4-day Trek to the Choquequirao Ruins in Cusco, Peru

We will leave from Cusco at around 5.30 am, arriving at Cachora town around 9.30 am after a 4-hour drive (2850 mt). The town is situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon. We will stop in Cachora to purchase last minute supplies before continuing by car to Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet). We will meet our arrieros (muleteers and arrange the equipment on the mules or horses. From here we can also observe the majestic snow-capped Padrayoc (5482 m) and Wayn Cachora peaks. From here, we descend on a steep trail into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views as we descend for 3.5 to 4 hours to Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft), with breathtaking drops to our side. One hour after we pass Chiccisqa we arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet). We can see the Apurimac Valley, Huayhuacalle (2970m.a.s.l.), Tinajayoc (2630m.a.s.l.), Mirador (2370m.a.s.l.), Cocamasana (2330m.a.s.l.), Torowisqana (2285m.a.s.l.) & Chiquisqa (1950m.a.s.l.).
– LUNCH
From the river, we begin to climb to the Santa Rosa Campsite (2095m / 6873ft). This is a tough climb of 2 hours but makes the next day easier! As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can see the stars at night.

Accomodation: Camping at Santa Rosa (1950m). We will aim to be at our campsite by 6pm.
Total hiking time: around 6 to 7 hours / 16 km
Descending 1200m /4 hours

We will depart early again today to get the best out of the day (around 6am). We continue upwards onto Maranpata where we will have a break. The climb from Santa Rosa to Maranpata (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) takes about 3 hours and it is a tough uphill stretch.
A little further on from our break site we will get our first view of the ruins of Choquequirao! From here we have 2 more hours of hiking to the ruins.  After the rigors of the past two days, this is a gentle undulating hike. We take our lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) near the ruins, before we head to the Choquequirao ruins in the afternoon. We spend the afternoon exploring the ruins. We will watch the sunset and keep our fingers crossed for the chance of  seeing condors.

Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite 3050m (10,000 ft)
Total hiking time today to campsite: around 4. 5 hours- 13 km / Elevation gain: 1600 m

Today we have a chance to continue exploring the ruins and have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we return along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, descending to our tropical campsite at Santa Rosa. (5 hours hiking).

Accommodation: Camping at Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft) Depending on the progress of the group, the guide may decide to camp at Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft).

Early in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the canyon of the Apurimac, we descend to the raging river, and then begin an arduous climb that is rewarded with spectacular views. We climb for about four hours, and have lunch in Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet). The final two hours of our hike into the village of Cachora refreshingly flat through pretty farming countryside. Our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (4 hours drive). We will arrive in Cusco between 7and 8pm.