When my friends and I embarked on our Choquequirao Trek with Baboo Travel, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. As an accountant, my typical day is filled with spreadsheets and numbers, but this journey promised to take us far from the world of debits and credits and immerse us in the breathtaking beauty and history of Peru.
We were a group of adventurous spirits, ready to explore the Choquequirao ruins and trek through the rugged landscapes of the Andes. Join me as I share the highlights of our unforgettable four-day expedition.
Day 1: Cuzco to Chicquisqa
Our adventure began in the charming city of Cuzco, where we departed around 5:00 am in a private car. After a quick coffee pit stop (a non-negotiable for us caffeine addicts), we headed towards our first destination, the archaeological site of Saywite. The ruins were like a sneak peek into the rich history of Peru, setting the stage for the adventure to come.
As we descended to the mountain village of Cachora, we couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking scenery. The Apurimac valley stretched below, and in the distance, we could see the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. It was like stepping into a postcard, with every twist and turn of the road revealing a new, jaw-dropping vista.
After a hearty lunch in Cachora, we started our two-hour hike to Capuliyoc. The trek was challenging but rewarding, and when we reached the summit, the view left us all breathless—both from the hike and the incredible scenery. We could hardly wait for what the next days had in store for us.
Day 2: Chicquisqa to Choquequirao
An early start led us to Playa Rosalinas and the magnificent Apurimac River. Our group bonded over jokes about a “refreshing” river dip, as the icy waters were more like a shock therapy session. But after the plunge, we were ready to tackle the steep climb to Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa offered us a much-needed break and an opportunity to rehydrate. From there, we continued upward, toward Marampata. The plateau provided the perfect lunch spot with panoramic views of the Choquequirao ruins in the distance. It was a teaser of what was to come, and we were itching to explore the ancient Inca city.
After our meal, we continued hiking for two more hours, and by late afternoon, we finally reached our destination—Choquequirao. The sight was awe-inspiring. The ruins seemed to emerge from the mist, and we spent the evening exploring this historical gem. As the sun set, we were treated to the majestic sight of condors gliding overhead, a fitting end to an incredible day.
Day 3: Choquequirao to Santa Rosa
Our third day was dedicated to further exploration of Choquequirao. We roamed the terraces, temples, and plazas, all while trying to imagine what life was like for the ancient Inca civilization that once thrived here. The morning was filled with wonder and reflection, and we had ample free time to take it all in.
In the afternoon, we began our descent along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, with the sound of the rushing river serving as a backdrop. Our tropical campsite at Santa Rosa welcomed us after about five hours of hiking. We were exhausted but content, knowing that the journey had enriched our lives with history, adventure, and incredible memories.
Day 4: Santa Rosa to Cuzco
The final day of our trek was bittersweet. We needed to hike back to Cachora village and return to Cuzco, but it was impossible not to feel a pang of nostalgia for the incredible custom trip we had just shared.
The day started early to avoid the searing heat of the Apurimac Canyon. The initial descent to the river was challenging but invigorating. It felt like we were on a rollercoaster of elevation changes, with stunning vistas around every turn.
Lunch at Capuliyoc provided a chance to refuel before the last leg of our journey. The final two hours of the hike took us through picturesque farming countryside, and it was a gentle and welcome change from the challenging terrain of previous days. Our private car awaited us in Cachora, and we began the four-hour drive back to Cuzco, chatting about the adventures we had shared and already planning our next one.
Final Word
As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but laugh at the memories we created during our Choquequirao Trek with Bamba Travel. Four days of breathtaking scenery, challenging hikes, and deep dives into history made this adventure one for the books.
We may have started as a group of friends with different day-to-day lives, but this trip transformed us into a close-knit team of explorers. With the help of a local travel expert, overcame physical challenges, learned about the fascinating history of the Inca civilization, and shared countless jokes and unforgettable moments.
If you’re like me, stuck behind a desk most days, I highly recommend a journey like this to break the monotony and breathe in the fresh mountain air. It’s a reminder that there’s a vast world out there waiting to be explored, and sometimes, the best way to appreciate the balance of debits and credits in life is to venture out and discover what lies beyond the ledger. Choquequirao, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, is a destination I won’t soon forget, and I hope you get the chance to experience it for yourself. Until then, happy adventuring!
Check out the Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N itinerary from Bamba Travel.
Guest post written by Celia Harris
Celia Harris is an accountant who loves counting all the places that she has traveled to.
