- 5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS
The trek is situated around the mountain of Salkantay (3035m) surrounded by the snowed capped peaks of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpu and of Pumasillo and located parallel to the River of Santa Teresa in the province of Apurimac. Choquequirao is an Incan City formed out of a number of smaller sites adjoined to form a metropolis.
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Cocamasana – Playa Roasalina
Hotel pickup at 4.00 a.m. where we head towards Cachora, arriving approximating from 7.30 am. After breakfast we prepare our mules and horses to begin our long journey. After 2 hours of hiking we reach Capuliyoc (2915m) where we will marvel a beautiful view of the snow-covered peaks of Padrayoc, Wayna Cachora and the valley of Apurimac. Soon we will descend towards the coca climate of Masana (2330m) where the temperature is perceivably hotter, and the flora and the fauna change. Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina (1550m) located along the Apurimac river where we will settle and camp for the night.
Day 2: Playa Rosalina– Choquequirao
The second day is the toughest of our 5 day trek. After a very early breakfast we begin hiking a precipitous path for about 5 hours arriving at Raqaypata next to the river of Chunchullumayo where we will eat lunch. Throughout our long walk we will be able to observe a variety of orchids, wild flowers as well as many birds. We leave Raqaypata for Choquequirao (3035m) arriving at the archaeological site of Choquequirao approximately 2 hours later. At this site we will have the possibility of observing the entrance of the sun and the flight of the condor. Our campsite will be situated just outside the ruins.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Raqaypata
The third day is dedicated to exploring the ruins of Choquequirao. Our guide will explain the history and the importance of the site. After our tour you will have free time to visit different sectors of the archaeological complex on your own. In the evening we will begin our long walk towards Raqaypata, where we will camp for the night.
Day 4: Raqaypata – Chikisca
After breakfast we will begin our challenging return home by walking along the precipitous cliffs towards the River Apurimac, where we will stop for lunch. In the evening we will climb approximately 4 hours until arriving at Masan, where we will camp for the night.
Day 5: Chikisca – Cachora – Cusco
On this day, after some walking, we will be able to appreciate the ravine that forms the Apurimac River. Later we will cross the throat of the ravine, and admire it from Wayna Qalli, considered to be one of the most spectacular views of South America. After arriving at Cachora we will board our bus to return to Cusco.
