CHOQEKIRAW CIRCUIT, a trip of 5 days and 4 nights

DESCRIPTION

This trek begins in Cachora and ends in Huanipaca. We run along a circuit, getting to see more about Choqekiraw's (Choquequirao) geography.

ALTITUDES AND DISTANCES / CLIMATE.

The hike covers a distance of 34 Kilometers; Choqekiraw (Choquequirao) is the highest point (3.100 m.a.s.l), and Playa San Ignacio is the lower point of the route (1.450 m.a.s.l.). For more details see the map.

Throughout the journey you will experience different climates and microclimates, depending on the altitude. Also be aware that the rainy season is from January to the end of March.

ITINERARY

First day.- Cusco - Cachora - Chiquiska

After picking up the passengers from their hotels, we leave Cusco at 6:30 a.m. in a private bus. From Cachora we'll begin the trekking, walking until Chiquiska, where we'll make the first campsite.

Second day.- Chiquiska - Playa Rosalina - Maranpata - Choqekiraw (Choquequirao)

We leave after breakfast, at 5:30 am, and walk to the riverbank of the noisy river Apurimac (in the native language, Quechua, Apu Rimac means "God that speaks"), at Playa Rosalina. Crossing the hanging bridge, we'll begin the ascent from the river (1,500 meters) until we reach Maranpata at 2,900 meters above sea level. After lunch we'll walk two hours to reach Choqekiraw (Choquequirao) campsite.

Along the route you can soak in the beauty of the natural surroundings, especially the great variety of flora and fauna. We will visit the Cultivated Terraces of Phaqchayoq and the House of Waterfalls. Finally, we return to the campsite where we have dinner and spend the night.

Third day. - Choqekiraw (Choquequirao) all day

Today we have the entire day to visit the best sectors of the Archeological Park of Choqekiraw (Choquequirao). We will have lunch near the collection, as not to interrupt such a nice view, and with any luck we will be able to witness the flight of the majestic Andean Condor over the deep canyon of Apurimac. Finally, we will return to our campsite where dinner will be served and we will spend the night.

Fourth day.-Choqekiraw (Choquequirao) - Hacienda San Ignacio - "Villa Los Loros" lodge

After breakfast, we will begin the return, descending into the imposing canyon of the Apurimac River until we reach San Ignacio Beach, and from there we will continue on horses. Arriving at the San Ignacio ex-estate, we will rest and have lunch, then continue on horse until we reach "Villa Los Loros" lodge. After that, we will have dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Fifth day - "Villa Los Loros" lodge - Cusco

After breakfast we will take the bus to return to Cusco. Along the way, we will have lunch at a restaurant located near the town of Curahuasi (in center of the Apurimac valley), and then we will continue the trip to Cusco. We will arrive at approximately 3 p.m., making the trip in an estimated five hours.

THE HIKER'S BACKPACK

Each hiker will carry in his backpack only items necessary for the trek (water, snacks, insect repellent, camera, etc.). All other items will be carried directly to the campsite by our cargo service.

THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD BRING

• Hiking shoes
• T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
• Short pants or sports wear
• A cap for the sun and a hat for the cold
• A sweater and a jacket
• Insect repellent
• Sun block
• Personal care items

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Round-trip transportation from Cusco to "Villa Los Loros" lodge and back to Cusco
• A bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Two nights lodging at "Villa Los Loros
• Two nights camping in the Archeological Park of Choqekiraw (Choquequirao)
• High quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mattress, cooking tent, dining tent, camping tables and chairs, cooking equipment and dining items, lighting, etc.)
• Radio communication throughout the trek
• First-aid kit
• All the meals and drinks
• Muleteers, mules or llamas to carry equipment and supplies, a camp chef, porters
• Entrance fees to the archeological sites of Saywite and Choqekiraw
• Saddled horse from Playa San Ignacio to "Villa Los Loros" lodge

PRICES AND GROUPS

The program cost varies according to the number of people, so we invite you to ask about the price. We travel with a maximum group of 15 people.

Sector of the houses of the noble class and the principal temple in high Choqekiraw's part

Sector of terraces in Paqchayoc, sighted from Marampata's road

The camp's site, resting-place for the travellers that get to enjoy this adventure

Capiso or Nasua, playful visitor that can be seen at Choqekiraw's Sanctuary

After your visit to Choqekiraw; Villa Los Loros Lodge will be your ideal place for a merited rest

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