This amazing site is located 164 km from Cusco city to the town of Cachora in Apurimac. It´s approximately 32Km from Cachora, a town where the walk to Choquequirao begins, the weather is not so much a problem with mountain sickness but maybe during the second night it can cold, the rainy season is from November - March, and the dry season from April - November.
It excursion to the magical city of Machu Picchu was made through a remote inca road that was used frequently in the inca times to reach the citadel.
The optimal time for the Choquequirao trek is during the dry season, spanning from May to September, characterized by clear weather conditions. Despite being the peak season, the trail remains serene and uncluttered throughout the entire year, in contrast to the bustling environment at Machu Picchu.
During the rainy season, the risk of mudslides increases, and the steep descents become notably hazardous due to unstable footing. Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots and a waterproof coat. For comprehensive advice on equipment suitable for hiking in Peru, refer to our packing guide for Patagonia, which offers valuable tips.
"Choquequirao tops Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2017' list"
Beginning with our Choquequirao Itinerary very early in the morning we´ll pick up your accommodation in our mobility and drive for 4 hours approximately until Cachora town. On the road we'll have breakfast seeing the beautiful Limatambo Canyon, now continue driving to Cachora where our travel team waits for us. Everybody is ready we can walk for 3 hours to Capuliyoc with admirable views from Apurimac Valley and also have the possibility to see the choquequirao mountain, descending to Cocamasana, where the weather becomes warmer and the vegetation and animals too so is necessary to carry repellent and sunscreen. Finally, already arrived at playa Rosa Salina which is located near the Apurimac River being our first campsite.
"Choquequirao was chosen by National Geographic as one of the five essential adventure destinations in the world for 2025"
During the trek to the Inca city, we can observe many charming places such as the Apurimac River canyon also the cloud forest and the Andes mountain range, we'll visit the Choquequirao ruins, from this site we are in a territory where most visitors can reach this architectonic site. Then again we have to descend another river until to arrive at Yanama community, this is the indicated place to help and share unforgettable moments with people, especially kids who are the most shocked when someone comes to visit their town, it's like Lares trek but is more a social hike. The next day we have a moderate ascent that goes to the highest point of our hike (4800m). From this point, we´ll have to descend to another community called Totora and continue with the walk through the high and dry jungle of the town of La playa (Santa Teresa) until to arrive in Aguas Calientes village (Machu Picchu).
No doubt this is an amazing archeological site and for that, the hike of Choquequirao trek to Machu picchu is one of the best and challenging hikes in all Peru, many travellers say Choquequirao hike is more challenging than Salkantay trek difficulty, in fact is one of the most complete roads in the region with a variety of flora and fauna where we can see the "condor" which is the only bird that flies over 5000 m.a.s.l. and it is not only a hike for fitness, also is a social hike where we can interact with people of the area. Some advices that we give to everybody is have a good physical condition, a good backpack and the most important the enthusiasm. Before the trek avoid alcohol or fast food because the it can be a problem during the hike, is not necessary the acclimatization because the Choquequirao altitude is less than Cusco city but would be better do it for other cases in the future, the lentils are so important because it can provides you some of energy, buy the "hoja de coca" only chew it during the road and wil have magically energy and resistance also is useful drinking it as a coca tea, the most important of all is your booking because in this times many tourists choose it trek and also to arrive a ticket in a dry forest. Now, having the basic info is better prepare your fitness level for realize this trek.
