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Trip Details
ITINERARY of Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – PLAYA
This incredible adventure begins at 5.00am, when the guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive for the next 4 hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the way, there are picturesque views of villages, spectacular valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Capuliyoc, meet our horsemen and pack all of our equipment onto the horses. Carry a small daypack with the essentials you will need on the trail.
From here, we can enjoy the spectacular view of Choquequirao Inca ruins, the Apurimac canyon and the stunning snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). Then we hike down for 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. After lunch we continue on for 2 more hours downhill to our first camp at Playa Rosalinas (2061m/6762ft). Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you and you’ll have time to settle into your tents, which are set up, before dinner.
- Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 2061m/6762ft
- Maximum altitude: 3100m/9300ft
- Distance: 9kms/5.6 miles
- Time: 5hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Difficult
DAY 2: PLAYA – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
After an early breakfast, we cross the bridge and hike for the next 4 hours all the way up to Marampata where we will have lunch enjoying the view of Choquequirao Inca ruins. After lunch we walk to our second evening’s campsite, just 20 minutes from the ruins. Being so close to the archeological site, we can enjoy our view of the ruins into the late evening and watch for condors soaring on the winds from the canyon.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 2061m/6762ft
- Maximum altitude: 3100m/10170ft
- Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
- Time: 5hrs approximately
- Difficulty: Difficult
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO
This morning visit the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao for the entire day. There is so much to see! These ruins are three times the size of Machu Picchu and new sections, hidden under the dense jungle, are constantly being discovered. Enjoy the private guided tour and explore all of the beautiful sections of the temples, terraces, palaces, the llamas’ section, and much more.
Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua Inca’s language although this is probably not its original name. It is another “Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered officially late in the 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750 metres above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and is surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. Excavations and restoration of the 1810 hectares site began in the 1990s, and it is estimated that only 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding new things.
After our thorough explorations, we will return to our same campsite. Drinks and appetizers will be waiting for us and we can relax before dinner. Enjoy your last night next to these magical ruins, under an incredible sky of the southern stars.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Altitude: 3100m/10170ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
DAY 4: MARAMPATA- PLAYA CHIKISKA
After an early breakfast we’ll prepare for our journey back to Cusco. It’ll be two hours back to Marmpata and you’ll see views of the canyon of Apurimac along the way. Your guide will point out the beautiful flora and fauna you might have missed on your way into the Inca site. You’ll see impressive waterfalls in the distance as well as the clouds lifting from the bottom of the canyon. Also, if the weather is pleasant, you’ll get to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Andes.
From Marampata you’ll begin the 4 hour steep downhill hike to La Playa, this section requires trekking poles. Halfway down you’ll have a break to enjoy some fresh fruit that was farmed in the area, where cactus fruit is the main attraction. Finally, you’ll reach La Playa for lunch. Soon after it’ll be another two hours uphill to Chikiska Camp, which is in the backyard of a family’s home. You may also see some spectacled bears, condors, hummingbirds and more.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 18kms/11 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
DAY 5: CHIKISKA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO
After an early breakfast you’ll get ready to return to Cusco. It’ll be a four-hour uphill hike until you arrive at the end of the trek where you’ll enjoy your last lunch with your tour guide, porters and horsemen. You’ll say goodbye to your SAM Travel Peru team and then continue with your tour guide towards Cusco, ending by 18h.
- Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch
- Distance: 8km / 4.5m
WHAT’S INCLUDED CHOQUEQUIRAO 5 DAYS?
Included
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek)
- Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Private Guided tour in each archeological complex
- Comfortable tents for two people in a four-person tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or unwell
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Tent for our staff to sleep in
- First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) and horsemen to care for them
- 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our mules
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
- Entry fee to the hot springs
- Taxes
Not Included
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c – $20
- Air mattresses – $20
- Trekking poles – $15
- Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook of SAM TRAVEL PERU
PRICE to Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
The Choquequirao 5 Day Trek is available on any date that it’s best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
- $577 USD per person
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag: $20 USD– Clean and warm, rated to -10°
- Air Mattress: $20 USD
- Trekking Poles: $15 USD
- Single tent: $30 USD (for solo trekkers)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the horse will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
- BOILED WATER is included along the Choquequirao Trek
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
- CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR COOKS ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
You will love our fabulous chefs! The food on the trek has been highlighted by all our clients they say “that it was better than in the restaurants.” Delicious and abundant gourmet style meals, Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies of any kind, we can cater our meal to adjust to your needs.
SAM Travel Peru honors any food restrictions and special diets such a vegetarian or Vegan!
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (Guides, cooks, horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes SAM Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. For all our adventures we hike we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They all are comfortable.
- AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for US$20
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers. - OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
- DUFFLE BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and the biochemical camping toilet are provided on trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities we pass through when on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these beautiful people, not only employing them work but also keeping things at grassroots, to share in their homes and with their families. This makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the Choquequirao 5 Day Trek!
WELCOME TO CUSCO!
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Choquequirao Trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
FIRST, to book your Choquequirao Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$211.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA .
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER BOOKING?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Choquequirao Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Choquequirao Trek. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses .
HIKING CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Choquequirao trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Choquequirao Trek is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. The Choquequirao trek is from moderate to difficult level.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREK?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SAM Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there !
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 liter reusable, not disposable bottles
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet Paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters
- Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket for cold nights
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel bag
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Valuable items
