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| >> Last city of the Incas Choquequirau trek |
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05 Days - 04 Night |
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Choquequirau sits in the saddle of a high Andean ridge, 3000m./10,000 ft. above sea level and 1,500m./5,000 ft. above the roaring waters of the Apurimac River. Ringed by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, thickly forested slopes, the city is an inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center, dedicated to the worship of the mountain gods, the river and the elements of nature.
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Destinations: |
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Sayhuite, Cachora, Santa Rosa, Apurimac Canyon and Choquequirau (Arqueological site)
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Departs From: Cusco |
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Tour Details |
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| >> DAY 1 : to CACHORA/CHIQUISCA |
Departing at 06:00AM from Cusco, we take a spectacular drive across the farmlands of the Anta Plateau, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The winding road plunges more than 1,800m./6,000ft. to a bridge over the Apurimac Gorge, then climbs through lush fields and orchards before making a final descent to the village of Cachora, at 3,400m./11,100ft., where we encounter stunning close-up views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Here we meet our crew and horse pack train and begin our hike, catching our first glimpse of distant Choquequirau at the Capuliyoc lookout before dropping steeply through dry cactus and orchid country into the Apurimac River Canyon. We camp at the small oasis of Chiquisca, 2000m./6,550ft. |
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| >> DAY 2 : to CHOQUEQUIRAU |
We descend the last fifteen hundred feet of elevation to the Apurimac River – “Great Spirit Speaker” in the Quechua language of the Incas – and cross the mighty river on a suspension footbridge, at 1550m./5,100ft. A broad trail makes a zig-zagging ascent, which takes us out of the dry canyon zone past small sugar cane plantations to upland meadows where, across a deep valley, we meet our first panoramic vista of the buildings and terraces of Choquequirau. The final leg of today’s hike passes through the cool shadows of a native cloud forest as we approach the wooded ridgetop (3000m./10,000ft.) where the Incas built their remote ceremonial center. We camp near the Inca ruins. |
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| >> DAY 3 : in CHOQUEQUIRAU |
We have the entire day to explore this stunning Inca settlement. As mysterious as Machu Picchu, its name means “Cradle of Gold”. Early Spaniards knew of this place, yet its remoteness protected it. French explorers visited it in the 19th century, and in 1909 Hiram Bingham was first to scientifically investigate the site. Some speculate that the emperor Topa Inca had it built as a personal spiritual retreat, to rival his father Pachacuti’s magnificent estate at Machu Picchu. Whoever built this place, it was undoubtedly an elite settlement, built for ceremonial purposes and occupied by Inca nobility. |
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| >> DAY 4 : to CHIQUISCA |
The sun rises over the snowy crags of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and we make our way across the meadows of Maranpata, where a row of Inca storehouses marks the limits of the Inca settlement. We return to the depths of the canyon, gaining new perspectives as we face the immense, multi-hued cliffs on the south bank of the river. At the crossing of the Apurimac River, we can take time to cool off in a swimming hole among the huge boulders that line the river. We return to the shade of the fruit and avocado trees at Chiquisca, where we make our final camp. |
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| >> DAY 5 : . to CACHORA/CUSCO |
We hike up out of the Apurimac Canyon, with the river receding to a distant, white ribbon below us and the glaciers of the Vilcabamba Range filling the sky ahead. After winding our way beneath spreading, smooth-barked trees, dripping with orchids and bromeliads, we regain the mountainous grasslands that stretch toward the Capuliyoc Pass and the pastoral valley of Cachora. Our transport awaits us here. Bidding farewell to our trail crew, we begin the breathtaking drive back to Cusco. |
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Additional Information:  |
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Please contact us when you would like to go on a different tour.
- with English or German speaking tour guide
- tours with groups larger than 6 persons
- special event tours
- with accommodation in Cusco before and after the tour
- any further requests / wishes
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| Included in price |
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All meals except breakfast first day and dinner last day - bus to the start of our trail
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Your private and highly experienced tour guide
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Delicious cuisine and campfire cooking [please advise if vegetarian] - all entrance and camping fees
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Camping & cooking equipment [swags are provided, sleeping bags can be hired for $15 per bag per tour]
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| What to bring |
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A change of clothes - swimming togs [in summer] - toiletries and a towel - warm clothes [long pant / jumper] as cool nights can occur at every season
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A 1.5 litre bottle of drinking water that can be refilled on tour
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Peruvian made insect repellent - sunscreen, hat - small pillow if necessary [swags are very comfy] - sleeping bag [can be hired from us] – comfortable and water proof walking shoes / boots - personal belongings like camera, films, torch etc.
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Unnecessary luggage is to be left at your hotel / backpackers [no problem here!]. Please pack light - max. 10 kg per person! Large and heavy luggage may be refused by us.
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| Fitness level required |
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Good |
| Departure points |
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Cusco |
| Departure time |
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6:00 AM Daily |
| Pickup/departure instructions |
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6:00 AM Please be ready at 15-30 minutes prior for been picked up in your hotel. |
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Please Note: Prices are listed in American dollars and include IGV. |
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