Choquequirao Complex is very interesting and one of the most popular treks in Cusco area. Choquequiraw is situated in the spur of the mountain range of Salkantay, over 3030m surrounded by the Apus of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of Apurimac river. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. The reasons are many: The fantastic nature with valleys, snow-capped mountains and great variety of plants, birds and animals. Choquequiraw is considered as The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire. Visitors can view a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographic location of Choquequirao in reference to other complexes of the same period would tend to indicate that its function was that of an Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River.
There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The latter was a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of the Inca Pachacútec; Choquequirao was also a sacred site, but one dedicated to other functions that could have had to do with war or with the surrounding apus. Each is located beside Mt. Salcantay and both are situated above, far above, a great river: in the case of Machupicchu, the Urubamba and in that of Choquequirao, the Apurímac... The ecotourism, fulfilling all the norms of conservation and control, will lead a sustainable development of the zone. The Inca trail to Choquequirao is encounters with the nature area that is without disturbance or contaminating, with a specific abject of admire and enjoy the landscapes along with sylvester plants, wild animals and cultural manifestations.
Choquequirao Weather:
- Dry season (April – November)
- Day temperature 20ºC/35ºC Night temperature 5 ºC/10ºC
- Wet season (December – March)
- Day temperature 17ºC/22ºC Night temperature 0 ºC/7ºC
We take small groups, Why?
The principal reason to take small groups in the trail , is to provide personalized service, in a small group is easy to keep walking together and enjoy the nature of the trail, there is a possibility to make friend and share experiences, interacting more closely with each other. Whereas, in larger groups from (10 – 16) people it trend to split into factions. Moreover, in larger groups tends to be a sizeable difference often over onehour in a section of the trail between the fastest andslowest member, what makes more difficult for the guides, cooks and porters to make their effective labors. In small groups, people are more likely to arrive at roughly the same time to hear the guides explanations. Also our porters are given the same food as the tourists. In larger groups agencies often provide inferior food for the porters.
Small groups require less space in campsites and this enables the guide to select better locations. In small groups the guide, cook and porters have a more intimate relationship with the tourists and are better able to meet individual needs and attend to environmental issues such as waste disposal, contamination, etc. as the group will be together more of the time. Because of these reason in our standard service we take small groups, only in a group of friends and delegations we manage larger group. So choose small group.
Extra horse to hire: Horses can carry up to 120Kg = $160 USD for the full duration of the tour ($40 USD per day). Each horse comes equipped with saddle and assistant who will provide food and care the horse every day.... Riding a horse you will need to carry a daypack with your Camera, bottle of water, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season but as a precaution). Your bag will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites
What are the benefits of doing a private tour? One of the main reasons why the private option is sought after is because you do not need to worry about which dates we have departures set for or if our departures have enough space…Your only concern is whether or not there are permits available (This is in case of Inca Trail) you can choose almost any date that you want if permits are available… In addition to the convenience and flexibility in booking, the private option provides a more personal trip experience for your group. We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel….The guide will focus all of his energy and attention on your group. You can also be more specific about the foods that you would like to be served during the trek. It is a truly wonderful experience to go on such an amazing journey with only your friends and loved ones. Ask at South Adventure Peru Tours how you can arrange your own private tour.
HIGHLIGHTS of TOUR
- Fantastic trip by private transport until the starting point of the hike
- Landscape in the mountain
- Awesome views along the hike
- Variety of wild animals even Condors
- Comfortable transport fo the round trip
- Ruins of Choquequirao
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING/CARRY
- Original passport to be showed in the park control
- Original and valid International Student Card (ISIC), only if you booked the trek as student.
- Hiking boots (waterproof)in the dry season only sneakers
- Sleeping bag -15ºC (can be hired from our office for $20 USD for whole trip)
- Long pants or slacks / A Daypack for your personal stuff
- Long-sleeved shirts to prevent you from the sunburn.
- T-shirts and thermal underwear can be worn
- Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
- One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire personal horses)
- Warm clothes , layers for variable temperature
- Sweaters and a jacket / Rain wear or poncho for the rainy season December - March
- Camera with extra batteries and flash light and extra batteries
- Snack (dried fruits, chocolates, etc).
- Insect repellent to protect you from mosquitoes along the Trail
- Hat and sun block to protect you from the sun.
- Personal toilette items and personal medical kit.
- Bottle of water and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
- Water purifying tablets optional
- Extra money for drinks and tips
- First Aid kit (Band-Aids,cotton,bandages,alcohol,aspirin,tablets for stomach troubles, medicines to avoid altitude sickness)
- Oxygen for the highest mountain
- Sun block (sun protection cream)
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, etc
- Walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order to walk inside Machu Picchu).
