Overview
Choquequirao (Golden Cradle), also called “The Lost City,” is a mysterious abandoned city with many similarities to Machu Picchu. Located in a cloud forest above the Apurimac River, it offers a challenging and rewarding trek through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
- Day 1: Drive from Cusco to Cachora, followed by a hike to Capuliyoc and descent to the warm Chaquisqa camp.
- Day 2: Trek from Rosalina Beach up the demanding slope to Santa Rosa and Sunchupata.
- Day 3: Sunrise visit and 3-hour guided tour of the Choquequirao archaeological site, returning to Chaquisqa.
- Day 4: Return hike to Cachora, visit to Qonoq thermal baths, and arrival back in Cusco.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisqa
We will pick you up from your hotel to start our trip to Cachora. On the journey we will stop a moment to see the archaeological site of Tarawasi from the bus. Then we will continue until the Cunyac Bridge between Cusco and Apurimac, we will go through the districts of Curawasi and Saywite and finally we will get to Cachora (4 hours journey approximately). From this point we will start our hiking by a moderate slope path to get to the Capuliyoc pass (2800 m.a.s.l.). Here we will have lunch after having walked two hours, then we will head to the town of Chaquisqa (1930 m.a.s.l.). We will have to hike for 3 hours by a descending path from where we will be able to see beautiful landscapes. We will have our first camping on this place with a beautiful warm weather.
Day 2: Chiquisqa – Playa Rosalina – Sunchupata
After the breakfast (5:00 am), we will continue our trek towards Rosalinas Beach (1550 m.a.s.l.), so we can hike the hardest part of the trek, which is the slope towards Santa Rosa (2100 m.a.s.l.), early in the morning. This part will take three hours, here we will have lunch and then we will continue going up towards Maranpata (2850 m.a.s.l.), the slope here is less difficult and during the journey we will see the path that we walked the first day and the local vegetation. We will walk 2 hours by a straight path and we will get to Sunchupata where we will have our camping.
Day 3: Sunchupata – Choquequirao – Chaquisqa
After an early breakfast (5:00 am) we will head to Choquequirao and in about an hour we will get there and we will be able to see the sunrise. Then in about 3 hours we will visit the archaeological place with our tour guide, who will give us some information about this magnificent Incan shelter. At the specified time we will start the return to Sunchupata to start going down towards Santa Rosa where we will have lunch. After lunch we will continue going down for an hour to Rosalinas Beach and from there we will walk two hours to the town of Chaquisqa where we will camp.
Day 4: Chaquisqa – Capuliyoc – Cachora
We will have breakfast in Chaquisqa at 6:00 am and we will return by the same path to Cachora, we will climb the slope that we walked down the first day. This will take approximately two hours until we get to the Capuliyoc pass. From this place we will have to walk two more hours to the town of Cachora, this path is a lot easier and we estimate our arrival at approximately 12:00 pm. On the journey we will see exotic fauna and vegetation, magnificent snow peaks and the impressive Apurimac Canyon. In the afternoon we will visit the thermal baths of Qonoq, here we will rest one hour and then we will return to the city of Cusco. We estimate our arrival at approximately 8:00 pm. We will take you to your hotels and finish the tour.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour Includes:
- Information talk prior the trek.
- Transportation in a tourist bus (Hotel in Cusco – Trek starting point – Hotel in Cusco).
- Official Tourist Guide.
- Experienced chef and assistant.
- Horseman and horses to carry the equipment, food and personal belongings.
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao.
The tour does not include:
- Sleeping bag (optional, you can rent one).
- Tips for the guides, chefs and porters (optional).
Recommendations
- Hiking Shoes.
- Hiking pants and shorts.
- Comfortable backpack.
- T-shirts (with long and short sleeves).
- Warm and light jackets.
- Sunscreen and Insect repellent.
- Cap or hat.
- Toiletries.
- Raincoat.
General Info
Location: Apurimac River, Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
Altitude: Ranges from 1,550 m.a.s.l. (Playa Rosalina) to 2,850 m.a.s.l. (Maranpata/Sunchupata).
History: Discovered in the 18th century; visited by Hiram Bingham before Machu Picchu.
Environment: Cloud forest with exotic fauna and impressive canyons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “Choquequirao” mean?
It is a Quechua word that means “Golden Cradle.”
Is Choquequirao similar to Machu Picchu?
Yes, it is often called “The Lost City” and shares many architectural and structural similarities with Machu Picchu.
How difficult is the trek?
The trek is considered challenging due to its remote location and steep slopes, especially the ascent from Playa Rosalina to Santa Rosa on Day 2.