Choquequirao hike 4D/3N

Tour Highlights

• Book with Confidence & Flexibility –
  
  Change your travel dates with no fees and enjoy secure online payments.
  
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Inca City –
  Hike a quiet, remote trail to Choquequirao, a vast Inca citadel
  still under excavation and visited by a fraction of Machu Picchu’s crowds.
• Follow the Last Incas –
  Walk in the footsteps of the final Inca resistance as you traverse ancient paths
  used to reach Vilcabamba, the last Inca capital.
• Pachamanca Feast –
  Celebrate your trek on the last day with a traditional
  Pachamanca underground barbecue cooked with hot stones.
• Apurímac Canyon Views –
  Enjoy dramatic panoramas of one of Peru’s deepest canyons, with constantly changing
  landscapes from high puna to lush cloud forest.
• Comfortable Camping & Strong Support Team –
  Trek with professional guides, chefs, porters, and muleteers, plus private toilets
  and portable hot showers in camp.
• Travel with Purpose –
  By booking with TreXperience you help support
  
  our social projects
  
  in local communities.

If you love big views, quiet trails, and Inca history without the crowds, Choquequirao
is your dream trek.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Santa Rosa

Depart from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00, driving across the Andes toward
Capuliyoc, arriving around 08:30. Enjoy your first breakfast prepared
by the trekking chef while you take in your first views of the
Apurímac Canyon.

Begin your Choquequirao TreXperience with a 4-hour downhill hike from
Capuliyoc (2,911 m / 9,550 ft) to Chiquisca (1,893 m / 6,210 ft).
Along the way, watch the landscape change from high mountains to dense cloud forest,
with spectacular canyon views.

After lunch at Chiquisca, continue for about 2 more hours to
Santa Rosa (2,230 m / 7,300 ft), where you’ll camp for the night.

• Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 mi
• Hiking time: ~6 hours
• Camp elevation: 2,230 m / 7,300 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate (long descent)

Day 2 | Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, get ready for one of the most challenging but rewarding days. Hike
4 hours uphill from Santa Rosa to Marampata
(approx. 2,911 m / 9,550 ft). Along the way you’ll pass sugarcane farms
and see how locals produce “Cañazo,” a traditional sugarcane liquor that has been made
for centuries and sold as far as Cusco.

Enjoy lunch in a local house with amazing views of the mountains and the canyon. After
lunch, continue another 2 hours uphill to reach
Choquequirao (approx. 3,057 m / 10,029 ft), a spectacular Inca city
perched high above the Apurímac.

Choquequirao was one of the last Inca cities built in the cloud forest and abandoned
during the Spanish conquest, likely serving as a checkpoint on the way to Vilcabamba.
Today our campsite is located near the archaeological site, allowing you to walk back
and forth to enjoy sunset and quiet exploration.

• Distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
• Hiking time: ~8 hours
• Camp elevation: 2,866 m / 9,401 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping near Choquequirao
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (sustained ascent)

Day 3 | Choquequirao – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca

Wake up with coffee or coca tea served in your tent while you enjoy one of the most
spectacular sunrises on the trek. After breakfast, begin a
3-hour descent back down to Santa Rosa
(2,230 m / 7,300 ft) for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue the long descent through changing vegetation and waterfalls
in the distance, then climb back up the final section to
Chiquisca (1,800 m / 5,905 ft), your last campsite. This is a
fantastic day to appreciate the variety of flowers, birds, and views throughout the
canyon.

• Distance: 16 km / 9.9 mi
• Hiking time: ~8 hours
• Camp elevation: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate (long day with descent and ascent)

Day 4 | Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite – Cusco

On the final day, enjoy your last campsite breakfast with the team and prepare for the
4-hour ascent back to Capuliyoc. At the trailhead
you’ll be greeted with a special Pachamanca underground barbecue;
meats, vegetables, and fruits cooked in the earth with hot stones—an Andean tradition
still practiced today.

After lunch, say goodbye to the trekking team who supported your expedition and board
your private transport to the archaeological site of Saywite. Explore
the famous carved rock believed to be a model or hydraulic map for the region’s
irrigation systems and enjoy the surrounding gardens.

Finally, return to Cusco by private vehicle, arriving back at your hotel around 18:00.

• Distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
• Hiking time: ~4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch
• Difficulty: Moderate (steady uphill climb)
• Accommodation: Not included this night (hotel in Cusco on your own)

Everything That’s Covered

• All transportation during the trek (Cusco ↔ Capuliyoc ↔ Saywite ↔ Cusco)
• Professional, English-speaking tour guide
• Second tour guide for groups of 9+ travelers
• Trekking chefs to prepare fresh, hot meals
• Porters and muleteers for camp setup and logistics
• Horses to carry food, camping equipment, and duffel bags
• Duffle bag (up to 7 kg per person) for your personal items
• Three meals per day on the trek (plus snacks)
• Vegetarian and vegan options available on request
• Comfortable camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, chairs)
• Sleeping foam mattress and pillows for camping nights
• Private toilets and portable hot showers in camp
• First-aid kit with oxygen bottle and satellite phones
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao and Saywite archaeological sites
• All taxes and booking fees

Price & Payment Details

Trek Price

Price per person: USD $550
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To book the Choquequirao Trekking tour, you need to make an initial
payment of USD $200 per person. The remaining balance can be paid
online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit card—no booking fees.

Discounts & Group Options

• Special rates may be available for larger groups—please inquire for a custom quote.
• Single-tent supplement may apply if you prefer your own tent.

Deposit: $200 pp secures your dates •
Balance: flexible payment options before or upon arrival in Cusco •
Booking Fees: 0% when paying via our secure system.

Smart Packing Guide

Choquequirao is a demanding trek with big elevation changes and warm days but cool to
cold nights. You’ll carry a small daypack; mules will carry up to 7 kg in your duffel
bag. Pack light, layer up, and be prepared for sun and sudden weather changes.

Essentials

• Valid passport and a copy (kept in a waterproof bag)
• Small daypack (20–30 L) with good shoulder support
• Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 L capacity)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Personal medications and basic first-aid items
• Cash in soles for snacks, tips, and small purchases

Clothing

• Comfortable, moisture-wicking T-shirts and long-sleeve tops
• 2–3 pairs of trekking pants (or leggings)
• Fleece or light down jacket for cold evenings
• Waterproof / windproof shell jacket
• Light waterproof pants or poncho
• Warm hat, buff or scarf, and gloves
• Sun hat or cap and sunglasses
• 5–6 pairs of trekking socks (wool or synthetic)
• Comfortable clothes for sleeping and for the car ride back to Cusco

Footwear

• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
• Sandals or light shoes for camp

Toiletries & Personal Care

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap or wipes
• Small quick-dry towel
• High-SPF sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Insect repellent (especially for lower-canyon camps)
• Hand sanitizer and toilet paper

Extras

• Camera or smartphone with charger and power bank
• Dry bags or plastic bags to keep clothes/electronics dry
• Favorite snacks (nuts, energy bars, chocolate)

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Choquequirao trek?

The Choquequirao trek is considered moderate to challenging. The
trail involves long ascents and descents, high altitude, and multiple days of hiking
around 6–8 hours. Previous trekking experience and a good basic fitness level are
strongly recommended.

What is the maximum altitude?

The trailhead at Capuliyoc sits around 2,900 m / 9,500 ft; Choquequirao and
Marampata are around 3,000 m / 9,800–10,000 ft. While not as high as some other
treks, the steep canyon terrain makes it demanding.

Do I need to acclimatize before the trek?

Yes. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek
to acclimatize, rest, and hydrate. This helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and
makes the hike more enjoyable.

What are the campsites like?

Campsites are rustic but scenic, located in or near small settlements and along the
canyon slopes. TreXperience provides quality tents, foam mattresses, pillows,
private toilets, and portable hot showers to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

When is the best time to hike Choquequirao?

The dry season from April to October generally offers the
clearest trails and best canyon views, though nights can be cold. The rainy season
(November–March) is greener and quieter, but there can be heavy showers and muddy
sections. The trek can run year-round, weather permitting.

Is Choquequirao very crowded?

No. One of the main reasons people choose this trek is that it remains
much quieter than the Inca Trail or Salkantay. It’s perfect for
travelers who love solitude and nature and don’t mind a tougher hike.

What safety and Covid-19 measures are in place?

We follow up-to-date local regulations, including temperature checks when required,
mask use in public areas, hand sanitizer available at all times, regular sanitizing of
vehicles and equipment, smaller group sizes, and 100% online payments with flexible
booking options during the COVID-19 period.

How to Book Your Choquequirao Trek

1. Check dates & availability:
   Contact us with your preferred travel dates and group size, or check live availability
   for the Choquequirao trek on our website.
2. Review the difficulty:
   Make sure you’re comfortable with 4 days of hiking, daily distances, and elevation
   changes. Ask us any questions about fitness or gear.
3. Secure your spot:
   Pay a USD $200 deposit per person via our secure online payment
   system. This confirms your booking and lets us organize logistics.
4. Send your information:
   Fill out the passenger form with personal details, passport number, dietary needs,
   and emergency contact information.
5. Receive confirmation:
   We’ll email your detailed itinerary, packing list, and briefing time in Cusco so you
   know exactly what to expect.
6. Arrive & trek:
   Once in Cusco, attend the pre-departure briefing, meet your guide and group, and get
   ready to hike into the Apurímac Canyon to discover the legendary lost city of
   Choquequirao.

Reserve your Choquequirao trek today with a small deposit and let us take care of the
rest—so you can focus on the trail, the canyon, and the magic of the Twin Sister of
Machu Picchu.