CHOQUEQUIRAO – The other Lost City   5D / 4N

During this trek you will discover snowcapped mountains and lush vegetation of the montraña or selva alta, the raging Apurimac river in the precipice below and the majestic condors soaring high above. You will walk every kilometer of this tiring trail to discover the magnificent and still little visited city of Choquequirao which can be compared only to the famous Machu Picchu. Yet here you can still feel the atmosphere of the past, the spirits of the Incas that have not been driven off by the daily herds of tourists.

Day 1:
Distance 17 Km, ascend 160m, descend 1040m
Early in the morning we catch a bus from Cusco to a crossroad from where we take a taxi down to the village of Cachora. We place our packs on the donkeys and start the trek around noon.

• Cachora (2850 m.s.n.m.) – In this quiet, typical Andean village with its rustic houses, friendly inhabitants and somewhat too big central plaza with an impressive 400 years old tree begins the trail to Choquequirao.
• Capuliyoc (9km; 3,010 m.s.n.m.) – a perfect look out and resting place from which one can admire the breathtaking views from the show caped mountains to the deep canyon of the Apurimac river. From here the trail begins to zigzag down to the bottom of the valley.
• Cocamasama (2,010 m.s.n.m.) – another look out point from which the top of the mountain where Choquequirao lies is visible as well as the trail that leads to it in never-ending zigzags.
• Chiquisca (17km; 1,930 m.s.n.m.) – a good camping spot with terraces for tents and few shacks for cooking. It’s possible to buy sodas, bear, cookies and such.

Day 2:
Distance 13 Km, descend 380m, ascend 1483m From Chiquiska we set out early to reach the river and start the climb out before the strong midday sun begins to operate.

• Rosalina Beach of the river Apurímac (19Km.;1,550 m.s.n.m.) – the lowest point of the trail and the border between the Apurímac and Cusco departments. A hanging bridge brings us to the other side where the long climb up begins.
• Santa Rosa (21Km.; 2,100 m.s.n.m.) – a small community with friendly people who make a delicious and refreshing drink from sugar cane. A good resting place to gather the strengths before continuing the climb up.
• Maranpata (25Km.; 2,850 m.s.n.m.) – a spacious pampa with few houses scattered around and amazing views just in time to take a lunch break. Almost immediately after leaving Maranpata we see the Choquequirao complex situated on the next ridge. From here there are only 5km more traversing the mountain with only few climbs up. Along the trail we will see beautiful flowers including various species of orchids.
• Choquequirao camp (30Km.; 3,033m.s.n.m.) – Choquequirao campground with new bathrooms and showers (cold water only).

Day 3:
Exploration of the archeological complex of Choquequirao (3,085m. s.n.m.). We have all day long to explore all the uncovered parts of Choqueuirao starting with the main center situated on the ridges crest – the ceremonial plaza (Ushnu) and the city itself divided into two levels: Hurin, the lower city consisting of palaces and plazas and Hannah, the upper city of temples and sacred places. Then we descend down to the agricultural terraces with few buildings. So far only 30% of the 1,810 hectares has been uncovered from under the thick vegetation that has grown over for hundreds of years.

Day 4:
Distance 13 Km, descend 1483m, ascend 380m: Choquequirao – Chiquisca

Day 5:
Distance17 Km, ascend 1040m, descend 160m: Chiquisca – Cachora

Price per person: please consult

INCLUDES:

• English speaking mountain guide
• Technical assistance and first aid
• Transportation Cusco - Cachora - Cusco
• Pack animals and emergency horse
• All alimentation during the trek
• Camping equipment: stove and kitchen utensils, tents (does NOT include personal equipment like sleeping bag and mattress, but they are available for rent)
• Entrance fee to Choquequirao

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Good physical condition
• Comfortable trekking shoes and sneakers or sandals for change
• Trekking poles (available for rent)
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• Insect repellent
• Light clothing for trekking (preferably long pants and long sleeve shirt – protection from insects and sun) and worm clothing for the cold evenings and nights at Choquequirao