4-days 3 nights
Cusco
average 2-4 people, max 8
Trekking History and Adventure
Difficult
all year around, best in dry season
The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” Located above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and seated on a high ridge, Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited ¨Lost City of the Incas.¨ The Inca archeological site is considered to be the sister to Machu Picchu. It is less known and less visited but three times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last refuges for those Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.
Choquequirao is situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3033m/9,951ft. Its secret to keeping away the crowds is also part of its charm: it is only accessible by footpath. It’s a relatively strenuous 40k/25 mile trek roundtrip, with highs and lows between 1400m/4,593ft. and 3100m/10,170ft.
*** The Km, time and campsite may change, depending of the speed of the group and the new regulation made by the government.
This incredible adventure begins at 4:30am, when your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive for the next 4 hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the way, there are picturesque views of villages, spectacular valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen and pack all of our equipment onto the horses. You will only carry a small daypack with the essentials you will need on the trail.
Then we start walking all the way down to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m/4,840ft) where we have lunch. Along the way, you will enjoy great views of the Apurimac Canyon, and mountain peaks such as Padreyoc at 5,571m/18,387ft. After lunch, we ascend for two hours to our first campsite at Santa Rosa, (1900m/6234ft) where hot drinks and appetizers will be ready for you. You will have time to settle into your tents, which will already be set up, before dinner. The challenging thing about this hike, is that have dramatic elevation gaind and losses. You hike down towards the canyon as low as 1, 475m and climb up again to 1900m. This rollercoaster king trekking, is prevellant on all 4 days. So you do need to be fit to take on this challenge.
Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy in your tent before you get up. After an early breakfast, we start our adventure by walking uphill for 2 hours to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft). We enjoy the scenery and then walk through a micro-climate of an astonishing variety of flora and fauna to the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao! We have lunch here and then we will have a private guided tour of the fascinating site in the afternoon.
During the tour, we will explore all the important sections, such as the palaces, temple, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama’s section and much more. Your guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of this amazing site! Finally, we head back to our second campsite located at Maranpata which is 1.5h from the Choquequirao ruins, where we will have tea time and dinner.
After an early breakfast, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) for two hours. This is a very sacred river in traditional Inca beliefs and you will understand why as you marvel at its strength and power. Finally, we walk up hill for one hour to our third campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft). Once again, your tents will be set up, with hot drinks and appetizers ready for you.
After a delicious breakfast, we walk up a moderately difficult hill towards the Capuliyoc Pass. Once there, we can enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. Then we take our car to Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for lunch. Afterwards we take our private transport to the archeological site of Saywite taking plenty of time to explore it. Finally, our van will take us back to Cusco to your hotel, arriving in the evening, around 6pm.
The Choquequirao Trek 4 days is available on any date that is best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
***The cost for a private trek is an extra $100 per person.
Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
SAM CORPORATIONS is a family owned travel agency and a tour operator that specializes in tours all over Peru. We are based in Cusco with many years of personal experience trekking and traveling every nook and cranny of Peru. SAM CORPORATIONS is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our focus is on creating small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE. We guarantee a luxurious service and promise to never cut corners.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We support them financially and ensure long term growth by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team, without them we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM CORPORATIONS knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create an unforgettable adventure while in Peru. We stand by our word and deliver on our promises
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM CORPORATIONS we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups. This trek normally has smaller groups averaging 2-4 people. The hike is secluded, private and truly off the beaten path with very few people embarking on this hike daily.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will experience different temparatures as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
YES. Its considered difficult by many, you need to be in good physical condition and well acclimated to the altitude. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is difficult..
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about their country. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. They are adventure and travel enthusiasts, sharing only the best of what they have personally experienced. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
The food on the trek has been highlighted by all our clients as delicious and abundant gourmet style meals. Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you have any dietary restrictions or have food allergies of any kind, we can cater to your needs!
Our team (Guides, cooks, and horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes SAM CORPORATIONS stand out from all the competitors…. For all our adventures we hike we include the following items:
At SAM CORPORATIONS, we have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM CORPORATIONS is proud to be able to support our beautiful local people. We use a holistic approach to sustanability and community development. We participate in multiple social projects, we employ from these communities and pay them an above average wage. Self- sustainibilty and long term growth is our main focus.
A beautiful reflection of our attitude in everything we do, is that we wish to make life richer and more meaningful for all involved.
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the Choquequirao 4 Day Trek.
You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM CORPORATIONS board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course! During the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
FIRST, to book your Choquequirao 4 Day Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information, FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com to complete the payment.
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Choquequirao Trek 4 days, the deposit is non-refundable!
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Choquequirao 4 Day Trek, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person.We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
The trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is from moderate to difficult level.
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Corporations will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we can also pick you up from there !
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Corporation destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight in your day pack. You can also request for an extra porter at booking at an extra price, which will give an allowance of another 7kg/15lbs. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
choquequirao ruins
Choquequirao
Explore the sites that you will actually see along your tours.
Cusco
Playa Rosalinas
Santa Rosa
Choquequirao
Chiquisca
outdoor rest
Imperial City of Cusco
Sam Corporations has flexible departure dates, willing to accommodate your needs and travel requirements as far as possible. We guarantee exclusive luxurious tours of the hidden gems of Peru, whilst providing the best quality and personalized service.
You can book confidently knowing we offer the best value for your money
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
For those that are looking for an adventure and high altitude mountain landscapes that will challenge most trekkers, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is your best choice. We have designed a trek with its own distinctive features, an exclusive trek into the diverse landscapes. See incomparable views of the towering snow-hooded mountain peaks of Humantay (5 473m/17 956ft) and Salkantay (6 271m/ 20 574ft). Visit the picturesque deep blue, crystal-clear lagoons that are named after the great mountains that sustain them, Lake Humantay and Lake Salkantay. Encounter Amazon Jungle landscapes with several micro-climates, with their own exotic flora and fauna.
Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical trail. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of Llactapata where you have an extraordinary view of Machu Picchu. For your last morning, visit the famous and mystical World Heritage site of Machu Picchu Citadel! Experience for yourself what sets our alternative treks to Machu Picchu apart from what other tour operators have to offer. All our treks are customized, unique and personalized to suite the individual.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek takes you to a combination of amazing Inca ruins, secluded indigenous villages, incredible snow-capped mountains and exotic vegetation of different types and varieties. The trail goes off the beaten track, over high Andean passes, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its unforgettable scenic views, and visits both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. It ends at the destination you have been anticipating, The New 7 Wonder of the World Machu Picchu! It is believed that the archeological site of Huchuy Qosqo was built during the reign of the eighth Inca Ruler, Wiracocha. Inca rulers acquired large royal estates to increase their power and wealth and that of their descendants who inherited the estates. Royal estates served also as elegant country palaces and, at times, fortresses to fend off rivals for power. Thus, the name Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”, was for a royal estate or government center modeled on the Inca capital.
The Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
Mount Ausangate (6,377mts/20,921ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru! For centuries it has been very important to the religious beliefs of the Andean people, who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes. With spectacular glacial views, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for experienced trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. Hiking completely around this mystical mountain, you will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including the Andean goose and the massive Andean condor with a wing span reaching 16 feet! As you trek, you will walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native indigenous villages. In addition, you will get to enjoy the natural colors of the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain, hiking through some secluded communities, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping the culture alive! You will see snow-capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range created by the various mineral deposits. The Rainbow mountain trek also offers a selection of wildlife; including soaring condors, vicuñas, and Cara Cara falcons. The colorful sandstone mountains in the Vinicunca area is probably the coolest natural phenomenon you will ever see. Click on the link to find out more about our Ausangate/Rainbow Mountain Trekking Experience..!
Inca Quarry Trek Trail to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco. To make your way from Lima to Cusco, you can a direct local flight which are very reasonably priced or you could travel by bus, which is a 24 hours bus ride through the picturisque Andean Mountains. There are also many tours and treks that you can indulge in along the way with SAM CORPORATIONS.
Our specialization is in trekking, “off the beaten track.” Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is a personally designed and unique trek taking you to remote and rarely visited Inca ruins. You’ll trek by beautiful waterfalls, view wild panoramic landscapes, ancient Inca aqueducts, and take yourself back in time to the Inca stonemason’s unmatched masterpieces. You will visit the old Inca quarry from where the Incas carved the rocks to build the important Ollantaytambo Inca city, the impressive gate to Machu Picchu. Take time to explore the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo and hike up to the dusted remnants of the old Inca hillside storehouses. Then enjoy true luxury at the exclusive Veronica View Hotel! On your final day, will be the long awaited tour to explore and experience the magical UNESCO World Heritage site: Machu Picchu!
SAM CORPORATIONS is the only tour operator with its own scenic and cultural trekking route, that treks COMPLETELY OFF THE BEATEN PATH with the LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU. You pass through the most isolated indigenous communities that are still keeping their Inca culture alive, and get the privilege to interact with them. Our own unique route is incredibly picturesque, with majestic ice glaciers, shockingly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. We are the only tour operator ending the trek at the natural HOT SPRINGS of Lares. NO ONE HAS A BETTER DEAL than SAM CORPORATIONS for this trek.
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