Choquequirao, Quechua for `Golden Cradle´, has many similarities to Machu Picchu (however being even far bigger!), 
also consisting of Inca remains, but was discovered later, 
and is far less-known. 
That causes this trek, as well as the ruins themselves, 
to be less commercial, and far quiter than Machu Picchu. 
During the trek, you´ll see very much of beautiful nature, 
in different micro-climates! 
This is quite a tough walk, but you´ll be richly rewarded 
with spectacular views, the whole way through. 



This is certainly a very unique trail in the high Andes.
Enjoy! 

We’ll depart from Cusco at 6:00am, in a private car. 
First, we will take a break to visit the ruins of Limatambo, 
in the lower valley, and then continue, to the archaeological site of Sayhuite. 
We will take a late lunch upon arrival in Cachora, 
at a well-situated restaurant. 

This afternoon will be free for you, to wander over the mountainsides  
(with advice from your guide) or simply relax in this charming village. 
Enjoy the views of the snowy peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. 
In the evening our meal will be in the same restaurant. 

After breakfast, we will walk a 2 hour-hike to Capuliyoc (2,915m.a.s.l.), 
from where we’ll have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac-valley stretching below, 
as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. 
We’ll descend to have lunch at Chikiska, a charming oasis on the trail. 
From here, we’ll descend to the magnificent Apurimac-river (1,550 m.a.s.l.), 
before initiating our climb to Santa Rosa, which is "half way" up the hill. 
This is a very nice place to camp! 

After breakfast, we will climb for another two hours to Maranpata, 
from where we can see the ruins of Choquequirao. 
From here, we’ll have 2 more hours of hiking, to the ruins (at 3,110m.a.s.l.). 
We will have lunch at the Choquequirao campsite, 
and then have the rest of the afternoon to spend in and above the ruins. 
In the evening, we will watch the Sun set, and have the chance to see Condors. 
We’ll spend the night either in or close to the ruins! 

In the morning, we will set out early, back along the path we came, 
appreciating the many different Plants, and the ever-breathtaking views. 
We will descend to Santa Rosa for lunch, before descending further into the Apurimac canyon. 
From there, it’s another 1-2 hours pull uphill, to get to our camp at Chikiska. 

Early in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the canyon of the Apurimac, 
we descend to the raging river, and then begin a tough climb, 
that will be rewarded with spectacular views. 
We’ll climb for about 4 hours, and have lunch in Capuliyoc. 
The final two hours of our hike, into the village of Cachora, 
will be refreshingly flat, through the pretty countryside. 
Our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (4 hours of driving). 
We will arrive in Cusco between 7:00 and 8:00pm.

Included
- Pre-trek briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of departure, in private car 
- Transport from Cusco to the trailhead, at the beginning of the trek, 
at Cachora (and return private car) 
- Entrance to Choquequirao 
- Entrance to the ruins of Limatambo and Sayhuite 
- English/Quechua/Spanish-speaking professional guide 
- Tents: 2 people in a 4 person tent, which allows for greater comfort,
- Basic foam-mattress 
- Cook and cooking equipment (assistants are provided for larger groups) 
- Toilet-tent 
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food) 
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) including Horsemen.
- Dining-tent with tables and chairs, and a kitchen-tent
 - First-aid kit 
- Accommodation in hostal on the way, dinner and breakfast.

Not Included
- Breakfast on the first morning, last lunch
- Sleeping-bag 
- Additional Horses for passengers’ luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional Mule
- Tips for guide, cook and porters. 

We suggest you to bring
- A light day-pack, with a change of clothes, for the whole period of the trek: prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
- Rain-gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain-poncho 
- Strong, but comfortable, lightweight footwear. Waterproof would be best 
- Extra socks are a must 
- Sandals could help your feet to feel comfortable at night, if you wish to carry them. By the way, there are basic cold showers at most campsites on the Choquequirao-route
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and woolen hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping 
- Sleeping-bag (we could hire you this) 
- Flash-light and spare batteries 
- Camera with full battery (batteries consume more, in cold conditions)  
- Sun-block 
- After-Sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body 
- Insect-repellent 
- Toilet-paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy-bars, chocolate, dried fruits, muesli, etc. 
- Bottle of water for the first morning 
- We advise you to bring Dragon’s Blood (Cusco-market), in case you collect water from streams 
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, 
second skin for blisters etc. 
- Small towel or sarong 
- Bathing-suit (if you intend on swimming in the hot springs) 
- Cash: sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs 
- Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card: if you have one) 
- A walking-stick 
- Binoculars (if you have them)