Summary:
Choquequirao sits in the saddle of a high Andean ridge, 3000m./10,000 ft. above sea level and 1,500m./5,000 ft. above the roaring waters of the Apurimac River. Choquequirao has been called “Machu Picchu’s sacred sister”, because of the striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous "brother". Yet it remains an enigmatic place whose history is a matter of speculation. One theory of its origins holds that it was a royal estate built for the emperor Topa Inca, perhaps in an attempt to rival his father Pachacuti’s spectacular domain at Machu Picchu.

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Day by day itinerary :

Day 1 (Cachora / Chiquisca):
Departing from Cusco in the early morning, we take a spectacular drive across the farmlands of the Anta Plateau, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, then climbs through lush fields and orchards before making a final descent to the village of Cachora, at 3,400m./11,100ft., 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 lookout before dropping steeply through dry cactus and orchid country into the Apurimac River Canyon. We camp at Chiquisca, 2000m./6,550ft.

Day 2 (Choquequirao):
We descend the last fifteen hundred feet of elevation to the Apurimac River, then, a broad trail makes a zig-zagging 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 vista 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 ridgetop (3000m./10,000ft.) where the Incas built their remote ceremonial center. We camp near the Inca ruins.

Day 3 (Choquequirao):
We have the entire day to explore this stunning Inca settlement, built for ceremonial purposes and occupied by Inca nobility. The Apurimac River roars distantly 1,450m./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. Excavation work at the site is very recent, and archaeologists are continually uncovering hitherto unknown areas and structures.

Day 4 (Chiquisca):
We make our way across the meadows of Maranpata, 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, where we make our final camp.

Day 5 (Cachora / Cusco):
We hike up out of the Apurimac Canyon. We regain the mountainous grasslands that stretch toward the Capuliyoc Pass and the pastoral valley of Cachora. Our transport is waiting here to return to Cuzco

Note:
- this itinerary includes private service and high quality equipment during the inca trail excursion
- park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicate
- prices based on 2 pax traveling togheter
- single rates are available upon request

Rates:

Included :
- 3 camping nights at comfortable tents.
- guided visits by english speaking tour guides.
- all meals during the inca trail excursion
- private service: tour guides
- camping equipment and porters

Additional services:
Cuzco has so much to offer! Here you will find some ideas to maximize your stay in Peru!

Additional night rates in Cuzco:

Additional night rates in Sacred Valley:

Additional night rates in Machu Picchu:

Enjoy the best options in Cuzco!:

- Sacred Valley Full Day River Rafting!: - price per person US$ 59
Our experienced guides will make you feel incomparble emotions!.

- Maras Moray Salt Mines Full Day Tour!: - price per person US$ 229
Get to know the incredible horticultural Inca knowledge that created an amazing system based on different terrace levels to get to grow different crops.

- Folk show dinner!: - price per person US$ 39
Enjoy a delicious typical dinner watching a spectacular dance show