Overview
Perched on a knife-edged promontory at 10,000 feet and ringed by the snow-capped Vilcabamba Mountains is Choquequirao, a true “lost city of the Incas.” For its absolutely stunning location, Choquequirao (“The Cradle of Gold”) is often compared to Machu Picchu, yet this hidden Inca site has no road access, few visitors, and a haunting ambience unmatched at other Inca ruins. First discovered in the 1700s, Choquequirao was not excavated until more than 200 years later. Less than 40% of the ruins have been uncovered, with many of the site’s secrets still undiscovered.
In the company of our archaeologist Trip Leader Kevin Floerke, our spectacular and challenging trek brings us through the canyon carved by the roaring Rio Apurimac and across mountain passes to majestic Choquequirao, with its stunning plazas and mysterious shrines. Trekking onward, we cross the entire Vilcabamba range over high passes, ending our trek at world-renowned Machu Picchu. Kevin has conducted intensive mapping survey of the Inca Road System (which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), as well as a study of high-altitude ceremonial sites in the cloud forests of the Vilcabamba. Each exhilarating day of hiking will end at our exclusive camps, where we can savor peaceful nights beneath a star-filled sky. Our fitting finale is a visit to the extraordinary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This is a true trek into the heart of the Inca Empire. Join us!
This trip exceeded by far my expectations. An exhilarating experience, beautiful (if tough) hikes, incredible Inca ruins, excellent food, and a superb group of people to facilitate and enrich our trip.
— Laurent G., Bellaire, TX
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Cusco / Saqsayhuaman / Tambo Machay
We discover the ancient capital of the Inca Empire on foot, with a warm-up hike that brings us from mighty Saqsayhuaman, a towering stone fortress, down to Cusco through a fascinating array of Inca sites.
Days 3-6
Cachora / Choquequirao
Our trails lead us into the deep canyon of the Apurímac River, with the snow-capped peak of Salkantay (20,574') rising high above us. From our campsite at 10,000 feet just below Choquequirao, we explore this extraordinary complex, with its zigzagging terraces and ceremonial buildings laid out in alignment with the movement of the sun. In the stillness and remoteness here, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, we will sense the majesty of the Inca Empire.
Days 7-11
Pincha Unuyoc / Qoriwayrachina / Minas Victoria / Lucmabamba
Climbing up above Choquequirao, we descend to the Inca site of Pincha Unuyoc, which may have housed Choquequirao’s royal servants, and hike further to the lost outpost of Qoriwayrachina, a site our Trip Leader has studied extensively (and that was first discovered by another WT Trip Leader!). An Inca-paved road leads us over Minas Victoria Pass (14,500'), where we might see soaring condors. Descending to the pretty village of Yanama, we end our trek in Lucmabamba (6,378'), set in a subtropical landscape.
Days 12-14
Machu Picchu / Cusco
We have a fantastic day of exploration at Machu Picchu, including a hike up Huayna Picchu, with its bird’s-eye view of the ruins. Return to Cusco on Day 13 and depart on Day 14.
Choquequirao: Trek to the Cradle of Gold
Highlights
Highlights
Details
9-day trek on moderate to strenuous trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 9,500-14,500 feet
