Choquequirao Trek: The route to the Inca city
This fabulous place is even bigger than Machu Picchu Choquequirao rests practically desolate at the top of the deepest canyon in America. No tourists arrive here traveling in comfortable trains, here it takes real adventurers, after long days of much hiking, to find themselves in the absolute silence of its mysterious ruins. Archaeologists have estimated that 40% of the city has been exposed, with various government projects underway to squeeze out its full potential. That's why you should trek to the grandiose ruins of Choquequirao now.
What does the extreme trek to c consist of?
This trek begins when we drive to the small town of Cachora, to cross the Apurimac canyon to reach the ruins of Choquequirao. It is a very difficult circuit, it is approximately 3 times more demanding than the classic Inca Trail trek, since in one day it takes you to descend 1 kilometer of slope (which is about 5 hours approximately) and the next day you climb it again (and then you have to go back). But the hard effort of the hike rewards you every second thanks to the amazing views that the canyon offers. While in Machu Picchu you fight side by side with more than 2500 tourists for who takes the best picture, to the Choquequirao trek approximately 30 people a day in high season, making it the real lost city of the Incas.
What are the options for the Choquequirao trek?
Here in Haku Travel we have several options but we will recommend you only the 2 alternatives most made by our travelers, the classic trek of 4 days with transfers from Cusco (including the return), and another of greater extension that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu in a trek that lasts 8 days. It is important to mention that, to lighten the load, there are our muleteers who carry the camping equipment and your backpack on mules, from one campsite to the next.
4 days route information :)
| Nombre | Detalle |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days |
| Distance | 32 kilometers |
| Difficulty | High |
| Trails | The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. |
| Maximum height | 3050 msnm |
| Entrance ticket | 60 soles per person / 30 soles students with ISIC card |
| Best time | May to October |
8 days route information with Machu Picchu :)
| Nombre | Detalle |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days |
| Distance | 115 kilometers |
| Difficulty | High |
| Trails | The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. |
| Maximum height | 5,085 msnm |
| Entrance ticket | 60 soles per person / 30 soles students with ISIC card |
| Best time | April to October |
Map of the 4 days route
Why should you do the Choquequirao trek?
Aside from experiencing the immense ruins with a tranquility and privacy you would never find at Machu Picchu, the trek to Choquequirao takes on an incredible personal challenge, with breathtaking views along the way that will take your breath away. Unfortunately (for some), the Peruvian government is contemplating the construction of cable cars to the citadel, so it won't be that many years before Choquequirao is transformed into another popular park in the style of Machu Picchu.
Having completed the route gives you a great feeling, the trek to Choquequirao is an adventure that you will never forget. Our recommendation is that you take the opportunity to do it as soon as possible (before it becomes too popular) and encourage you to do it with your friends or family.