DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING
Day 1
Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca (S, L, D)
We leave Cusco at 6.00 am in our private transport and drive towards Cachora, an Andean community located 4-5h from Cusco at 2800m/9184ft, the starting point of the trek where we meet our horsemen and horses. We start our hike climbing for two and a half hours towards the Abra Capuliyoc at 2750m/9020ft, where may we enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. We then continue descending for two more hours towards Chiquisca, where we set our camp and spend the night.
Distance: 15 km / 10.56 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1800 masl / 5778 ft
Maximum Altitude: 2800 masl / 9184 ft
Approximate Time: 4-5 hrs
Gradient: moderate
Overnight at Campsite.
Day 2
Chiquisca - Choquequirao (B, S, L, D)
We leave Chiquisca as early as 6.00am to go down to Rosalina Beach, which will take about one hour. We then cross the Apurimac River and start climbing towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope. This climb will take an approximated 2h, and it is important that we leave early so that the heat does not make it more difficult than it has to be. In Santa Rosa, we make a half an hour break, where those who wish may try Cambray, a local sugar cane extract. Afterwards, we continue our hike slowly climbing for two and a half hours until we reach our lunch spot in Marampata. From here we walk another two hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, located at 3103m/10178ft, where we will set up camp and enjoy some free time to explore the terraces and buildings. When the sun starts to set, you might want to sit and contemplate the canyon, where condors are sometimes spotted.
Distance: 15km / 9.32 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1450 masl / 4756 ft
Maximum Altitude: 3103 masl / 10178 ft
Approximate Time: 7-8 hrs
Gradient: challenging
Overnight at campsite.
Day 3
Choquequirao - Rosalina Beach (B, S, L, D)
This morning we enjoy a complete guided tour of the Choquequirao complex: we will visit the high parts (Hanan), and the lower parts (Urin), and some areas that are still covered in wild foliage and ready to be restored into the way it was when the Incas owned it. After the tour, we start our walk back towards Santa Rosa, where we have lunch. We then continue descending for another 2 hours until we reach Rosalina Beach at 1450m/4756ft, where we might have time to take a refreshing dip in the waters of the Apurimac River. We camp and dine here.
Distance: 18 km / 11.18 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1450 masl / 4756 ft
Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft
Approximate Time: 7-8 hrs
Gradient: very challenging
Overnight at campsite.
Day 4
Rosalina Beach - Cachora (B, S, L)
We leave camp after breakfast to start the two to three hour climb to Chiquisca, to then make our way back to the Abra Capuliyoc, close to which we have our lunch. In the afternoon, we continue on our two-hour return route to Cachora, where a private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time around 9.00pm.
Distance: 18 km / 11.18 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1860 masl / 6102 ft
Maximum Altitude: 2800 masl / 9184 ft
Approximate Time: 6-7 hrs
Gradient: challenging |
