Choquequirao, the Cradle of Gold

We’ll leave Cusco by minivan at about 5:20 am. The driving will take about 4.30 h. Until we get to Capuliyoc, going through the village of Cachora (2,850 m). Capuliyoc is our meeting point with the rest of the team: cooks and muleteers, as well as the caravan of horses and mules, who will accompany us throughout this trek. After loading all our camping gear and personal belongings, we’ll start the trek along a flat trail towards the Capuliyoc Pass (2,800 m). Here, you’ll be able to notice the evolution of the landscape and vegetation from the depths of the Apurimac Canyon to the peaks and snow-capped mountains that dominate the Vilcabamba mountain range. We’ll descend into the Apurimac Canyon to the village of Chiquisca (1,830 m), where we’ll spend our first night.

• Transportation time: 4h.
• Walking time: 5h.
• Distance: 11 Km
• Difficulty level: moderate
• Meals: L = lunch, D = dinner.
• Overnight: tent 
• Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes and moderate cold at night.
• Elevation: Cusco (3,400m) – Cachora (2,850m) – Capuliyoq (2,800m) – Chiquisca (1,830m).

After breakfast, we’ll descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m). Then, a path of constant ascents will take us to the community of Marampata (2,850 m), passing through some family villages in Santa Rosa (2,100 m).  From Marampata, we’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3,033 m), and part of the road we are heading for. We’ll make it to the archaeological site by sunset. Our campsite is located 20 minutes from the Inca citadel.

• Walking time: 8h.
• Distance: 16 km
• Difficulty level: challenging
• Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
• Overnight: tent
• Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes and moderate cold at night.
• Elevation: Chiquisca (1,830m) – Playa Rosalina (1,550m) – Santa Rosa (2,100m) – Marampata (2,850m) – Choquequirao (3,033m).

At sunrise, we’ll visit Choquequirao amidst a cloud forest scenery. Currently, only 30% of Choquequirao has been discovered and can be visited. The archaeological site still holds many secrets. We will have enough time to learn more about the Inca culture by visiting the houses of the Andean priests, collcas (Inca storage building), terraces, the llama sculptures sector, palaces, liturgical water fountains, the native flora and fauna among others. After the visit, you will have time to explore Choquequirao some more. We’ll spend the night at the same campsite in Choquequirao.

After visiting one of the most representative Inca citadels of the Inca culture, we hike back to Marampata. Then, we’ll descend to the interior of the Apurimac Canyon and we go past La Playa Rosalina (1,550 m). Before sunset, we’ll set up our last night’s camp in Chiquisca (1,830 m).

• Walking time: 7h.
• Distance: 16 km
• Difficulty level: challenging
• Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
• Overnight: tent
• Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes and moderate cold at night.
• Elevation: Choquequirao (3,033m) – Marampata (2,850m) – Playa Rosalina (3,030m) – Chiquisca (1,830m)

During the morning, we’ll hike up to the Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,850m), where we’ll take a short break to marvel at the majestic canyon of the Apurimac and try to spot any condors flying around. From this point on, the path will be rather flat (with some small ascents and descents). Our transportation will be awaiting us at the end of the trail to return to Cusco.

• Transportation time: 4h.
• Walking time: 5h.
• Distance: 11 km
• Difficulty level: moderate
• Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch  
• Overnight: on your own
• Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes and moderate cold at night.
• Elevation: Chiquisca (1,830m) – Capulilloc viewpoint (2,800m) – Cusco (3,400m).