Choquequirao, whose name means “Cradle of Gold”, is considered one of the last bastions of resistance and refuge of the Inca Empire. This majestic archaeological site was key during the time of the conquest, when, by order of Manco Inca, the Incas abandoned the city of Cusco around 1535, after the Spanish siege, and retreated to the cities of the Vilcabamba region.
It was precisely in Choquequirao -and throughout the Vilcabamba valley- where Manco Inca and his successors kept the Inca resistance alive against the advance of the conquerors, until the capture and execution of Tupac Amaru I in 1572, an event that marked the end of the last free state of the Incas.
🔹 Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Santa Rosa
Early departure from Cusco heading to Capuliyoc, where we have breakfast overlooking the Andes. We begin the hike with spectacular views of the Apurimac valley until we reach Chiquisca for lunch. We continue in the afternoon to camp in Santa Rosa, where we have dinner and rest.
🔹 Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata
After breakfast, we ascend towards Marampata to enjoy a panoramic view of the canyon. Then we visit the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, exploring its temples and terraces. Lunch in the middle of impressive landscapes. Return to Marampata for dinner and overnight.
🔹 Day 3: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca
We descend to Santa Rosa, where we will learn how to prepare Cambray, a traditional sugar cane liquor. Then, we refresh our feet in the Apurimac River and ascend to Chiquisca, where we have dinner and spend the night.
🔹 Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite – Conoc Thermal Baths – Cusco
Final breakfast before climbing to Capuliyoc, where the trek culminates. We visit the Saywite Monolith, and then enjoy a well-deserved rest at the Conoc thermal baths, accompanied by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, return to Cusco by private transportation, with panoramic views. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
We will leave Cusco very early in the morning in our private tourist transportation to Capuliyoc, where we will enjoy an energetic breakfast with a view of the Andes before starting the trek.
From Capuliyoc, we will start trekking on a moderately descending trail, accompanied by spectacular scenery of the Apurimac River canyon and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. The embrace of the valley and its natural majesty will leave you speechless.
Arriving at Chiquisca (1,930 m a.s.l.), we will enjoy a refreshing lunch in the middle of nature. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey following the course of the Apurimac River, surrounded by mountainous landscapes.
We will end the day at our campsite in Santa Rosa, where a comforting dinner and a well-deserved rest awaits us after our first day of adventure.
After breakfast, we will resume our trek towards Marampata (2,850 m a.s.l.), a privileged point from where you can contemplate spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon and a truly impressive natural environment.
From Marampata, we will continue to the enigmatic archaeological site of Choquequirao, where we will explore its main sectors: temples, terraces, ceremonial plazas and other Inca structures. Here you will be able to connect with the powerful spiritual energy of this ancient Inca refuge and let yourself be enveloped by its history and mysticism.
At noon, we will enjoy a lunch with panoramic views surrounded by imposing landscapes and Inca constructions. After this unforgettable experience, we will return to the camp in Marampata, where a delicious dinner and a restful night’s sleep under the Andean sky awaits us.
After enjoying another energizing Andean breakfast, we will begin our descent to Santa Rosa, where we will live a unique cultural experience: we will learn about the elaboration of Cambray, a traditional liquor made from sugar cane, prepared in a traditional way by the local people.
After a short break, we will have the opportunity to refresh our feet in the cold and crystalline waters of the Apurimac River, a well-deserved relief in the middle of the mountainous landscape.
Later, we will begin the ascent to Chiquisca, where a delicious dinner and a last night’s rest surrounded by nature will await us.
We will start the day with a last breakfast in the open air, before starting the last part of the hike to Capuliyoc, where we will conclude the work of part of our support team.
From there, we will board our private transportation to visit the enigmatic Saywite Monolith, a fascinating stone sculpture representing an ancient Inca hydraulic model, full of symbolism and mystery.
Next, we will head to the relaxing thermal baths of Conoc, where you can immerse yourself in its warm medicinal waters, ideal for soothing the body after the hike. There we will also enjoy a delicious lunch in the middle of a natural environment.
In the afternoon, we will return by private transport to Cusco, enjoying on the way the last Andean landscapes that mark the perfect end of this unforgettable experience.
Finally, we will leave you comfortably at the door of your hotel in Cusco, concluding this wonderful adventure to Choquequirao.
High quality service and safety:
Lodging:
Meals:
Transportation:
Tickets:
