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Ausangate And Rainbow Mountain Trek 6 Days
included
From
$
1,740.00 pp
It is located northeast of the City of Cusco, between the Apurimac River, and the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, where the Salkantay snow – capped peak stands out with an altitude of 6 271 m.a.s.l. (20575 ft.). The biodiversity offered by this hike includes sightings of endangered species such as the Andean condor, the puma and the spectacled bear. This area served as a refuge and natural fortress to the sixteenth Inca resistance movement of the 16th century. According to oral tradition, it is believe that EL DORADO is located in this area, still hidden from the archaeology.
If you are excited about adventure and want to hike one of the most famous tours in the world, get ready and let’s start our adventure!
We will pick you up from the hotel at 4:30 a.m. to start the trip to the town of Capuliyoc passing through the towns of Izcuchaca until we reach the Tarawasi Archaeological Complex., We will continue our journey to the Cunyac Bridge, passing through the villages of Curahuasi, Saywite, and Cachora, to finally arrive at Capuliyoc. At this point, we prepare the pack animals and muleteers, and begin our trek with beautiful views of the landscapes, the Vilcanota mountain range, and its glaciers as we walk the zigzagging paths ascending to the village of Chiquisca (1850 masl.) where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch, we continue our journey towards Rosalina’s beach (1,500 meters above sea level) to cross the Apurímac River, where it is quite warm, and a place where we will camp.
We will have our first campsite and dinner.
After breakfast at approximately 6:00 AM, we begin our second day of hiking, one of the most challenging yet rewarding, for about 2 hours until we reach Santa Rosa. We take a short break and then continue along a narrow path for another 3 hours until we arrive at Marampata (2,900 masl), where we will have lunch while enjoying the beautiful views this place offers once again. Along the way, we will pass through lovely sugar cane farms, where they produce a traditional alcoholic drink called “cañazo,” made for centuries in the Peruvian Andes.
Afterward, we will have lunch, rest for a bit, and then continue walking for 2 more hours to the campsite for our second night, located just 20 minutes from the archaeological zone. Our hike leads to the Lost City of Choquequirao, said to be three times larger than Machu Picchu. Snow-capped mountains, beautiful landscapes, and the rich history hidden in this place surround it.
Choquequirao will be visited for approximately five hours, accompanied by our guide who will explain about this important Inca refuge. We will visit the Administrator’s House, Pikiwasi, the Priest’s Temple, the Main Plaza, the Llamas, the Qolqas, and the House of the Mummies. The campsite is located right next to the archaeological site, so we will be able to visit this mysterious place, enjoy the sunset and sunrise, and have some time for ourselves immersed in nature. Dinner and camping.
We wake up early with a cup of infusion or hot coffee, witnessing the fantastic natural surroundings of the archaeological center, including the mountains and vegetation. After breakfast, we will have time in the morning to explore this magnificent Inca city. Our guide will take you through the agricultural terraces and the waterfall, visiting each of the archaeological sectors while explaining the history and significance of the site. Choquequirao (meaning “Cradle of Gold”) is nicknamed the twin sister of Machu Picchu, but it is nearly three times larger.
We will then return to the campsite for lunch and also visit the restored terraces of the llamas, located about 300 meters (1,000 feet) below the main structures, such as the Inca House, the Main Temple, and the Water Temple. If we are lucky, we might observe the return of the condors to their homes.
After taking all the time you need to explore Choquequirao, we will return to the same campsite for dinner and spend the night.
We wake up early for breakfast and begin our return hike, which will be much easier and more relaxed. First, we will head to Marampata. We will descend to the town of Santa Rosa, passing along the banks of the Apurímac River (1,500 meters above sea level), where we will have lunch. We will then continue the hike for approximately two hours until we reach Chiquisca (1,850 masl). This will be the site of our final campsite for the night.
At approximately 6:00 AM, we will wake up for breakfast and begin our return journey to the city of Cusco. We will have one last hike of about 4 hours to reach Capulliyoc, the end of the trek, where we will have our final lunch with our guide and the staff who accompanied us on this adventure. Finally, we will board the transport that will take us for nearly 4 hours to our destination, Cusco.
Optionally, in the afternoon, if time allows, we will stop to enjoy the Cconocc thermal medicinal baths, where we will rest for about an hour before continuing our return to Cusco, concluding our service with a transfer to the hotel.
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Price Per Person In A Shared Service- English Speaking – Guide
Private Tour Pricing
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The Choquequirao trek is of moderate to high difficulty. It involves long and steep hikes as well as significant altitude changes. It is ideal for people in good physical condition and with trekking experience.
During the trek, camping is provided at designated locations. Tents, sleeping bags, and mats are supplied. Facilities at the campsites are basic.
Three meals a day are provided: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is varied and prepared by a cook who accompanies the group. It includes hot and nutritious dishes suitable for the trek conditions.
Yes, it is recommended to bring appropriate equipment such as trekking boots, light and warm clothing, rain gear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a headlamp. It’s also advisable to carry a reusable water bottle and energy snacks.
The best time to undertake the trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the weather conditions are more favorable, and there is less chance of rain.
The walk from Playa Rosalinas to Choquequirao takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, including breaks and the ascent to the archaeological site.
The climate varies by altitude. In lower areas like Playa Rosalinas, it is warm and humid, while at higher elevations, it can be cold, especially at night. It is recommended to be prepared for abrupt weather changes.
Sanitary facilities are basic. There are rustic toilets at the campsites. It is advisable to bring extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
The trail is marked, but some sections can be challenging to follow. It is recommended to be accompanied by an experienced guide who knows the route well and can ensure the group’s safety.
Yes, it is possible to do a day trip to Choquequirao from Marampata. The round trip to Choquequirao takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, but it is recommended to spend the night at the nearby campsite to fully enjoy the site and avoid long hikes in one day.
Choquequirao is a lesser-known Inca site compared to Machu Picchu, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience. Visiting Choquequirao allows you to explore impressive Inca ruins, enjoy stunning landscapes, and learn about the history and culture of the region.
We are Inca Perú Travel certified tour operator, we offer tours to different destinations in Peru, as well as cultural experiences, adventure tours, gastronomic tourism and our most recent experiential and community tourism tours.
