A Choquequirao trek is considered one of the most scenic in the Cusco area. The site of Choquequirao is remote and is not often visited by tourist, and the name means the Cradle of Gold. The site remain mostly covered by the jungle with until today only 1/3 of the site excavated. Mystery is still to be uncovered, but it is said to be around 3 times larger than Machu Picchu.
On the trail see the great Choquequirao ruins, enjoy the spectacular views of majestic snow-capped mountains, great green valleys, and amazing canyons. See different spieces of birds like the great Andean Condor, pass native flora and fauna such as orchids and so much more.
This is a challenging hike, even for those who are experienced! but worth every step for the breathtaking views and the experience of Choquequirao. This is truly a unique once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!
Take the trek with the specialists in this amazing route and offer the most frequent departures with the most experienced and professional guides. We are the only company who takes you to the hot springs of CONOC after the Choquequirao Trek, and explores the unique Inca ruins of Saywite.
Click on the link below to explore our blog with lots of pictures and experience the trek for yourself: Choquequirao Trek!
Pickup will be at 530am from your hotel in Cusco. In our van travel for around 4 hours the the start of the trail at Capuliyoc. Along the way see villages, views of valleys and snow capped mountains. When you arrive meet the horsemen and pack the horses ready for departure. From here you will get a view of the Choquequirao ruins in the distance. See the Apurimac Canyon and the stunning Padreyoc Mountain. Hike for 3 hours to Chikisca for a delicious lunch. Arrive at the first camp after another 2 hours of camping. This campsite is called Playa Rosalinas.
After an hearty breakfast, cross the bridge and hike up for the next 4 hours to Marampata where we have lunch. Revel in the view of Choquequirao Inca ruins. After lunch we hike to our second campsite, which is about 20 minutes from the ruins of Choquequirao. Being so close there are possibilities explore the ruins late and to look for flying condors in the skies above.
After a filling breakfast we will visit the mystical archeological site of Choquequirao for the whole day. Your guide will give a wonderful private tour while visiting the temples, terraces, palaces, the llamas and returning to the campsite late in the afternoon, spend the night.
Choquekirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua, this is not its original name. It is another “Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered officially in the late 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750mt/5,741ft above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and is surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay mountains. Excavations and restoration of the 1810 hectares site began in the 1990s, and it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding something new.
Today is a walk in the park compared to the other days. Walk downhill for two hours to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,450m/4,787ft). Then cross the bridge to walk uphill for an hour to San Ignacio for lunch. Relax and take in the beautiful scenery and a great waterfall , while tucking into your delectable lunch! After lunch we walk up a gradual incline to the beautiful valley that surrounds the Villa de Loros (2,600m/8,580ft) mountain peak, where we set up camp for the last evening.
Today learn about the Inca Culture. After you have had a filling breakfast take your private transport to the Inca site of Saywite to explore the Inca Monolith, several water fountains and platforms. Later drive to the hot springs at Conoc, great chance to relax after your trek. Return to Cusco to your hotel, early evening.
The Choquequirao Trek 5 days is available on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you a duffle bag, for your things.
“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu”
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrival terminal.
It will take place the night before your trek departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO
Of course! During the Choquequirao Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
FIRST, to book your Choquequirao Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, train tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com to complete the payment.
The answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Choquequirao Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Choquequirao. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated, your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passports to be able to enter the Choquequirao. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter. They are very strict about this here!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to forecast. BUT you will experience different temparatures as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you should be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tours and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. INCA TRAIL HIKE specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the Choquequirao trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
YES. Its considered difficult by many, you need to be in good physical condition and well acclimated to the altitude. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is difficult..
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! INCA TRAIL HIKE toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
In the event that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, INCA TRAIL HIKE will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you off at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we can also pick you up from there !
It will depend on train availability (during high season it could be booked out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and an opportunity to enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore we usually book the train at 4:22pm.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator, as a result we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a professional direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40 Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
