Choquequirao Trek 5D/4N

• We will pass to pick up you at 05:00 am from your hotel then we will take a spectacular drive across the farmlands of the Anta province, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The winding road plunges more than 1,800 m. or 6,000 ft. to a bridge over the Apurimac River, then climbs through lush fields and orchards before making a final descent to the village of Cachora, at 3,400 m. / 11,100 ft., where we encounter stunning close-up views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.
• Here we meet our crew and horse pack train and begin our hike, catching our first glimpse of distant Choquequirao at the Capuliyoc look out before dropping steeply through dry cactus and orchid country into the Apurimac River Canyon. We will camp and rest in Chiquisca, 2000m / 6,550 ft.

   (L) = lunch / (D) = dinner

• We will descend to the Apurimac River “Great Spirit Speaker” in the Quechua language of the Incas – and cross the mighty river on a suspension footbridge, at 1550 m/ 5,100 ft. A broad trail makes a zigzagging ascent, which takes us out of the dry canyon zone past small sugar cane plantations to upland meadows where, across a deep valley, we meet our first panoramic view of the buildings and terraces of Choquequirao.
• The final leg of today’s hike passes through the cool shadows of a native cloud forest as we approach the wooded ridge top (3000 m. / 10,000 ft.) where the Incas built their remote ceremonial center, We camp near the Inca ruins.

  (B) = breakfast / (L) = lunch / (D) = dinner

• This day we will enjoy all day exploring Choquequirao, its name means “Cradle of Gold”. Some speculate that the Inca emperor had it built as a personal spiritual retreat, to rival his father Pachacuti’s magnificent estate at Machu Picchu. Whoever built this place, it was undoubtedly an elite settlement, built for ceremonial purposes and occupied by Inca nobility.
• The Apurimac River roars distantly 1,450 m/ 4,800 ft. below, visible on either side of a steep ridge to which clings the Inca city. As we approach the heart of the city, a sweep of enormous curved terraces leads our eye to an artificial hill and ceremonial platform overlooking the main plaza. Here afternoon thermal currents bring Andean Condors soaring over the complex of temples, mausoleums, royal residences, ritual baths and water channels, great gathering halls, storehouses, hidden gardens and a giant stairway, all still standing as testimony to the careful planning of Inca engineers.

  (B) = breakfast / (L) = lunch / (D) = dinner

• The sun rises over the snowy crags of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and we make our way across the meadows of Marampata, where a row of Inca storehouses marks the limits of the Inca settlement. We return to the depths of the canyon, gaining new perspectives as we face the immense, multi-hued cliffs on the south bank of the river.
• At the crossing of the Apurimac River, we can take time to cool off in a swimming hole among the huge boulders that line the river. We return to the shade of the fruit and avocado trees at Chiquisca, final camp.

  (B) = breakfast / (L) = lunch / (D) = dinner

• After to enjoy a good breakfast we hike up out of the Apurimac Canyon, with the river receding to a distant, white ribbon below us and the glaciers of the Vilcabamba Range filling the sky ahead.
  
• After winding our way beneath spreading, smooth-barked trees, dripping with orchids and bromeliads, we regain the mountainous grasslands that stretch toward the Capuliyoc Pass and the pastoral valley of Cachora. Our transport awaits us here. Bidding farewell to our trail crew, we begin the breathtaking drive back to Cusco

  (B) = breakfast.