CHOQUEQUIRAO (4D/3N)
Private Service

This is a extraordinary trek of 60 km which leads to one of the last refuges of the Inkas in the Vilcabamba region (Machu Picchu and Espiritu  Pampa being another two). Choquequirao (elev.: 3,103 m/1017 ft aprox. above sea level) is a large archaeological complex which is still undergoing clearing and restoration. It is located high above the right bank of the Apurimac River Canyon, some 1560 kilometers to the west of Cusco and about 50-60 west of the great snowcapped peak of Salkantay (elev.: 6,271m/20659ft above sea level.) highest summit in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and another of the main "Apus", or Tutelary Mountain Spirits of the Inka capital. This trek affords remarkable landscapes and mountain scenery as well as abundant sub tropical Andean flora and fauna.

Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco to Chiquisca

We depart around 7:00 a.m. aboard private transport, bound for the locality of Cachora, an Andean community lying in the vicinity of the left bank of the Apurimac River, approximately 4-5 hours drive from Cusco. After two and a half hours on the road, we stop and visit the Inka archaeological site of Tarawasi, wherein lie the remains of an Usno –a sanctuary dedicated to the ceremonial worship of the Pachamama or Mother Earth. The "cellular" polygonal stone masonry walling, naturally decorated with bright reddish orange lichens, constitutes a particularly noteworthy feature of the site. Leaving Tarawasi, we continue for another one and a half hour –crossing the Apurimac river, passing the town of Curahuasi- until reaching the site of Saywite. Here we stop once more in order to visit the archaeological site bearing the same name, consisting of a large carved boulder believed to represent a plan or chart plotting the general layout of the Tawantinsuyo (the "Realm of the Four Quarters", as the Inka Empire was known) and which includes along with its cartographical features, a remarkable array of zoomorphic carvings representative of deities and totemic beings.

From Saywite we continue a further 30 minutes to Cachora (elevation 2800m/9184ft. above s.l.) where we savor our box lunch. In the afternoon we begin hiking, ascending for two and a half hours until reaching the Abra (pass) Capuliyoc, situated at an elevation of 2750m/9020ft a.s.l. One atop, we enjoy the surrounding scenery -which includes views of the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the deep Canyon of the Apurimac river- and afterwards descend for another two hours to arrive at Chiquisca, where we pitch camp for the night.
Meals: L,D

Day 02: Chiquisca to Choquequirao


Setting off from Chiquisca at 6:00 a.m., we descend in one hour to Rosalina Beach (elevation 1450m/4756ft. above sea level) From Rosalina we cross over to the right bank of the Apurimac river and promptly begin a steeply zigzagging ascent to Santa Rosa. This climb takes approximately two hours, hence the importance of an early start in order to prevent the increasing heat from becoming an added factor to the already somewhat demanding aspect of this section of the hike. Upon reaching Santa Rosa, we take a well deserved half hour break in the course of which –those that may wish to do so- can sample a local sugarcane extract known as "Cambray". Following all this we plod on, following a slower rate of ascent for a space of two and a half hours till successfully arriving at our lunch spot in Marampata. Yet another two hours of walking finally brings us to the renowned archaeological complex of Choquequirao where we camp out and devote our free time to the exploration of the diverse groups of terracing and constructions. As the sun sets it most worthwhile to sit and contemplate the Grand Canyon of the Apurimac where soaring Condor are very often sighted.
Meals: B.L,D

Day 03: Choquequirao to Rosalina Beach


Through the course of the morning we are given a full guided tour of Choquequirao. This encompasses a wide and in-depth range of visits and features: The upper moiety (Hanan) and the Lower (Urin), as well as various areas that remain covered by foliage and have yet to undergo the cleanup and restoration work required to reinstate the general appearance and character that it bore in Inka times. Once the tour ends, we start out on our return hike to Santa Rosa and our designated lunch spot. We proceed downward for another two hours and arrive at our campsite on Rosalina Beach, with perhaps just enough time to enjoy a dip in the refreshing waters of the Apurimac River.
Meals: B.L,D

Day 04: Rosalina Beach to Cachora

Breakast followed by departure from camp onto a two to three hour clambering up to Chiquisca, from there to continue on our backtracking to Abra Capuliyoc, in the vicinity of which we indulge in lunch. Come afternoon, we retrace our original route to Cachora where our transport awaits to return us to Cusco our estimated time of arrival being 9:00 p.m.
Meals: B.L

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Transfer on private Transport from Hotel in Cusco to Trailhead at Cachora on Day 01 and return Transfer/Private Transport Tinki to Cusco on day 04.
• English-Speaking Professional Mountain Guide (additional guide for groups exceeding 08 Participants.

Camping Infrastructure and Tentage:

(a) Twin person accommodations in large capacity 4-person tents in order to provide greater loft, space and comfort as well as ample storage space for personal belongings and gear. Our tents are 3-season, with not more than 2 years of usage and well maintained for optimum field performance.
One foam sleeping mat per person.
Optional upon request: One comfortable -10°C temp. range mummy sleeping bag. These bags are dry cleaned after each use and possess a life/use of 30 trips after which they are retired.

(b) Dining and Mess Tent, including camp tables and stools.
Separate Kitchen/Cooking Tent
Professional Trail Cook, Staff, and all Commissary facilities and appurtenances
Toilet Tent
Pack animals and muleteer/wranglers for transport of all camping and commissary baggage
Horses for transport of personal gear up to 9 kg. per passenger.
One horse or steed (for emergency purposes) per every 06 participants.
Separate accommodations and tents for Guides, Cooking staff and Muleteers
All Meals and Commissary as stipulated ((03B, 04L, 03D + daily tea service except last day)
Others: Wake-up tea + Hot washing water every morning and every evening / water boiled to purification point for filling flasks and water bottles every morning and evening, as well as at lunchtime pending prior request.
First aid support and oxygen.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast on Day 01
• Dinner on last day (Day 06)