WHY THIS TRIP
Choquequirao, the “Cradle of Gold,” is an amazingly preserved Inca outpost, comparable in size to Machu Picchu and located dramatically off the beaten track on a promontory nearly 1,700 meters above the roaring Apurimac River. It is only accessible by a tough trek. This six-day mule-supported hike to Choquequirao and beyond takes in high passes, perfectly preserved Inca trails and awesome Andean peaks, ending with a spectacular and rarely seen view of Machu Picchu and a full guided tour of these incredible ruins.]
TRIP DESCRIPTION
The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is a long, spectacular and strenuous hike crossing the entire Vilcabamba mountain range from the Apurimac to the Urubamba watershed. It is approximately 100 kilometers long with nearly 5,000 meters of both ascent and descent with passes up to 4,600 meters and river crossings as low as 1,450 meters.
This is your chance to take one of the few adventurers to visit this incredible site and complete this rewarding trek to Machu Picchu.
LOCAL PROVIDER: AMAZONAS EXPLORER
For more than three decades Amazonas Explorer has led high-quality trips and alternative adventures throughout South America. Based in Cusco, its professionally trained guides, cooks and support crew bring their passion and skills to the travelers they serve and, in turn, build rewarding careers for themselves. This talented staff of local experts is focused on providing you with safe and comfortable adventures, all centered on making your holiday as memorable as possible.
Kate –
Absolutely breathtaking views and sceneries! Caring guides and support staff! However, you need to be in a good physical shape to do it:-)
Caron S –
This was a wonderful trip. Everything was just perfect. The guides, mulers, cooks were so professional. The vehicles were clean, the drivers good, the food was superb…much better than expected. The hiking was wonderful although difficult.
Rosanne C –
This was a trip of a lifetime! We rented their sleeping bags and I would not do that again. They were not warm enough as I wore long underwear, clothes and a fleece to bed at the high altitudes. All other equipment was very good.
We were all very hungry but the meals were very well planned to give us the amount of energy needed. I’m sure I never turned down a meal!
Kate –
This is the kind of trip that makes me wonder why anyone would consider the traditional Inca Trail. The scenery alone is stunning, varied and dramatic– but combined with great hiking, fascinating ruins and friendly locals . . . I don’t think it gets better than this.
I admit I was worried that so many days of trekking would start to feel a bit monotonous, but that fear was quickly extinguished.
The contrast in ecology as we crossed various passes was startling. Half the day we would be trekking through cloud forest over a muddy trail and the second half of the day, we would be hiking through dry grassland on a dusty trail. While the trekking was certainly an undertaking, it was challenging but not grueling (though training is definitely necessary). It was never arduous, except that it was a long hike, so your feet naturally get a bit sore.
Everyone in our group liked the order of seeing Choquequirao before Machu Picchu. It really put Machu Picchu in context– while Choquequirao is still in the process of being excavated, Machu Picchu is very much reconstructed– it almost looks a little overdone in comparison. Seeing the ruins in the process of being uncovered was exciting and a complete surprise. We got to explore lots terraces with our guide that had just been cleared of brush and see the stonework as it had been left by the Incas. This also tested us physically as we had to ascend tons of steep staircases, but it was so much fun to run around this site, no one noticed they were sore until the end. I wouldn’t say Machu Picchu is better than Choquequirao (or vice versa), but they are quite different and interesting in separate ways.
The locals we met along the way were so friendly and everyone wanted to chat. It was clear this place wasn’t overrun with tourists; I sensed we were a bit of a curiosity rather than a nuisance.
Our guide and crew made the trip fun and easier than it probably ought to be (: Each day we were woken up with coffee/tea served at our tent, just one small detail that makes a big difference. The trip was so smooth, which is kind of unusual for such a long trek. Even with minor set-backs, the Amazonas crew made sure the group had a great experience.
Mary Fairall –
This was the trip of a lifetime for me and I found Peru to be even more amazing than I imagined. Simon and Amazonas Explorers demonstrated responsible environmental practices (tree planting campaign), instructed our group about local customs and accepted practices and treated our porters and cooks with respect and courtesy. I thought the comfort level was first class to moderate for a camping trip. Tents were sturdy, waterproof, sleeping pads were comfortable. Always had fresh water to refill water bottles. Simon solved any glitches that occured quickly and professionally. I didn’t expect to be accompanied to the airport even on my return trip but Amazonas stayed with me until I got to my departure gate in Cusco. Simon was an excellent guide, knowledgeable, personable, diplomatic and expert at solving anything that came up during our trip. Our guide at Machu Picchu, Marcos, was poor.
M.J. –
After acclimatizing at Lake Titicaca for 4 days, were took a fantastic train to Cusco to begin our two treks – 13 days to Machu Pichu through Choquequirao, and 3 days in the Lares region. Terrain was steep and spectacular in both places, with changing climate zones over short horizontal and vertical distances. The ruins at Choq and Machu were awe-inspiring, and our guide was very informative. Days were long and hard, but the rewards were worth it – expansive alpine views from high passes to microscopic looks at jungle vegetation that closed around us at lower elevations. The crowds at Aguas were somewhat depressing, but the shower and bed rest made up for it. Our food was excellent day in and out.