Choquequiraw 5d/4n

highlights

Choquequiraw means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua Inca´s language, although this is probably not its original name. It is another "Lost City of the Incas" rediscovered officially late in 20th century located high on a ridge spur almost 1750mts above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks.
Choquequirao was build during the last days of the Inca empire in the government of the Inca Pachacutec 1490, by Tupac Inca Yapanqui, and probably after the Spanish invasion in 1532. Almost 40 years the Inca's held stand against the spanish conquerors (between 1536 - 1572). The construction of the different levels of temples, palaces, canals and aqueducts is really fantastic. "Choquequirao is the city which demonstrates the inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center. A city dedicated for worship to pachamama “andean mother earth”, “the Apus” mountain gods and divinities, the river and the elements of nature." Choquequirao finally burned down and left deserted. This happened probably after the execution of the last Inca, Tupac Amaru I in 1572. By this occasion, the plaster covering the walls, carbonized and disappeared for the most part. At the east side of the complex more then 110 terraces with houses and squares are being revealed. At the west side another 170 terraces are hidden and covered by the forest, in some of these terraces can be seen now an amazing in straight line white color llamas in symetrical order, Until now only 25% is put to overdraft and conserved. With this Choquequirao is the largest Inca-town of the continent and much larger then Macchu Pichu. For the first time in 1710 they mentioned the existence of Choquequirao. The first drawings of the structure of the ruins were made about 1836 by the Frenchmen Léonce Angrand and them by Eugine Sartigues. Only in 1986 there was made a structured plan of Roberto Samanez and Julinho Zapata for the restoration and conservation of Choquequirao. In 1993 the archeologists Percy Paz and Eulogio Auca brought Choquequirao under the Copesco Plan. Choquequirao in short time, has become a primary sightseeing in Perú.

itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Coca Masana - Playa Rosalina
We leave Cusco at 6:00 am in the morning for the 4 hour drive to Cachora in our private transportation . On the way we will make a stop to enjoy our breakfast admiring the wonderfull and amazing Limatambo Canyon , on right top the great Apu –Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, then we will continue to the little village of Cachora ,after meeting our expedition portarage support know as arrieros we arrange our equipment on mules / horses we will be ready to start a soft hike through this unknow mystery and very rich historically territory . It is a 3 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. We then descend toward Coca Masana (2330m) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change, essential to bring a high deet mosquito repellent . Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m beside the raging “ The Speaker God “ Apurimac River , famous for Class 5 Rafting rapids, where we will set up camp and spend the night. Your guide will introduce you in this amazing Inca land . Walking poles or wood stick are very recommended.

Day 2: Rosalina Beach - Choquequiraw
This is considered the hardest of the 5 days trek, but views around this place is really fantastic which is the combination of high cloud forest and Ceja de selva region of Cusco, After an early breakfast to climb a steep trail. It is a 5 hour hike to Raqaypata beside the Chunchullumayo River where we will have a late lunch and a much deserved rest. Along we way we will observe many orchids and wild flowers as well as many birds. From Raqaypata to Choquequiraw (3035m) is a 2 hour hike. We will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the sunset and maybe the opportunity to see a Condor flying nearby. Our campsite will be just outside the ruins.

Day 3: Choquequiraw - Raqaypata
Today is dedicated to exploring this incredible sacred town of Choquequiraw peacefull and special site , Retreat of the Novility and Priests and high class Incas taken from the Holy Cusco , to be near the nature and divinities as mountains and offer rituals . Here you will see more elaborated buildings and integrity of the inca architecture, strong platforms called as andenes , for planting or adorning with exotic plants and wild bromelias and orchids , same as a top located guard-houses to protect the area, with a surprising water-chanel acuadect system. Our guide will explain the history and importance of the site. After you will have free time to visit the many sectors of the complex and take nice post-cards pictures . Late in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp the night at Raqaypata , with a lot of luck we can observe the really impressive Fligh of Condors around this valley.

Day 4: Raqaypata - Coca Masana
After breakfast we continue our return trek with a steep descent towards the valle visiting little villages on the way where we can interact with the very friendly locals mestizos who most dedicate their time farming and cattling cows and sheeps then we will stop in a nice mirador of Apurimac River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon we will climb for approximately 4 hours to our final campsite at Coca Masana, again a lot of mosquitos in this area Walking poles or wood stick and insect repellent are very recommended.

Day 5: Coca Masana - Cachora - Cusco
After a 3 hour climb we reach Capuliyoc. From then on it is a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our friendly Arrieros and take the bus back toward Cusco. We will stop at the archaeological site at Saihuite, a chance to rest and have lunch. A further 4 hours by bus bring us back to Cusco.

what is included

• Transfer from/to Hotel
• Private Transport (Cusco – Cachora – Cusco 5th day)
• professional English speaking guide
• Cook in charge of meals
• assistant, horseman and horses or mules for the equipment
• Full meals on the trail ; 3 Meals Daily , Tea time every afternoon and snacks.
• Double occupancy tents ( 4 people tent spacious and confortable ) mattress
• Dining tent , Kitchen tent
• 9 Kg Porter or horse for your extra bags.
• Entrance fees to choquequiraw.
• First aid kit.

what is not included

• Sleeping Bags us$20 for 4 nights
• Optional Tips for the crew, totally to your discresion .