in lunch upon arrival and later partake in an exclusive guided exploration of this mesmerizing locale.
During this excursion, we’ll delve into key areas like the royal residences, sacred temple, ceremonial water sources, impressive Usnu (platform), agricultural steps, llama enclosures, and more. Your guide will share captivating tales of the site’s intriguing past. To conclude the day, we’ll return to our second camping spot, situated a mere 20-minute walk from the Choquequirao remnants, where evening tea and dinner await.
After an early morning meal, we venture into more captivating parts of the Choquequirao archaeological site. This location spans at least three times the size of Machu Picchu, with fresh archaeological findings continuously emerging from beneath the surrounding jungle. Once we’ve explored to our satisfaction, we make our way back to the Maranpata rural community for lunch. Here, you’ll witness the enduring traditional lifestyle of these rural communities, where many aspects of daily life have remained largely unchanged for the past five centuries.
Post-lunch, we make a descent to the awe-inspiring Apurimac River, which stands at an elevation of 1,550m/5,117ft. This river holds great significance in Inca traditions, and its impressive might and force will make you grasp why. Subsequently, we ascend a moderately steep slope for about an hour to reach our third camping spot at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft). As always, your tents will be prepared, and warm beverages along with appetizers will be awaiting your arrival.
Following a scrumptious morning meal, we hike up a hill of moderate difficulty towards the Capuliyoc Pass. Upon reaching this vantage point, we’re greeted with breathtaking vistas of the encompassing mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. Subsequently, we drive to Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for our midday meal. Post-lunch, our private vehicle transports us to the archaeological marvel of Saywite, where we allocate ample time for exploration. To wrap up our journey, our van chauffeurs us back to Cusco and drops us off at your hotel, with an estimated arrival time in the evening around 6pm.
$VICE |
PRICE |
| Sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of minus 10°C | $25.00 |
| Walking stick highly recommended! | $15.00 |
| Single supplement | $70.00 |
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way. At Vicuña Peru Expeditions, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
Book fast and easy on our website and keep track of your reservation with our most advanced booking system, be updated on our discounts every week.
Vicuña Peru Expeditions it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most popular destinations for adventure treks in South America
Read moreThe Inca Trail is a world-renowned hiking trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is a combinatio
Read moreMachu Picchu is a stunning 15th-century Inca ruin located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
Read more
