Welcome to SAS Travel, Peru, Machupicchu and the Andes…. Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator. Leaders of Quality & Personalized treks and tours in Cusco, Manu National Park and Peru. Your memorable experience and superior service during your holidays touring with SAS Travel are our priority and full concern, 100% operated by SAS Travel and guaranteed departures for affordable prices, environmentally and socially friendly company. Direct Operators and run by a local family. Highly recommended by more than 200,000.00 happy campers. Trips with SAS Travel ... A spiritual journey for your mind, body and soul... Escape, travel, explore, dream, discover, trek and relax. You will love it this New Adventure !!!

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    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
    • SAS Travel Peru - Recommended by Lonely Planet
    • SAS Travel Peru - So much more than you were looking for!
    • SAS Travel Peru - Inca Trail to Machupicchu Licensed Specialist Operator
    • SAS Travel Peru - Experience & Expertise since 1990
SAS Travel Peru SAS Travel Peru

Starting Date - BOOK HERE:

SAS Travel Peru

Price Information

US$ 890.00 p/person

(Based on Double / Triple accommodation)

Please Note

DAILY DEPARTURES:
Upon your request departure date
2 person US$ 890 pp
3-4 person US$ 790. pp
5- 6 person US$ 690. pp
7 - 9 > person US$ 650. pp
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Cost of tour will be according with the number of trekkers in the group.

SAS Travel Peru

Overview

New Route: Cachora, Choquequirao, San Ignacio, Huanipaca, Conoq hot springs, Cusco. Awesome scenery and panoramic landscapes from high altitude jungle.
For Experienced trekkers.- We offer the 8 Days Choquequirao and Machupicchu trek connecting Salkantay mountains and ending in Patallaqta ruins, then Hidroelectrica and finally in Aguas Calientes and next morning very early we climb for one hour to Machupicchu to explore and discover it, later on we climb to Huayna Picchu.
Include hot springs pools in Aguas Calientes after 7 days hiking, full day to explore Machupicchu with your expert tour guide and still big chance to climb to the famous 300 meter mountain Huayna Picchu from Machupicchu.

SAS Travel Peru

Is it for me?

A Machu Picchu without the crowds, without the vendors, without the long lines of buses snaking through the Peruvian countryside exists- and it’s called Choquequirao. Ethan Todras-Whitehall -New york times.

SAS Travel Peru

Difficulty

Moderate to Strenuous, for trekkers with some experience in grade 4 treks but no risks of altitude problems, good physical condition is required.

Briefing

Night before your hike at 7:00 pm at our Cusco office. Meet your guide and recieve any rental equipment at this time.

SAS Travel Peru

Transport

Private van to Cachora and return from Huanipaca to Cusco

SAS Travel Peru

Recommended Hotels

We highly recommend Boutique Hotel Marqueses in Cusco, it is a beautiful and charming Colonial house built at the end of XVI century that has recently been restored and refurbished, located just one block from Cusco`s mayor Plaza. This great location is part of its popularity, close to all of the most important tourist attractions in the famous capital of Inca`s Empire. Well known for its incomparable hospitality and professional service. We can reserve the hotel and transfers you from the airport on your arrival and back on your return, you will enjoy a safe visit, wonderful attention and be pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the Andean Hospitality.

Due to the safe and strategic location you are within easy walking distance of the many historical places, museums, restaurants, cultural, artistic and traditional places of the Imperial Inca City.

SAS Travel Tour Operator & Agency offices are located alongside Hotel Marqueses so we at SAS Travel can assist you at any time.

http://www.hotelmarqueses.com/

SAS Travel Peru SAS Travel Peru SAS Travel Peru

You are here: ALTERNATIVE TREKS: TREKS to MACHU PICCHU, SHORT INCA TRAIL -FIXED DEPARTURES. > Choquequirao Trail 5 Day/4 Night Trek. Daily Departures.

Choquequirao Trail 5 Day/4 Night Trek. Daily Departures.

Last Minute Information

  • DAILY DEPARTURES !!! Participants required.- (2 people minimum). For group service please check here our OPEN GROUP FIXED DEPARTURES Or try to gather a group of friends and build up your own group and you can select your preferred departure date. If you are a group of 2 and your preference is the hike in a group and you book 5-4 months in advance... then we can try to get other trekkers and build up a small group. Cost of tour will be according with the number of trekkers in the group.
  • ---
  • When to book.- You must book this tour and pay a deposit well in advance. (For high season (from May to October, 3 months in advance.) Low season (from November to April, 2-1 month in advance.)
  • Best time to hike.- From April 1 st to end of December. (Dry season).
  • Adventages.- Not so crowded as other hikes around Cusco, you carry a small day pack, mules are provided to carry equipment and your belongings, amazing Inca sites located at the high jungle impressive views of Apurimac Canyon.
  • HOW TO BOOK and PAY A BOOKING DEPOSIT.- Choose on the Calendar in this page the date of your preference (Leaving Date): Fill in out with your personal details and complete details of other participants in your group, once you have finalized you will receive a Reservation Code (Purchase number) to pay a booking deposit on Step 3.
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  • REMARK.- This tour can be combined with the popular 2 Day MachuPicchu SUNRISE tour so 5th afternoon train and night in Aguas Calientes and next day early see MachuPicchu´s sunrise. Optional walk to the emblematic HuaynaPicchu Mt when permits are available so... book in advance. (Special rate: US$ 340 per person). http://www.sastravelperu.com/english/program/352/machupicchu-quotsunrisequot-tour-with-huaynapicchu-mt-walk-2-day1-night

Special Offer

BOOK a Tour with SAS Travel and GET a 15% DISCOUNT in our MARQUESES BOUTIQUE Hotel in Suite, Deluxe or Standard rooms plus a FREE pick up from airport at your arrival to Cusco. OR a FREE Sacred Valley tour to see Pisac, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantatambo and Chincheros. (70 Soles Entrance fee to the ruins and lunch are not included.) Payment of accommodation is required in $ USD cash or Soles cash directly in Reception. To reserve please contact Miguel at: [email protected] but you must also indicate your tour reservation code with SAS Travel
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Find more information here: www.hotelmarqueses.com “Charming and Amazing Hotel, Great Location one block near centre, Wonderful Staff and Excellent three star Hotel”. © 2016 TripAdvisor LLC

Choquequirao, The other Machupicchu means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua "Inca´s language", although this is probably not its original name. It is another "Lost City of the Incas" rediscovered officially late in 20th century located high on a ridge spur almost 1750mts above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. This is an awesome trek to appreciate beautiful landscapes and mountains, remotes old villages held in the past century by hacendados, very special Inca town built on top of the hills by the Chachapoyas mitimaes to honor the great Pachacutec, but overall is not a crowded as other destination for trekkers.
Choquequirao was build during the last days of the Inca empire in the government of the Inca Pachacutec 1490, by Tupac Inca Yapanqui, and probably after the Spanish invasion in 1532. Almost 40 years the Inca's held stand against the spanish conquerors (between 1536 - 1572). The construction of the different levels of temples, palaces, canals and aqueducts is really fantastic. "Choquequirao is the city which demonstrates the inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center. A city dedicated to worship the “Pachamama” the andean mother earth “the Apus” mountain gods and divinities, the river and the elements of nature." Choquequirao finally burned down and left deserted. This happened probably after the execution of the last Inca, Tupac Amaru I in 1572. By this occasion, the plaster covering the walls, carbonized and disappeared for the most part. At the east side of the complex more then 110 terraces with houses and squares are being revealed. At the west side another 170 terraces are hidden and covered by the forest, in some of these terraces can be seen now an amazing in straight line white color llamas in symetrical order, Until now only 25% is put to overdraft and conserved. With this Choquequirao is the largest Inca-town of the continent and much larger then Macchu Pichu. For the first time in 1710 they mentioned the existence of Choquequirao. The first drawings of the structure of the ruins were made about 1836 by the Frenchmen Léonce Angrand and them by Eugine Sartigues.

Program Itinerary

Day 1: CUSCO - CACHORA - COCA MASANA - CHIKISKA - ROSALINA CAMP.

We leave Cusco at 6:00 am in the morning for the 4 hour drive to Cachora in our private SAS transportation. On the way we will make a stop to enjoy our breakfast admiring the wonderful and amazing Limatambo Canyon, to the right the great Apu –Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, then we will continue to the little village of Cachora. After meeting our expedition support crew know as arrieros we arrange our equipment on mules / horses we will be ready to start a soft hike through this unknow mystery and very historically rich territory. It is a 3 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below. As well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. We then descend toward Coca Masana (2330m) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. Essential to bring a high deet mosquito repellent. Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m beside the raging “ The Speaker God “ Apurimac River, famous for Class 5 Rafting rapids. Here we will set up camp and spend the night. Your guide will introduce you to this amazing Inca land. Walking poles or wooden sticks are very highly recommended.

B L D

Camping 2 people per tents

3000 masl Capulichayoc

1500 masl Rosalina

17 Km

7 - 8 Hours

Day 2: PLAYA ROSALINA, MARAMPATA, CHOQUEQUIRAO

After an early breakfast we will walk for approx 1 hour to arrive to Playa Rosalina near the Apurimac River (1500 m), where we will cross a typical holding bridge then a forest of cactus, agaves and exotic local fruit trees. Here we start a gentle 3-4 hours gradual climb of 1,400 meters from the shores of the Apurimac river to Marampata (2900m). Here we stop for lunch surround by this beautiful landscape. At the end of this path we will see for the first time, the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, easy walk for 2 hours to Choquequirao ruins (3035 m). On route you will also see a variety of plants and flowers. As soon as we arrive to this Inca complex we will visit the farming terraces of Paqchayoc and the house of the waterfall, then we will return to our camping set near Choquequirao. Second camping here where you can taste “cambric” a local cognac made from sugar cane.

B L D

Camping 2 people per tents

2800 masl Marampata

1500 masl Playa Rosalina

14 km

7- 8 Hours

Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX : - Raqaypata or Playa Rosalina

Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible ruins of Choquequirao. Our guide will explain the history and importance of the site. After you will have free time to visit the 2 sectors of the complex. Lunch will be offered by your gracious cook in a picnic style. Early in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp the night at Raqaypata or Santa Rosa Baja. Dinner is provided.

B L D

Camp Raqaypata or Playa Rosalina

3200 masl Choquequirao

1500 masl Playa Rosalina

4 km

3-4 Hours

Day 4: Raqaypata, Coca Masana, Capulichayuc

After breakfast we continue our return hike with a steep descent towards the Apurimac River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon after a good rest we will climb gradually for approximately 4 hours to Coca Masana. After a 3 hour climb we reach Capuliyoc. We will say goodbye to our arrieros (horse guides) . Dinner is provided. Our final campsite.

B L D

Camping 2 people per tents

3000 masl Capulichayoc

15 km

7 - 8 Hours

Day 5: Capulichayuc - Cachora - Cusco

After breakfast we are ready for our return back to Cusco, our private transport will be waiting for us, after coming out from Cachora we will stop at the archaeological site at Saiwite Stone, a very enigmatic boulder with amazing carvings on it representing different Inca towns, fountains, animals and altars all carved on the rock, then after 2 hrs a chance to stop and enjoy a hot spring pools in Conoq. it's time to enjoy a much deserved beer and a good lunch. A further 4 hours by bus bring us back to Cusco.
Please Note.- The campsites in this tour are subject to change slightly due physical conditions of each participant and due to circumstances beyond our control including, landslides on the trail, bad weather conditions, etc anyhow we and the crew will do our best to offer you a great hike.
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Optional.- Instead returning to Cusco continue to Ollantaytambo town for the night and next day after midday you can take a train to Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu. Check out with our staff for this great option: [email protected]

B L

14 Km

4 - 5 Hours

What is Included:

  • Pre departures briefing the night before of your tour in your Hotel in Cusco.
  • Private Transport to Cachora (the trailhead) and transport return to Cusco
  • Excellent English speaking tour guides
  • Experienced Cook and assistant, mule herders
  • Horses/mules to transport camping equipment
  • Full 3 meals per day, tea time and snacks
  • 2 person per tent (new, spacious and confortable igloo tents) Eureka Timberline 4
  • 6-7 Kg portarage service. SAS Travel provides a duffle bag to transport your belongings.
  • Dining tent , Kitchen tent
  • Entrance fees to the Archaeological Park
  • Emergency horse
  • First aid kid.

What is not Included:

  • Down sleeping bag US$ 20
  • A pair of trekking poles US$ 20
  • 45 Lt back pack US$ 15

We recommend that you bring:

  • Backpack & Daypack :
  • sleeping bag
  • insect repellent
  • Hiking boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Clothes layers for variable temperature especially at night
  • T-shirts and trekking pants that zipoff to short pants for a comfortable day walks
  • Flash light, head torch
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses
  • Personal medical kit
  • Rain Gear: poncho/ a good rain jacket for wet season
  • Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
  • 2 litre water bottle water purifying tablets optional
  • copy of your passport
  • Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc ( soles or dollars
  • )
  • Emergency money at least 200 extra soles:
  • Bathing clothes for the hot springs. Optional

Recommendations

  • Answers to the most (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions related to the 5 DAY CHOQUEKIRAO TREK Group Service with SAS Travel
  • A.- BEFORE YOU GO
  • B.- ON THE TREK
  • C.- BOOKINGS & RESERVATIONS
  • A. BEFORE YOU GO.-
  • What is included in the price of the tour?
  • This link shows all the inclusions and what is NOT included in the price of the tour? http://www.sastravelperu.com/english/program/391/choquequirao-trek-5d4n/
  • Where are the Departure points for our TREKS?
  • We depart from just near hotel Marqueses but we can pick you up from your various hotels as long as you give us clear contact details of your accomodation at your checkin in the cusco office.
  • We will confirm the pick up time and procedure at the “pre trek briefing” the night before you depart.
  • Where can I store my luggage while I am trekking?
  • On the trek/tour, you should only bring with you the things you really want/need and leave the rest of your things with us. SAS Travel offers Free luggage storage for all of our customers. If you have luggage that you wish to leave with us in Cusco then bring it to the meeting point on the morning of the departure. A SAS Travel Rep will take your things to be stored in the Hotel Marqueses (Calle Garcilaso 265- Tèl: 257819), which is right next door to our main SAS office.
  • You can then pick up your things up from the safe storage in Hotel Marqueses any time after your trek (the hotel is open 24 hours). You must bring the tag given to you as receipt when you first dropped off your items:
  • What should I pack?
  • This link shows a list of recommended items:
  • http://www.sastravelperu.com/english/program/391/choquequirao-trek-5d4n/
  • I don`t have a good sleeping bag. Can I rent one?
  • YES you can just organise it at the time of booking or book directly in the office on your check-in
  • Down sleeping bag minus 8º Celcius US $ 20
  • 45 Lts Backpack $ 20
  • A pair of trekking poles $ 20
  • Personal porter for 9 Kg $ 50
  • Personal porter for 18 Kg $100
  • How much does the sleeping mat and sleeping bag weigh?
  • sleepmat weight = 1 kg
  • sleeping bag weight = 2-2.5 kg
  • I am on my own, will I have someone to share a tent with? yes another person of the same sex or if you prefer you can pay a single supplement for a tent just for you. This is US$ 30 (For the entire trek )
  • Will I need any extra money?
  • YES, so that you can take part in options such as bottle water, cool drinks, tips for your trekking staff, souvenirs,
  • You should take at least 200 soles as emergency money that hopefully you will return to Cusco with!
  • Do the guides speak English?
  • SAS Travel has high standards for our guides. All of our top guides must be educated in the field of tourism, first aid paramedical assistance and completely fluent in English. Our guides are also one of the most popular aspects of our tours some of them are historians and archaeologists.
  • How many people will be in my group?
  • We require 5 person minimum for our group price trek of $395, indicated dates on web are open groups in which you are welcome to join, but you can open any date you like especially if you are happy to go with less than the minimum.
  • Should I hire an extra porter?
  • If you have not trekked before we would suggest your organise the extra porter especially as there is lots of up and down!. Unless you have hired an extra porter you will need to carry your own back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress and water for the day. 75% of our travellers hire the extra porter for 9 kilos. If you would like to have a porter carry your things, one can be hired for US $50 for every 9 kilos ( shared porter, each porter carries 18 Kg plus his gear) SAS provide a duffle porter bag at the briefing the night before your hike. You should bring only what you absolutely need/want on the trek, and store the rest of your belongings in Cusco (see the information on our Free Luggage Storage).
  • Even if you do hire a porter you will still need a day pack with you so that you can carry such items as your camera, water bottle, snacks ( energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, sweets, remember glucose is a big help and imperative in the hights), sunscreen, sun-glasses, a fleece or something warm and a poncho (during the rainy season or cloudy days) and anything else you will need before lunch as the porters do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at the campsite.
  • It is best to put everything up to 18 kgs in one duffle bag if you are a couple or 2 for the porter so that you don’t have 2 large backpacks in your tent. We can provide you with a duffel bag to use. At the final lunch the staff will provide blue sacs to those who hired extra porters for transporting your belongings back to Cusco. Please return it to our main office in Cusco.
  • B. ON THE TREK.-
  • I am not really an experienced trekker? What if I can’t keep up? How difficult is the Trail?
  • Most people have that concern but don`t worry. Only in extremely rare circumstances does a passenger need to come back early. You just need to remember that you are able to go at a speed that is comfortable for you. Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy.
  • Are Trekking poles really necessary?
  • Yes, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are multiple times during the trek that a Trekking poles is handy, be it ascending a mountain or walking down it will help with your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.
  • How long will I be walking every day? How long is the trail?
  • 64 Km
  • This is an approximate breakdown according to our regular campsites:
  • Day 1: 17 Km 7 - 8 Hours
  • Day 2: 17 Km 7 - 8 Hours
  • Day 3: 4 km 2-3 hours
  • Day 4: 15 Km 7 - 8 Hours
  • Day 5: 14 Km 4 - 5 Hours
  • Is altitude sickness common? not really as your highest point is only 3200meters so less than Cusco.
  • What if I am unable to finish the trail?
  • In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health issues, SAS Travel will do everything in its power to get you to the nearest civilization and get help or transportation to help. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged if available, at your own expense. (Travel Insurance is required) There are no refunds in the situation that you are unable to finish the trek and you need to anticipate that evacuation by mule to trail head and then transport to Cusco may cost about $170 extra.
  • Can SAS Travel accommodate my dietary needs? What kind of food will there be?
  • Not to worry, SAS Travel is able to accommodate many types of dietary needs upon request at the time of booking. If you are a vegetarian, or cannot eat gluten or have allergies to certain foods, it will not be a problem. The meals of our chefs are one of the most popular parts of our tours too, and the quality will not be reduced when accommodating your dietary needs. The meals are served buffet style and you are able to choose what you would like to eat. Your guides will let you know what time the meals will be served.
  • Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes quinua, cereals and vegetable soups, Beaf Lomo Saltado with rice, chicken cacerole, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods as scramble egg, quinua panqueques.
  • Will I need to bring water?
  • We recommend that you purchase a 1.5 – 2 litre bottle of water to take with you on the first day. Every night during the trek, we will boil water so you can refill the same bottle every morning before setting out. If you are planning to drink from any streams or waterfalls, we strongly suggest you bring water purification tablets or filters.
  • Also, you will be able to buy water along the way on Day 1,
  • Are there bathrooms along the way?
  • Along the trail there are several sites with toilets. Bring a roll of toilet paper. As far as other trash goes, please carry your own trash to each campsite where the porters will pack it up and take it out. Leave no trace! Please do not litter.
  • Is it OK to bring toddlers on the trail?
  • If you are thinking of bringing any small children with you, we highly recommend arranging a private tour with us instead of going on a group service departure. That way, you can get the extra attention that you will require from the guide. Also, it should be kept in mind that the emergency rescue services while on the trek are extremely limited.
  • Is there a chance that my trek will be canceled?
  • There is very little possibility of a cancellation of a trek asthe differing costs ensure that thetrek can go ahead. In case of a general strike (no land transport is allowed to travel) there will be no cancellation but we may need to depart the night before or if acceptable to the group a day later or earlier.
  • Is the trail still good during the rainy season? Is it safe?
  • The trail is not recomended in Feb and March. You will need good rain gear and waterproof boots for Dec Jan April months.
  • What kind of weather can I expect on the trek? Temperatures?
  • During the “rainy season” (Dec – May), you can expect that it will rain pretty much every day. We do not run the trek from Jan to April for this reason.
  • On the other hand, during the “dry season” (June – Nov) the daytimes will seem strikingly like spring/summer time, with bright and sunny skies, but still colder at night. During the daytime you can expect it to be somewhere in the range of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and at night it will be approx 8-9 degrees Celsius.. This trek is more likely to feel humidity and heat than any others so be prepared to drink a lot more water and have an extra t shirt!
  • It is always best to dress in layers during anytime of year, really. As you hike, put them on when you feel cold or shed them and put it in your day pack when you get hot.
  • How many trekkers and trek crew are in a typical group?
  • For a group of 5-6 trekkers our typical trekking staff comprise of: 01 guide, 01 cook, 02 general assistants in charge of setting up and organization of safe campsites and 2 arieros ( "horsemen")
  • If the group is 8 or less then just 1 guide, 01 cook, 01 general assistant in charge of setting up and organization of safe campsites and 2 arierios.
  • What is the standard procedure when it comes to tips?
  • Tips for the above mentioned trekking staff are not included in the price of the trek. Tips are optional not mandatory. Of course if people organise extra porters / arieros with mules for personal items there will be more staff to tip.
  • Tips for the Cook, Assistant cook, Coordinator & Horsemen: On the 5th morning at breakfast someone from the group is usually elected to collect the tips. Please remember to take plenty of small denomination bills in Peruvian Soles. We recommend that the cook should receive about 50% more than the other trekking staff. The money should be paid directly to each individual and not given to the guide, cook or representative of arieros.
  • Deciding how much to tip is always a difficult and sometimes uncomfortable decision. SAS Travel pay our trek staff fairly and treat them with respect and try to provide good working conditions. We think that a tip should not be used to subsidize a poor wage but should be a way to show the staff that you have enjoyed the trek and appreciated the services that they have provided. The tip should therefore be optional and not mandatory. However, if you have enjoyed the service, we recommend that each person in the group contributes between 40 and 50 soles ( US$ 12-15 ) to a “pot” which is then distributed amongst the cook, assistant cook, general assistant and arieros. This should ensure that each person will receive a tip of about US$15 and the cook around US$30. Obviously if you want to tip more please do so.
  • Tips for the Guide: We suggest that each person in the group tips the main guide between 25 and 35 soles. (US$8 -$10) Again, tips are optional not mandatory and dependent on the level of service provided. Obviously if you want to pay more please do so.
  • SUMMARY: Like in most American countries, tipping is normal practice. If you have enjoyed the service provided by the trekking team we would recommend bringing between 70 and 85 soles ( US$ 25-30 ) to covers tips for the trekking staff. However if you think that you have received poor service you are under no obligation to pay a tip. The trekking team will soon get the message. Please pay tips in cash and do not pay in kind such as in beers etc. We have tried to be as clear as possible about tipping but we understand that this is a complicated issue when many different cultures and lifestyles come together.
  • The procedure and amounts listed above have been written in conjunction with our guides and trekking staff. We accept that not all of our clients will be in agreement with this information. It is important that you tip the amount that you feel comfortable with. Please try not to let the procedure stress you or cause anyone to feel badly towards other members of the group who wish to pay less than the recommended amount or decide not to pay a tip at all.
  • What time will I be back in Cusco?
  • approximately 7 pm depending on how long spent at hotsprings on last day.
  • C. BOOKING & RESERVATIONS.-
  • What are the benefits of doing a private trek?
  • One of the main reasons why the private option is sought after is because you do not need to worry about which dates we have departures set for or if our departures have enough space. Your only concern is whether or not there are permits available. You can choose almost any date that you want if permits are available.
  • In addition to the convenience and flexibility in booking, the private option provides a more personal trip experience for your group. We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. The guide will focus all of his energy and attention on your group. You can also be more specific about the foods that you would like to be served during the trek. It is a truly wonderful experience to go on such an amazing journey with only your friends and loved ones. Ask a SAS Rep how you can arrange your own private tour.
  • Am I able to change dates after the initial reservation?
  • yes as long as it does not leave other reserved trekkers with less than a minimum group.
  • What if do not have my passport right now?
  • it is fine to just send your passport details after payment in the case of this trek.
  • Can I pay for the entire tour up front?
  • Usually we only charge the deposit of your Trail to the card (done without commission fee) to confirm your booking. This deposit and the details completed on your booking form are used as a guarantee for the balance and other tours. The balance is paid on your arrival to Cusco in cash. If you choose to pay with credit card you need to pay 5% commission. With Traveller’s Cheques there is a 3% commission.
  • The prices of the tours are for cash payment. You can withdraw US $ out of the ATMs, which there are plenty in Cusco.
  • If you like, some people prefer to pay the full balance by Western Union or Bank just before starting their travels to avoid carrying cash or spending time finalizing things when they arrive so let us know if you would prefer this.

Please Note

  • The treks for the month of May 2012 have been affected due to a bridge collapse. We understand the hope is to have the bridge rebuilt for June but this is not guaranteed yet....
  • Good news !!
  • At this stage the only access to Choquequiraw archaeological site and complete this trek is crossing de 50 mt Apurimac river through a manual cable car (Oroya) called locally, installed by emergency until the bridge is totally repaired. Since we have programed groups hiking this trek from June (dry season) we are using this alternative to complete your trek also returning to Cachora (start village of the hike).
  • 5 Day Choquequirao Trek is still relatively new and so it is more dificult to form groups but after people read this article by Brendan, we hope people will be more excited to try this.
  • Even though Brendan did this trek at the hardest time of the year during the terrible rains of the Jan Feb 2010 flood his article is actually brillant and we hope it inspires people so we can form groups of people to appreciate this jewel of Peru. http://www.theexpeditioner.com/2010
  • /06/14/choquequirao-the-other-machu-picchu/
  • For dates where you are the first to book and so we can`t guarantee the group price of $395 at that moment, if the final number of passengers is just 2-3 persons where the price is $690 then we include the night before the trek in hotel Marqueses as free.... to compensate the higher rate for small group.
  • * If you request a private group of just 2-3 persons this does not apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • TRAVEL INSURANCE: We recommend you to obtain a personal Travel Insurance, including Medical Problems, Baggage loss or damage. If you need help to find a travel Insurance Company please let us know. Eg, Nomad Travel Insurances.
  • PRIVACY POLICY: All the information you provide us, full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, telephone number, and address or your credit card info will be used strictly to process your trip arrangements. This information will not be shared with anyone.

Booking Information

  • SEE our Confirmed Open departures. Select the month and date and Click on the Calendar the Departure Date (Leaving Date) of your preference. Then fill out with your personal details and details of your group. (If you are travelling as a couple, or with more persons you must book and pay with one reservation Code.) But please complete details of your companion on lines below: Travelling with: (write Full names, Passport number, Age and Nationality). Once you finish sending us all your details you will receive a Reservation Code (eg: 240611001). Then you just need to pay your deposit online on Step 3 (pay for 2 or more person in your group with ONE reservation code, so we can guarantee all your permits, tickets for Machupicchu, train tickets and tour all together in a same group.)
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  • BOOKING DEPOSIT REQUIRED.- USD$ 200 per person.
  • 1.- Pay on Step 3 a booking deposit ONLINE with VISA or Mastercard.- US$ 210 per person. US$ 200+5% card fee. (Payments by credit card will carry a surcharge of 5%).
  • 2.- Pay on Step 3 a booking deposit with Paypal.- US$ 212 per person. US$ 200+6% card fee. (Payments by Paypal will carry a surcharge of 6%).
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  • FINAL PAYMENT: We require a full payment of your tour 1 month before the date of your tour departure using any of the payment options above OR Transfer with Western Union/Money Gram OR pay in our office in Cusco in USD$ cash 5-3 days before of the date of your tour departure.(You must provide your Visa or MC details as a guarantee so your trip will be totally confirmed.)

Terms & Conditions

  • 1. You must advise SAS travel of any medical problems or allergies. You need to be in good physical health and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 65, then you will need to present us with a current medical certificate.
  • 2. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the service of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment so he can resolve any problems as soon as possible.
  • 3. You must pay for your tour in full by 12:00 noon, 2 days before your departure.
  • Payment of your balance in the Cusco SAS office is requested in cash. US $ is easier but if you choose to pay in soles the rate charged is generally 2.90 soles = US$1 You can withdraw US$ or soles from the many ATM machines. Generally more economic on debit cards.
  • If a final payment is not made by 12 noon the day before any tour or service such as the Inca trail, the total balance will be charged to the credit card + the 8% commission.
  • 4. Unless you hire an extra porter / mule you need to carry your back pack and sleeping bag .
  • This is a long trek so could be very helpful.
  • 5. Change of dates is only possible if the group is still left with more than a minimum and you are changing to an establised departure date. Change of date has a fee of $25 .
  • 6.- CANCELATIONS by CLIENT: Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by SAS Travel. The charges are shown below:
  • a.- Cancelation of tour once you have received a confirmation of tour incurs a loss of the booking deposit US$200.00 per person (non-refundable deposit.)
  • b.- Cancelation of tour 60 days before the date of tour departure incurs a loss of 60% of total tour cost
  • c.- Cancelation of tour 59 to 30 days before the date of tour departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost
  • d.- Cancelation of tour 29 days before the date of tour departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost.
  • 7.- If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter and mule will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are paid at the expense of the passenger. If you fail to complete the tour due to illness we will assist you to meet with your group at Machupicchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund from the original payment, however we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be used to present to your travel insurance company.
  • 8.- SAS Travel will take all reasonable care in providing service to our clients to avoid accident, illness, loss of personal property and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. SAS Travel cannot however be responsible for any action or event that was unforeseeable or unavoidable. We also cannot be responsible for improper acts by clients or other third party. You are totally responsable for your own personal property and rented equipment.
  • 9.- SAS Travel does not take responsibility for additional costs due to unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal items, etc. It is the clients responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
  • 10.- Choquekirao trek is recommended in dry season. Unexpected rain can cause snow falls causing difficult trekking conditions and possibly closure of the pass. In the case of snow falls SAS can not be held accountable for the need to take an alternative route. You would also need good quality trekking boots and equipment to protect you against snow related conditions, cold and glare. In extreme cases when “Choquekirao trail” is declared closed for safety reasons SAS travel can replace your trek with an alternative trek such as 5 Day Salkantay Trail or 4 day Lares trek and your booking deposit money will be used for this or if you prefer an alternative tour such as 4 day lake Titicaca package or Jungle trip etc.to give you some of the many options.
  • 11.- When paying the balance in Cusco, there will be a * 3% comission if you choose to use travellers cheques and a 8% comission for use of credit card.
  • I have read and accept the conditions