Choquequirao Trekking - Peru

In ancient times civilisations erected gigantic structures to protect themselves and their treasures from conquerors. Many of them were built in mountains, remote and difficult to access places. The mountain ranges of the city of Choquequirao lead us to a ruined fortress and an incredible adventure.full of magical moments and unique experiencesDo you want to know more about this circuit? Join us and enjoy the journey!

READ ALSO: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trails in Peru".

Trekking is an increasingly popular activity all over the world.Some even consider it a type of sport due to its high physical demands. It consists of walking hundreds of kilometres through trails, mountains, rivers, lagoons, forests, deserts, beaches, sierras and any natural scenery over which you can walk.

Choquequirao is a very ancient city, located in southern Peru at 2987 metres above sea level.. It is part of the Inca culture, so to discover its secrets you will need to walk hundreds of kilometres. The Choquequirao Trek trail is steep and challenging.. But don't worry, we'll teach you everything you need to know to conquer this ancient land.

You may be interested in: The best trekking routes in South America".

Get to know the Choquequirao Trek circuit

Our adventure begins in Capuliyocthe starting point of the Choquequirao Trek circuit. Our goal? The last refuge of the IncasThe ruins of Vitcos, on the cusp of the Choquequirao Mountains. An incredible place, considered by many visitors as the second Machu Picchu.

The circuit is steep from the start, we go down the Apurimac RiverFrom there you can see the fantastic cactus-covered cliffs and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora mountains. Many stop for a second to observe the dramatic landscape.

This circuit is characterised by a trail full of high and low, zigzagging walls that define the nature of the mountain. and through which we have to cross to avoid the cold weather. After crossing this canyon we continue to the top of the mountain. There, we begin to walk through thick vegetation and we go deep into the rainforest.

Once there, we will observe terraces and signs of what was the ancient city of Choquequirao.. The trail will take us through the forest to reach the other end of the mountain. At the edge, we will be able to take a break to appreciate the incredible view that the Incas had.

In the ruins of Choquequirao you will find hundreds of mysteries hidden in the white stone walls. Without a doubt, you will witness the Inca culture. In this incredible place we will be able to spend the night and continue our journey to the people of Yahama.

From there we took the trail that was built by the Incas and We will climb the steep mountain range until we reach the city of Huancalle.in the region of Vilcabamba, where we will discover the ruins of Vitcos. The last Inca fortress, when the Spaniards took control, Manco Inca took refuge in Vitco, from where he maintained control of his empire until he was assassinated.

Once you get here you won't want to go back, the beauty and majesty of the Choquequirao Mountains will capture you. The duration of this incredible circuit is 8 days.The journey from Cachorra to Vilcabamba, however, is usually shorter if you only visit Choquequirao.

Before you start, it is very important to acclimatise yourselfaltitude and cold are often silent enemies. So, if you still don't know where to stay, you can choose any of these hotels in Cusco - Peru.

• The Hostal del HombreroIf you want to take care of your budget, this place is your best option. Comfortable, cheap and very clean. It also offers free wifi connection.
• La Casona Les PleiadesIf you are looking for something more professional, our friends at La Casona will surely welcome you with open doors. An excellent place, with comfortable beds and good service.
• Illa HotelMoney is no object, because the Illa Hotel is the one for you. Here you will receive exclusive attention, enjoy a charming room and live for a short period of time like a king or queen.

The best time to do this trek is during the dry season, from April to October.. However, keep in mind that September is the month with the highest presence of mosquitoes. One of the main constraints is transport, so it is common to ride mules.

What you will need for trekking in Choquequirao

For the Choquequirao Trek you will need an unwavering desire to learn about the fascinating history of the Inca civilisation and all your hiking gear. Given the extreme conditions of the mountain, it is very important that you have the right equipment.. That's why we've put together a shopping list with everything you need to start your journey in this incredible mountain range.

• Bag and equipment: most hiking bags are perfect, however, you should choose one with sufficient capacity to carry all your things. and, moreover, that it is resistant.
• Clothing and footwear: you have to be fit for the road, get waterproof and comfortable clothingjackets and long sleeve shirts. Remember to buy hiking boots or shoesall your clothing needs to be hard-wearing and acclimatised.
• Food and drink: you can cook whatever you want, but it is very important that it is food. non-perishable and easy to transport. We recommend canned goods, plenty of bottled water, fruit, cereals and something to make coffee.
• Camping tentfor the Choquequirao Trek you need many hours of sleepSo both a camping tent and a sleeping bag are vital. So make sure you have everything you need to get a good night's sleep.
• Maps and tools: even though you will have our support, it is very important that you carry and learn how to use maps.We recommend that you buy one. As well as a compass and even a GPS.
• Mobile kitchen: unless you are considering hunting, which we do not encourage. It is vital to have equipment for cooking our food, such as cookers and/or cookers for excursions.
• Tools and accessoriesFor trekking in Choquequirao we need a lot of tools. Don't forget to bring a lighter, knife or razor, sunscreen, insect repellent, torches, extra clothes, towel, toilet paper, first aid kit, binoculars, watertight bag, reserve food, among others.
• Papers and identificationAlthough our journey is in the mountains, it is important to have our passport, permits and cash on hand.

The Choquequirao Trek is a unique, challenging and rewarding adventure.The Inca civilisation inhabited this beautiful place for almost a century. Do you think you're strong enough to conquer it? Come on, come with us!