Choquequirao has been called “Machu Picchu's sacred sister” because of the striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous counterpart above the Urubamba Gorge. Yet it remains an enigmatic place whose history is a matter of speculation.
Today we can trek to Choquequirao via a modern footbridge across the Apurimac River. The journey is as awe-inspiring as ever, taking us through an astounding range of ecological zones, from Andean farming valleys, descending through a hot and arid canyon environment featuring kapok trees, cactus and agaves, and climbing again to a region of lush cloud forest, beneath the dizzying snowcaps of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.
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. Ringed by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, thickly forested slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center, dedicated to the worship of the mountain gods, the river and the elements of nature. 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.
For centuries Choquequirao lay shrouded in obscurity, protected by its remoteness. Unlike Machu Picchu, people knew it was there – it was first mentioned in a Spanish document of 1710, later visited by various explorers and treasure hunters, and roughly surveyed in the 19th century by the French consul in Lima, Leonce Angrand. Finally, in 1909, the indefatigable U.S. explorer Hiram Bingham –the future scientific discoverer of Machu Picchu -- explored and mapped the site.
Highlights
Little-known, and rarely visited, this trek is for the adventurer who wants to get away from the crowds to experience Inca ruins in solitude and quiet.
Choquequirao has been called “Machu Picchu’s sacred sister”, because of the striking similarities of design and ceremonial architecture to its famous counterpart
Ringed by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, thickly forested slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center, dedicated to the worship of the mountain gods, the river and the elements of nature.
The trek is awe-inspiring, passing from Andean farming valleys to a hot and arid canyon environment to cloud forest beneath the dizzying snowcaps of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. ...view more details
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. The winding road plunges more than 1,800m./6,000ft. to a bridge over the Apurimac Gorge, 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 the small oasis of Chiquisca, 2000m./6,550ft.
DAY 2. to CHOQUEQUIRAO
We descend the last fifteen hundred feet of elevation to the Apurimac River –“Great Spirit Speaker” in the Quechua language of the Incas – and cross the mighty river on a suspension footbridge, at 1550m./5,100ft. 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. in CHOQUEQUIRAO
We have the entire day to explore this stunning Inca settlement. As mysterious as Machu Picchu, its name means “Cradle of Gold”. Early Spaniards knew of this place, yet its remoteness protected it. French explorers visited it in the 19th century, and in 1909 Hiram Bingham was first to scientifically investigate the site. Some speculate that the emperor Topa Inca 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 1,450m./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. The steep mountainside below the main plaza features several clusters of newly-discovered buildings, including the so-called Ridge Group, and the Waterfall Temple, an intriguing ceremonial complex facing the cascades of a steep ravine.
DAY 4. to CHIQUISCA
The sun rises over the snowy crags of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and 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. to CACHORA/CUSCO
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.
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What's Included
Transportation to and from the city of departure, a predeparture information meeting and valuable Choquequirao map, overnight in new Northface tents including comfortable sleeping pads, a duffle bag to store your luggage during the trek (please return upon your arrival in Cusco). Entrance fee, meals according to the itinerary. Bottled water to refill your canteen.
The accompanying staff includes bilingual guide on the trek and in Choquequirao equipped with a first aid kit, an oxygen tank, and excellent cartographie,
porters, kitchen crew and commissary gear.
Not Included
Meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, additional tours, insurance and airline tickets (where applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear or items.
InkaNatura travel rents The North face sleeping bags. The costs are : USD 28 per person for the 4 days trek program and USD 35 per person for the 5 days trek program. Our service includes a clean sleeping bag liner for the trek program. Please inform us on time to reserve one of them for you.
Transportation to and from the city of departure, a predeparture information meeting and valuable Choquequirao map, overnight in new Northface tents including comfortable sleeping pads, a duffle bag to store your luggage during the trek (please return upon your arrival in Cusco). Entrance fee, meals according to the itinerary. Bottled water to refill your canteen.
The accompanying staff includes bilingual guide on the trek and in Choquequirao equipped with a first aid kit, an oxygen tank, and excellent cartographie,
porters, kitchen crew and commissary gear.
Not Included
Not Included
Meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, additional tours, insurance and airline tickets (where applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear or items.
InkaNatura travel rents The North face sleeping bags. The costs are : USD 28 per person for the 4 days trek program and USD 35 per person for the 5 days trek program. Our service includes a clean sleeping bag liner for the trek program. Please inform us on time to reserve one of them for you.
Notes
Trip Notes
• We strongly suggest spending at least two nights before the start of the trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
• The maximum kilogram per person: 20 pounds/10 kilograms which you have to store in the provided duffle bag
• We recommend combining Choquequirao trail program with Machu Picchu and an Amazon adventure in the species rich rainforests of Tambopata or Manu.
• No refund will be possible for any unused part of the tour.
• All trash produced during the trek will return to Cusco.
• If you get a new passport after you have reserved a permit for one of our Inca trail programs, please inform us before arrival to make the necessary arrangements with the UGM. Please help us to avoid any inconvenient for your Inca trail experience.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Private Van Private Bus
Lodging - Accommodations
Lodging Types
4 Nights camping
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
InkaNatura Travel is the only leading tour operator in Peru owned by a nonprofit conservation group, Peru Verde,
Our work is part of Peru Verde's overall strategy to protect the country's unique cultural and biological diversity. InkaNatura contributes heavily to the maintenance of national parks, reserves, and archaeological sites while at the same time treating local people with respect and dignity.
InkaNatura Travel is 100% owned by Peru Verde. All net proceeds benefit conservation. To learn more about Peru Verde's conservation work please visit www.peruverde.org
Maximum Age
None
Travel Provider
Provider Name
InkaNatura Travel
Why should I choose this provider?
InkaNatura Travel is a versatile Peruvian tour operator in different nature and archaeology areas. With offices in Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado and Chiclayo, InkaNatura is there to serve you. Every detail is meticulously planned, and every service is carefully monitored.
The Inca trail offerings from InkaNatura Travel complement or extensive portfolio of Wildlife and nature destinations like Manu and Tambopata where we have several outstanding lodges: Manu Wildlife Center, Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, Sandoval Lake Lodge and Heath River Wildlife Center. Conde Nast Traveler (Dec 2002) described Manu Wildlife center as “The finest wildlife lodge in all the Amazon” and Sandoval Lake Lodge as “The budget rainforest alternative to Manu” Our lodges are accessible via short light flight from Cusco, and provide attractions like macaw clay licks, tapir clay licks, Giant Otters, canopy platforms and much more.
There are a limited number of tour operators authorized to operate the Inca Trail. InkaNatura Travel is one of these and in just three years of Inca Trail operations has been recognized by the Government Tourism Office as one of the two BEST tour operators in the area, in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
InkaNatura Travel is proud to be member of important organizations like: International Ecotourism Society, Latin America Travel Association (UK), Sustainable Travel International, Adventure Travel (USA), Tropical Nature, Tourism for tomorrow and works with the following sustainable travel standards :
Educate our clients and provide them with opportunities to make meaningful connections with local people.
Be Culturally Sensitive.
Respect the values, customs and beliefs of the local people we visit.
Foster a greater understanding of their culture and their environmental issues.
Generate Economic Benefits.
Buy locally produced goods, become a patron of locally owned businesses, and enhance the well being of host communities.
Be Environmentally Friendly.
Conserve natural resources when traveling just as we do at home and in your offices.
Offset carbon emissions from airline and land travel.
Make positive Contributions to the conservation and preservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the Peru’s biodiversity.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
General Conditions:
For hotels and tours:
* Rates are listed in American dollars and include taxes and service charge for non - residents in Peru.
* Tour rates are per person, unless we specified a different option.
* In case the hotel of your preference does not have space available, we will inform you of an alternative option.
* Some hotels ask for a prepayment at the time of the booking to guarantee the room. If this is the case, we will request for that payment to confirm the room and we will inform you about the special policy of that hotel.
* The confirmation for tours requested will be sent by e-mail including the itinerary, dates, information tips and pre-departure information for nature and adventure programs (tambopata, manu and inca trail programs).
* To reserve the train to Machu Picchu, we need the following information from the passengers: complete name as per in passport, nationality, date of birth and passport number.
* Clients must bring the passport with which the train ticket was issued. If not clients will not be allowed to get in the train with no obligation to Inkanatura.
* In case passengers get a new passport after they made the reservation, please inform us to make the necessary arrangements with the entity in charge of the train reservations. Please help us to avoid any inconvenience for your experience in Peru.
* For nature programs (Tambopata and Manu), in each booking please indicate: Complete name of the passengers, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, name of the hotel in Cusco (where the passenger will stay), special food requirement (Vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other), and any special health condition. All the information should be as per in passport.
* Due to the permit regulations that allow only 500 people per day entering to the inca trail, it is therefore essential to make reservations well in advance as the system is on a first-come, first served basis. We do recommend to book at least 90 days prior to departure.
* Clients must bring the passport with which the Inca Trail permit was issued. If not clients will not be allowed to enter to the Inca trail system with no obligation to Inkanatura.
* Prices are per person and subject to change without notice due to entrance fees to inca trail, tax and other expenses that increase without our control.
* In each booking for the Inca trail please indicate: Complete name of the passengers, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, name of the hotel in Cusco (where the passenger will stay), special food requirement (Vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other), and any special health condition. All the information should be as per in passport.
* Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites at the Inca trail than those indicated.
* All trash produced during the treks will return to Cusco.
* In case passengers get a new passport after they made the reservation, please inform us to make the necessary arrangements with the UGM (Management office for Machu Picchu Sanctuary). Please help us to avoid any inconvenience for your inca trail experience.
- Deposits - due dates + amounts / Final balances - due dates.
For Hotel and tours:
* The total payment should be made 30 days before the passengers arrival for individual travellers and 45 days in advance for groups.
* If payment is not sent on the right day, Inkanatura is entitled to cancel the reservation.
For Inca trail portion:
* A deposit per person must be paid at the booking time, including the full name of clients and personal information. We must prepaid Inca trail entrance fees in advance.
* Balance of the total payment should be made 30 days before arrival for individual passengers and 45 days in advance for groups.
* For last minute reservations, total payment should be made during a week.
- Cancelation policy / fees for changes.
For hotel and tours:
* No refund will be possible for any unused part of tours or packages, due to passengers decision.
* No refund will be possible for the entire cost for services bought in advance bus tickets, train tickets, entrance fees). Airline tickets refund will be according to the airline regulations.
* Cancellations made between 30 to 16 days prior to arrival, we will charge 50% of the total amount.
* Cancellations made between 15 to 0 days prior to arrival, full amount will be charged.
* For no show, full amount will be charged
Note: Please take note that some hotels do not accept cancellations made between 30 days in advance for individual passengers and 60 days in advance for groups. We will let you know about their policy at the reservation moment.
For Inca trail portion:
* No refund will be possible for any unused part of the tour or entrance fee bought in advance.
* Entrance fee can not be transferred to another traveller. This is prohibited by law.
* For no show, full amount will be charged.
We charge the following fees per person:
For individual passengers:
* Cancellation after the booking time, we will charge USD 200.00.
* Cancellation make between 44 to 8 days prior to arrival, we will charge USD 300.00.
* Cancellation make between 7 to 0 days, we will charge full amount.
For groups:
* Cancellation after the booking time, we will charge USD 200.00.
* Cancellation make between 44 and 31 days, we will charge USD 300.00
* Cancellation make between 30 and 15 days, we will charge USD 450.00
* Cancellation make between 14 and 0 days, full amount will be charged.
Refunds:
* Refunds will be provided within 30 days of the clients submitting a letter or e-mail.
Additional notes:
* Inkanatura is responsible for providing al the services, tour packages and accomodations as confirmed.
* Inkanatura reserves the right to alter the program.
* It is important to mention that Inkanatura works by and for the client and it will look for the best for its clients not only when they book or travel but also when for a reasonable situation they have to cancel.
* Last minute bookings will be accepted but you must be alerted that there is the possibility that we will not get space at the hotel or tour that you need.
* Passport, visa, and health requirements are passengers responsabilities. We do recommend to obtain a travel insurance against cancellation and medical coverage.
Thanks for choosing InkaNatura Travel and Detour for your upcoming trip to Peru!
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TESTIMONIALS
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure
We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not \"cruising\" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn\'t feel \"stuck\" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitos but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!
-- Wendy K., Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo
WHAT'S NEW
Feb 5, 2010 Do’s and Don’ts of splurging on the Inca Trail
While trekking the Inca Trail is a trip of a lifetime, it doesn’t mean you should blow your entire life savings on one adventure. Here’s some tips to keep in mind about when to upgrade and when to pinch pennies when planning your Inca Trail trek.
DO . . . . Splurge on getting a comfortable [...]
While trekking the Inca Trail is a trip of a lifetime, it doesn’t mean you should blow your entire life savings on one adventure. Here’s some tips to keep in mind about when to upgrade and when to pinch pennies when planning your Inca Trail trek.
DO . . . . Splurge on getting a comfortable and charming hotel in Cusco. You’ll be spending quite a bit of time here on your first day in the city while acclimatizing, so you may as well not stay in some dingy hostel. This may not be considered a “splurge” for some, but you’ll at least want a place somewhat near the Plaza de Armas and the old buildings with Inca stonework is really lovely.
DO . . . . Book a private trek if you’re really concerned with the overall group size and attention you’ll receive from your guide. While many group treks don’t have more than 10 trekkers, there’s no guarantee that a group departure will stay at four people.
DON”T . . . . buy the spiffiest hiking boots on the market the day before your trek. No matter how pricey or nice the shoes, they need time to break in (a few weeks, including some hiking and stair climbing).
DON’T . . . Arrive in Cusco expecting to find a great deal on an Inca Trail. Permits need to be bought months in advance and you absolutely cannot trek the trail without it. Anyone claiming to provide permits within a few days is probably scamming you. Before you arrive in Peru, make sure you’ve booked your trek and your permits are confirmed.
DO . . . . get a pisco sour, Peru national drink. Yes, it’s a mix of raw eggs, lime, cinnamon, and generous amounts of pisco (a type of South American brandy), but the result is surprisingly delicious. Besides,
DON’T . . . . go for the most expensive hotel just because it’s closer to Machu Picchu. The site closes at the same time each evening and opens at the time each morning. Staying in a closer hotel does not mean you get to stay after hours at the ruins.
DO . . . . consider getting an “all-inclusive” tour. These include at least one night in Lima, one night in Cusco, and internal flights (between Lima and Cusco). Often, the hassle of doing this on your own proves exhausting for most travelers and local operators usually have an ideal itinerary to offer.
DO . . . . buy some handicrafts that will remind of your amazing journey. The Sacred Valley and Cusco are famous for high quality woven goods, such as alpaca sweaters and gloves.
DON’T . . . . spend extra on a trek so you’ll have an American (or Canadian or Austalian) guide. Peruvian guides who speak your language usually make the best guides and the trips tend to be less pricey (no extra flight for the foreign guide).
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Choquequirau, the Cradle of the Gods
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