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Moderate
Hike, Camping, Culture Adventure
3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
08pp Average.16ppl Max
The term Choquequirao translates to “Cradle of Gold.” Perched above the tumultuous, glacier-fed Apurimac River and encircled by towering snow-capped peaks, Choquequirao is an isolated and infrequently visited “Lost City of the Incas.” This Inca archaeological site is often regarded as Machu Picchu’s sister. Although less famous and visited, it is three times larger than Machu Picchu. Choquequirao served as one of the final bastions for Incas resisting Spanish domination following the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became enveloped by dense cloud forest vegetation, with archaeologists still uncovering new parts of the city.
Situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 3033m/9,951ft, Choquequirao’s seclusion helps it avoid large crowds, adding to its allure. The trek to reach it is a demanding 40km/25 miles roundtrip, with elevations ranging from 1400m/4,593ft to 3100m/10,170ft.
Tour Name: Classic Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
100% LOCAL COMPANY: A fully licensed, trusted Choquequirao Trek Tour Operator. We are highly recommended by past travelers! Be sure to check out our reviews on TripAdvisor & YouTube to see firsthand accounts of our clients’ experiences.
Group Size: Typically 2 – 10 people (average), with a maximum group size of 16 people
Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Available upon request, with no additional charges
Starting Point: We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in the morning
Ending Point: Drop-off at your hotel or the airport at the end of the trek
Departure: Daily departures, available upon request. If you’re a group of 2, we’ll depart even if you’ve paid for a smaller group service—no need to worry about larger group options. Unlike many other agencies, we NEVER transfer our guests to another operator, ensuring you get the full experience with us.
Transportation: We provide transportation via Bus, Hike depending on the segment of the trek
Accommodations: 3 Nights of camping in spacious tents (2 people per tent)
High Season: From March through January
Choquequirao Permits & Tickets: All entrance fees and permits are included in the tour cost
Our remarkable journey begins at 4:30 am, with the guide picking you up from your hotel for a 4-hour drive in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). The route offers picturesque views of villages, stunning valleys, and snow-capped peaks. At Capuliyoc, we will meet our horsemen and load all our gear onto the horses. You will carry a small daypack with essentials for the hike.
Begin your trek down to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m/4,840ft) where we’ll have lunch. Enjoy spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon and mountain peaks such as Padreyoc at 5,571m/18,387ft. After lunch, ascend for two hours to our first campsite at Santa Rosa (1,900m/6,234ft), where hot drinks and appetizers will be ready. Settle into your pre-set tents before dinner.
Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 16.5 km / 10 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
The guide will start your day with a hot cup of tea or coffee before breakfast. After an early meal, we’ll embark on a 2-hour walk to the village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft). Enjoy diverse flora and fauna along the way to the impressive Choquequirao site! After lunch, we’ll have a private guided tour of the remarkable ruins in the afternoon.
Explore key sections of the site including palaces, temples, ritual water fountains, the Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama section, and more. Your guide will share the fascinating history of this extraordinary place! We’ll then return to our second campsite at Maranpata, 1.5 hours from Choquequirao ruins, where tea time and dinner await.
Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
After breakfast, descend to the striking Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft), a journey of about two hours. This river is highly revered in Inca culture, and its power is truly awe-inspiring. Then, trek uphill for one hour to reach our third campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft). Your tents will be ready with hot drinks and appetizers upon arrival.
Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
Maximum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
After a hearty breakfast, hike up a moderately challenging incline toward the Capuliyoc Pass. Once there, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. We’ll then drive to Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for lunch. Following that, we’ll visit the Saywite archaeological site, giving you ample time to explore. Finally, we’ll return to Cusco by van, arriving at your hotel around 6 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch
Minimum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft
Distance: 8 km / 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Included:
Not Included:
PRICE: The 4-day Choquequirao Trek is available on any date that suits you, provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
DISCOUNTS:
EXTRAS:
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE:
PACKING LIST FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
WHAT TO BRING:
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG:
TOILETRIES:
WHAT TO CARRY IN YOUR BACKPACK:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO: Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING: The briefing will be held the night before the trek at 6pm in our office
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE? Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the trek.
HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK:
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE? To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. ATMs are available in the historical center for withdrawals. Alternatively, you can pay online via VISA or PAYPAL with a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL payments, use our email address incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER TICKETS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED? Yes, but with some restrictions. Contact our office as soon as possible to request a date change. Note that the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE TREK? Yes, bring your original passport, which must match the passport number used for booking. If you renew or change your passport, send us the details of your old passport, and we can update the information for a $25 USD fee. Alternatively, bring both old and new passports to Peru.
HIKING THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK: You will receive a SMALL DUFFEL BAG the evening before the trek, with a 7kg/14lb weight limit. Your duffel bag will be carried by pack horses, so you will not have access to it until the end of each day. Carry a daypack (30-50L) for personal items like a jacket, rain gear, camera, snacks, and water.
IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK DIFFICULT? The trek is challenging but manageable with moderate fitness. While not requiring expert-level trekking skills, being in good physical condition will enhance your experience. If you don’t exercise regularly, consider doing extra walking or hiking before your trip.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK? If you can’t complete the trek due to health issues, INCA EXPEDITIONS will assist with transportation to the nearest town. We carry oxygen for respiratory issues and can arrange a helicopter pick-up at your expense in extreme cases (travel insurance required). There are no refunds if you cannot finish the trek.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK? Yes, we will drop you at your hotel or, if you are staying in the Sacred Valley, at your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. If you spend the night in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there.
TIPPING: Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. It is a way to reward excellent service and is a common practice in the tourism industry. Tip according to your perception of the service quality and the length of your trip.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, INCA EXPEDITIONS is a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator. We adhere to principles that protect the environment and benefit local communities, respecting their culture and traditions. Our local staff is trained to understand and respect the areas we visit.
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