Home » Offered Tours » Lost Inca Cities » Choquequirao and Huanipaca 4 or 5 days

Choquequirao and Huanipaca 4 or 5 days


Code: XA - 10.
Altitude: 1500 - 3030 meters / 4921 - 9941 feet.
High season: Whole year.
Duration: 4 days - 3 nights or 5 days - 4 nights.
Level:  Moderate.

*A minimum of 2 people is needed for this trek.

This region has a lot of microclimates, a landscape with snow-covered peaks of above 6000m (19685f), passing by plateaus of the high Andes to arrive in never-ending cloudy forests. The region was dominated by Manco Inca after the occidental invasion, including several nuclei, places with sacred constructions, builded in honor of Manco Inca, Sayre Tupac Titu Cusi Yupanqui y Tupac Amaru I. They decided to create a Neo Imperial state, with the purpose of preserving all knowledge in religión, astronomy, customs and own traditions of the old Inca society. 

Program

1st Day - Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca (3350/10991 - 2850/9350 - 1930/6332 meters/feet)

We will leave early in the morning heading northwest of Cusco (3350m / 10991f) in the direction of Cachora (2850m / 9350f). Cachora is surrounded by mountains, one of them the snow-covered Padreyoc (5571m / 18228f). On this place we will meet with the carriers and the mules who will be carrying all the camping equipment during the expedition. The beginning of the walk will have some ecological differences and we will pass the mystic Padreyoc going through the pass of Capuliyoc (2800m / 9186f). From Capuliyoc we will have a spectacular view on the canyon of the Apurímac and a part of the archeological complex of Choquequirao, and we will have a short rest there and be able to observe the way we came which looks like a stream on the edge of the mountain up to our camping place called Chiquisca (1930m / 6332f).

Hiking time: 7 hours in a warm climate.

2nd Day - Chiquisca - Playa Rosalina - Marampata - Choquequirao (1930/6332 - 1550/5085 - 2850/9350 - 3033/9951 meters/feet)

After having enjoyed our breakfast, we will descend for about one hour to La Playa Rosalina (1550m / 5085f). From here we will go up in the canyon, in a warm climate, to the town of Marampata (2850m / 9350f), from where we will have a beautiful view on the archeological complex of Choquequirao. The sunset in Choquequirao is mysterious together with a real Andean symbol ´the Condor´, which will descend from the highest mountains of Vilcabamba all the way down to the archeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m / 9951f), where our campsite will be.
Hiking time: 7 hours in both cold and warm climates. 

3rd Day - Choquequirao - San Ignacio - Carmen Huerto (3033/9951 - 1500/4921 - 2000/6562 meters/feet)

We will see the sunrise over Choquequirap, accompanied by a professional guide who will tell about history and the recently found excavations. At the moment Choquequirao holds many ancestral secrets, because now only 30% of the ruin is restored. It is a very important project that between now and 10 years it will show ´the Gold cradle´ before the eyes of the world and we will get a lot of knowledge about the specific function of Choquequirao, which is now a big mystery. After this visit we will leave to go down route pretty different from the ones walked before. Going through this new pass we will have some impressive views, for instance at the canyon of Apurimac, in its´ greater length, and a lot of flora and fauna. We will go through a height difference of 1500 meters (4921f) between Choquequirao and Playa San Ignacio. And we will ascent to our camping place at a paradisiacal place known as Carmen Huerto (2000m / 65).
Hiking time: 5 hours in a reasonable climate with mosquito's. 

4th Day - Carmen - Hacienda Tambo bamba - Huanipaca (1900/6234 - 2500/8202  - 3150/10335 meters/feet)

The Carmen Orchard, which is next to the Tambo bamba property, was ruled by landowners in the years of the colonization. They had slaves and many acres cultivated. They were very rich in cultivating their agricultural products, cattle ranches etc.

Tambó bamba (2500m / 8202f) at the moment offers much natural wealth if different areas, from agriculture and cattle ranching, hereby preserving the tradition and knowledge of our Andean ancestors. On the route we will be visiting communities like Pacobamba and Huanipaca (3150m / 10335f). From Huanipaca we will have the most impressive view of the glacier chain ´Sacsarayoc´, located in the region of Vilcabamba ´The last shelter of the Incas´. The next thing will be the transport back to the city of Cusco.
Hiking time: 5 hours in a moderate warm climate. 

WE OFFER AN ADITIONAL DAY TO ENJOY MORE TIME IN THE ARCHEOLOGICAL COMPLEX OF CHOQUEQUIRAO AND THE THERMAL BATHES OF CCONOC.

On the way back to Cusco, we will stop in Cconoc to enjoy the thermal natural waters,  having time for healing and relaxing. 

What you need to bring

Backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, sweater, trekking shoes and trousers, polo's/ t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, sun block cream, insect repellent and disinfecting alcohol and gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablet, fotocamera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport, ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles. 

Also the Practical information might be good to read.

Private service to Choquequirao 5 days and 4 nights

Included:

  • Private transport from the hotel to Cachora
  • High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light / 4.5kgs, both are for 2 persons. Air beds, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
  • Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Option vegetarian).
  • Professional guide (English or Spanish)
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Porters and mules, for all camping and personal equipment
  • Emergency horse
  • Entrance to the archeological complex of Choquequirao.
  • Transport back from Huanipaca to Cusco
  • First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope

Not included:

  • Sleeping bag (If you don't have this, we can offer it)

NOTE: Any increase on the part of the governmental authorities, or by the entrance of the archeological complex of Choquequirao, we are committed to send a document to the client with the reasons for this. 

Group service to Choquequirao 4 days and 3 nights

Included:

  • Transport from the hotel to Cachora (Car, Minimum of 2 passengers)
  • High quality camping equipment (professional tent, Doite Model Cima 4, extra light / 4.5kgs both for 2 persons. Air beds, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
  • Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Option vegetarian).
  • Professional guide (English or Spanish)
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Porters and mules, for all camping and personal equipment
  • Emergency horse (for minimum of 3 persons in the group)
  • Entrance to the archeological complex of Choquequirao.
  • Transport back from Huanipaca to Cusco
  • First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope

Not included:

  • Breakfast on the first day
  • Sleeping bag (If you don't have this, you can rent it in our office)

NOTE: Any increase on the part of the governmental authorities, or by the entrance of the archeological complex of Choquequirao, we are committed to send a document to the client with the reasons for this.