Set at 3050 kilometres above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, Choquequirao is an intriguing Incan archaeological site dating to the 15th and 16th centuries. It is only accessible via a strenuous two- to three-day hike from outside Cusco and is not for the faint-hearted! The route is a lesser-known and less crowded alternative to the world-famous Inca Trail and takes in spellbinding vistas of jagged snow-capped mountain peaks and remote forested valleys. This pristine ecosystem is exceptionally rich in flora and fauna - visitors can look forward to catching glimpses of exotic creatures such as condor, coral snakes, tarantulas and hummingbirds. At the end of this challenging trek is the hilltop archaeological site where you can see the remnants of expertly crafted stone structures that were once a stronghold of Inca culture. It encompasses several shrines and temples that emphasise water, leading archaeologists to believe it may have been a sacred centre devoted to the Incan goddess of springs, rivers and the ocean, Mama Cocha.
Cusco to Chiquisca
We leave Cusco at 6.00 am in our private transport and drive towards Cachora, an Andean community located 4-5h from Cusco at 2800m/9184ft, the starting point of the trek where we meet our horsemen and horses. We start our hike climbing for two and a half hours towards the Abra Capuliyoc at 2750m/9020ft, where may we enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac River Canyon. We then continue descending for two more hours towards Chiquisca, where we set our camp and spend the night.
đ˝ď¸ Meals L, D
Overnight: Chiquisca Campsite
Campsite along the Apurimac Canyon. A dining tent will be set up for dinner and breakfast. The bathroom consists of a chemical toilet in a pop up tent. Overnight in three or four person tents for a double. Good thermarest mattresses and sleeping bags are provided. Wake up with a delicious coca tea and a warm washcloth to clean your beautiful face.
Basis
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included
Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FI:Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
As previously described
Chiquisca to Choquequirao
We leave Chiquisca as early as 6.00am to go down to Rosalina Beach, which will take about one hour. We then cross the Apurimac River and start climbing towards Santa Rosa, zigzagging up a steep slope. This climb will take an approximated 2h, and it is important that we leave early so that the heat does not make it more difficult than it has to be. In Santa Rosa, we make a half an hour break, where those who wish may try Cambray, a local sugar cane extract. Afterwards, we continue our hike slowly climbing for two and a half hours until we reach our lunch spot in Marampata. From here we walk another two hours until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, located at 3103m/10178ft, where we will set up camp and enjoy some free time to explore the terraces and buildings. When the sun starts to set, you might want to sit and contemplate the canyon, where condors are sometimes spotted.
đ˝ď¸ Meal : B, L, D
Overnight: Choquequirao
Choquequirao (possiblyfrom Quechua chuqi metal, k'iraw crib, cot ) is an Incan site in south Peru, similar in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu. The ruins are buildings and terraces at levels above and below Sunch'u Pata, the truncated hill top. The hilltop was anciently leveled and ringed with stones to create a 30 by 50 m platform.
Choquequirao at an elevation of 3,050 metres (10,010 ft) is in the spurs of the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Santa Teresa district, La ConvenciĂłn Province of the Cusco Region. The complex is 1,800 hectares, of which 30â40% is excavated. The site overlooks the Apurimac River canyon which has an elevation of 1,450 metres (4,760 ft).
The site is reached by a two-day hike from outside Cusco. Choquequirao has topped in the prestigious Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2017 Top Regions list.
Basis
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included
As previously described
This morning we enjoy a complete guided tour of the Choquequirao complex: we will visit the high parts (Hanan), and the lower parts (Urin), and some areas that are still covered in wild foliage and ready to be restored into the way it was when the Incas owned it. After the tour, we start our walk back towards Santa Rosa, where we have lunch. We then continue descending for another 2 hours until we reach Rosalina Beach at 1450m/4756ft, where we might have time to take a refreshing dip in the waters of the Apurimac River. We camp and dine here.
đ˝ď¸ Meal : B,L,D
Overnight: Rosalina Beach
Rosalina beach is a campsite along the Apurimac River.
Basis
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included
Rosalina Beach to Cachora
We leave camp after breakfast to start the two to three hour climb to Chiquisca, to then make our way back to the Abra Capuliyoc, close to which we have our lunch. In the afternoon, we continue on our two-hour return route to Cachora, where a private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time around 9.00pm.
đ˝ď¸ Meal : B, L, D
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
đ Transfer
Qinti
đ Patricia Miranda 961763936
Emergency Contact
đ Qinti - Emergency Contact 51961763935
Service Provider : Chiquisca Campsite
Address: Sendero a Choquequirao
Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu â visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trailâs arduous slopes to explore the age-old ruins. The countryâs attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years â all imbued with the nationâs rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peruâs Amazon rainforest; Limaâs superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as âthe centre of the worldâ.
Currency
Local currency: Peruvian Sol
Symbol: S/
ISO code: PEN
Subunit: cĂŠntimo
Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200
Coins: cĂŠntimo, S/1, S/2, S/5
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Dinerâs club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Air:
Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca
International Airports: Jorge ChĂĄvez International Airport (Lima)
Domestic Airports: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco), RodrĂguez BallĂłn International Airport (Arequipa), CapitĂĄn FAP Carlos MartĂnez de Pinillos International Airport (Trujillo)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Limited
Q'inti meets or exceeds the travel industryâs latest global health and safety protocols.
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Peruvian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisines. Highlights include ceviche (marinated raw fish), lomosaltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (layered potato dish). Notable local drinks include Pisco Sour (cocktail), chicha morada (purple corn drink), and Inca Kola.
Tipping: 10%
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: Varies by region
Summer:
Average highs: Varies by region
Average lows: Varies by region
Winter:
Average highs: Varies by region
Average lows: Varies by region
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the ancient ruins.
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. CONTRACTING PARTIES: These Terms and Conditions are legally binding between the traveler(s) and Q´INTI VIAJES SAC, herein after referred to its commercial name QâINTI.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS: PLEASE NOTE: Acceptance of a quotation from QâINTI constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions which take effect immediately.
3. ACCOMMODATION: All accommodation, room type(s) and specification are as shown in the itinerary.
4. MEALS: Meals are as shown in the itinerar
5. TRANSFERS: Transfers are provided on arrival and departure from airport to hotel and return only where specified in the itinerary.
6. ITINERARY: Accommodation and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond QâINTI âs control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. QâINTI also reserves the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the tour inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control. In case of any appreciable variation in the tour price due to these circumstances, QâINTI reserves the right to adjust the tour costs as necessary.
7. SPECIAL REQUESTS: Specific requests should be advised at the time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure special requests, however; they cannot be guaranteed.
8.TRANSPORTATION:Transportation will be as specified in the itinerary.
9. BAGGAGE: QâINTI provides handling of baggage only as specified in the quotation. Weight restrictions for baggage on most routes on internal/domestic flights within Peru and Brazil may apply; details of which will be provided with pre-tour documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at the ownerâs risk throughout the tour and QâINTI assumes no liability for lost or damaged baggage. Baggage insurance is strongly advised. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flight.
10.TAXES AND GRATUITIES: Hotel taxes as imposed by city and state governments are included in Peru where specified in the itinerary. Some local taxes imposed by city and state government are not included in Brazil and must be paid by the client by the check-in or check-out time. Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, camp staff, ship crew and Tour Managers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.
11. PRICES & ARRANGEMENTS: The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges and is quoted based on the current rates of exchange and tariffs. Entrance fees as part of scheduled sightseeing tours are also included in this price. This price is subject to revision in line with significant changes in foreign currency, tariff rates, taxes etc.
12. EXCLUSIONS: The cost of obtaining passports, visas, inoculations, excess baggage charges, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, fax charges and excess baggage charges unless expressly included in writing, are not included in the tour price.
13. PHOTOGRAPHY: QâINTI reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a program with QâINTI, travelers agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Travellers who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to QâINTI prior to final payment and they will be exempted from this photography waiver clause.
14.REGISTRATION: A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking. The remainder of the tour cost is payable 60 days prior to departure. If the reservation is made within 60 days of departure, the entire tour price must be paid at the time of confirmation. Important special deposits & prepayments: Belmond properties: For Fitâs: (1-4 rooms) Belmond Sanctuary Lodge: full payment is required with 91 days in advance. Cancellations made with 90 to less days in advance, full penalty will apply. For Parties: (5-7 rooms) Belmond Miraflores Park, Belmond Monasterio, and Belmond Palacio Nazarenas: 50% payment should be made with 60 days in advance. Full payment should be made with 30 days in advance. Cancellations made with 60 to 31 days in advance, will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the total cost. Cancellations made with 30 to less days in advance, full penalty will apply. Belmond Rio Sagrado, Belmond Las Casitas and Belmond Sanctuary Lodge: 50% payment should be made with 91 days in advance. Full payment should be made with 60 days in advance.Cancellations made with 90 to 61 days in advance, will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the total cost. Cancellations made with 60 to less days in advance, full penalty will apply. Groups: In all hotels, 50% payment should be made with 120 days in advance. Full payment should be made with 90 days in advance. Cancellations made with 120 to 91 days in advance, will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the total cost. Cancellations made with 90 to less days in advance, full penalty will apply. On Christmas and New Year Eve season (from Dec 26th to Jan 01st inclusive) in Monasterio, Palacio Nazarenas, RĂo Sagrado and Las Casitas, full payment is required with 60 days in advance. In Sanctuary Lodge, full payment is required will not apply cancellations. Payments during this season are non-refundable. Inkaterra properties: (Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Reserva Amazonica, Hacienda Urubamba or La Casona Cusco & El Mapi By Inkaterra, Hacienda ConcepciĂłn) A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total cost for the reservation should be paid with 60 days previous arrival for FITâS and Groups (from 5 to 24 rooms). Final non-refundable payment for FITâS and Groups should be made with 45 days previous to arrival. Titilaka: For FITâs, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total cost is required with 90 days before arrival to confirm the reservation. Final non-refundable payment should be sent with 45 days in advance. For Groups, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total cost is required with 90 days before arrival to confirm the reservation. Final non-refundable payment should be sent with 60 days in advance. Inca Trail trekking: (3 nights camping or One day hike) A non-refundable deposit of USD 300 (for one day hike) or USD 520 (for 3 nts camping program) per person is required to confirm permits for passengers. We also require full passenger details in order to confirm the reservation. Please make sure that your clientsâ passports are valid until well beyond the date of travel in Peru. Once permits have been purchased, please note that, due to government regulations, it will be impossible to make changes to dates, names, group size and other passenger details. M/V Aqua or Aria Amazon Cruise:For Fitâs: A deposit of USD 400.00 is required to confirm the booking. And full prepayment will be required 90 days prior departure. For those bookings made 90 or less days before departure, full payment will be required. In case of cancellations made 121 + days prior to departure deposit will be refunded less USD 200.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made 120 to 90 days prior to departure deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made 90 or less days prior to departure, full payment will apply as cancellation penalty. For Groups: For reservations made with 121 days or more in advance: A deposit of USD 400.00 is required to confirm the booking. An additional deposit of USD 420.00 will be required with 120 days in advance. For reservations with 120 to 91 days in advance, a deposit of USD 800.00 will be required to confirm the booking.And full prepayment will be required 90 days prior departure. For those bookings made 90 or less days before departure, full payment will be required. In case of cancellations made 121 + days prior to departure deposit will be refunded less USD 200 service charge per person. Cancellations made 120 to 90 days prior to departure deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made 90 or less days prior to departure, full payment will apply as cancellation penalty. M/V Delfin â Amazon Cruise: A deposit of USD 500.00 is required to confirm the booking. Full payment is required 91 days prior to departure. In case of cancellations made 90 or less days prior to departure, full payment will apply as cancellation penalty.In case of cancellations made 151 + days prior to departure deposit will be refunded less USD 200.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made 150 to 91 days prior to departure deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made 90 or less days prior to departure, full payment will apply as cancellation penalty. Panoramico Cruise â Brazil: A non-refundable deposit of USD 500 per person is required to confirm spaces at the ship.
15. PAYMENT METHOD:Payments may be made by the following methods:Check, Bank transfer, Paypal . QâINTI cannot guarantee that all payment methods will be accepted and QâINTI will therefore advise of the most suitable payment method at the time of deposit. 15.1 Please use the following account details for bank transfers: QINTI VIAJES S.A.C; Bank: Banco de CrĂŠdito del PerĂş; Address: Calle Centenario 156 Urb. Las Laderas de Melgarejo, La Molina, Lima 12, Lima PerĂş; Swift Code: BCPL PEPL; BANCO DE CREDITO DEL PERU; Account number US$: 193-1855755-1-08; CCI US$: 00219300185575510814 15.2 For payment by bank transfer please confirm with QâINTI by fax or email the date on which payment has been made. 15.3 Travelers are liable for all bank and credit card related transaction charges. Fit Payment Policy: For Pantanal programs, 30 % of the total tour cost is required at booking time. 60 Days prior to travel: A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total tour cost is required. If deposit is not received on this date, reservations will be automatically released. 45 Days prior to travel: Final payment (80% balance due and 70% for Brazilian programs) is required. Group Payment Policy 90 Days prior to travel: A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total tour cost is required. If deposit is not received on this date, reservations will be automatically released. 60 Days prior to travel: Final payment (50% balance due) is required. In the case of a dispute, only the disputed amount may be withheld until such time as settlement is agreed. All other amounts must be paid in accordance with the payment policy. Please note that for groups reserving more than 15 rooms in Belmond hotel properties special payment terms and conditions will be put in place. Please ask your Tour Consultant for details.For groups traveling to Brazil, please contact us to discuss the payment policy.
16. CANCELLATION:All cancellations must be received in writing. 16.1 Cancellations received between the date of booking and 60 days prior to departure for groups and 45 days prior to departure for FITâs will result in the loss of the deposit. 16.1.1 Cancellations received 60 - 46 days (groups) and 45-31 days (fitâs) prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 25% of the tour price. 16.1.2 Cancellations received with 45 days or less (groups) and 30 days or less (FITâs) prior to departure will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire tour price. 16.1.3 In Brazil, cancellations received 45 days or less prior arrival will be subject to cancellation charges of 100 %. 16.2 Cancellation of airline tickets will be subject to the refund policy of each individual airline and may be greater than the percentages above particularly when low cost/net-based fares are used. 16.3 The purchase of special event tickets is subject to the refund policy of each individual event. Please refer to the specific event policy for details. 16.5 QâINTI reserve the right to charge for financial penalties, fees and losses incurred as a result of cancellation. *Please also check on #14 the Important special deposits, prepayments and cancellations policies for Cruises in Peru & Brazil, Belmond Properties, Inkaterra Properties, Titilaka Hotel and Inca Trail trekking.
17. CLAIMS AND REFUNDS:Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our LIMITS ON QâINTI RESPONSIBILITY clause below. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. QâINTI will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your program. All claims for days missed while travelling should be made in writing within 30 days of the program.
18. LIMITS ON QâINTI RESPONSIBILITY: QâINTI: its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively QâINTI), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip with the exception of a limited number of vehicles. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time-to-time other affiliated QâINTI companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, QâINTI is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person. In addition and without limitation, QâINTI is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection to the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, pandemic, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transport mechanism to arrive or depart on time. There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved in our programs, which can lead to illness, injury or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these trips take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in this trip.
18.1 In the event of a cancellation or material alteration to the trip as a result of the circumstances as described in this clause QâINTI may in their sole and absolute discretion: offer the traveller(s) alternative travel arrangements or products of comparable standard as may be appropriate in the circumstances; or if alternative travel arrangements or products are not offered by QâINTI, QâINTI will make a prompt proportional refund of monies paid by the traveller.
18.2 QâINTI may charge a reasonable fee to cover the administration costs associated with providing alternative travel arrangements or products. 18.3 If a material alteration becomes necessary within 90 days of the departure date for any reason other than the circumstances described in this clause, QâINTI will endeavor to offer comparable products, or a full refund of all monies paid by the traveller(s).
19. HEALTH PRECAUTIONS:Please ensure that you consult your personal physician about anti malaria precautions and other inoculations and vaccinations before travel. Where applicable, please ensure that whilst travelling you carry a valid Yellow Fever certificate.
20.TRAVEL ADVISORIES/WARNINGS:It is the responsibility of travellers to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to their respective government agencies. In the event of an active State Department or government agency Travel Warning against travel to specific destination location(s) of the trip, should the traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
21. TRAVELLERSâ REPRESENTATIONS: Traveller(s) represent(s) that neither he nor anyone traveling with him has any physical condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or other members of the tour. QâINTI reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the sole expense of the traveller, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.
22. AIR TRANSPORTATION:Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event occurring while passengers are not on board their aircraft. International air carriers are also subject to international air conventions limiting their liability. These limitations of liability are explained on the e-ticket or on the reverse of the airline ticket and when issued, this constitutes the sole contract between the respective air carrier(s) and their passengers.
23. PASSPORT & VISAS. Please note that passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Please note also that passports must be valid for six (6) months before departure and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations stamps. QâINTI cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements.
24. TRAVEL INSURANCE:QâINTI strongly recommend all clients take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to date of travel. This insurance should cover cancellation and curtailment, all medical expenses including evacuation/repatriation, personal baggage, personal liability, death and permanent disability and travel document insurance. QâINTI cannot be held responsible for any costs arising from such loss or injury.
25. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT:Any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits on QâINTI âs Responsibility clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled in the first instance by binding arbitration in the applicable legal forum as detailed in clause 26 of these Terms and Conditions. In lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means. Arbitration is the exclusive forum in the first instance for dispute resolution and except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.
26. APPLICABLE LAW AND FORUM: This agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with, and shall be governed by the laws of Peru and Brazil. It is agreed between QâINTI and the travelers that all lawsuits against QâINTI arising under, in connection with, or incidental to the tour shall be filed, if at all, in the courts of Peru and Brazil to the exclusion of the courts of or in any other country or jurisdiction.