Choquequirao Questions
 

We are a family of four and are planning a trip to Peru next June. I am very interested in visiting Choquequirao and I'm hoping to get some insight.

Any word on the status of the cable car? I know it was slated to be completed sometime this year, but I can't find anything online regarding progress. The main thing that appeals to us about Choquequirao is the lack of visitors. Once the tram is running, I don't really see the point.

My take would be that a visit to Choquequirao obviates the need to visit Machu Picchu. True?

My wife and I will be 50 when we visit. We are both runners (25 miles/week) and live at 3,000 feet. Our two boys will be 12 and 14 by the time of our trip. They are both avid soccer players and are active, not sedentary. Is the trek to Choquequirao doable for us? Or would it be too much?

It sounds like this has the potential to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am very excited about it, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has any direct knowledge or experience.

I would suggest writing [email protected], a long time hostel owner in Ollantaytambo.

Thanks for the info mlgb. According to KBPeru, construction on the cable car has not yet begun.

Then it's time to go before it happens.

KB has done that trek a number of times, as I recall from his old website. He also used to post now and then on Tripadvisor, but doesn't like to toot his own horn.

It is possible but you should really prepare for this, with extra hiking. I would add extra day or two in the middle as typical trek is a little bit rushed. A lot of going down and up every day over gravel and dirt path. Pretty safe otherwise as there are very few tough, scary spots. Tough hiking boots to use no sneakers. Maybe extra horse if kids or you get really tired. Acclimation to higher elevation is a must. Great trip. I would add at least two days by Choquequirao as this very large complex with a lot of vertical. You do not want to rush it, . Very few people in comparison to other treks.
Also you could stay extra day in Yanama to enjoy views and meeting locals. From Yanama there is now a road back over pass to La Playa so that part is not so interesting any more as you walk partially over the road. Although views from Totora on glaciers are great.