Choquequirao 5 days

We leave Cusco in the early morning to journey by road to the hacienda. On arriving at the Hacienda we will be met by our mule drivers, who will load our gear on the horses and mules before we begin our first day's hike.

We will head along a gentle descending trail, walking for some two to three hours through lush vegetation before arriving at our first campsite.

walking time 3 - 5 hours.

Today starts with a gentle descend to the river Apurimac. After crossing the bridge, we will begin the ascent up to the ruins of Choquekirao. The path will lead us through different eco systems, at the end passing through dense cloud forest when we will finally arrive at the campsite of Choquequirao. This day we will ascend over 1200 meters! On arrival at our campsite lunch will be awaiting after a long and intense hike. For the anxious and fit ones there is some time left to make their first visit to Choquequirao, about half an hour walking distance from the campsite. walking time 7 - 8 hours.

This morning we start with a visit of many interesting spots of archeological site of Choquequirao. Breakfast will be brought to us at the Usnu, a platform from which we can spot with some some condors. These great Andean birds, with a wingspan of up to three metres, tend to rise up from the floor of the canyon on the morning and afternoon thermals, providing visitors on the central plaza of Choquekirau with a magnificent show. After breakfast for the adventurous the possibility to discover some newly discovered sections of the magnificent site. The access is somewhat difficult, ascending by a steep and muddy pathway.

In the afternoon, time to relax or we can make our way to other recently cleared sections of the citadel.

Walking time 4 - 7 hours, depending on interest.

In the morning we bid farewell to Choquequiraw and begin our descent to the bridge of the river Apurimac. As we descend the heat becomes intense, and we will arrive hot and tired at the bridge which crosses the river, where we will be able to bathe to refresh ourselves. Lunch is served at the riverside. Here we have time to relax and will wait till the end of the day, avoiding the heat before continuing to our campsite at Chiquisca.

Walking time 5 -7 hours

An early start today will help us to avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee us some magnificent views of the Apurímac and the surrounding peaks before they are covered by cloud later in the day.
We will arrive in Cachora around lunchtime, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. On our return we will have an opportunity to visit Saywite, a fascinating and unique Inca site some 47 kilometers from Abancay. Saywite is a limestone outcrop about four meters in diameter on which the Incas carved a model of their empire, Tawantinsuyo. The stone, upon which images of the flora, fauna, topography and customs of the empire of the sun were traced, was used in ceremonies dedicated to the worship of water. Several other similar rock outcrops lie scattered across the surrounding area, along the vestiges of an Inca highway.
Walking time 5 -7 hours

See more photos of Choquequirao and the trail to Choquequirao in our photo gallery