Trek to Choquequirao's hidden Inca ruins
The dazzling Inca city of Choquequirao is just one reward of many for those who choose to visit this ‘new’ and undiscovered Machu Picchu of Peru.
The dramatically situated ruins, according to the historians, were the refuge for the last Inca rebels of Vilcabamba. To reach them, we must pass through an immense range of vegetation types and temperatures and with a variety of views to match.
Because the only way to get to the ruins is by foot, if we are lucky, we will be the only people visiting Choquequirao’s ruins, which are still being uncovered.
Choquequirao is a Quechua name meaning “Cradle of Gold,”. The citadel formed part of the complex system of Andean towns in the Vilcabamba Valley.
The ruins are dramatically situated on the spur of the mountain range of Salkantay at 3,035 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by the snow capped peaks of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Panta.
The Spanish were thought never to have discovered it.
This is an archaeological site not to miss, especially if you want to see some amazing Inca ruins while staying away from the group tours of the Machu Picchu ruins.
Day 1: Cusco-Sayhuite-Cachora
We pick you up from your hotel early and depart Cusco.
Our private vehicle will take you to the town of Cachora. En route, we visit the archaeological sites of Sayhuite and Tarahuasi.
Sayhuite features a large and intricately sculpted boulder with more than 200 figures carved into it, from jaguars to lizards to plants. Tarahuasi displays fine Inca stonework within the construction of its walls.
We overnight at San Pedro de Cachora (2,875m), population 3,500, which has great views of Mount Padrilloq (6,000m), and prepare for our trek. (L,D)
Day 2: Cachora-Playon Santa Rosa
We pack up and load up our donkeys and set off today. Today’s route will be a descent of one side of the Apurimac Canyon, crossing the Apurimac river, and then climbing part of the opposite side which leads to Choquequirao.
After setting off through agricultural land, some 2-3 hours later we reach Capilliyoc (10km) from where you can just about make out Choquequirao in the distance.
The continuing descent takes us through the impressive Apurimac Canyon until we reach the Apurimac River, on whose higher reaches we run a fabulous 4 day white water rafting trip. Cover up here as the flies can leave sore bites.
A bridge takes us across the river, where our ascent to the Santa Rosa begins. It is a steep, zig-zagging switch back pass and it can get warm in the canyon.
After a couple of hours of ascent, we reach Santa Rosa and set up camp. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Santa Rosa-Choquequirao
In the morning we ascend for another couple of hours to Maraupata (now 25km from Cachora), which marks the end of our ascent.
We start to get our first glimpses of the Choquequirao ruins as we walk for about 90mins-2 hours along relatively flat ground through orchids, bromeliads and lichens.
We set up camp at a site about 20 minutes walk away from the ruins, which are nestled above us, ready to explore them the nexty day (B,L,D)
Day 4: Choquequirao - Playon Santa Rosa
Today we tour this marvellous archaeological compound, with its spectacular terraces, plazas, and ceremonial squares. There are great views over the Apurimac gorge and in the distance you can see the snow-capped peaks of Ampay, Panta and Quishuar. Condors can be seen in this area, and occasionally the spectacled bear has been seen by those working on clearing the ruins.
After lunch we head back to our second campsite at Santa Rosa. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Santa Rosa - Huanipaca - Cusco
Our final stretch to get to our departing point, Huanipaca.
The route is mostly on a dirt road - and thankfully it's now pretty flat terrain. We are surrounded by beautiful sub-tropical forest, and high snow-peaked mountains can be seen in the distance.
It is just a short walk today, as we board our bus and head back to Cusco, where we arrive in the evening and transfer you to your hotel. (B,L)
Included
Trfr from hotel in private bus to Cachora, tents, foam mat, dining tent with tables and chairs, Kitchen tent, toilet tent, English speaking professional guide, Cook and cooking equipment, Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and 10kg of your personal equipment), accommodation for guides, cook and horsemen, meals (04B, 04L, 03D + snacks), first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, entry fee to Choquequirao ruins
Not included
Breakfast on the first day, dinner on the last day, tips, sleeping bag, items of a personal nature, Sayhuite and Tarahuasi entrances fees (20 soles)
What you need to bring:
A kit bag (to go on horses) with personal items, a day sack (you will carry) with extra clothes and a rain jacket, strong footwear, ideally trekking shoes, warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters, sleeping bag (can be hired at our Cusco office for USD 25.00 /5 days), torch and batteries, camera, films and batteries, hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold, sun block, insect repellent, toilet paper. Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc. Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (ie. Micropur).
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