Peru
Choquequirao Trek (4 days)
Choquequirao Trek (4 days)
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
Choquequirao is one of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru – and one of the least visited. Perched high above the Apurímac Canyon, the “sister city” of Machu Picchu can only be reached on foot, which makes this trek a true adventure off the beaten path. From Capuliyoc, the trail descends deep into the canyon of the Apurímac, the “talking god” of the Quechua, and climbs up the other side through changing vegetation with orchids and a rich birdlife – with a good chance of seeing Andean condors. You explore Choquequirao on the second afternoon and return via the same route. Horses carry the equipment, our chef cooks fresh meals and you sleep in comfortable tents. You travel privately or in a small group with experienced local guides.
Tour Code
Tour Language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Travel Program
Day 1
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa
Campsite Santa Rosa (2,090 m / 6,857 ft)
15–16 km / 9.3–9.9 mi · 7–8 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am for a drive of about four hours. On the way, you see Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and cross the Cunyac bridge, the border between the regions of Cusco and Apurímac. After a short stop in Cachora (2,880 m / 9,449 ft) for last supplies, we reach Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), the starting point of the trek, with views of the Apurímac Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. A long descent leads into the Apurímac Canyon to Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft) and on to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) on the river, where lunch awaits. In the afternoon, a climb of about two hours brings us to our first campsite at Santa Rosa (2,090 m / 6,857 ft).
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa
Day 1
Campsite Santa Rosa (2,090 m / 6,857 ft)
15–16 km / 9.3–9.9 mi · 7–8 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am for a drive of about four hours. On the way, you see Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and cross the Cunyac bridge, the border between the regions of Cusco and Apurímac. After a short stop in Cachora (2,880 m / 9,449 ft) for last supplies, we reach Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), the starting point of the trek, with views of the Apurímac Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. A long descent leads into the Apurímac Canyon to Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft) and on to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) on the river, where lunch awaits. In the afternoon, a climb of about two hours brings us to our first campsite at Santa Rosa (2,090 m / 6,857 ft).
Day 2
Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Campsite Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
12–13 km / 7.5–8.1 mi · 4–5 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about three hours to the community of Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where you get your first views of Choquequirao. Another two hours bring us to Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft), where we have lunch near the Inca site. In the afternoon, you explore the ruins with your guide and learn about the history and architecture of this remarkable site. Keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above the canyon.
Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Day 2
Campsite Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
12–13 km / 7.5–8.1 mi · 4–5 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about three hours to the community of Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where you get your first views of Choquequirao. Another two hours bring us to Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft), where we have lunch near the Inca site. In the afternoon, you explore the ruins with your guide and learn about the history and architecture of this remarkable site. Keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above the canyon.
Day 3
Choquequirao – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquiska
Campsite Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft)
13–14 km / 8.1–8.7 mi · 6–7 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After breakfast, we return to Marampata in about two hours, with wonderful views of the Apurímac Canyon. A descent of about four hours brings us back to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, a climb of about two hours leads to our campsite at Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft).
Choquequirao – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquiska
Day 3
Campsite Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft)
13–14 km / 8.1–8.7 mi · 6–7 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After breakfast, we return to Marampata in about two hours, with wonderful views of the Apurímac Canyon. A descent of about four hours brings us back to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, a climb of about two hours leads to our campsite at Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft).
Day 4
Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
6–7 km / 3.7–4.3 mi · 4–5 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about four hours back up to Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), enjoying the views of the canyon one last time. After lunch, our private transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you arrive around 6:00 pm.
Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Day 4
6–7 km / 3.7–4.3 mi · 4–5 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about four hours back up to Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), enjoying the views of the canyon one last time. After lunch, our private transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you arrive around 6:00 pm.
Price from
US$655.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Entrance Fee: Choquequirao.
Horses & Horsemen: Horses carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 6 kg including sleeping bag); an emergency horse is available.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4, prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Capuliyoc and back.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: Breakfast on Day 1.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Character of the trip
Condition
Demanding
Altitude
Medium (up to 3,100 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – challenging: Four days of hiking with up to 16 km (9.9 mi) and 7–8 hours per day, including very long descents and climbs of more than 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in and out of the Apurímac Canyon. Very good fitness, endurance and sure-footedness are required; it can be very hot in the canyon.
Altitude – moderate: The route lies between 1,550 m / 5,085 ft at the Apurímac River and 3,100 m / 10,171 ft at Choquequirao. We still recommend spending two days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) before the trek.
Culture & nature – balanced: The Inca city of Choquequirao, the deep Apurímac Canyon, orchids, birdlife and Andean condors.
Camping & horses: Three nights in tents. Horses carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb including sleeping bag); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
US$25.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$25.00
per person
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Good to know
Climate: The bottom of the Apurímac Canyon is hot – bring sun protection and enough water.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.