Choquequirao Trek

USD 1250 4 days 3 nights

Difficulty
Challenging

Maximum group size
6 people

Total distance
45 km / 27 mi

Height difference
1.5 to 3.0k m / 5.0 to 10.0k ft asl

Choquequirao Trek

Official local tour operator of the Inca Trail

Choquequirao Trek

4 days

3 nights

In the Apurimac Valley, at an altitude of 3,100 m asl, is Choquequirao, an Inca citadel that served as a refuge from 1536 onwards. Located in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, it is an archaeological jewel as important as Machu Picchu. The journey begins in the historic city of Cusco and extends along 145 km of paved road followed by 12 km of dirt tracks to reach the town of Capuliyoc. Along the way, travellers witness breathtaking landscapes as they venture into the Apurímac Canyon, where they can also appreciate the rich flora and fauna of the area, culminating in the fascinating “Golden Cradle” of the Incas: Choquequirao.

* Altitude sickness is a common experience for all visitors in Cusco. To minimize symptoms, it is advisable to spend one or two days in the city before starting the hike.

Difficulty: Challenging

Maximum group size: 6 people

Total distance: 45 km / 27 mi

Height difference: 1.5 to 3.0k m / 5.0 to 10.0k ft asl

Price

USD 1250

per person based on 2 people

Choquequirao Trek

Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa

DAY 1

Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa

Distance

18 km – 11.2 mi / approx. 8 h

Altitude

1,550 to 2,900 m / 5,085 to 9,514 ft asl

Difficulty

Challenging

Lunch: Chiquisca 1,950 m / 6,398 ft asl

Campsite: Santa Rosa 2,050 m / 6,724 ft asl

Early in the morning, you will be transferred from Cusco to Curahuasi, located at 2,688 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, take the time to have breakfast (not included in the trekking price) before embarking on a 4-hour road journey that will take you to the picturesque village of Capuliyoc. This is where the real adventure begins. You will meet the muleteers and start a trek lasting between 6 and 8 hours (depending on your pace). Along the way, you will witness the majestic Apurimac Canyon, a wonder of nature.

After about 2 or 3 hours of trekking, you will reach Chiquisca, where there will be a stop for lunch. After recharging your batteries, you will continue descending for about 2 more hours until crossing the imposing Apurimac River.

But the challenge is not over yet. You have a climb of about 3 hours which is the most difficult part of the trek, to reach the campsite at Santa Rosa. Here, under the stars, you will spend the night in comfortable tents.

Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

DAY 2

Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

Distance

10 km – 6.2 mi / approx. 5 h

Altitude

2,000 to 3,050 m / 6,562 to 10,007 ft asl

Difficulty

Challenging

Lunch: Choquequirao 3,050 m / 10,007 ft asl

Campsite: Choquequirao 3,050 m / 10,007 ft asl

After breakfast, you will begin the ascent towards Marampata, it will take approximately 3 hours and marks the most challenging part of this trek. Along the route, you will witness impressive panoramas, from majestic mountains to semi-tropical dry valleys on the left side of the trail, offering an unforgettable view.

Once in Marampata, you will contemplate the path travelled on the first day before following a gentler route to your next destination: the Choquequirao campsite. This stretch will take about 2 hours, and from here, in just about one more hour, you will arrive at the Choquequirao Ruins.

At the Choquequirao campsite, you will enjoy lunch and have enough time in the afternoon to explore the Inca complex of Choquequirao. Immerse yourself in the magic culture of this place as you stroll through the plaza, the towers, the agricultural and urban sectors, and observe from the terrace the Inca domains, marveling at the greatness of this legacy. Once the visit is complete, you will return to the campsite to spend the night.

Choquequirao – Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisqa

DAY 3

Choquequirao – Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisqa

Distance

17 km – 10.6 mi / approx. 7 h

Altitude

1,550 to 3,050 m / 5,085 to 10,203 ft asl

Difficulty

Challenging

Lunch: Rosalina Beach 1,550 m / 5,085 ft asl

Campsite: Chiquisqa 1,900 m / 6,233 ft asl

In the morning, you will begin the return journey to Rosalina Beach. You will pass through Marampata before starting the descent towards Santa Rosa, where you can take a short break. Then you will continue descending to the Rosalina Beach, where you will stop for lunch. The descent from Marampata to Rosalina Beach will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.

After lunch, you will have some time to rest and wait for the temperature to drop before continuing with the 2-hour ascent to Chiquisqa, where you will camp.

Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco

DAY 4

Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco

Distance

7 km – 4,3496 mi / approx. 3 h

Altitude

1,950 to 2,900 m / 6,398 to 9,514 ft asl

Difficulty

Moderate

Lunch: Curahuasi 2,850 m / 9,350 ft asl (not included)

Early in the morning, you will have breakfast before embarking on a roughly 3-hour ascent. You will follow the same path you took on the first day, ascending gently until you reach Capuliyoc. Along this route, you will have the opportunity to observe the lush local flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon.

Once in Capuliyoc, you will bid farewell to the incredible landscape as you board the transportation back to Curahuasi, where you can have lunch (not included). After you will continue the journey back to Cusco.

With this final leg, your visit to Choquequirao will come to an end. Till the next adventure!

Included

Private transfers from hotel to Capuliyoc and back to hotel
Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Pre-hike briefing
All mentioned entrance fees
Tent with space for 4 people, but only with 2 occupants
Bathing tent
Foam mattress
Our professional chefs prepare meals that incorporate elements of Western diet as well as traditional Peruvian delicacies
Porters (for equipment and items) carry camping gear, food, and cooking equipment. If desired, you can hire a porter.
Dining tent with tables and field chairs, and a kitchen tent for the chef
Chef and kitchen equipment
Oxygen bottle (one per group)
First aid kit
Snacks: Nutritious and energizing bars, assorted nuts, and chocolates
Seasonal fruits
Water for refilling bottles each morning
03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, and 03 dinners (optional vegetarian or vegan meals available upon request)

Not included

Sleeping bag (20 USD)
Walking sticks (10 USD)
Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
Optional personal horse
Other meals
Insurance
Tips
Personal expenses
Other unspecified extras

Notes

What to bring on the Choquequirao Trek for 4 days:

A lightweight backpack for the journey
Flashlight and batteries
Rain gear (jacket and pants) or rain poncho
Special trekking footwear, waterproof boots recommended
Warm clothing, including jacket, fleece liners, gloves, scarf, and beanie. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
Camera, films, and batteries (batteries deplete more quickly in cold weather conditions)
Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain, and cold
Sunscreen and after-sun lotion or moisturizer for face and body
Insect repellent containing a minimum of 20% DEET
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolates, raw fruits, etc.
Water bottle for the first morning
Personal first aid kit with any special medications you may need
Small towel or sarong
Swimsuit (if you intend to swim in hot springs)
Sufficient cash for snacks, tips, and souvenirs
Original passport and ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
Walking poles with rubber tips (we can rent them for you)

* The trek to Choquequirao is a new hiking alternative that concludes with the visit to the Choquequirao Ruins.

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