Inca Trail Treks
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Preparation
Peru: Choquequirao Canyonlands and Incas Trek
On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing
Overview
Choquequirao is considered by many as the "other" Machu Picchu. This short trek enables you to get a first hand view of this unique Inca settlement perched above the Apurimac canyon where a mighty river "the talking god" flows. Here a series of impressive Inca sites have been found. The trek starts in the village of Cachora and returns to the same area. The trail heads down to the river and has a steep ascent to the site where we spend the night and return.
- Itinerary: Day 1 Cusco/Cachora/Apurimac; Day 2 Apurimac/Choquequirao; Day 3 Choquequirao/Marampampa; Day 4 Marampampa/Cocamasana; Day 5 Cocamasana/Cachora/Cusco
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Season: Available all year. Best hiking is April through October.
- Groups: There are no "set departures". This is a private trek; you may start any day of the year.
Itinerary
Day 1 CUSCO / CACHORA / APURIMAC
Leaving Cusco due north on the main highway towards Lima, we leave the city behind, cross into Antapampa with views of Mt. Salkantay and Humantay at first and as we leave this high meadow area, the Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica come into view. Once we begin to descend into Limatambo we’ll visit the Inca site of Tarawasi located in the outskirts. The road continues until we reach the Apurimac River, an impressive gorge. Past the village of Curawasi and onto the Sayhuite- stone – a carved map of the Inca empire it is said. A small side road over a ridge brings us down to the village of Cachora, where we start today’s hike. Taking our day packs, we start walking along the edge of the mountain. At Capuliyoc we get our first view of the Apurimac canyon and the trail that lies ahead. We begin our descent and camp by the river at 2,450m (8,036 ft) at a small campsite next to the river (Distance: 8 km, Time: 7-8 hrs hiking)
Day 2 APURIMAC RIVER / CHOQUEQUIRAO
The crossing of the river on a footbridge marks the start of the day. From here an uphill walk of half the day brings us to a small meadow where we have lunch. As we ascend on the steep trail we begin to appreciate the canyonland vegetation and environment on both sides of the Apurimac canyon. The afternoon hike is not as steep as we approach the hanging valley where the site of Choquequirao is found. We camp at an available flat part at Marampampa – as we begin to explore the isolated Inca sites and the surrounding thin cloudforest. (Distance: 7 km, Time: 6 hrs.)
Day 3 CHOQUEQUIRAO / MARAMPAMPA
We spend all morning visiting the central complex at Choquequirao, situated on a ridge overlooking the Canyon. We view some of the outlying buildings, working our way through the terracing. We have our lunch and in the afternoon we descend to Marampampa where we camp. (Distance: 2.5km, Time: 2hrs.)
Day 4 MARAMPAMPA / COCAMASANA
We begin our descent all the way to the river and have lunch at the bottom. From here we start our ascent towards Cachora, camping in a small pampa called Cocamasana. (Distance: 6 km, Time: 6hrs)
Day 5 COCAMASANA / CACHORA / CUSCO
A last ascent to Capuliyoc and from here its relatively even until reaching the village of Cachora. Our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, where we arrive in the evening on the same road we took at the beginning.
Note: Once back to Cusco, you may opt to take a day or two with a train ride to Machu Picchu, or take the 2-day Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu (subject to availability of permits).
Pricing
2008 Prices
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | $1020 | $795 | $770 | $585 | n/a | $40 |
2009 Prices
| # Passengers in Group | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7-9 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | $1475 | $1095 | $885 | $740 | n/a | $40 |
SERVICES INCLUDED: Transportation by vehicle to start and from the end of trek to the city, two-man tents including sleeping pads, pack animals, kitchen crew and commissary gear with all meals included as well as a bilingual guide on the trek, who will handle the first aid kit.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Meals in the cities alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, laundry service, additional tours, insurance and airline tickets (where applicable)sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear.