Overview
When possible it’s highly recommend hiking the trail, 58km, over 5 days; so that you will have the opportunity to spend a full day (trek day 3) in the Choquequirao ruins.
The Incan citadel is situated in the vast landscape of the Vilcabamba Range; above the Apurimac River Canyon. As a result; thick forest has covered this Inca site for many years and have re-discovered the citadel in relatively recent times.
Choquequirao was the dwelling of the last rebel Incas of Vilcabamba and similar to Machu Picchu; and it is widely believed that the Spanish never discovered this last remaining fortress. This is a challenging trek traversing different ecosystems, and it’s possible to include Machu Picchu as part of the trek route.
The 4-day trek is a long slow descent into the Apurimac valley; followed by a relatively steep climb on day 2 (then tracking out the same way you entered). Once through the challenging parts of this route; you’ll get to experience one of the best Inca Trail & Machu Picchu alternatives in the surrounding Andes of Cusco. The relative solitude of the Choquequirao trek makes this a very unique and excellent alternative.
There are amazing views of the Vilcabamba Range and the trail descends deep into the Apurimac Canyon.
| Included Breakfast x 4 Lunch x 5 Dinner x 4 Private Transport – collection & drop-off Professional bilingual guide Mountain Cook Muleteer & Mules All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Trekking Poles) |
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Not Included |
| Joining Arrangements | There will be a pre-trek briefing held usually the evening before departure, at your hotel, to go over the details of the trek and any specific requirements not already captured. |
| Food & Water | Prior to setting off we recommend you steer clear of street food and only eat in good restaurants, to avoid any stomach complaints. Likewise with tap water, it is largely untreated, please only consume bottled water only or sterilised water if you have the right equipment. |
| Special Diets | We’ll ensure that we cater for all of your dietary needs, at the point of booking we’ll collect this information from you. We can secure special menu requests also for your trek party. |
| Trekking Crew | We are able to customise our treks to suit you, but usually our treks are guided by a professional bilingual guide, mountain cook, arriero (horseman) and mules to carry all equipment (passenger horses also available on request). They become a large part of your trekking expedition and it’s a great experience working together. |
| Acclimatisation |
This is a really important part of your trip planning process, please find a link below which explains a little more about preparing for altitude. Altitude Preparation
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| Preparation |
Attached below are a couple of links which will explain how to prepare for your trip & trek in advance of your arrival. We recommend being prepared in advance to save time & stress whilst you’re in Peru. Trip Planning | Trek Planning
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| Machu Picchu | An excursion to Machu Picchu can be included as part of your trip, including professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, return trip bus tickets, Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountains (mountain climbs to be confirmed on reservation) & your return train ticket to Cusco. To be confirmed on reservation. |
| Covid-19 (Coronavirus) | We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. We also have access to on-call health services for your time with us. |
| Covid-19 (Useful Links) | World Health Organisation | World Health Organisation – Peru | Covid-19 Data – Peru | Covid-19 Daily Statistics |
| Available Discounts | Throughout 2022 we’re offering a 15% discount for each member of a group larger than 4+ |
| Reservation | Please contact us to reserve your trek and we will send you our deposit & payment options. |
| Customer Service | Please feel free to contact us at any point before your trip for any queries or problems. |
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