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Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

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. Keeping the crowds away the crowds is  part of this site’s charm, as 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. If you are looking for an adventure you’ve found it! Book your tour now and make unforgettable memories!

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

This incredible adventure begins at 4:30am, when your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive for 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 hand our duffel bags over to the team of porters. 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 the dramatic elevation changes. You hike down towards the canyon as low as 1, 475m/4,800ft and climb up again to 1900m/6,230ft. This rollercoaster trekking is prevellant on all 4 days. You do need to be fit to take on this challenging journey.

  • Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16.5kms/ 10 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Maranpata – Choquequirao

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, temples, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama’s section and much more. Your guide will be excited to tell you all about the fascinating history of these amazing sites! 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.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea and snacks – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16km/10miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Day 3: Marampata – Chiquisca

After an early breakfast, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) and hike alongside it 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 already set up tents will will welcome you, along with a delectable spread of hot drinks and appetizers. After some short time to relax and unwind, we get ready for a well deserved dinner prepared by our very experienced chef.

  • Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
  • Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Day 4: Chiquisca – Saywite – Cusco

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 and spend plenty of time to explore and take memorable photos with it. Finally, our van will take us back to Cusco to your hotel, arriving in the evening, around 6pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft
  • Distance: 8km/4.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

  • Pick-up at your hotel the morning of your trek
  • Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and Cachora to Cusco
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
  • English speaking, experienced and professional guide
  • Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (dietery needs accommodated, request at booking)
  • 1 emergency horse (with helmet) which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or ill
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
  • Tent for our staff to sleep in
  • First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
  • Camping pillow and foam sleeping mattresses
  • Private guided tour at each archeological site
  • 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our horses
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
  • Taxes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

  • Sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of minus 10°C – $20
  • Air mattresses – $20
  • Trekking poles – $15
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of SAM CORPORATIONS

The 4 day Choquequirao Trek is available on any date that is best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.

PRICE $537 USD per person

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

***The cost for a private trek is an extra $100 per person.

DISCOUNTS

Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  • Air mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers)

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFLE BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
  • CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS

WHY CHOOSE SAM CORPORATIONS?

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 services. We guarantee a luxurious service and promise to never cut corners.

We take pride in our reputation as a responsible and 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

SMALL GROUPS

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.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

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.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

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 rest; 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.

IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

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.

OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES

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.

OUR COOKS

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 EQUIPMENT

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:

  • OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
  • OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground. They all are comfortable.
  • AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for $20 USD.
  • OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal time. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers.
  • OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
  • DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
  • MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and the biochemical camping toilet are provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK

Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the Choquequirao 4 Day Trek.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

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 friendly representative holding an orange “SAM CORPORATIONS” sign at the exit of the arrival terminals.

THE BRIEFING FOR THE LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

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.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

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.

HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK

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 the link here: BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information, FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group.

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

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.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

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.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

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!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK?

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.

HIKING THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK

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.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

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.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS ?

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 !

TIPPING

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.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?

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.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: 2-3L, please bring reusable, not disposable, bottles
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Corp)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG

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 (4lbs) for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo (2lbs) for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos (8lbs) for your personal gear.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Fleece/ thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

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.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. (please bring canteens and not plastic bottles)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Gallery Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

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Sam Corporations

Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

Local Peruvian Company

Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.

Service Quality

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

Responsible travel

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

Small Personalized Groups

Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans

100% Customised Itinerary

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.

Community and Environment

We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment

  • 100% Locally owned and operated.
  • Best Tour guides & trip leaders.
  • Quality-Touch & Personalized service
  • Highest quality, name brand equipment.
  • All Inclusive Tours with no hidden fees.
  • Sustainable Prctice and responsible travel.
  • Safety conscious with first aid training annually.
  • Unique Tours & Trekking routes
  • Customized Tours & Packages forFair and kind travel.
  • Personalized Attention with the Most Dedicated Team
  • Giving back to our local communities
Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

Quality

Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

100% Customised itinerary

Contact our travel advisors to plan the most complete trip of your life.

Easy communication

Simplified ease of communication, text us on WhatsApp, email or call us.

Professional and experienced

Our guides are local and have vast knowledge in Peruvian culture and history.

Local peruvian company

100% local company. Development and environmental sustainability

Small personalized groups

Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you an unforgettable experience

Memorable trips

Discover an exceptional journey where perfection meets adventure.