Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
$2200 $1980
Savor the pristine splendor of this Inca archaeological site.
the Choquequirao Trekking, described as the final sanctuary of the Incas, Choquequirao, whose name in Quechua means ‘Cradle of Gold’, presents an enchanting array of Incan archaeological wonders. Amidst the 5-day trek, encounters with tourists are sparse, offering a genuine expedition through unspoiled landscapes, affording travelers ample space and time to appreciate the architectural brilliance of the Incas.
Situated in Peru’s southern region, within the Vilcabamba Valley overlooking the Apurimac River, Choquequirao is often likened to a miniature Machu Picchu, overshadowed by the renown and history of its larger counterpart. Despite only 40% of its mystical terrain having been excavated thus far, Choquequirao holds numerous undisclosed secrets and mysteries awaiting discovery.
Serving as a pathway through Incan history, the Choquequirao Trek traverses high Andean terrains adorned with magnificent glaciers, descends into the depths of the Apurimac Canyons, and meanders through a diverse array of flora and fauna nestled within a lush cloud forest ecosystem.
With the Peruvian Government greenlighting the construction of a tramway that would increase tourist capacity to 3,000 visitors per day, coupled with Choquequirao’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2017’ list, it is poised to become one of the most coveted destinations for adventure travel aficionados worldwide.
The Choquequirao trek solo offers a unique experience of connecting with both nature and the lost history of the Incas. As you navigate the winding and steep trails, you encounter ancient ruins emerging from the untouched jungle. The solitude of the journey allows for deep reflection as you take in spectacular views and immerse yourself in the majesty of a landscape that has withstood the test of time. It’s an adventure that challenges both physically and mentally, yet rewards with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and personal discovery.
Choquequirao elevation :10,010 ft.
Destination: | Choquequirao |
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Duration: | 5 days / 4 nights |
Difficulty: | Moderate |
Total Distance: | 57 km / 35 miles |
Group Size: | 2 – 8 Persons |
Price: | $700.00p/p$630.00p/p |
Payment Terms: | Advance of US$ 210 through PayPal and Balance on Arrival |
Price Includes: | Choquequirao tour includes
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Not Included: |
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After a 4:00 am pickup from your hotel, we’ll begin the awe-inspiring yet challenging 5 day trek to Choquequirao. A 3 hour and 30 minute drive across the Andes towards Capuliyoc, will take us to our first stop where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Fueled by a nutritiously dense meal, we’ll start the trek off with a 3 hour and 30 minute hike to Chiquisca. After a scrumptious lunch, we’ll travel another 2 hours downhill to Playa Rosalinas. The trail is dusty and slippery, but with good hiking boots and trekking poles you won’t have a problem crossing the Playa Rosalinas suspension bridge.
A further 2 hour uphill hike along a winding road will take us to your campsite located in Santa Rosa. Along the way, you’ll see spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyons, where the condors glide, sugar cane farms sway in the Andean winds, with exotic flora and fauna nestled in and around the Apurimac River, lying at the foothills of the canyon.
Once we reach the campsite, our crew will set up camp. After a long day’s hike, you’ll be treated to a warm cup of tea and delicious dinner by the fireside as you gaze up at the constellations strewn across the night sky.
You’ll wake up to a steaming hot cup of tea. Breakfast will be served soon after. After breakfast, we’ll start off the trek to Choquequirao with a 2 hour uphill hike along a zigzag path to Marampata, where you will have a chance to bask in the glorious views from the summit.
Along the journey to Marampata, as we pass by the Marampata Villages, you’ll catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle, the animals, and the crops they grow upon their land.
A 1 hour and 30 minute walk from Marampata will take you to Choquequirao, the highlight of this amazing trek. A truly lost city of the Incas, Choquequirao was rediscovered in the early 18th century.
With the campsite set up at Choquequirao, you will be able to enjoy a delicious lunch and a short siesta before setting off on a brief hike to visit the Choquequirao terraces that cascade down in near perfect symmetry. Then we’ll hike back to the campsite for teatime and dinner to wrap up the day’s adventures.
On day three of the Choquequirao Trek, you’ll wake up to a hot cup of tea and breakfast. A 30 minute walk from the campsite we’ll take us to the summit of Choquequirao from where we’ll begin the exploration of this impressive Incan citadel which covers three times the land mass of Machu Picchu.
Our guide will share the history of Choquequirao, the last capital of the Incas, which houses an architectural layout of agricultural zones, temples, fountains, and lined terraces.
After a scrumptious lunch in Choquequirao, a steep 30 minute downhill descent will take us to the narrow farming terraces which feature white stone walls inscribed with depictions of llamas, presumably built by the Incas to represent the Llama Constellation in the Milky Way.
We’ll then return to our campsite at Choquequirao to enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Andean mountain, teatime, and a delicious dinner.
After a day spent exploring Choquequirao, you will wake up the next morning to a hot cup of tea and breakfast. We will then start the journey back. A 2 hour hike back through Marampata and a 4 hour downhill hike zigzagging your way to Playa Rosalinas will take you to your lunch spot for the day.
After lunch, a 2 hour uphill hike will take us back to Chikiska where your campsite will be all set up just in time to enjoy the evening views as the sun sets behind the mountains. Here, you will enjoy teatime and a delicious dinner before getting in a good night’s rest.
After the usual morning’s wakeup call with a hot cup of tea followed by breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco. To start the trek, we will travel uphill to Capuliyoc where we say goodbye to the horsemen.
Then, all you have to do is sit back and relax while you’re whisked away in a 2 hour van ride to Conoc. Here you’ll be able to dip in the natural hot springs of Conoc, the waters of which are touted to have healing properties. Soon after your dip, you’ll be invited to dine for lunch. A 2 hour and 30 minute drive will take you back to Cusco where you will be dropped off safely at your hotel.
Certainly! Here’s a concise list of important information for travelers planning to explore Choquequirao:
For treks and tours, the deposit is $200 + $10 service fee = $210 per person. The remaining balance must be settled before the tour.