One of the most popular treks in South America is the Classic Choquequirao Trekking in Peru; To explore it, is definitely an unforgettable experience. The trail to Choquequirao was Built by the Incas more than 500 years ago, the Classic Choquequirao Trekking is the most famous stretch of the Inca trail network, consisting of 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) of trails that stretch north to south through Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina and Peru. Choquequirao is considered one of the best places in the world for el trekking and mountaineering; hundreds of visitors appreciate it every year for its charming combination of magnificent landscapes and ancient cultures.
In Classic Choquequirao Trekking, travelers will follow ancient hiking routes which will lead them through the beds of rivers, the beautiful old towns and Inca terraces. Almost all hikers walk at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,300 meters, although there are very popular and well-known routes to Machu Picchu that reach up to 4670 meters.
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Where does the Classic Choquequirao Trekking begins and end?
To hike the Classic Choquequirao Trekking, it is very Important to be in the city of Cusco, which is located to one-hour fly from lima the capital of Peru the city of Cusco is the beginning and ending point of the Trip. From Cusco you’ll travel four hours by car to the zone of “Capuliyoc”; here is the beginning point of the four days Classic Choquequirao Trekking.
During the trip by car from Cusco to the zone of “Capuliyoc”, you will cross several villages like: Izcuchaca, Limatambo, Curahuasi and Cachora; the trip also offers spectacular views of the snow mountains situated around the city of Cusco like Salkantay, Umantay, San Cristobal, etc. If you book a guided tour, your transportation to “Capuliyoc” will be arranged in advance.
To access the page of the guided tour of the Classic Choquequirao Trekking, click here
How difficult is the Classic Choquequirao Trekking?
Most people say that you need to be in good physical condition to walk the Trail to Choquequirao. It is not that the walk itself is NOT difficult; but rather it is more about making sure to take all the best precautions to prepare at altitude. The Classic Choquequirao Trekking reaches a maximum to 3,300 meters, which is high enough that most people are affected by altitude sickness and / or lack of energy due to falling oxygen levels.
Altitude sickness on the Classic Choquequirao Trekking should be taken very seriously and closely monitored. If you’re wondering what you can do about altitude sickness while on the road, the most important thing is to contact your guide and other travelers to find out how you feel. As soon as you or someone else feels sick, experience has shown us that relaxing, eating lightly, and drinking plenty of water are things that help cure the disease. Our guides are extremely well trained on the subject and will always be there to advise you when necessary.
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If you are wondering how to prevent altitude sickness on the Classic Choquequirao Trekking, we discovered that the best thing to do is take a few days to explore the city of Cusco and take a short walk through the Sacred Valley. before starting your walk. This will allow your body to get used to the thinner air, remaining active but at a less intense rate. That’s why you will notice that the best tour operators, who have been organizing trips to Peru for decades, will offer a 7-day guided trek to Choquequirao or to Machu Picchu … as opposed to the shorter 4-day / 3-night option.
The altitude sickness cases are much less significant than shorter trips, which means everyone is more relaxed on the road, more connected to local Peruvian culture, and spending more time absorbing great views of the Andean mountains. It is a simple formula that works well.
Here are the distances and daily elevations of the trek on the Classic Choquequirao Trekking:
Day 1: Cuzco to Capuliyoc by car and trek to Playa Rosalina
- Maximum elevation: 2,954 m
- Minimum elevation: 1,500 m
- Distance traveled: 10.89 km / 6.77 ml
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours.
Day 2: Playa Rosalina to Choquequirao
- Maximum elevation: 3,350 m
- Minimum elevation: 1,500m
- Distance traveled: 14 kilometers / 8.6 mls
- Approximate walking time: 6 – 7 hours
Day 3: Choquequirao to Playa Rosalina
- Maximum elevation: 3,350 m
- Minimum elevation: 1,500m
- Distance traveled: 14 kilometers / 8.6 mls
- Approximate walking time: 5 hours
Day 4: Playa Rosalina – Capuliyoc – Cusco
- Maximum elevation: 2,954 m
- Minimum elevation: 1,500 m
- Distance traveled: 10.89 km / 6.77 ml
- Approximate walking time: 6 -7 hours.
For a detailed breakdown of these daily hiking distances and altitudes and to learn more about the highlights of the route, take a look HERE.
SEE THE ROAD WALK OF CLASSIC CHOQUEQUIRAO TREKKING
When is the best time to walk the Classic Choquequirao Trekking?
As for the weather, the most popular time to walk the Classic Choquequirao Trekking is during the dry season, which lasts from May to November, when rainfall in the Amazon basin is at its lowest point and can pass. The most Peru blue sky days. That said, April and November are also great options, as you tend to make the most of both worlds when it comes to the weather and there are fewer tourists, which is always good if you ask us!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHOQUEQUIRAO
How to book the Classic Choquequirao Trekking?
If you want to participate in a guided tour to Choquequirao, your operator will ask for your passport details, a pre-payment of 40% of the total cost and will organize your hiking permit. Be sure to plan your trip in advance
How should I prepare for the Classic Choquequirao Trekking?
Prepare for your trek to Choquequirao before arriving in Peru. The guided tours of the Classic Choquequirao Trekking are designed for both: beginners in the world of hiking and experienced adventurers. Your guides will tailor your trip to your abilities, allowing you to enjoy your adventure holiday.
I am in Cusco, what should I do to prepare for my Choquequirao walk?
If you arrive in Cusco from the lowlands and plan to walk to Choquequirao, it is a good idea to take a few days to relax your legs after your flight, slowly adjusting to the altitude of the Andes. A great way to do this is to explore the history, sights, and sounds of the beautiful city of Cusco and take a Day tours or walks through the sacred valley of the Incas Including Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. You will see that most tour operators will recommend this process.
Accommodation on the Classic Choquequirao Trekking
“Luxury camping” is a term that is often mentioned when we are asked about accommodation on the Classic Choquequirao Trekking. If you are looking for high class accommodation along the way, you will not find them. All those who walk the Classic Choquequirao Trekking camps for 3 nights. That said, it is one of the most comfortable campsites you have ever seen.
On the way, their tents are fully prepared for you before your arrival. You will sleep on comfortable camping rugs and only the best tents will be used. You’ll stay dry and protected from the elements, preparing for a good night’s sleep.
Food on the Classic Choquequirao Trekking
Every day you will enjoy delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners sitting. Your guides will satisfy all your dietary needs and enjoy a variety of homemade jams, dried fruits (pineapple, banana, berries, etc.), energy bars, and chocolate brownies and homemade bread. And don’t worry about the weather: if it rains, you will eat in the tent shelter.
Bath in the Classic Choquequirao Trekking
Remember, you are high in the Peruvian Andes, so don’t expect too much comfort. But we will make sure that your camping experience is the best possible. At each camp, we use private camping toilets with biodegradable detergents that don’t pollute the environment. We constantly try to ask other operators to make the same effort.
Choquequirao Trekking Options
- Choquequirao Trek Challenge 3 Days
- Choquequirao Classic Trek 4 Days
- Choquequirao Imperial Trek 5 Days
- Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu 8 Days
