Private service basis minimum 4 participants
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The archaeological complex of Choquequirao is part of the system of Andean towns in the Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. Choquequirao is located in the spurs of the mountain range of Salkantay, at 3035 m.a.s.l, surrounded by the snow-capped Apus (gods) of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Panta on the right side of the Apurimac River in the Santa Teresa district, La Convencion province of Cusco region. Choquequirao is an Inca town formed by small sites spread out in rubblework that in its adjoining constructions reveal a complex metropoli similar to those of other regions placed on the crest of a hill. Choquequirao is an Inca word and it can be written Choquequirao or Choquequiraw or Choquequirau because the incas did not have an alphabet and quechua words are not ruled by the spanish grammar laws.
Choquequirao Choquequirau or Choquequiraw is a quechua word that means Cradle of Gold, this is why some scientists thought that this Inca city could have been the legendary Paititi where the Incas concealed the golden objects they had in their temples and all around the city on their royal buildings and houses. When the spaniards saw all this gold around, they started wondering where do all this gold comes from (?)
We leave from Cusco at 4:00am in a private transportation arriving at Cachora village at 6:30am. Where we will have breakfast. Hereafter we arrange the equipment on the mules and horses. From that place we can observe the majestic PADREYOC snow-capped peak, (5482 m.a.s.l.) The hike on this first day is 21.70 kms. walking distance. On the way we will observe PADREYOC and WAYNA CACHORA snow-capped peaks; we can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains to jungle's edge. We’ll have lunch in a place called Playa Rosalina at 1:00 pm. On the way we will observe APURIMAC canyon with its impressive depth and in SANTA ROSA we will set up our first campsite. On this stage the hiking time is about 10 hours for this day and we will pass the small settlements of La Colmena (2870m.a.s.l.), La Aguada (2915m.a.s.l.), Capuliyoc (2915m.a.s.l.) Impressive viewpoint where we can see all the Apurimac Valley, Huayhuacalle (2970m.a.s..l), Tinajayoc (2630m.a.s.l.), Mirador (2370m.a.s.l.), Cocamasana (2330m.a.s.l.), Torowisqana (2285m.a.s.l.), Chiquisqa (1950masl) grove place where we can find water, Playa Rosalina (camp in 1550 m.a.s.l.), La Huerta (2705m.a.s.l.) and finally we arrive in Santa Rosa (2115m.a.s.l.).
Early morning 5:00 am. after breakfast, we’ll continue our hike climbing up to Choquequirao or Choquequirau or Choquequiraw. We will arrive to the archaeological site after 5 hours. Good time to enjoy that impressive place. We will observe the three levels of the excavated ruins, where we can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca town, like the excavations on progress and finally unexplored areas that can tell us about this last refuge of the Inca Empire. Approximately at 3pm. in the afternoon (depends on the weather) we can appreciate "the flight of the Condors". Choquequirao is considered as "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". The oldest reports assign to JUAN ARIAS DIAZ as one of the first persons that explored the area in 1710. Our bilingual guide will explain the history and importance of the site after the Spanish arrived to Cusco Peru. We will have our lunch and dinner in RAQAYPATA (2910m.a.s.l.)
After an early breakfast we pack and start walking back to CHIQUISKA. On the way we can observe again the Apurimac canyon here we may be lucky to appreciate the flight of the Condors, we’ll also see the exuberant vegetation and its variety of flowers and orchids. The time of the hike is about 10hours the altitude 3033-1950 m.a.s.l. Hiking through the same small settlements as on the way up. We will stop in PLAYA ROSALINA where we will have our lunch and after that we'll continue to CHIQUISKA. Here we will spend the night in the campsite.
Early morning after breakfast (5:00 am), we’ll continue headed to Cachora village. On the hike we can appreciate again the PADREYOC snow-capped peak that decorates the APURIMAC canyon. The hiking time for arriving to CACHORA is about 7 hours. Then we will board the transportation and head our way back to CUSCO. We will arrive in CUSCO at approximately 10pm.
· Local English speaking guide.
· 3 meals per day.
· 4 persons tents for double occupancy and mattresses.
· Horses and mules to carry food and camping equipment.
· Extra saddled horse for riding in case of emergency.
· Wrangler.
· Transportation round trip.
· First-aid kit.
· Cook and kitchen equipment.
· Entrance fee to Choquequirao.
· Pick-up at your hotel on the first day.
· Sleeping bag
· First breakfast
· Last lunch
· Extra horse for riding (upon request)
· Tips for the guide, porters or cooks
· Well fitted trekking footwear.
· Sleeping bag.
· Extra clothing.
· Rain jacket; swimsuit.
· Cold/Warm weather clothing.
· Good socks.
· Water purifying tablets.
· Camera with extra batteries.
· Mosquito repellent.
· Sunblock.
· Sunglasses and hat or cap.
· Flashlight with extra batteries, walking stick.
· Top quality 3* hotel
· Daily departures
