Choquequirao trek in 4 days

Day 1: Cusco (3350m) - San Pedro de Cachora (2850m) - Santa Rosa (2115m)

We leave Cusco in the early morning to journey by road to the small village of Cachora. On the way we will have an opportunity to visit Saywite, a fascinating and unique Inca site some 47 kilometres from Abancay. Saywite is a limestone outcrop about four metres in diameter on which the Incas carved a model of their empire, Tawantinsuyo. The stone, upon which images of the flora, fauna, topography and customs of the empire of the sun were traced, was used in ceremonies dedicated to the worship of water. Several other similar rock outcrops lie scattered across the surrounding area, along the vestiges of an Inca highway.where we will arrive after four hours.

On arriving in Cachora we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear on the horses and mules before we begin our first day's hike. With the great Salkantay massif in front of us on the other side of the canyon, we will head along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, with the river almost 2000 metres below us. About half-way through the day we will begin our winding descent to the river. As we descend the heat becomes intense, and we will arrive hot and tired at the bridge which crosses the river where we will be able to bathe to refresh ourselves. We will camp at the river's edge that night at our campsite in Santa Rosa.

Distance Travelled: 22 km

Approximate Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 2: Santa Rosa (2115m) - Choquequirao Trail(3033m)

After an early and energetic breakfast, we´ll climb a steep trail to Choquequiraw, a 7 hours hike to Maranpata beside the Chunchullymayu River, on the way we have lunch in Santa Rosa and a good time to rest. Along the way you will observe many orchids and wild flowers as well as many types of birds from Rayanpata(cradle of Gold) 3035m. there is a two hours hike. Arriving at the archaeological site(cradle of gold) in time to enjoy the sunset and maybe an opportunity to see a Condor flying, the campsite overnight.

Day 3: Choquequirao Trail (3033m) - Chiquisca (1950m)

After exploring the entire archeological complex and studying all the sectors in detail we head of towards Chiquisca descending back along the same path to Santa Rosa. We continue our gradual descent from 3033 meters to the beaches of the Apurimac River at 1550m Today’s hike ends at Chiquisca where we will spend the night.

Distance Travelled: 14 km

Approximate Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 4: Chiquisca (1950m)-San Pedro de Cachora (2850m)- Cusco (3450m)

An early start today will help us to avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee us some magnificent views of the Apurimac and the surrounding peaks. On our journey we reach the lookout at Capuliyoc one final time where we say goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while surrounded by the flora & forna special to this area. We will then climb to our final destination of San Pedro de Cachora to return to Cusco by bus.

Distance Travelled: 17 km

Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs

Optional: If you would like to spend an extra day in Choquequirao, please let us know so we can change the date on your return Bus to Cusco.