Choquequirao 5d/4n

Incan archeological site, preserved in time by nature, as if trying to hide themselves from the Spaniards, also call such a CRADLE OF GOLD by Hiram Bingham the same North American investigator of Machupicchu. Choquequirao had been occupied until 1572 when the Inca Túpac Amaru I, was imprisoned. It is found within the Inca Territory of Vilcabamba and also had been a legation in the central part of the Apurimac river Valley, with religious, economic and military functions it is located at 3104 m.a.s.l.

Lying in a cloud forest, a dramatic 1150 metres (3772 feet) above the Apurimac River and surrounded by a fascinating landscape created by the Vilcabamba mountain range, Choquekirao has everything to offer a trekker. However, due to its remote location, few tourists visited this site in the past. Fortunately, since 1993 COPESCO plan has been implemented and restoration work has been done which has increase its monumental value; also constructed a footbridge over the Apurimac River, below the site, making it more accessible to reach.
It is a challenging but amazing experience to hike down to the depths of the Apurimac Canyon and then up to the site in the clouds…

Price 2012
Ask for the price here

Includes: Tourist transportation, camping equipments tent, roll matts, pillows, donkeys or porters, English speaking guide, cooks, all entrance fees, tour in Choquequrao, , 4 nights in tent, all meals during the 4 days tour, fifth day only breakfast, bus ticket to Cusco.

EXCLUDES: Breakfast first day, lunch fourth day, sleeping bag, porter for your personal belongings.

EXTRA INFORMATION:
Unless you hire an extra porter you need to carry your back pack.
Porter to carry up to 9 Kg = $ 40 up to 18 Kg = $ 80
Regarding porters who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (even in Dry season as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
Sleeping bag -5ºC $ 15
Walking poles (2) $ 15
Backpack $ 10

ITINERARY
First Day Cusco – Cachora – Coca Masana – Playa Rosalina
We start from Cusco at 6:00 am in the morning for the 4 hour drive to Cachora by car. On the way we will make a stop to enjoy our breakfast admiring the wonderfull and amazing Limatambo Canyon , on right top the great Apu –Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, then we will continue to the little village of Cachora , where we will meet our horseman and mules. After meeting our expedition portarage support know as arrieros we arrange our equipment on mules / horses we will be ready to start a soft hike through this unknow mystery and very rich historically territory.

It is a 3 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.We then descend toward Coca Masana (2330m). Later we finally we arrive at Playa Rosalinda 1550 m.a.s.l.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Camping Equipment.

Second Day Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao
We will get up early, have breakfast and begin our walk, the views around this place is really fantastic which is the combination of high cloud forest and Ceja de selva region of Cusco, After an early breakfast to climb a steep trail. It is a 5 hour hike to Raqaypata beside the Chunchullumayo River where we will have
a late lunch and then time to relax. Along the way we will see many orchids and wild flowers as well as many birds (hopefully condors). From Raqaypata to Choquequirao (3035m) is a 2 hour hike. We will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the sunset. We will be just outside the ruins to camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Camping Equipment.

Third Day Choquequirao – Raqaypata
Today is dedicated to exploring this incredible sacred archeological site of Choquequirao peaceful and special site, Retreat of the Nobility and Priests and high class Incas taken from the Holly Cusco, to be near the nature and divinities as mountains and offer rituals. Here you will see more elaborated buildings and integrity of the Inca architecture, strong platforms called as andenes, for planting or adorning with exotic plants and wild bromelias and orchids, same as a top located guard-houses to protect the area, with a surprising water-channel aqueduct system. Our guide will explain the history and importance of the site. After you will have free time to visit the many sectors of the complex and take nice post-cards pictures. Late in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp the night at Raqaypata, with a lot of luck we can observe the really impressive Flight of Condors around this valley.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Camping Equipment.

Fourth Day Raqaypata – Coca Masana
After breakfast we continue our return trek with a steep descent towards the valley visiting little villages on the way where we can interact with the very friendly locals mestizos who most dedicate their time farming and cattling cows and sheeps then we will stop in a nice look out of Apurimac River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon we will climb for approximately 4 hours to our final campsite at Coca Masana, again a lot of mosquitos in this area Walking poles or wood stick and insect repellent are very recommended.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Camping Equipment.

Fifth day : Coca Masana – Cachora – Cusco
After 3 hour climb we reach Capuliyoc. From then on it is a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our friendly Arrieros and take the bus back towards Cusco. We will stop at the hotspring Qonoq. A further 4 hours by bus bring us back to Cusco.
Breakfast and Lunch.

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:
• ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND ISIC CARD.
• BACKPACK AND DAYPACK.
• SLEEPING BAG. (at list we recommend -5ºC).
• HIKING BOOTS. ( Sneakers or Runners shoes are not recommended).
• WALKING POLES. (they are very important to go up and down in the Andes because they will take 30% of your weight).
• WARM CLOTHES, LAYERS. (for variable temperatures specially at night)
• FLASH LIGHT. (at night is very dark)
• CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM & Batteries.
• SUN PROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES. (at high altitude the sun hit is very strong and easy to get sun burn).
• THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS.
• INSECT REPELLENT. (there are a lot of mosquitos but not any malaria.
• RAIN PONCHO. (Even if you have a rain coat we prefer to bring plastic poncho).
• TOILET PAPER / SMALL TOWEL. (Baby wipes and hands sanitizer).
• BATHING CLOTHES. (for the hot shower at the hostel or hot springs).
• GLOVES / SCARF. (Trekking thermal Pants or similar).
• WATER BOTTLE. (You can bring electrolytes drinks).
• PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT. (In case we will have oxygen Tank).
• EXTRA MONEY FOR SOUVENIR, DRINKS & TIPS.

EXTRA MONEY:
You need to Take at least 300 or 400 soles emergency money that you hope to come back to Cusco with!!! There are not any ATM.

OTHER. TIPPING OF THE GUIDES AND PORTERS:
Tips for the guide and porters and horseman are not included in the price of the trek and it is apart of the experience. Generally groups prepare a collective tip on the 4th day which is shared out between the porters and cook (Tip is up to you, and dependent on the service you receive).
Tipping for your Guide is separate after Choquequirao tour

TO BOOK:
To make the reservation with us. We need your full names, , date of departure, also a deposit of 150 USD per person, and the balance can be paid once you arrive in Cusco before the Trek.

We have two options for the deposit:
1.- VISA ON LINE; when you make the deposit online you will pay the percentage of deposit (8%) because in Cusco we have to pay taxes also (19%). You will find a link "PAYMENT ON LINE" at our web site.
2.- WESTERN UNION is the safest and fastest way to wire money (especially when availability is changing very quickly and reservations need to be made ASAP!). You can send money from anywhere in the world in a few minutes or online through www.westernunion.com,
If you send a deposit by WESTERN UNION you have to send in the name of ELIZABETH YUPAICCANA JUAREZ (MANAGER) in the city of CUSCO - PERU once you deposit you will get a code number please we need you send by e-mail the code number to get the money.
We look forward to trekking with you in the future! Please get in touch with us at any time if you have any questions or would like further information.

Why Peru Andean Experience?
Perú Andean Experience is an independent local travel company started by a group of experiences and enthusiastic leaders who are experts in leading treks through the Andes and Peru, once you start traveling with us, you will be safe because all our leaders have experience more than 5 years working in the mountains at high altitude, they know exactly what to do in different emergency situation because they are training every year in rescue, our guides are in very good physical conditions, and giving you the best personal touch, explaining all the mysteries, Histories and Secrets about Peru and Incas with very good communications skills.
Once you book with Peru Andean Experience you are helping Peru economy and the local people because we are 100 % Peruvian Company and all the benefits stay here in our country, and we spent part of it in our land to build the school for the kids by ourselves; also we are one of the few companies paying very good wages to our crew; Guides, porters, and office staff. We have very good atmosphere in our company all our workers feel very good with us.
Your choose for us will be wise; because we try to preserve our ancestors Culture, Tradition; History, Ecosystem and we want to make sure you have an unforgettable experience in Peru, we try to do the best of us for your own comfortable stay here in Peru, this effort, enthusiasm, and passion of our job, make us a company recommend by lonely planet, trip advisor and we receive many good testimonial from our travelers.
Peru Andean Experience is government registered tour Agency in Peru, and we did not get any punishment or fines from our Authorities and before Confirm the adventure tours, trekking for safety and reliable travelers should check the company legal documents for comfortable and safety experiences.

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