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Have you heard of Machu Picchu’s sister city? For travelers drawn to mysterious places, we present the Choquequirao trek 5 days, a one-of-a-kind journey that takes you across breathtaking Andean landscapes, deep canyons, and lush cloud forests, leading to one of the most impressive Inca cities—but along a much less-traveled route.
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Choquequirao, which translates to “Cradle of Gold,” is perched above the tumultuous Apurimac River, surrounded by lofty snow-capped peaks and situated on a high ridge. Known as a remote and infrequently visited “Lost City of the Incas,” Choquequirao is significantly larger than Machu Picchu, though less known. It was one of the final strongholds of the Incas resisting Spanish colonization.
Eventually abandoned and engulfed by dense vegetation, the site continues to reveal new sections as archaeologists make discoveries. This 5-day trek offers a full day to thoroughly explore this fascinating archaeological site! The trek involves traversing extensive Inca trails, hiking through high Andean terrains with majestic glaciers, descending into deep canyons where condors soar, and passing through diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You’ll have the chance to observe native wildlife such as Andean Condors, a variety of birds, native flora and fauna, orchids, and much more, before returning to Cusco.
The Choquequirao Trek 5 Days begins with a 5:00 am hotel pickup and a 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc, offering scenic views of valleys, villages, and mountains. At Capuliyoc, you’ll meet the horsemen and begin the trek with a stunning lookout of Choquequirao ruins and the Apurímac canyon. The first day involves a 5-hour descent to Playa Rosalinas campsite.
On Day 2, after breakfast, you’ll cross the bridge and hike for about 4 hours uphill to Marampata for lunch, continuing to a nearby campsite just 20 minutes from the ruins. This proximity allows for an immersive evening exploration of Choquequirao and a chance to spot condors. Each day includes full meals and camping accommodations, with altitudes ranging from 2,061m to over 3,100m and moderate to difficult hiking conditions.
Our incredible adventure begins at 5:00 am with a pickup from your hotel. We will drive for approximately 4 hours in a private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). The journey offers picturesque views of local villages, stunning valleys, and snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching Capuliyoc, you’ll meet our horsemen and load all equipment onto the horses. Carry a small daypack with essentials for the trail.
From Capuliyoc, take in the breathtaking views of Choquequirao Inca ruins, the Apurimac canyon, and the impressive snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). Then, we will descend for 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. Following lunch, continue downhill for another 2 hours to our first campsite at Playa Rosalinas (2061m/6762ft). Hot drinks and appetizers will be ready upon arrival, and you’ll have time to settle into your pre-setup tents before dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Minimum Altitude: 2061m/6762ft
Maximum Altitude: 3100m/9300ft
Distance: 9km/5.6 miles
Time: Approximately 5 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
After an early breakfast, cross the bridge and hike for 4 hours to Marampata, where lunch will be served with views of Choquequirao Inca ruins. Post-lunch, proceed to our second campsite, just 20 minutes from the ruins. Being so close to the archaeological site allows us to enjoy the ruins into the evening and spot condors soaring in the canyon.
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Minimum Altitude: 2061m/6762ft
Maximum Altitude: 3100m/10170ft
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Time: Approximately 5 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Spend the entire day exploring the magnificent Choquequirao archaeological site. There is much to see, with the ruins being three times the size of Machu Picchu and continuously revealing new sections hidden beneath the dense jungle. Enjoy a private guided tour to explore the temples, terraces, palaces, and other sections.
The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua, though it is not likely its original name. This “Lost City of the Incas” was officially rediscovered in the late 20th century. Positioned on a ridge about 1750 meters above the Apurimac River and surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay peaks, the site spans 1810 hectares. Restoration began in the 1990s, with only about 30% of the site restored so far, and new discoveries are made daily.
After exploring, return to the same campsite for drinks and appetizers before dinner. Enjoy your final night next to these awe-inspiring ruins under the southern stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Altitude: 3100m/10170ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Following an early breakfast, we start our journey back to Cusco. The hike back to Marampata will take about 2 hours, during which you’ll see the Apurimac canyon and your guide will point out local flora and fauna you might have missed earlier. You’ll also view impressive waterfalls and, if the weather is clear, the beautiful Andean landscapes.
From Marampata, begin a 4-hour steep descent to La Playa, which requires trekking poles. A break halfway will offer fresh fruit from the area, featuring cactus fruit as a highlight. After reaching La Playa for lunch, continue uphill for another 2 hours to Chikiska Camp, situated near a family’s home. You might spot spectacled bears, condors, hummingbirds, and more.
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 18km/11 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
After an early breakfast, prepare for the return trip to Cusco. The uphill hike will take approximately 4 hours until reaching the end of the trek, where you’ll enjoy a final lunch with your tour guide, porters, and horsemen. Bid farewell to the INCA EXPEDITIONS team and continue with your guide to Cusco, arriving by 6:00 pm.
PRICE for Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
The Choquequirao 5-Day Trek can be scheduled for any date that suits you, provided we have a minimum of 2 participants.
$650 USD per person
We supply spacious Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
EXTRAS
ADDED VALUES AT NO EXTRA COST
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG: As a local, professional tour operator, we provide a duffel bag during your briefing and include an extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg (14 lbs), which includes your 2.5 kg sleeping bag, mattress, and additional clothing. Peruvian regulations mandate that duffel bags weigh no more than 7 kg (15 lbs) to ensure the horses’ health. All bags will be weighed before acceptance. If you exceed this limit, you’ll need to carry the extra weight in your daypack. Allocate approximately 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad, leaving around 4 kg for personal items.
TOILETRIES:
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK: A small daypack of 30 to 40 liters is recommended for daily hikes. The rest of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Important Info:
Welcome to Cusco! You will be met at Cusco airport and transferred to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS board at the arrivals terminal.
The Briefing: A briefing will be held the night before the trek at 6 pm 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 Trek: To book your trek, fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or use the provided link.
Please have the following information ready for each participant:
A deposit of $211.00 per person is required to secure a permit for the trek. You can make the deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our homepage or booking page.
Balance Payment Options:
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay the balance in cash at our office (either in US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are many ATMs in the historical center of Cusco for cash withdrawal. Alternatively, you can pay by VISA or PAYPAL online, though a 5.5% service fee will be added by VISA and PAYPAL. For PAYPAL payments, log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
Changing the Departure Date:
You may change your departure date with some restrictions. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you need to make a change. Note that the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel the trek.
Passport Requirement:
You must bring your original passport, and it should be the same passport number used when booking the trek. If you’re renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information so we can secure your permit. We can update it with your new passport number or name for a fee of $25 per person. If you prefer not to pay this fee, bring both your old and new passports to Peru.
Weather:
The weather on the Choquequirao Trek is unpredictable. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Bring warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
Altitude Sickness:
To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, exercise regularly and spend 2-3 days acclimating in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. Recommended remedies include water, coca tea, and oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to assist with altitude sickness. For more information, you can refer to our Altitude Sickness link. We also offer Cusco City and Sacred Valley tours for acclimatization.
Group Size:
Our groups are capped at 8 people to ensure a personalized experience. Typically, groups range from 2-6 people.
Number of Cooks and Pack Horses:
Hiking and Packing:
The night before the trek, you will receive a small duffel bag for packing clothes, with a weight limit of 7 kg (14 lbs). Your duffel bag, along with food and camping gear, will be carried by pack horses, so you won’t have access to it until the end of each day. Use a day backpack (30-50 liters) for personal items like warm clothes, rain gear, camera, snacks, and water.
Difficulty Level:
The Choquequirao Trek is challenging but not impossible. Fitness is important, and being in good shape will enhance your experience. If you do not regularly exercise, consider doing extra walking or hiking before your trip. The trek is rated from moderate to difficult.
Toilets on the Trek:
We provide clean and private toilet facilities with an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. The toilet is set up a comfortable distance from the campsite and is accessible at night.
If Unable to Finish the Trek:
If you cannot complete the trek due to health issues, we will assist with transportation to the nearest town. Oxygen is carried on the trek for respiratory issues. In extreme cases, helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your expense (travel insurance required). No refunds are given if you cannot finish the trek.
Post-Trek Drop-Off:
We provide drop-off at your hotel after the trek, including those in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba). If you stayed in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will also pick you up from there.
Tipping:
Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated if you are satisfied with the service provided. Tips motivate our staff to deliver excellent service and are a common practice in tourism. Tip according to the quality of service and the length of your trip.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Indeed, we are dedicated to sustainability as a local and responsible tourism operator. We adhere to universal tourism principles, which involve protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their cultural and religious practices. All our local staff are trained to understand and honor these places and their inhabitants.
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