Choquequirao Trek 5D/4N

Highlights of the Choquequirao Trek

• 
  Book with Confidence & Flexibility
  
  – change travel dates with no extra fees and pay your balance in flexible installments.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure –
  Hike quiet trails into the heart of the Apurímac Canyon to explore the remote
  Choquequirao Citadel, far from the crowds.
• Last Days of the Inca Empire –
  Learn about the final chapter of the Incas as you visit a city believed to have been
  linked to the last refuge of Vilcabamba.
• Pachamanca Underground Barbecue –
  On the final day, enjoy a traditional Pachamanca feast cooked under
  hot stones, just as locals have done for centuries.
• Apurímac Canyon Views –
  Marvel at dramatic panoramas of one of Peru’s deepest canyons, with constantly
  changing landscapes from high Andes to lush cloud forest.
• Travel with Purpose –
  By booking with TreXperience you help support
  
  our social projects
  
  in Andean communities.

If you want a challenging, uncrowded trek to a huge Inca citadel that most travelers
never see, Choquequirao is your perfect route.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – La Playa

The TreXperience team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 04:30 and 05:00
and drive across the Andes toward Capuliyoc, arriving around 08:30.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by your chef while you take in your first views of
the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru.

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 you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramas, from high Andean peaks to dense
cloud forest.

After lunch at Chiquisca, continue 2 more hours downhill to
Playa Rosalina (1,478 m / 4,849 ft), where your tents and a hot drink
will be waiting. Dinner and first night of camping by the river.

• Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~6 hours
• Highest elevation crossed: 2,911 m / 9,550 ft
• Camp elevation: 1,478 m / 4,849 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate (long descent)

Day 2 | La Playa – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, get ready for one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the
trek. Cross a suspension bridge over the river and begin the
4-hour uphill climb toward Marampata (about
2,911 m / 9,550 ft). Along the way you’ll pass sugarcane fields where locals produce
“Cañazo”, a traditional Andean liquor made for centuries.

Stop for lunch at a picturesque spot with breathtaking views of the canyon and
mountains, then continue for about 2 more hours uphill to reach
Choquequirao (approx. 3,030 m / 9,940 ft). This lost city is perched
high above the canyon and was probably an important checkpoint on the route to
Vilcabamba, the last Inca capital.

Our campsite is located right next to the archaeological site, so you can visit
Choquequirao at sunset and enjoy the peace of the ruins almost to yourself.

• Distance: 10.6 km / 6.5 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~8 hours
• Highest elevation crossed: ~3,000 m / 9,840 ft
• Camp elevation: 2,866 m / 9,401 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (sustained ascent)

Day 3 | Explore Choquequirao Ruins

Wake up early with coca tea or coffee in your tent and watch the sunrise over the
mountains. After breakfast, you’ll spend the entire day exploring the magnificent
Choquequirao ruins.

Your guide will lead a comprehensive tour, taking you to the main plazas, temples,
agricultural terraces, and llama-decorated walls while sharing the history of the site
and the final days of the Inca Empire. Choquequirao (“Cradle of Gold”) is often called
the twin sister of Machu Picchu but is almost twice the size, much of it still covered
by jungle and under excavation.

After plenty of time to explore and photograph the site at your own pace, return to the
nearby campsite for dinner and a second night in this magical location.

• Distance (exploring): ~8 km / 4.9 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~4 hours (plus lots of exploring)
• Highest elevation: ~3,066 m / 10,059 ft
• Camp elevation: ~2,866 m / 9,401 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (plenty of rest time)

Day 4 | Choquequirao – Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca

Enjoy your second morning at Choquequirao before starting your journey back. After
breakfast, begin a 3-hour downhill hike to
Santa Rosa (2,230 m / 7,300 ft), where you’ll stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue descending for about 2 more hours into the
canyon, then climb back up for approximately 2 hours to reach your
campsite at Chiquisca (around 1,800 m / 5,905 ft). This day offers
rich birdlife, flowers, and the constant sound of distant waterfalls.

• Distance: ~16 km / 9.9 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~8 hours
• Highest elevation crossed: ~3,100 m / 9,300 ft
• Camp elevation: ~1,800 m / 5,905 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate (long day with descent and ascent)

Day 5 | Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite – Cusco

On your final day, enjoy breakfast and prepare for the last climb of the trek: about
4 hours uphill back to Capuliyoc. Here you’ll enjoy a
special Pachamanca Underground Barbecue—meats, potatoes, and
vegetables cooked beneath hot stones in the earth, a traditional Andean celebration
meal.

After lunch, say goodbye to your chef, horsemen, and porters, then board your private
transport to the archaeological site of Saywite, famous for its
mysterious carved rock believed to represent a hydraulic or territorial model of the
region.

You’ll have time to explore Saywite before continuing back to Cusco, arriving at your
hotel around 17:00–18:00.

• Distance: ~8 km / 5 mi
• Approx. hiking time: ~4 hours
• Highest elevation crossed: ~2,850 m / 9,407 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch
• Accommodation: Not included (hotel in Cusco on your own)
• Difficulty: Moderate (steady uphill climb)

Everything That’s Covered

• Airport transfer on request in Cusco
• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco
• All transportation during the 5 days (Cusco ↔ Capuliyoc ↔ Saywite ↔ Cusco)
• Professional native tour guide (English-speaking)
• Second tour guide for groups of 9+ travelers
• Trekking chef to prepare fresh, hot meals
• Porters and horsemen for logistics and camp setup
• Horses to carry food, camping equipment, and duffel bags
• Duffle bag (up to 7 kg) for your personal belongings
• Boiled drinking water provided during the trek
• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
• Special dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) available on request
• Comfortable camping equipment (dining tents, tables, chairs)
• Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 people
• Sleeping foam mattress and hot water bags
• First-aid kit with oxygen bottle and satellite phones for emergencies
• Entrance fees to Choquequirao and Saywite archaeological sites
• All taxes and booking fees included

Price & Payment Details

Trek Price

Price per person: USD $590
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To book the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days, 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 & Groups

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

Deposit: $200 pp to confirm your space •
Balance: flexible payment options online or in Cusco •
Booking Fees: 0% (no credit card or hidden fees).

Smart Packing Guide

Choquequirao is a demanding trek with big elevation changes and a mix of hot canyon
days and cool mountain nights. You will carry a small daypack; horses will carry your
duffel (up to 7 kg). Pack light, layer your clothing, and be ready for sun, wind, and
sudden rain.

Essentials for Your Daypack

• Passport: Original passport in a waterproof pouch (for ID, tickets).
• Daypack: 20–30 L with good straps and hip belt, for water and daily essentials.
• Water: Bottles or hydration bladder with at least 2 L capacity.
• Rain gear: Lightweight rain jacket and/or poncho.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
• Warm layer: Fleece or insulated jacket for cold mornings and evenings.
• Personal meds & mini first-aid: Including altitude pills if prescribed, painkillers, band-aids, etc.
• Headlamp: With spare batteries for evenings and early starts.
• Toilet paper & hand sanitizer: Always keep a small roll and sanitizer with you.
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, chocolate, or your favorite treats.
• Cash in soles: Small bills and coins for toilets, drinks, souvenirs, and tips.

What to Pack in Your Duffle Bag (up to 7 kg)

• Sleeping bag: Rated to at least -5°C to -10°C (23–14°F).
• Extra insulation: Optional inflatable mattress (foam pad provided).
• Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
• Socks: 4–5 pairs of trekking socks + 2–3 pairs of light socks.
• Clothing: 2–3 pairs of trekking pants, 1 pair of comfortable pants for evenings, 3–4 moisture-wicking tops.
• Thermal layers: Thermal top and bottoms for cold nights.
• Underwear: Enough for the duration of the trek (plus an extra pair).
• Hat & gloves: Warm beanie and gloves for cold nights.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, wet wipes, small towel.
• Optional: Trekking poles (highly recommended), camera accessories, small book or journal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Choquequirao Trek?

The Choquequirao Trek is considered moderate to challenging. The
route involves long ascents and descents, high altitude, and 6–8 hours of hiking per
day. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but good general fitness and some trekking
experience are strongly recommended.

What is the maximum altitude?

The trailhead at Capuliyoc sits around 2,911 m / 9,550 ft. Choquequirao and Marampata
are around 3,000–3,100 m / 9,840–10,170 ft. While not as high as some other treks, the
steep canyon terrain makes it demanding on the legs and lungs.

Do I visit Machu Picchu on this trek?

No. This specific Choquequirao Trek does not include Machu Picchu. It
focuses entirely on the Choquequirao region and the Apurímac Canyon. If you want both
Choquequirao and Machu Picchu in one itinerary, consider a
Choquequirao + Machu Picchu combo trek.

Do I need to acclimatize before starting?

Yes. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek
to adjust to the altitude. Use those days for light activities (city tour, Sacred
Valley) and avoid strenuous hikes until after you’ve acclimatized.

When is the best time to hike Choquequirao?

The best time is generally during the dry season from April to
October, when trails are drier and skies clearer. The rainy season (November–March) is
greener and quieter but can bring heavy rain and muddy sections. The trek can operate
year-round, weather permitting.

How many people will be in my group?

Groups are kept small for a better experience, with a maximum of around 8
hikers. For larger groups, a second guide is included. If you prefer a
private group just for your friends or family, ask about private departures.

What Covid-19 safety measures are in place?

We follow current local regulations, including temperature checks when required, face
masks in public areas, hand sanitizer available at all times, frequent sanitizing of
vehicles and equipment, reduced group sizes, and 100% online payments with flexible
booking policies.

How to Book Your Choquequirao Trek

1. Check your dates:
   Contact us with your preferred trekking dates and group size, or check live
   availability for the Choquequirao Trek on our website.
2. Review the difficulty:
   Make sure you are comfortable with several days of hiking (6–8 hours) and big
   elevation changes. Ask us any questions about fitness or preparation.
3. Secure your booking:
   Pay a USD $200 deposit per person via our secure online payment
   platform. The balance can be paid online in installments or on arrival in Cusco with
   a credit card—no booking fees.
4. Send your details:
   Complete the passenger form with passport information, contact details, and any
   dietary or medical needs so we can plan accordingly.
5. Receive confirmation:
   We’ll send a detailed confirmation with your itinerary, what’s included, packing
   list, and the time and place of your pre-departure briefing in Cusco.
6. Arrive & acclimatize:
   Get to Cusco a couple of days early, rest, do light tours, and then meet your guide
   at the briefing to get ready for five unforgettable days at Choquequirao.

Reserve your Choquequirao Trek today with a small deposit and let us handle the
logistics—so you can focus on the canyon, the ruins, and the silence of one of the
last great hidden Inca cities.