Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – LA PLAYA
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5am and you will drive for the next 4 hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). Along the way, there are wonderful views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen and give him our duffels so he can pack all of our equipment onto the horses. From here, you will only carry your daypack.
After a picnic breakfast, we start walking to Chiquisca, overlooking the Apurimac Canyon and snow-capped mountains such as Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). You will also have your first glimpse of the Choquequirao site off in the distance. We will have lunch along the trail followed by a two hour descent to our first campsite at la Playa (1,900m/6,270ft). Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you. Your tents will already be set up for you, so you can settle in before dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 1,900m/5,700ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,400ft
- Distance: 18kms/11 miles
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
DAY 2: LA PLAYA – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
After an nice breakfast, we descend to the beautiful Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) and then hike uphill to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft), where we have lunch while enjoying the amazing views of the Choquequirao archeological site (3,150m/10,397ft). As we trek, we walk through a natural garden of flora and fauna to Choquequirao, where we will have a private guided tour. During the tour, we will explore all the important sections, such as the palaces, temples, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama area and much more. Finally, we head to our campsite, located just 20 minutes from the Choquequirao ruins, where we will have tea time and dinner before settling in for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
- Maximum Altitude: 3,150m/10,397ft
- Distance: 14kms/9 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – CHIQUISCA
We will have an early breakfast and explore some more of the incredible areas of Choquequirao before heading back to the indigenous community of Maranpata for lunch. Afterwards, we descend for 3 hours back down to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft). Finally, we walk for one hour up a moderate hill to our campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft)
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
- Maximum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
- Distance: 14kms/9 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
DAY 4: CHIQUISCA – CAPULIYOC – CACHORA – CUSCO
We have a lovely breakfast in the morning before we start our walk up a moderate to difficult hill towards the Capuliyoc pass. From the pass, we can appreciate the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. Then, we walk for another 2 hours towards Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for lunch. After lunch, we take our private transport to the archeological site of Saywite, where we have plenty of time to explore. Finally, our driver will take us back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel, arriving in the evening around 8pm.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
- Minimum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft
- Distance: 16kms/10 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Inclusions
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK?
- Transfer from your hotel from the airport upon your arrival
- Private transport from Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek) and Cachora to Cusco
- Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
- English-speaking, professional guide
- Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- Emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or are ill
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
- Foam sleeping mattresses
- Private guided tour at each archeological site
- 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our pack horses
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREKKING?
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C
- Air mattresses
- Trekking poles
- Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of ORANGE NATION
Price
The Choquequirao 4-Day Trek is available on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 8 people | $ 537 USD per person |
DISCOUNTS
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD– All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent – $30 USD (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
- BOILED WATER is provided at each mealtime
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS
Important Info
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Choquequirao 4 day Trek.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments).
THE BRIEFING
The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located on Calle Santa Teresa Nº383; 101 (first floor), we are next to SUBWAY sandwich shop. We share a lobby with the Casona Corrales Boutique Hotel.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Choquequirao 4 day trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK
FIRST, to book your Choquequirao 4 day trek , we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order to purchase a permit for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER BOOKING?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Choquequirao 4 day Trek , the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK?
Definitely! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Choquequirao Trek, other entrances and reservations. They will check your passport when you enter the Choquequirao Trek and when you board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get a COPY of your new passport for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK?
Whatever month you decide to book your Choquequirao trek tour, keep in mind that the weather is always unpredictable. We can plan, and think the weather will be a certain way, but only Mother Nature truly knows what it has in store for us on a day to day basis. Come with an open mind, and the willingness to go with the flow as it will make your experience on your Choquequirao trek tour that much more enjoyable. We recommend being prepared for anything, cold weather, warm weather, wet and dry weather, no matter what nature has planned for your trek, we know it will be a great journey and a memorable adventure.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAY TREK
For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.
Don’t do anything other than rest
If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.
Stay hydrated
How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.
Discovering coca
No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. ORANGE Nation specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HIKING THE 4 DAY CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
You will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days at the briefing the night before your Trek. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14lbs. Your pack horse will carry your duffel bag, food and camping gear. PLEASE NOTE: You will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day pack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The trail is not easy but you do not need to be an athlete to do it. It helps to be relatively fit for the trek, and obviously the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the trek. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is from moderate to difficult level.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Orange Nation Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required).
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
Of Course! We will drop you at your hotel! If you booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you there as well. If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we wil pick you up there!
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the staff (and their families) who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires them to give better service and is a major part of the tourism industry. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable and responsible tour operator that incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all of our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the indigenous people.
Packing list
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (30 – 40L)
- Personal Water: 2-3L reusable bottles (not disposable)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
As a direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece / Thermals
- Warm clothes
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger – No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag waiting at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring reusable bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Rain poncho (provided by Orange Nation)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
