Unlock the Magic of Choquequirao: A Breathtaking Trekking Adventure Awaits!
Choquequirao is an archaeological site located in the Cusco region of Peru, and is one of the most popular trekking destinations in South America. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its relatively untouched landscape, stunning views, and great sense of adventure. Trekking in Choquequirao is a once in a lifetime experience and requires a certain level of preparation. In this blog post, we will discuss all the essential info you need to know before embarking on a Choquequirao trekking adventure.
Best Time to Trek.
The best time to trek in Choquequirao is between the months of April and December when the weather is dry and sunny. During the rainy season, the trekking conditions can be slippery and muddy, which can make the trek more difficult and time-consuming. It’s always best to check the weather forecast before you set out on your trek, so you’re prepared for any climatic conditions.
Trekking Difficulty.
The Choquequirao trek is considered a challenging trek that lasts up to 9 days. The trail is steep at times and involves several river crossings, so it’s essential to have good physical fitness and stamina to tackle this adventure. You may need to acclimatize yourself to the altitude before you start your trek as the maximum altitude you’ll reach is 3200m.
Equipment Required.
You’ll need basic trekking gear like a backpack, sturdy shoes, warm clothing, and waterproof gear. It’s best to carry a sleeping bag and camping gear, as accommodation facilities are minimal during the trek. You’ll be carrying all your gear yourself, so pack smartly, and only carry the essential items to avoid a heavy backpack.
Permits and Guide.
You’ll need to obtain a permit before you start your trek and can acquire one from the Ministry of Culture. It’s mandatory to hire a guide for the trek, and they can help you navigate the trail and provide valuable information about the archaeological site. A guide can also help you hire a mule or a horse to carry your gear if needed.
Trekking Route.
The trekking route to Choquequirao is approximately 60km long and takes around 9 days. The trail starts at Cachora and ends at Machu Picchu, passing through stunning landscapes and small villages along the way. It’s advisable to take your time and savor the experience as the trek is not just about reaching the archaeological site but also about the journey itself.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Choquequirao trekking is not for the faint-hearted but is a great adventure for those seeking to explore the unspoiled natural beauty of Peru. Remember to prepare well for the trek, carry only the essential items, and hire a guide to navigate the trail. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience trekking and exploring Choquequirao.
Essentail Info For Choquequirao Trekking
What is Choquequira Trekking?
Choquequirao Trek is a multi-day hike on trails through the Vilcabamba mountains range and the Apurimac canyon. It offers a special experience unlike any other region in the world. The vastness of the mountains, the awe-inspiring views, the friendly people, and the slower pace of life contribute to a life-changing experience for many travelers. Trekking through remote areas where roads are nonexistent, you’ll discover ancient villages and historically significant trails used by locals for centuries. Embark on the Choquequirao Trek and immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure.
Why choose the Choquequirao Trek with SPT?
– Strictly operated by “SUNRISE PERU TREK” and its professional staff, providing a higher level of quality service and maintaining a solid reputation. Unlike other agents who operate in rotation with different companies, we ensure that only our staff handles our treks. There are no surprises of having your tour operated by an unknown operator.
– Excellent treatment of our staff, including chefs, porters, and wranglers. We not only comply with Porter Law and Regulations, but we also offer wages above the legal minimum and higher than the industry average. Our staff enjoys ample food, provided with necessary equipment and gear, including sleeping bags, thermal clothes, trekking boots, rain ponchos, harnesses, and lumbar support for their duties in the field.
Book Now Choquequirao Trek.
– Professional and dedicated team in the field of Tourism.
– Expert travel advisers specializing in creating tailor-made itineraries to cater to your specific requirements.
– Fully authorized and legal travel organizer in Peru, affiliated with major tourism departments, ensuring that all necessary authorization documents are in place to operate travel and tours to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu in Cusco and throughout Peru.
– Thousands of happy clients who have recommended us on various travel sites.
Choose SPT for an unforgettable Choquequirao Trek experience.
Luggage Storage while in the Trek
During the Choquequirao trek, it is recommended to store your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco. Most hotels or hostels offer luggage storage as a courtesy service. At the briefing, you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack your clothes for the trip. Please limit your luggage in the duffel bag to 7kg (15lbs) per person. These bags, along with the food and equipment for the trail, will be carried by mules. The duffel bags are waterproof, but it is advisable to put your belongings inside a plastic bag within the duffel bag. The approximate dimensions of the duffel bag are 60cm by 30cm. It is important to return your duffel bag at the end of the trip by leaving it at the reception of your hotel. Please be responsible and return your bag to prevent any loss.
While most people carry their own day pack with up to 5kg of essential items such as a change of clothes and wet weather gear, if you anticipate having more luggage and prefer a lighter day pack (e.g., only camera, sunscreen, and water), it is advisable to hire an extra mule. However, please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the muleteers travel at a different pace than the group.
We will arrange pick-up from your hotel in Cusco on the morning of your trek and drop you off once you return to Cusco. It is recommended to have some form of identification on your bags to make them easily identifiable.
Weather for Choquequirao Trekking:
The weather in the Andes can be highly unpredictable, making it challenging to provide a definitive answer. Generally, Cusco experiences a dry season from April to October. However, it is important to note that rain may still occur in June and the sun may shine in December. It is crucial to be well-prepared regardless of the month you choose for the Choquequirao Trekking or the Inca Trail.
Ensure that you have proper rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people tend to overlook the importance of gloves, but being cold and wet can greatly diminish the enjoyment of hiking.
Additionally, be ready to encounter various micro-climates along the Andean treks. It is advisable to dress in layers to adapt to different temperatures. Evenings can be particularly cold, so it is essential to have a warm winter-weight jacket.
Stay informed and well-equipped to make the most out of your trekking experience.
Horses or Porters for Choquequirao Trekking
Choquequirao trekking is an incredible experience where we offer the convenience of horses to transport your food and camping equipment. With our team consisting of a skilled cook, an assistant, and two horsemen, we ensure your comfort throughout the journey. Please note that a personal allowance of 7kg is allocated for your gear. It’s important to mention that the horsemen will be ahead of the group during the day, making your belongings unavailable temporarily.
Choquequirao Trekking Guides
Our highly knowledgeable and skilled Choquequirao trekking guides have a deep understanding of Inca history, having undergone training at Cusco University and Institute. Fluent in English, Spanish, and the sacred Inca language, Quechua, our guides excel at communicating with locals and are eager to share their wealth of historical knowledge with you. Rest assured, you will be in the capable hands of guides who are committed to providing you with an exceptional experience.
About Food on the trek.
Choquequirao, one of the most magnificent archaeological sites on the trek, unfolds its grandeur. But rest assured, it’s not just the ruins that make this journey memorable – the culinary experience is unparalleled. The delectable cuisine served throughout the tour is meticulously curated with an emphasis on freshness and organic ingredients. A plethora of options awaits, ranging from succulent vegetables to tender meats, savory chicken, and delightful seafood – all providing a rich source of protein and carbohydrates. Join your fellow companions in a communal feast, where dietary requirements, including vegetarian alternatives and allergen considerations, are thoughtfully catered to. While we do not provide alcoholic beverages for the trek, you are more than welcome to bring your own libations.
The Camping Equipment.
We offer a comprehensive range of camping equipment for your Choquequirao adventure. Our selection includes 4 man tents, providing ample space even for groups of 2. You can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep with our foam mattresses and small pillows provided for all hikers. Our dining equipment consists of a spacious dining tent, complete with tables and chairs, plates and utensils, and air mattresses for added convenience.
Please note that while we do not supply sleeping bags or walking sticks, you can easily rent them from SUNRISE PERU TREK. However, if you are over 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall, it is recommended to bring your own sleeping bag, as rentals may not accommodate your height in Cusco.
Rest assured that we strive to provide you with high-quality and reliable camping equipment to enhance your Choquequirao experience.
About Fitness for Choquequirao Trek.
The Choquequirao Trekking is a challenging yet achievable adventure that does not require exceptional athleticism or trekking expertise. While maintaining a level of fitness is important, this trek is open to individuals with a positive attitude and determination. Of course, being in better physical condition will enhance your enjoyment of the trek, enabling you to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery and the remarkable Inca ruins scattered along the path. For those who do not engage in regular exercise, we recommend incorporating additional walking or aerobic activities in the months leading up to the trip.
It’s natural to have concerns about your physical capabilities, but complete failure is rare and usually only occurs due to severe altitude sickness or a significant lack of basic fitness. People of all ages, from teenagers to pensioners, have successfully completed this trek, as age itself is not a barrier when one maintains a positive mindset and an active lifestyle. Prior to embarking on your tour, we advise consulting with your doctor for more personalized information and guidance.
About your Travel Insurance.
When embarking on a journey to higher elevations, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with acute mountain sickness. While taking necessary precautions such as gradual altitude ascent and proper acclimatization can reduce the chances of falling ill, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk. In the event of severe mountain sickness, immediate descent is essential. However, in remote mountain areas with limited access to modern hospitals, helicopter evacuation is often the only viable option.
Considering the exorbitant costs associated with high-altitude medical emergencies, it is highly recommended to have personal travel insurance that covers health-related incidents. Although we do not provide such insurance ourselves, we can provide valuable information about reputable insurance providers. It must be noted that some insurance companies prioritize quick and efficient assistance in emergency situations, while others may cause unnecessary delays in the evacuation process.
High altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can affect anyone regardless of their physical strength. It is a potentially dangerous condition that requires caution from the very beginning. The major symptoms of AMS include dizziness, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, and insomnia. To alleviate AMS, it is crucial to drink plenty of water and acclimatize properly in high alpine areas. While our crew leader is equipped with first aid supplies, there might be instances where canceling the trip and descending becomes necessary due to worsening symptoms of AMS. In emergency situations, clients will be airlifted promptly for further treatment in a hospital.
About Environmental Impact at Choquequirao Trek.
At SUNRISE PERU TREK, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact. By utilizing biodegradable soap and ensuring all garbage is transported back to Cusco, we prioritize maintaining the cleanliness of the trail. Our responsible porters are trained to not only take care of our waste but also pick up any waste left behind by other groups. Additionally, we utilize environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets to pack waste out. Our commitment lies in leaving no footprint behind, ensuring a pristine environment for all to enjoy.
Booking Choquequirao Trekking
Experience the breathtaking Choquequirao Trek, an adventure that awaits you any day of the week. As long as we have a minimum of two people, you can embark on this extraordinary journey. Don’t forget to secure your booking in advance for an unforgettable experience.
CONTACT US
For the Choquequirao Trek, if you face any challenges with your airport-to-hotel transfer, feel free to reach out to a SUNRISE PERU TREK representative. They can assist you based on your location in the country. Contact information is provided below:
– Phone: [Phone Number]
– Email: [Email Address]
– Website: [Website URL]
We are here to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience during your Choquequirao Trek adventure.
- Mauro Pedraza – Operations Manager
Mobile: +(51) 984 734633 - Henrry Chauca – Operations
Mobile: +(51) 950 313131 - Sharon Ovalle – SUNRISE PERU TREK Representatives Supervisor
Mobile: +(51) 974 359484
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY
For the Choquequirao Trek, it’s helpful to know that in cases of emergency, you can reach out to SUNRISE PERU TREK for immediate assistance. Although we sincerely hope you won’t encounter any issues, we want to ensure your peace of mind. Whether it’s a missed trip departure meeting, getting separated from your group during the journey, or any unforeseen problem, rest assured that you have various options to contact us for support.
- Cusco Office
Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm.
Telf: +51 84 237404 - Emergency Contact
If you need to contact SUNRISE PERU TREK outside of the above hours the following number is available:
Mobile: +(51) 984 734633
Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you.
