Choquequirao Trek

Treks In Cusco

Spain
0 booked

Duration:4 Days
Language English
Transport: Bus
Accommodation: Camp
N. Pax: 10

The impressive citadel of Choquequirao has been called the “twin sister” of Machu Picchu. This extraordinary archaeological site was built by the Incas high atop a mountain, surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Located in a remote area and surrounded by almost untouched nature, Choquequirao offers a unique experience for travelers seeking adventure, history, and direct contact with the ancestral culture of the Inca Empire.

Day 1: Cusco - Capuliyoc - Santa

Departure from your hotel in Cusco will be at 5:00 am. We will drive through the Andes towards Capuliyoc, arriving at approximately 8:30 am. After breakfast, prepared by your chef, the TreXperience begins, a trek to one of the legendary lost cities of the Incas, the Inca site of Choquequirao. The first part is a 4-hour descent from Capuliyoc (9,550 ft – 2,911 m) to our lunch spot in Chiquiska (1,893 m – 6,210 ft). Along the way, you will get your first glimpses of the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Peru. This part of the trek offers spectacular views of diverse landscapes, from the Peruvian mountains to the dense cloud forest vegetation. After lunch, we will continue for another two hours to Santa Rosa (2,230 m – 7,300 ft), where we will camp for the night.

Day 2: Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao

After breakfast, prepare for one of the most challenging yet rewarding days TreXperience has to offer. Hike for 4 hours uphill to Marampata (9,550 ft / 2,911 m). Along the way, you’ll visit sugarcane plantations where locals produce “cañazo,” a local alcoholic beverage made for centuries and supplied to cities like Cusco. Lunch is at a local home with stunning views of the mountains and river. After lunch, you’ll ascend for another 2 hours uphill to Choquequirao (3,057 m / 10,029 ft), a spectacular Inca site perched high in the Peruvian Andes. Choquequirao was one of the last Inca cities built in the cloud forest and abandoned during the conquest of Peru. It may have been one of the entry checkpoints to Vilcabamba, the last Inca capital in the 16th century. Today, our camp is right next to this archaeological site, allowing us to walk back and forth to these mysterious places whenever we want to relax.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquisca

Wake up to a cup of coffee or coca tea provided by your trekking team in your tent, while enjoying the most spectacular sunrise in this magical place. It will be a 3-hour descent to Santa Rosa (2230m – 7300ft), our lunch spot. Later, continue downhill for 21 hours and then uphill for 2 hours to the final campsite at Chiquiska (1800m / 5905ft). This is a perfect day to enjoy the surrounding landscape, with its hundreds of different flowers, birds, and waterfalls in the distance.

Day 4: Chiquisca - Saywite - Cusco

On the last day, wake up early and enjoy one last breakfast with your team. Then, prepare for the final 4-hour uphill hike to Capuliyoc. We’ll host a special Pachamanca underground barbecue, where we’ll have various vegetables, meats, and fruits cooked in a pit oven with hot stones. After lunch, say goodbye to the entire trekking team that accompanied you on this expedition. Then, take private transport to the Saywite archaeological site: a large, mysterious rock believed to be the region’s complex irrigation system. You’ll have ample time to explore the area before returning to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel around 6:00 pm.

What’s Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Professional tour guide.
Second tour guide for groups of more than 9 people.
Trekking Chefs to prepare fresh meals.
Porters and horsemen.
Horses to carry food and equipment.
Duffle bag for 7 kilos of your personal belongings.
Comfortable round-trip transportation.
Three meals per day included during the tour.
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Camping equipment.
Foam sleeping mattress and pillows.
First aid kit with oxygen bottle and satellite phones.
Entrance fee to Choquequirao and Saywite sites.
All taxes and booking fees.

Not Included

Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles (can be rented from us).
Dinner on Day 4 (when you return to Cusco).
Tips (optional).
Travel insurance (highly recommended).

What to Bring:

A valid passport and any other necessary travel documents (e.g., visa).
A small daypack or backpack to carry essentials such as water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, etc.
Comfortable camping gear including a tent (for those who choose to camp), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.
Hiking boots with good grip and ankle support; several pairs of hiking socks.
Sun hat/cap and sunglasses; a raincoat/jacket.
Headlamp or flashlight.
Waterproof cover for your backpack.
Necessary toiletries and personal items.
First aid kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does the Choquequirao trek take?
The classic trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights, beginning with a transfer from Cusco to the starting point of the trek in Capuliyoc or Cachora. From there, you hike through the Apurímac River canyon to reach the archaeological site.
How difficult is the Choquequirao trek?
The trek is considered moderate to difficult, as it includes long descents and steep ascents in the Apurímac Canyon. Hikers typically walk between 6 and 9 hours per day in mountainous terrain.
How many kilometers are walked during the tour?
During the entire tour, you'll walk approximately 60 to 64 kilometers round trip, passing through campsites such as Santa Rosa, Marampata, and Chiquisca.
What is the best time to do the trek?
The best time to do the trek is during the dry season, between April and October, when there is less rain and the trails are in better condition for hiking.
Do I need prior trekking experience for this tour?
Good physical condition and basic experience with multi-day hikes are recommended, as the trail includes steep inclines and significant changes in altitude.