The site of Choquequirao is another lost city of the Incas that is hidden high on a ridge 1750m above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The intricacy of these majestic ruins suggests that Choquequirao was once of high importance to the Inca empire. Before a bridge was constructed over the Apruimac River the site was remote and mostly inaccessible. Luckily for explorers this bridge can now connect them to this once hidden ancient city.

Hikers will leave Cusco at the crack of dawn to make the five-hour bus journey to Chachora. After organizing equipment and supplies the trek begins with a two-hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) where you'll have the first amazing views of the Apurimac Valley that is flanked by the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc (5482m) and Wayna Cachora (3033m). Then hikers will descend toward Coca Masana (2330m), where the weather becomes more tropical and the flora and fauna more abundant. Finally travelers will arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m that is situated beside the powerful Apurimac River where camp will be set for the night. This beautiful site of ruins overlooks massive mountains that are immersed in the clouds.

This is considered the hardest trekking of the five days. After an early breakfast you'll climb a steep trail and begin a 5-hour hike to Raqaypata (2910m) that sits beside the Chunchullumayo River. Once there you'll have a chance to have lunch on the riverbank that is filled with orchids, wild flowers, and many bird species. From Raqaypata to the ruins of Choquequirao (3035m) it is a 2-hour hike. Once there a guide will explain the history and cultural importance of the site. Then you'll have a chance to explore the ruins at your own pace and visit the many sections of the complex. The largest part of the site are the Inca terraces. The administrative buildings and living quarters are situated around the central square. On the outskirts of the site is where the common people lived in a small village. There are also many water channels, aqueducts, and water springs. Most of the buildings are well-preserved because of the ongoing restoration projects. The campsite is located just outside of the ruins.

Today is dedicated to exploring the amazing ruins of Choquequirao, which is known as the other Machu Picchu where the last Inca, Tupac Amaru was raised among Inca Priestesses. A guide will take you on a tour to explain the historical significance of the site. Afterwards you'll have a chance to explore the ruins on your own for a couple of hours. Then late in the afternoon you'll begin the return trek to the campsite at Raqaypata.

Day 4 begins with a steep descent towards to Apurimac River where a stop will be made for lunch. The River rises from the glacial water of the ridge of the Nevado Mismi (5597m) in the Arequipa Province. The Apurimac is the source of the longest river system, the Amazon. It rises in the southwestern cordilleras 10km from the Vilage of Caylloma. The river is a great place for high-level white water rafting, with its waters raging through gorges up to 3000m, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and interrupted by falls and rapids. That afternoon hikers will climb for about 4 hours to the final campsite at Coca Masana (2330m).

Today starts with a 3-hour climb to Capuliyoc (2800m). From here it is a quite leisurely walk back on a flat trail to the village of Cachora (2850m). On the way back to Cusco there will be a stop at the Sauhuite site and a chance for a rest and to have lunch. Four more hours on a bus will bring hikers back to Cuzco.

Map of Choquequirao Trek

---

Get the most from Choquequirao trek on your Peru Vacation.
Let the travel professionals at AR Tourism arrange the perfect vacation for you, while saving you money and eliminating the inconvenience of handling overseas arrangements.
AR Tourism Peru - Peru Vacation Travel Agency

Machu Picchu Overview

  Travel to Machu Picchu:
    Trains to Machu Picchu

    Treking Overview
      The Inca Trail
        Inca Trail Ruins
        4-day Inca Trail
        2-day Inca Trail

      Salkantay Trail
      Lares Trek
      Choquequirao Trek

  Nearby Highlights:
    Cusco
    Sacred Valley
    Aguas Calientes

Visit Peru

Enjoy the best hotels, tours and activities when you visit Peru on a vacation organized by AR Tourism Peru.
> More