Choquequirao is an impressive Inca archaeological center located in the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is often known as the sacred sister of Machu Picchu due to the similarities in its architecture and its location on top of a mountain.
The route to Choquequirao is considered one of the most demanding treks in the Cusco region. The challenge is not so much the altitude, although points above 3,000 meters are reached, but the steep changes in elevation of the terrain. The trek involves a deep descent to the Apurimac River canyon and then facing an equally steep ascent up the opposite slope to reach the ruins, testing the physical endurance of the hikers. Upon arrival, you can see a vast Inca complex that is surprising at first sight, this is due to its ancient constructions and the beauty of the landscape.
It is worth noting that the traditional starting point for this adventure is the town of Cachora, in the Apurimac region, and the complete round-trip trek usually takes 4 to 5 days. In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential information to plan and prepare for this rewarding route.
The choice of season is a determining factor for the safety and progress of the hike to Choquequirao. The region's climate is divided into two main seasons.
It is important to note that, unlike other routes in the Cusco region, the hike to Choquequirao has a low flow of visitors throughout the year. Due to its physical demand and location, it does not experience the congestion of more popular routes, even during the high season.
Beginning with our Choquequirao Itinerary very early in the morning we´ll pick up your accommodation in our mobility and drive for 4 hours approximately until Cachora town. On the road we'll have breakfast seeing the beautiful Limatambo Canyon, now continue driving to Cachora where our travel team waits for us. Everybody is ready we can walk for 3 hours to Capuliyoc with admirable views from Apurimac Valley and also have the possibility to see the choquequirao mountain, descending to Cocamasana, where the weather becomes warmer and the vegetation and animals too so is necessary to carry repellent and sunscreen. Finally, already arrived at playa Rosa Salina which is located near the Apurimac River being our first campsite.
During the trek to the Inca city, we can observe many charming places such as the Apurimac River canyon also the cloud forest and the Andes mountain range, we'll visit the Choquequirao ruins, from this site we are in a territory where most visitors can reach this architectonic site.
Then again we have to descend another river until to arrive at Yanama community, this is the indicated place to help and share unforgettable moments with people, especially kids who are the most shocked when someone comes to visit their town, it's like Lares trek but is more a social hike. The next day we have a moderate ascent that goes to the highest point of our hike (4800m). From this point, we´ll have to descend to another community called Totora and continue with the walk through the high and dry jungle of the town of La playa (Santa Teresa) until to arrive in Aguas Calientes village (Machu Picchu).
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No doubt this is an amazing archeological site and for that, the hike of Choquequirao trek to Machu picchu is one of the best and challenging hikes in all Peru, many travellers say Choquequirao hike is more challenging than Salkantay trek difficulty, in fact is one of the most complete roads in the region with a variety of flora and fauna where we can see the "condor" which is the only bird that flies over 5000 m.a.s.l. and it is not only a hike for fitness, also is a social hike where we can interact with people of the area.
Some advices that we give to everybody is have a good physical condition, a good backpack and the most important the enthusiasm. Before the trek avoid alcohol or fast food because the it can be a problem during the hike, is not necessary the acclimatization because the Choquequirao altitude is less than Cusco city but would be better do it for other cases in the future, the lentils are so important because it can provides you some of energy, buy the "hoja de coca" only chew it during the road and wil have magically energy and resistance also is useful drinking it as a coca tea, the most important of all is your booking because in this times many tourists choose it trek and also to arrive a ticket in a dry forest. Now, having the basic info is better prepare your fitness level for realize this trek.
Beyond the iconic Machu Picchu, the surroundings of Cusco offer a variety of experiences that allow you to get to know the culture, history, and landscapes of the Andean Peru. From traditional towns to little-explored natural wonders, there is much to discover just a few kilometers from the imperial city. So, if you are looking for new adventures, here are some places you can't miss:
+51 84 226 547
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Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
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