6 Day Horse Trekking Camp in Choquequirao, Machu Picchu's Sacred Sister

Day 1

The team will pick you up from your Cusco hotel in a private vehicle to drive four hours, with another two or so hours looking at ruins, to the small community of Cachora. This is the main central highway with interesting ruins you visit along the way; the ceremonial sites of Quillarumiyoq and Saywite. You will stay overnight at the comfortable Casa Salkantay Lodge near Cachora.

• All meals and select evening libations included

Day 2

Drive to Capilloc Pass. You will have your first view of the immense Apurimac drainage far below. This deep canyon with its powerful river is one of the great geographic wonders of the Americas. The Apurimac which means “voice of god or mighty speaker” in Quechua, thunders hundreds of miles through the remotest part of the Andes to eventually, along with a multitude of sister rivers, become the Amazon. You will hike a winding trail down some 3000 feet to set camp at a developed campground with toilets and a cold shower beside the river.

You will travel by foot or on horseback with accompanying mule pack train (estimated five to six hours of hiking/riding and a stop for lunch). The staff sets up a large dining tent with tables and chairs. One or two persons are assigned a four-person sleeping tent.

• All meals included

Disclaimer: Having done this hike many times Gary and/or Edwin will likely be riding most of the way on mules.

Day 3

Trek up to Choque. After tea and coffee served in bed along with a tub of warm washing water, you have breakfast in the large tent then head out around 8:30 a.m. or so. You climb another 4,500 feet to your objective, some five to six hours with a stop for lunch.

By late afternoon, you have reached a spectacular campsite among massive stone constructions and jungle tangle near the imposing walls of the ancient ceremonial city.

• All meals included

Day 4

Following a leisurely breakfast, the day is dedicated to an extensive exploration of the main groups led by Gary and/or Edwin Duenas. They explain in detail what they have learned from several decades of fieldwork there. The discussion continues over the camp happy hour as the Andean sun settles behind sacred Apu Ampato to the west.

• All meals included

Day 5

You have ample have time to revisit the main groups before departing to then descend the winding steep trail some 4,500 feet back down to the Apurimac River. Crossing over the newly rebuilt bridge above the rapids, you will again overnight at the riverside camp.

• All meals included

Day 6

Completing the trek out to the road head, sadly bidding mules, cooks, and wranglers goodbye. You will toast the staff and the successful completion of a magical journey back through time. You will travel back by bus to Cusco, with luck, arriving by early evening.

• Breakfast and lunch included

Choquequirao

Nestled at 10,000 feet on a prominent ridge overlooking the profound Apurimac chasm with the backdrop of ice sculptured mountain cathedrals, this mythical lost city rivals Machu Picchu in beauty and importance. Adventure Specialists team is learning more every year of this major, seldom visited, Inca site.

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Meals are prepared from fresh meats, grains, and vegetables. The seasoned cooks are well experienced in catering to vegetarian diets for those of that calling. Before the evening meal, you enjoy happy hour with popcorn, assorted hot beverages, and, for those who imbibe, the famous expedition vodka martini or select Chilean wine.

• 1 night accommodation at the comfortable Casa Salkantay lodge at Cachora
• 4 nights accommodation in deluxe camps
• Near-gourmet meals
• Park fees
• Saddle animals and pack mules
• The best local support staff
• Transportation from Cusco and return

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• A reservation requires a deposit of 31% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.