Take The Adventure of a Lifetime!!

In the Andean region lies the legendary town of Choquequirao, resisting the passage of centuries in the midst of the mountains' sharp boulders and wild vegetation, which still covers almost 80 percent of its surface. Its panoramic view is simply majestic. Imposing snow-peaked mountains and hills covered with the lushest vegetation are located at over 9000 feet, under and intensely blue sky eternally dotted with white clouds, in the realm of the condor and of history. Larger than Machu Picchu, the citadel of Choquequirao represents the latest archeological destination in southeastern Peru. Located 140 km from the Inca capital of Cusco, Choquequirao is a jewel lost in the midst of time, surrounded by imposing snow peaks and deep valleys. This 4-day journey has been designed for adventure lovers who want to hike a former Inca trail away from the crowds. Without doubt, an Andean experience that you will never forget!!! There is also an opportunity for horse supported trekking where two legs can be swapped for four.
According to Peruvian archeologists, this lost city was the place where the last Incas who escaped from Cusco, took refuge and resisted 40 years of Spanish invasion. After Manco Inca's defeat in Cusco, the survivors of the once powerful Inca Empire fled to Choquequirao. It was an important political and religious center, where the last descendants of the empire continued to perform its great rituals.
Andean rituals are presumably perform to avoid constant efforts in destroying things and they were perform as a non-upstanding rewarding to their acknowledgement and Their non-knowledge were subdue to the non-profitable manner of restraining things.

DAY 1: CUSCO - CACHORA - CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA
Early pickup from your hotel,and transfer by private transport to trailhead at Cachora. We start a three hour of leisurely hike along this fascinating Inca trail will be a good acclimatisation, and give us some amazing views of the snow mountains of PADREYOC and QORIWAYRACHINA . After lunch we rejoin the hike, and the trail follows a gradual descent of 1300 meters toward the dramatic canyon of the Apurimac-river, one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon. We set up camp site at Chiquisca.


DAY 2: CHIQUISCA - MARAMPATA - CHOQUEQUIRAO
We make a very early morning start down to the Apurimac river, after getting over Apurimac river, we start a gradually 4 hour climb, where you can enjoy the many different types of orchids, bromeliads and begonias. This is a challenging day, as we ascend to the top, the walking gets harder but the views get spectacular. We see the natural wonder of the Apurimac river deepest canyon and may have the chance of spotting a condor. After lunch at Maranpata, we descend to the enigmatic lost Inca remains of Choquequirao at 3000 meters above sea level and set up our camp site.


DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO - MARAMPATA – CHIQUISCA
After an early breakfast we spend half day exploring the mystical Inca remains of Choquequirao surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery in the midst of the cloud forest. After lunch, we retrace our steps through the cloud forest and down to the amazing canyon of the Apurimac-river, and back up to Chiquisca to set up our camp site.


DAY 4: CHIQUISCA- CAPULIYOC - CACHORA - CUSCO
We finish our trek with an ascent to the trailhead at Cachora, We will stop for lunch on the road and finish our trek in the afternoon.


What is Included?
  • Pre departure briefing
  • English speaking professional tour guide. (For groups larger than 9 persons, two tour guides)
  • Early morning transfer by private transport to trailhead
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao
  • A chef
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners /3 afternoon hot drinks
  • Drinking water since the day 2
  • Two-man Tents: (for a personal tent request, there is a surcharge of $30)
  • Foamy sleeping mat
  • Dining tent, cooking tent, cutlery, folding tables, and stools
  • Mules, carrying heavy gear such as: food, tents, gas bottle, and cooking stuff, and 7 kilograms/15 pounds of your belongings
  • Emergency riding horse
  • transport back to Cusco

What is Not Included?
  • First day breakfast
  • Last day lunch
  • First day drinking water
  • Sleeping bag( 30USD for the whole trek)
  • Inflatable mat(30USD for the whole trek)
  • Tipping your trekking stuff is customary.
Recommendations

  • A 60 litre rucksack with your personal belongings for the whole period of the trek which is carried on the mules, and a 20 litre daypack
  • Rain gear (annorax and rain trousers if available) and rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
  • Strong and waterproof trekking boots recommended
  • Sandals or flip-flops for a higher comfort while at camp
  • Warm clothes ( thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping)
  • Sleeping bag (please inform us, if you wish to book this extra service at the moment of your booking)
  • Foamy mattress
  • Head torch and batteries
  • Camera, batteries and memory card (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Wide brim hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun screen
  • Insect repellent – minimum recommended 80% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Toilet paper
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied.
  • A canteen or camel back, plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail.
  • Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you take river or stream water along the route.
  • Toiletries
  • Swimsuit (for showering or bathing chances)
  • Cash in soles and/or US$ (small change)
  • Original passport
  • Original International Student Identity Card ISIC (in case you have applied for a student discount)
  • Bad knees require walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Trail), as well as knee braces
  • Rubbish bag, and plastic bags for dirty or damp clothes
  • Plastic bags for packing clothes
  • Sun glasses
  • Two pair of trousers (light and thick)
  • T-shirts and shorts
  • Wool socks and hat
  • Pen Knife

ALTITUDE
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. This is why we always recommend spending at least two days (2) in Cusco before beginning any trek. If you have more time, even better. Cusco is an amazing city with a lot to do, so you won’t be bored. With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor. Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the COCA PLANT contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep. Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness when they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slowly, it will give your body time to adjust to the mountain. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as are acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine 2 days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude. You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly. Drink lots of water. And enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you unfortunately get sick, let your guide know right away – all Cusco Travel Treks guides are trained in how to help you get through it.

WEATHER
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop raining from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant. Also prepare for 4 seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm winter weight jacket.

FIRST AID
Every Cusco Travel Treks guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February - every single Cusco Travel Treks guides attend. When guiding you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler's diarrhea, cuts/ scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They know how to make you feel better. In case something unexpected happens and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, they will figure ou the safest and quickest way off the course and to a clinic. You will never be left alone, you will have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group, traveling by train comfortably.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Because there are so many logistics to plan and pay for before your trek occurs, payment for your trek is due even if you are unable to complete the hike. Please read our BOOKING CONDITIONS carefully so you know what is due. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged. This way, if something happens, and this is rare, you will not be out of pocket a tremendous amount of money.Cusco Travel Treks will provide a letter and your invoice to submit to your insurance in this case to help expedite your processing.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Cusco Travel Treks uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pickup any waste from other groups as well. We also use environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.