Inca ruins of Choquequirao,
Trek 5-days

The  trek  takes you to the  dramatically located lost Inca city of Choquequirao. The well kept trail descends for 1300m  into the spectacular Apurimac Canyon, followed by a climb of 1500m to the rarely visited, splendid Inca ruins. The scenery is varied and the views of the Apurimac valley and surrounding mountains are spectacular.

General
The trek is strenuous as the Rio Apurimac at the bottom of the canyon has to be crossed. This involves a 1300m descent and 1500m climb. However the trail is generally in good condition and we take our time and horses are available to give you a rest from walking. At lower altitudes near the bottom of the canyon it can be hot and there are biting flies.

.Program

Day 1: Cusco- Sayhuite-Cachora- Chiquisca (1930m) 
(17 km, 5 hours of walking)
We leave by bus early in the morning to the village of Cachora (2875m). Here the trek starts. The first part of the trail is quite level and leads to the Capulilloc viewpoint (2800 m.). From here, in the distance on the other side of the Rio Apurimac, we can make out Choquequirao (3050m). Continuing, the trail descends into the mighty Apurimac Canyon and after 3 hours we arrive at our camp at Chiquisaca (1930m).

Day 2: Chiquisaca- Choquequirao (3050m) (13 km-7 hours.
 First we descend 300m. and cross the bridge over the  Rio Apurimac (1650m). Here we can swim. Then we start a strenuous hike up for about 4 hours to our lunch spot at Marampata (2850m). The last 90 minutes is relatively level and the trail passes through lush cloud forest with bromeliads, ferns and mosses, before arriving at the former citadel of Choquequirao.  We camp at the ruins.

Day 3 : Choquequirao- .
Today you can explore this magnificent Inca religious and administrative center. 

Day 4: Choquequirao- Rio Apurimac- Capuliyoc (2850m) 
We follow the same trail we came in on. First we descend 1300m to the Rio Apurimac, 
before climbing up to our camp at Capuliyoc.

Day 5: Capuliyok- Cachora- Cusco
In 3 hours we arrive in Cachora.  From here we return to Cusco by bus. On our way we visit the unique rock sculptures at Sayhuite (4000m) and take a bath in the thermal springs of Curahuasi.

What to bring:
Sleeping bag, fleece, bathing- suit, raingear, mosquito repellant, flashlight, toilet paper, sun protection, water purifying tablets.