Trek to Choquequirao

Join us for this spectacular introductory offer on this 4 day / 3 night trek that will lead you to the  enigmatic last refuge of the Incas. Choquequirao, Machu Picchus sister city (3103m/10,178ft) is a huge archaeological complex that is still under a cleaning and restoration process located in the scenic surroundings of the sacred Salkantay mountain and the Apurimac river canyon.
Choquequirao is known as the other Machu Picchu and of similar significance and built along similar lines is less accessible to reach and at present is still sufficiently free of tourists to give visitors a unique experience.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco to Apurimac River.
Pick up from your hotel around 4.00am for private transfer to Cachora( approx. 4 hours). Here we will have breakfast before taking the unpaved road to Capuliyoc(2915m) where we will begin our trek after loading up the equipment and our bags on the horses. The trail winds it way down steeply in parts to Chiquisca where we will take our lunch. After lunch we continue downhill to the Apurimac river (1550m)where we will camp overnight and take our evening meal.

Day 2: Apurimac River to Maranpata/Choquequirao.
After breakfast we leave camp this morning around 05.30 walking to the temporary river crossing which involves a pulley/cradle set up. After a change of horses on the other side we start climbing towards Santa Rosa, the path winds it way up a steep slope for around 2 hours. During a half hour break, there is the opportunity to try Cambray, a local sugar cane extract. Afterwards we climb slowly to Marampata our campsite and have an early lunch. After lunch we have a short walk to Choquequirao ( ENTRANCE FEE S/-38 soles NOT INCLUDED) to begin our guided tour of the huge archaeological complex. Returning back after observing sunset at the site to Maranpata for dinner and camping overnight.

Day 3: Maranpata to Chiquisca.
There is the option to return to the site for sunrise before breakfast. We then head down to the small community of Santa Rosa where we will have lunch. Then continue down to Rosalina Beach where there maybe time to take refreshing dip in the waters of the Apurimac River before we cross the river. Again we change horses on the other side of the river before heading to Chiquisca for dinner and overnight camping.

Day 4: Chiquisca to Cachora - transfer to Cusco.
After breakfast an early start around 06.00 for the uphill climb back to Capuliyoc. After lunch we walk towards Cachora to met by our private bus to take us back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time around 9.00pm.

Departure and arrival times are approximate.

Campsites are subject to change according to our guides discretion and the performance of the group.

Dates in 2015:
20 - 24 August

Treks available also on demand.
TOUR COST PER PERSON BASED ON 2 SHARING;

Trek only  
In a group of 2: USD765  
In a group of 4: USD605  
In a group of 6: USD495  
In a group of 7- 10: USD470
Single supplement: USD115

Optional add ons: 
Ayahuasca Ceremony  or San Pedro Ceremony (optional): USD200 per person

This trek is operated by our Business Partners: 
Aston Garcia Tours (Luxury Tours in South America)

Contacts and bookings:
Jiron Bolognesi No. 152, Urubamba, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru. 
Tel: 084 509703. Cel: 947 773896
E: reservations@astongarciatours.com
W: www.astongarciatours.com

Included on this trail: In shared pool service
Pre-departure briefing  in Cusco.
Collection from your hotel and private transfer to the starting point of the trail.
Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, a daily morning snack with a daily tea service. Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Personal tents: 2 people in each 4 person capacity tent and a 2 man tent for single travellers, to allow for higher comfort and the safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3 season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in the field. 
One sleeping pad
One sleeping bag per person: our sleeping bags are -18°C comfort, mummy form and include a sleeping liner. (They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips) One pillow per person
One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate the environment
Filtered bottled water from lunchtime on day 1 onwards
Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and night and at lunchtime if requested in advance
English speaking professional and official tourist guide providing 24 hour guest service(2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
Dining tent with tables and chairs  Kitchen tent


Bio-degradable personal hand soaps. THERE ARE TOILET AND SHOWER FACILITIES AT CAMPSITES.
Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
Hot water every morning and evening for personal washing purposes
Chef and cooking equipment
Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
I horse in case of emergency
Accommodation for all our staff
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Not included:
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Meals and drinks other than stated in the itinerary.

What we recommend to take on the trail:
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Waterproof bag for storing camera and clothing.
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or trainers for comfort while at camp
Warm clothing including jacket, fleeces thermal clothing especially for sleeping
Torch/headlamp and spare batteries
Camera, films/memory cards and batteries (batteries consume more quickly at high altitude)                                                                                        
Hat to protect you from the sun, rain and the cold
Sun block after-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent - minimum 20% DEET (at present no malaria risk has been reported)
Handkerchiefs/Toilet paper
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilising tablets in case you draw water from streams or rivers along the route. N.B. Filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has no reported health problems is provided on the trail.
Small towel, personal toiletries.
Cash in Peruvian currency and/or US$
Original passport or copy
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required so not to cause damage to the trail). Available for hire.