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Choqekiraw - Huanipaca 4d/3n

Choqekiraw, meaning “Cradle of Gold”, is a magnificent archaeological complex located in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Cuzco area. It is thought that this mountain range was the last refuge of the Inkas resisting the conquest; led by Manco Inka II.

This non traditional route allows us to cross the Apurimac River over two different bridges within the canyon. In this way we can enjoy the magnificent and challenging geography which surrounds the archaeological complex of Choqekiraw, without having to return by the same path.

Program itinerary

Day 1: Cuzco – Cachora – Chikisqa

We leave the city of Cuzco early, driving along the road which goes north-west across the famous Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa (Blood Pampa, because of the ferocious battle between the Inkas and the Chankas over possession of Cuzco city). We cross the mountains and descend to the warm town of Limatambo (2600m / 8530ft), where the archaeological site of Tarawasi is found.

We continue in the direction of the Cunyac Bridge over the Apurimac River, the natural border between the Cuzco and Apurimac regions. We follow the road to the settlement of Curahuasi, famous for its aromatic liquor: Macerado de Anis. Our next stop is the enigmatic and famous Stone of Saywite. All these places can be visited on our last day, on our way back to the city of Cuzco. Our final stop is the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2909m / 9543ft), in the Apurimac region. We leave our motorized transport for the next 4 days. We have lunch. Here in Cachora, as it is usually called, we can buy any last things we want to take.
We begin our walk, leaving the town to the north, with a spectacular view of the Nevado Padreyoq. We cross the Cachora creek and climb through a refreshing forest of eucalyptus and native vegetation to the dirt track which is passable by cars; from where the path is flat until the lookout at Capuliyoq (2941m / 9648ft). Estimated time to reach this point is approximately 3 hours. From the lookout, we have a spectacular view of the Apurimac River and Choquekirau.
We begin our descent on a zigzagging footpath, crossing scrub and later a forest of native trees called Phaty, in around 3 hours. Our campsite awaits us at Chikisca (1836m / 6023ft). We can expect a warm night in the valley, at our friend Uriel’s campsite.

Meal: lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl / 9514 ft

Minimum Altitude: 1860 masl / 6102 ft

Distance Travelled: 19 km / 11.80 ml

Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs

Day 2: Chikisca - Choqekirau

After a good breakfast, we begin our descent to Playa Rosalina (1800m / 5905ft), where we register at an INC control post, we cross the bridge over the Apurimac River. Time to this point will be approximately 1 hour.
We begin our climb uphill, on a zigzagging path, towards Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft); where we can take a refreshing break, rest and buy water.
We continue upwards, towards Marampata (2913m / 9557ft), a flat place where we can rest in similar conditions to Santa Rosa; enjoying a splendid view of Choqequirau. This spot also has bathrooms.
Time from the Apurimac river to here is approximately 4 to 5 hours. The gradient varies from almost flat to very steep.

We follow the path which begins flat, and then has several uphill and downhill sections before the INC campsite at Choquequiraw (2847m / 9340ft). This campsite has bathrooms and a cold shower. We have lunch.
Our next activity is to visit the Pacchayoq sector, located in the lower part of the complex. Terraces, water channels, the ceremonial rock, the Paccha and a spectacular environment. The tour will last approximately 2.5 hours. We return to the campsite, have dinner and sleep.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft

Minimum Altitude: 1600 masl / 5249 ft

Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 ml

Approximate Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 3: Choqekiraw – San Ignacio

Very early in the morning we begin our second visit to the archaeological complex of Choquekiraw to continue discovering its mysteries. We will visit structures which demonstrate the high level of development achieved by the Incas.
The principal structures of the archaeological complex are divided into the Hanan and Urin sectors, keeping Inka architecture but using materials and decorations influenced by elements from the Chachapoyas culture, from the northern jungle.
When we return to our campsite, we will have lunch and a short rest. Then we will begin our descent to cross the Apurimaq River over the San Ignacio Bridge.
This downhill path will demonstrate how steep this river valley is, as well as exposing some impressive and unforgettable views. We will camp in the buildings of the ex Hacienda San Ignacio, alter crossing the river and climbing a gentle hill. Dinner and overnight.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft

Minimum Altitude: 1800 masl / 5905 ft

Distance Travelled: 9 km / 5.59 ml

Approximate Walking Time: full day

Day 4: San Ignacio – Villa Los Loros - Huanipaca – Cusco

We leave the ex Hacienda San Ignacio early, walking the valley of the Tambobamba river, leaving the Apurimac river and the impressive trail we walked behind us. A beautiful mango forest will see us off from this campsite. This trail ends at “Villa los Loros”, where a delicious lunch and our transport back to the city of Cusco awaits us.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft

Minimum Altitude: 1800 masl / 5905 ft

Distance Travelled: 8 km / 4.97 ml

Approximate Walking Time: 5 hr

Services included

• Private transportation Cuzco - Cachora
• Guide service in Spanish/ English
• Sleeping Bag per person (-10 ºC), mummy form (our sleeping bags are cleaned after every use)
• Sleeping liner
• Pillow
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Cook and assistant
• Cooking equipment
• Snacks
• Daily tea service
• Dining equipment including chairs and tables
• Cooking, eating and bathroom tents
• Food (3 breakfast, 4 lunch, 3 dinner)
• Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
• Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – 4 seasons), single tents available for extra cost
• Mule-handlers
• Mules
• Saddled horse (for every 6 passengers there is one saddled horse)
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Private Transportation Villa Los Loros - Cuzco

Services not included

• Extra food
• Optional tip for field staff
• Extra costs

We recommend that you bring

• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof clothing (poncho)
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Sun cream and insect repellent
• Water bottles such as Nalgene
• Basic medications
• Walking sticks
• Swimsuit and towel
• Personal items
• Personal snacks
• Previous acclimatization in Cuzco city, for at least 2 days and general good health. Pachatusantrek offers easy one day and half day routes which can be completed before the main trek
• DNI / Original Passport

Booking and information

• Booking and information

Important Environmental Note

Pachatusantrek is committed to following the principles of ecotourism in our operations, and request the understanding and cooperation of trekkers, especially by not contaminating the waters and in the adequate disposal of non-biodegradable waste. We must also respect the customs and traditions of the local people.

“With the protection of mother earth and the permission of the apus …”