Peru Treks: Choquequirao to Huanipaca Trek

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Trek to Machu Picchu: Choquequirao to Huanipaca Trek

From USD 4 Days

Trek to the Incas' Last Stronghold

We're flexible! Postpone your tour with zero cost up to 10 days prior to departure

Set out on an adventure to the Inca complex of Choquequirao thought to have been the gateway to the Incas’ last refuge during their final resistance against Spanish conquest.

Overview

This challenging but extremely rewarding Peru 4-day trek offers a chance to approach the magnificent Choquequirao complex on a quiet and isolated route following the Apurimac River into the Vilcabamba range. An excellent choice for adventure seekers with an interest in ancient history.

Route

Day 1 : Cusco to Chikisca
Day 2 : Chikisqa to Choquequirao
Day 3 : Choquequirao to San Ignacio
Day 4 : San Ignacio to Cusco

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DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Sacred Valley

Choquequirao Trek

Cusco
Hundreds of years of history adorn the outdoor museum that is Cusco.

Choquequirao Trek

Main Square, Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 : Cusco to Chikisca

Start your adventures early today with a pick up from your hotel and drive into the countryside. The road will cross the Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa (Blood Plains), the location of a vicious battle between the Incas and the Chankas over leadership for the city of Cusco.
The journey continues over the mountains and across the Apurimac River until you arrive at the town of San Pedro de Cachora where you will enjoy an energy rich lunch.
From here you will set off on foot, following a trail that leads up into a cool forest of fragrant eucalyptus trees and native flora until the trail flattens out and you reach a lookout point at Capuliyoq which offers stunning views of Choquequirao and the surrounding Vilcabamba mountains. From here you will descend on a zigzagging trail until you reach your first campsite in a relatively warm valley at Chikisqa.

Distance: 11.8 miles (19 km) Maximum Altitude: 9,514 feet (2,900 m)
Approximate Time: 6 hours
Gradient: Moderate

Day 2 : Huancacalle to Ututo

After a hearty breakfast, you will start the day’s hike with a descent leading to the Apurimac River. From here you’ll begin to climb, sometimes tackling very steep inclines, until you arrive at Marampata at 9,555 feet (2,912 m). Here you will be able to take a well deserved break and enjoy the great view of Choquequirao.
Next, you will follow a varied route until you reach the camp at Choquequirao itself in time for lunch. After resting your legs, you will start exploring the intriguing site, which is still only partially understood by archeologists.
Your guide will take you through the lower part of the enormous complex to visit the agricultural terraces, water channels, and an impressive ceremonial rock called the Paccha.
After the tour, you will return to camp to relax before enjoying an excellent evening meal.

Distance: 8.7 miles (14 km)
Maximum Altitude: 10,100 feet (3,075 m)
Approximate Time: 8 hours
Gradient: Challenging

Day 3 : Choquequirao to San Ignacio

After a delicious breakfast, you will explore the outskirt sites of Choquequirao such as the Priests’ House, the Urin Sector, and the main lookout point. You will return to your campsite for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, you will set off again on the trail toward San Ignacio, crossing the Apurimac River and following an extremely steep descent, which unfolds some unforgettable views of the Vilcabamba Mountains. After a gentle climb, you will arrive at camp for dinner.

Distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
Maximum Altitude: 10,100 feet (3,075 m)
Approximate time: 5 hours
Gradient: challenging

Day 4 : San Ignacio to Cusco

After a delicious breakfast, you will leave the camp to follow a trail through the valley of the Tambobamba River. You will walk through a beautiful mango forest and enjoy the calming scenery.
Your trail ends at the delightful lodge of Villa Los Loros in Huanipaca. Here you will enjoy a final delicious lunch amid tranquil flower gardens and next to a gently flowing river. You will then meet your transfer for your trip back to Cusco.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Maximum Altitude: 10,100 feet (3,075 m)
Approximate time: 5 hours
Gradient: Moderate

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Ruth Meysen
British Columbia, Canada
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Path along Choquequirao trek with green Andean peaks around

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Since 1998, the Peru for Less team has been composed of a diverse group of expert travelers and professionals hailing from cities across Peru and from countries around the world. Despite our different backgrounds, we share two things in common: a passion for exploring and a belief that responsive and caring customer service is the surest path to creating an excellent and comfortable vacation experience.