AC6 - CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

5 days / 4 nights -- from US$ 0.-- / EUR 0.-- Choquequirao, which means “cradle of gold” in Quechua, sits high above the thundering Apurimac river amid lush tropical cloud forest. Almost inaccessible, it was one of the last refuges of the Incas after the Spanish invasion. The route to Choquequirao takes us through breathtaking scenery, from arid slopes to dense forest – watched over always by soaring snow wreathed peaks. A taste of exploration in one of Peru’s remotest mountain regions.

ITINERARY DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CHIQUISKA An early morning scenic bus ride over the Andes brings us in about 4 hours to the village of Cachora where we meet up with our wranglers. Here we start with a gentle hike along an old mining road to the Kapulyoq Pass (2800 mts/9’240 ft) from where we can enjoy the first breathtaking view of the deep Apurimac Canyon and the majestic surrounding snow peaks. After a rest we start our appr. 3 hours descent on a dusty rural path towards our first camp at the oasis of Chiquiska (1800 mts/6’000 ft) (L/D) DAY 2: CHIQUISKA – CHOQUEQUIRAO After breakfast we continue our descent to the valley floor where we cross the thundering Apurimac river over a modern suspension bridge (1495 mts/5’000 ft). From here we climb a long, steep and hot path (appr. 5 hours) to our destination: The enigmatic and impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We arrive just in time to enjoy a fantastic sunset over the deep canyon and the surrounding mountains (3000 mts/9’900 ft). (B/L/D) DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO During the morning we visit the restored section of Choquequirao and explore the parts that are still covered by the lush cloud forest vegetation. With luck we may get the latest news regarding discoveries, excavations, cleaning and restoration process from the archaeologists of COPESCO working on site. After lunch those who choose to can visit the Cascade House (restored constructions and terraces some 300 mts (1000 ft) below the main constructions of Choquequirao) and we can help with the preparation of a typical Pachamanca (traditional earth oven dish). From the highest point, El Usno, we can enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the magical Apurimac canyon and with luck a majestic condor may pass by. (B/L/D) DAY 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO – COCAMAZANA After breakfast and a last optional visit of the main constructions we start our long descent towards the Apurimac River where we refresh during lunch. In the afternoon a 3 hour climb brings us up to our last camp at Cocamazana (2300 mts/7’600 ft). Here we enjoy a last exquisite dinner with spectacular views back to Choquequirao and the Apurimac Canyon. (B/L/D) DAY 5: COCAMAZANA – CACHORA – CUSCO In order to avoid the heat and intensive sun we start early with the climb up to the Kapulyoq Pass (2800 mts/9’250 ft). From here we continue along an easy and flat rural road back to the village of Cachora where we arrive before noon. After a rest we say goodbye to the wranglers and continue by bus towards Cusco (if there is time enough, we visit Saywite -a big boulder carved by the Incas as a model of all the ecosystems with their respective flora and fauna). We arrive back in Cusco just in time for a shower and some night activities. (B/L) OUR SERVICE INCLUDES: Private transport Cusco-Cachora (roundtrip), bilingual guide, cook, wranglers, mules for equipment and support saddle horses, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen- and toilet tents, mats, etc) and full board (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners and snacks) NOT INCLUDED: Sleeping bags, not mentioned meals, extra services such as tips SEASON: All Year DURATION: 5D/4N Cusco - Cusco FITNESS-LEVEL: Active Strong (Heights, long distances, occasional narrow paths with sheer drops) DEPARTURE DATES 2010: Daily TRIP COST 2010 2-3 Participants 4+ Participants Single Supplement Private Service US$ 0.--/Pers. EUR 0.--/Pers. US$ 0.--/Pers. EUR 0.--/Pers. US$ 0.-- EUR 0.-- For special group discounts or customized tours contact us: info@culturasperu.com PRINT THIS PAGE BOOK THIS TRIP