Travel Style
Trekking
Group Size
2 – 8 paxs
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
— msnm
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The Choquequirao Trek is perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds or who are looking for something other than Machu Picchu during their trip. The trek takes you to the sister city of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao (The Cradle of Gold) which sits high above the Apurimac Valley. With a wide variety of flora and fauna, beautiful scenery and a visit to a major Inca site, the Choquequirao Trek is the adventure of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Prices
Payments
Packing List
Terms and Conditions
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – La Playa
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5 a.m. to begin the famous Choquequirao Trek. Our first day starts from cusco to Capuliyoc, for about 4 hour and half drive from Cusco. Leaving Capuliyoc the path works its way down in to the Apurimac Valley and we will have fantastic views of snow-capped peaks in the distance and the Apurimac Valley spread out before us throughout the day, also after a few hours walking we’ll get to have our first views of Choquequirao sat on the far side of the valley. The area around Choquequirao is rich in life and we will see a wide variety of flora and fauna as we make our way down in to the valley. We hike down for three hours to chikisca for lunch. After lunch and siesta we carry on for two more hours downhill to our first camp.
Our campsite for the night is at La Playa (2200m / 7215ft.) which is on the side of the Apurimac River. As the campsite is a little further along the trail than most groups go it is one of the quietest places to camp on the whole trek so we can enjoy the beautiful scenery around us without distraction.
Day 2: La Playa – Choquequirao
Today is probably the hardest day of the trek. To get to Choquequirao we need to make our way back up the opposite side of the Apurimac Valley which involves ascending. It’s quite tough going but the views we get today mixed with the wide variety of flora and fauna you find on this side of the valley make it worth it.
Throughout the day we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids and stands of bamboo; we’ll also hopefully see birds such as Quetzals, Toucans and a variety of hummingbirds. After about a 4 hour walk we’ll arrive to our lunch spot Maranpata where we have lunch. We continue on to our campsite which is close to Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005ft.) and settle in for the night – if the weather is clear the views of the sunsetting from here are amazing and we may be lucky enough to spot Condors soaring over the valley below.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquiska
Today’s focus is on exploring Choquequirao. Waking up early you’ll head off on a guided tour of the site during which you’ll be shown the most important and interesting sections of the city and get to learn about the Inca culture and the close relation between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Compared to Machu Picchu little is known about Choquequirao even though it has been known about for much longer. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spanish it lay abandoned and forgotten until recent years when tourism raised the profile of the city and exploration began. Even with this increased interest only 25% of the city has been explored and many of its secrets still wait to be discovered.
Day 4: Choquequirao – Villa de Loros
Today is one of the easier days of the trek as we make our way down to magnificent Apurimac River (1450m/ 4787ft). We cross the bridge then we walk up for one hour to our lunch spot. After lunch and siesta we carry on to the camp for the last evening
Day 5: Villa de Loros – Conoc – Cusco
Today is the relaxing day of our trek. After enjoying last breakfast we take our private transport to the archeological site of Saywite. We explore the ruins then we drive to Conoc where we enjoy and relax at the hot spring after several days of hiking. After lunch we head back to Cusco dropping you at your hotel.
Includes
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Chef
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
- Pick-up fromyour hotel
- Transportation by bus to Cachora
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
Does Not Include
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 5
- Tips
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
What you need to take
- Walking boots
- Water proof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- ComfortableTrousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
Group Service Price
US$ 549 per person
Private Service Prices
- 2 people US$ 649 per person
- 3 people US$ 629 per person
- 4 people US$ 599 per person
- 5 +people US$ 549 per person
- Discounts:Student Discount: US$30 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$30
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$30
Walking Pole US$20(pair)
Inflatable Mattress US$30
Single Tent Supplement US$30
INFORMATION FROM OUR TRAVEL AGENCY
- Email: info@quinoaexpeditions.com
- Website: www.quinoaexpeditions.com
- Phone/WhatsApp: +51910827647
- Address: Calle Jose Maria Arguedas B-10, Urb. Cruzpata – Cusco
- RUC: 20602792391
Pay with Credit Card
Pay with PayPal
Wenster Union
Money Transfer Company (Fastest and safest method of sending money in Peru. It takes Minutes and pick the money inmediately and we can confirm in minutes)
- Receiver’s Name: Alex
- Receiver’s Surname: Huanca Hancco
- Receiver’s Country: Peru
Bank Transfers
PERUVIAN BANKING:
- Account in Dollars: 4263113160397
- Account in Soles: 4263113160932
- Cancellations:
- Deposit sent for is Non-Refundable nor transferable to any other date, person or tour (According to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Regulations).
- Quinoa expeditions must be notified of any changes or cancellations to your trip as soon as you are aware of them, via e-mail or fax so that we do not incur expenses not covered by deposit.
- Once final balance has been paid, we will not be able to refund your trek payment in the case of cancellations. There will, however, be parts of your trip that you are able to use (Machu Picchu entrance fee, 1 train ticket, 1 bus ticket).
- A claim letter for your insurance company can also be provided by us upon request.
- Porter service hired can Not be cancelled (a fee is paid for booking this service).
ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS FOR THE TREK:
- Valid, original Passport (a copy will not be accepted)
- Valid, Student Card (if you booked as a student)
- Trekking boots (light, comfortable and broken in)
- A good quality daypack (light, small and comfortable)
- Water storage for at least 2 liters; either a camel bag or water bottle(s)
FOR YOUR DAYPACKS:
Below is a list of items that we highly recommend you keep with you at all times in your personal backpack. Remember you will be carrying this with you everyday of the trek so we recommend you bring a good quality daypack which is both light and comfortable. It is important to note that due to local regulations, your backpack should not exceed 25L. All larger backpacks can not be taken into Machu Picchu and will need to be stored outside the gates.
- Hat and sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Warm layers (fleece / long sleeved tops)
- Sun cream, bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Band-aids, moleskin
- Camera, extra batteries
- Head Torch
- Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers’ toilets on the first day)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR YOUR DUFFEL BAGS:
During the trek will provide you with a duffel bag in which you can pack any items that you won’t need to keep with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg including the weight of your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). When rented from us these two items weigh approximately 3 kg. During the Inca Trek, you will travel through different temperatures as you climb/descend, it can also be cold at night when at the campsite. Therefore layers work best!
- Sleeping bag for Inca trail (can be rented from us)
- Air mattress for Inca trail (can be rented from us)
- Some light, comfortable shoes for the camp
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for Inca trail
- 2-3 t-shirts (wicking t-shirts are best)
- 1-2 hiking pants/trousers
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights
- Quick-dry towel
- Soap
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Face moisturizer
- Power pack / battery charger
- Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate
BOOKING:
To book your Quinoa Expeditions of a lifetime please visit info@quinoaexpeditionsperu.com or call our team on + 51 910827647.
DEPOSIT:
In order to make a reservation with Quinoa Expeditions you are required to make a $200 deposit for each trek and a $ 50 deposit for Day Tours. The deposit should be paid via PayPal. . All deposits are unfortunately non-refundable as they are used to secure your reservation (by purchasing permits, entrance tickets, etc.).
REMAINING BALANCE:
The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival to Cusco and we ask that this be paid at least 36 hours prior to your tour. If you are not able to arrive in Cusco this far in advance of your trek, we ask that you notify your travel agent in advance to make arrangements. You can pay the remaining balance with Peruvian Soles, Dollars (or a combination).
CANCELLATIONS:
All primary deposits are unfortunately 100% non-refundable. However, the earlier you notify us of a cancellation, the better we can assist you. Please send all cancellation notifications to info@quinoaexpeditionsperu.com.
If you cancel 8 weeks or more days before departure: Cancellation fees equal the amount of your deposit.
8 weeks to 4 weeks before departure: 60% of the total tour price is due.
4 weeks to 5 days before departure: 80% of the total tour price is due.
5 days to 36 hours: 90% of the total tour price is due.
36 hours or less before departure: 100% of the total price is due.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS:
Visitors are responsible for ensuring that they have valid visas and / or passports. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel.
CHILDREN:
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Discounts may apply for children under the age of 12.
PRICES:
Prices are per person.
REFUNDS:
Refunds are processed to the credit card(s) used for the original payment.
TRANSFERS:
For your safety, comfort and convenience, we are the only company in Cusco that offers free transfers to and from the airport to your hotel on arrival and departure. Please send us your exact arrival time in advance. (ONLY FOR TREKS & PACKAGES)
TIPS:
Tipping in Peru is completely voluntary. Tipping guidelines are provided with your final travel documents that are provided during your tour briefing, held the day before your tour.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
Embarking on an adventure, such as the tours we offer, may involve risk of illness or injury caused by forces of nature, animals, insects, and flora. By booking your trip, you acknowledge these risks and are applying to participate voluntarily.
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