Choquequirao Trek 5 Days

On the second day of your Choquequirao Trek, a morning filled with discovery and awe awaits. An early wake up will be greeted by a hot mug of tea or coffee delivered right to your tent. After savoring a hearty breakfast, we will embark on our journey. We will start with a stimulating 2-hour uphill walk to the rural village of Maranpata 2,850 meters (9,350 feet).

As we trek, we will immerse in the surrounding natural beauty. We will traverse through a micro-climate rich in a diverse array of flora and fauna. This path leads us to the day’s ultimate destination, the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao. Upon arrival, we will relax and refuel with lunch, preparing for an enriching afternoon ahead.

First visit to Choquequirao.

In the afternoon, we will delve into a private guided tour of Choquequirao. We’ll explore all the critical sections of this ancient site, including the palaces, temple, ritual water fountains, the impressive Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, and the unique llama’s section. Your guide will enrich your experience with fascinating stories and historical insights about Choquequirao, bringing the past to life.

Back to Marampata Campsite.

After a day filled with exploration and learning, we will return to our campsite at Maranpata, approximately a 1.5-hour walk from the Choquequirao ruins. Here, we will unwind with tea time followed by a delightful dinner, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Statistics of the second day of the Choquequirao Trek:

• Distance Covered: From Santa Rosa to Maranpata and Choquequirao
• Highest Altitude: Choquequirao at 3,050 m (10,006 ft)
• Lowest Altitude: Start at Maranpata, 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate, with a focus on uphill trekking
• Highlights: Diverse ecosystems, Choquequirao archeological site, panoramic views

Embrace the second day of your Choquequirao Trek as a journey through time and nature, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of Choquequirao, Peru.

On the third day of the hike we’ll explore Choquequirao. This day promises to be a highlight, immersing us in the depths of Incan history and culture.

Full Day in Choquequirao.

After enjoying a nourishing breakfast at our campsite, we will venture to the Choquequirao ruins. These ruins, sprawling and majestic, are three times the size of the famous Machu Picchu. The site, still shrouded in the dense jungle, continues to reveal new sections, making every visit a unique experience. We will spend the entire day here, allowing us ample time to delve into its many wonders.

Choquequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold” in the Quechua language, stands as a testament to the Inca civilization’s architectural prowess. Perched high on a ridge, nearly 1,750 m (5,741 ft) above the Apurimac River. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Salkantay and Humantay peaks.

We will have a private guided tour of the site, exploring the temples, terraces, palaces, the llamas’ section, and much more. This is an opportunity to learn about the ongoing excavations and restorations that began in the 1990s. Only about 30% of the site has been restored, archaeologists continue to make new discoveries even to this day

Back to Marampata Campsite.

Following our thorough explorations of Choquequirao, we will return to the same campsite for the evening. Here, drinks and appetizers will await for await us, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures before enjoying our dinner.

Finally, we will spend our last night next to these enchanting ruins, under the mesmerizing southern stars, a fitting end to an extraordinary day.

Key statistics of the third day of the Choquequirao Trek:

• Total Distance Covered: Minimal as the day is focused on exploring the ruins
• Starting and Ending Altitude: Campsite near Choquequirao at around 2,950 m (9,678 ft)
• Highest Altitude: Choquequirao ruins at around 3,050 m (10,000 ft)
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate, primarily due to exploration rather than trekking

The third day of our trek offers a profound connection with the ancient Inca civilization and the natural beauty of the Andes. As we explore Choquequirao, we are not just walking through ruins; we will be walking through history, uncovering the secrets of a past civilization under the Andean sky.

On the fourth day of our Choquequirao, we will start our journey back to Cusco, filled with scenic views and natural wonders. This day combines both physical challenge and the opportunity to appreciate the diverse landscapes of the Andes.

Marampata to La Playa.

We will start our day with an early breakfast, energizing ourselves for the trek ahead. Our first leg of the journey takes us back to Marampata, a 2-hour trek where we will revisit the stunning Apurimac Canyon. Along the way, our guide will highlight the beautiful flora and fauna, some of which we might have missed during our initial journey.

This part of the trek offers us a chance to see impressive waterfalls and witness the clouds lifting from the bottom of the canyon. If the weather is favorable, we will enjoy the spectacular landscapes that define the Andes.

From Marampata, we will begin a challenging 4-hour steep downhill hike to La Playa. This section of the trek, requiring trekking poles, is both demanding and rewarding. Halfway down, we will take a break to enjoy fresh fruit locally farmed, with prickly pear as the main attraction. Upon reaching La Playa, we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

Night in Chikiska Camp.

The journey then continues with a 2-hour uphill trek to Chikiska Camp. This camp offers a glimpse into the Andean lifestyle.

During our trek, there is also a possibility of encountering wildlife such as spectacled bears, condors, and hummingbirds, adding an element of excitement to our adventure.

Key statistics of the fourth day of the Choquequirao Trek:

• Total Distance Covered: Approximately 18 km (11.2 mi)
• Starting Altitude: Campsite near Choquequirao at around 2,950 m (9,678 ft)
• Highest Altitude: Marampata at around 2,950 m (9,678 ft)
• Lowest Altitude: La Playa
• Level of Difficulty: Challenging, with both downhill and uphill sections

The fourth day of our Choquequirao Trek with 69 Explorer is a mix of physical exertion and the enjoyment of the Andean landscape’s natural beauty. As we move closer to the end of our journey, we carry with us the memories of the stunning vistas and the rich biodiversity of this unique region.

As we begin the final day of our unforgettable Choquequirao Trek with 69 Explorer, we will prepare ourselves for the journey back to Cusco. This day will be the culmination of our adventure, filled with personal achievements and memorable experiences.

Time to return to Cusco, but first…

After waking up to an early breakfast, we will get ready for the last stretch of our experience. The day begins with a 4-hour uphill hike. This final ascent is a testament to the resilience and strength we have built over the past few days. As we hike, we will have the opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken, surrounded by the beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

Upon reaching the end of our trek, we will enjoy our last lunch together with our tour guide, porters, and horsemen. This moment is not just about the meal, but a chance to express our gratitude to the team who have been instrumental in making our journey through the Choquequirao Trek a success.

After lunch, we will bid farewell to our 69 Explorer team and continue with our tour guide back to Cusco. This return ride allows us to relax and reminisce about the adventure we have just completed. Our trek concludes by 6:00pm, marking the end of an extraordinary journey through one of Peru’s most stunning and culturally rich landscapes.

Key statistics of the fifth day of the Choquequirao Trek:

• Total Distance Covered: Approximately 8 km (5 m)
• Starting Altitude: Chikiska Camp
• Highest Altitude: Capuliyoc
• Lowest Altitude: Cusco
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate, primarily uphill hiking

The fifth day of our journey with 69 Explorer brings a sense of accomplishment and a collection of memories from the Choquequirao Trek. As we return to Cusco, we will carry with us not only the physical triumph of completing the trek, but also a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and historical significance of the Andes.