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Discover Machu Picchu's Sister City: Choquequirao Trek in Cusco with Rap Travel Peru
Choquequirao Trek
5 days and 4 nights Tour: Hiking and Adventure Min: 2 persons
With the Choquequirao trek, you will be able to walk an inaccessible route and your difficult adventure will become memorable. Choquequirao was also a fortress and a ceremonial center. The truth is that due to its hidden location in a high and distant mountain, it was a strategic point for various purposes.
CHOQUEQUIRAO, means Cradle of gold in Quechua. It is an Inca urban center with common features to others in Cusco, especially Machu Picchu. The similarity with Machu Picchu is largely due to the similarity of the geography of the place where the enclosure was built, according to various investigations, it would also be a fortress and a ceremonial center.
The truth is that due to its hidden location in a high and distant mountain; it was a strategic point for various purposes that over the years, like Machu Picchu was abandoned and covered by the jungle until its rediscovery. And unlike Machu Picchu, there is no train or bus to get to Choquequirao, the only way is walking for 32 kilometers, that is 3 days full of beautiful landscapes.
CHOQUEQUIRAO, is located at 3,103 meters above sea level in a privileged location, on the impressive canyon of the Urubamba River. It is located in the foothills of the snow-capped Salkantay, in the Apurimac Valley, in the province of La Convención in Cusco, Peru.
It has numerous Inca buildings. However, currently only 30% of its entire area has been excavated. Its most important buildings are made of quartzite, cut with great detail, the rest of the walls are made of raw stone. These walls were covered with clay both inside and out and it is believed that the walls were painted light orange. Although in reality there are few structures that continue with this coating.
It has two main plazas, temples, fountains, canals, workshops, warehouses, elite residences and other more common ones. The ceremonial center is a large platform that can only be reached through a double jamb door, the largest buildings of the site are the colcas or warehouses. Also, it has structures that mark solar events such as solstices and equinoxes, like the enormous staircase that at dawn of the summer solstice is completely illuminated by the sun’s rays.
Choquequirao is in the middle of the departments of Cusco and Apurimac, the hike to Choquequirao is demanding, the ascent to Choquequirao begins in the town of Cachora, the road is uphill crossing places of the valley of Apurimac as: the viewpoint Capuliyoq, the camp of Chiquiska, Marampata and others; the ascent is more demanding than the descent and the downhill trail belongs to the department of Apurimac while the ascent belongs to the department of Cusco.
With the “Choquequirao Trekking” tour, you will be able to walk through an inaccessible route and your difficult adventure will become memorable and at the end you will realize that it was worth every step you took.
Enjoy Choquequirao Trek Tour.
DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYUC – CHIQUISCA – ROSALINA BEACH: 18 KM – 7 HOURS
DAY 2: ROSALINA BEACH – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAW: 17 KM – 6 HOURS
DAY 3: MARAMPATA – CHIQUISCA: 22 KM 8 HOURS
DAY 4: CHIQUISCA -CAPULIYUC – CACHORA – CUSCO: 17 KM – 7 HOURS
DAY 5: ROSALINA BEACH – CACHORA – CUSCO
Camping – PLAYA ROSALINA
Breakfast – Passenger / Lunch & Dinner – Agency
Camping – MARANPATA
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner – Agency
Camping – CHIQUISCA
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner – Agency
Camping – PLAYA ROSALINA
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner – Agency
Breakfast – Agency / Lunch & Dinner – Passenger
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GROUP SERVICE TOURChoquequirao Trek Tour PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people | |
| GROUP SERVICE TOUR | |
During the Choquequirao Tour, the maximum altitude reached is approximately 3,033 meters above sea level. This usually occurs on the second day of the trek, in the Maranpata area. It’s important to be prepared for the altitude, as there are significant changes in elevation during the tour.
The average duration of each day of hiking on the Choquequirao Tour varies, but we generally hike between 5 to 7 hours per day. The longest days are typically the second and fourth days of the trek when there are significant ascents and descents. The times may vary depending on the group’s walking pace and the terrain conditions.
The ascent from Playa Rosalina to Maranpata is considered of moderate difficulty. During this section, you’ll hike on steep terrain, but the trail is well-marked and doesn’t require special technical skills. The hike can take about 3 hours, so it’s important to carry enough water and take breaks when necessary. The beauty of the landscape and panoramic views make the effort worthwhile.
In general, most tour agencies offering the Choquequirao Tour provide equipment rental options for travelers who don’t bring their own gear. This may include tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, hiking poles, and other necessary items. Before embarking on the tour, it’s advisable to check with the agency for available rental options and associated costs. This allows you to be well-prepared and travel lighter if you don’t wish to bring your own camping equipment.
Choquequirao features numerous Inca buildings, although only 30% of its total area has been excavated. It includes plazas, temples, fountains, workshops, warehouses, and more. It also has structures that mark solar events, such as the summer solstice.
Although trekking to Choquequirao demands proper physical condition due to the lack of transportation, the assessment of danger levels on this journey depends on the steep trails encountered. However, it is suggested to explore the site during the dry weather season (from April to October) to avoid complications with rain.
It is not advisable to choose to do the tour without a guide, as the route is challenging. Therefore, the most appropriate alternative to ensure a more comfortable journey is to book it through a travel agency.
This choice is based on the complexity of the trek, the necessary food requirements, and the presence of a guide who will provide information about the knowledge, history, and traditions of Choquequirao.
Yes, it is advisable to acclimatize before embarking on the Choquequirao Tour. Due to the altitudes and terrain conditions, it is recommended that your body gradually adapts to the altitude to minimize the risks of altitude sickness. It is suggested to arrive in Cusco at least two days before the tour’s start and take medical precautions if necessary.
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