Choquequirao Trek

Overview

Embark on an epic journey to the citadel of Choquequirao trek, one of the last Inca refuges deep in the Peruvian Andes. This 4-day tour will take you through breathtaking landscapes, from the towering canyons of the Apurimac to the lush cloud forest, all while exploring Inca history and culture.

Day 1: Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Cusco to Capuliyoc, followed by a hike to the first campsite at Santa Rosa. Enjoy the first views of the canyon as you descend through diverse ecosystems.
Day 2: Prepare for a challenging but rewarding day. You will ascend to Marampata, where you will be greeted by spectacular views before continuing on to Choquequirao, a little-explored Inca archaeological site, where you will camp with breathtaking views.
Day 3: Descend into the Apurimac Valley and enjoy the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area as you make your way to the final camp at Chikiska.
Day 4: Finish your trip with a Pachamanca, a traditional Andean lunch, and a visit to the mysterious archaeological site of Saywite, before returning to Cusco.
This tour is perfect for those looking for a combination of adventure, culture and breathtaking scenery, all while discovering a little-known Inca archaeological site. Join this unique experience and relive history in the heart of the Andes!

Itinerary

Departure at 4:30 am from your hotel in Cusco. The trip will take you through the Andes to Capuliyoc, where you will arrive around 8:30 am. After enjoying the first breakfast prepared by the chef, you will begin the TreXperience to the citadel of Choquequirao. The first part of the trek is a 4-hour descent from Capuliyoc (2950 m) to Chikiska (1950 m), where you will have lunch. During this stretch, you will be able to admire the impressive views of the Apurimac Canyon. After lunch, you will continue the trek for 2 more hours until you reach Santa Rosa (2230 m), where you will camp for the night.

Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Hiking time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

After breakfast, you will prepare for one of the most challenging but rewarding days of the TreXperience. You will start with a 4-hour hike uphill to Marampata (2940 m). On the way, you will visit sugar cane farms where the locals produce “Cañazo,” a traditional alcoholic beverage. You will have lunch in a local house with spectacular views of the mountains and the river. Afterwards, you will ascend for 2 more hours to Choquequirao (3050 m), an impressive Inca citadel. Here, you will camp with panoramic views of the Apurimac Valley and the Andes.

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Hiking time: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging

Wake up with a cup of coffee or coca tea while enjoying the sunrise in this magical place. Then, you will hike for 3 hours downhill to Santa Rosa, where you will have breakfast. Afterwards, you will continue descending for another hour and then climb for 2 hours to the last camp at Chikiska (1950 m). This day is perfect to appreciate the scenery, full of flowers, birds and waterfalls.

Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Hiking time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging

On the last day, you will wake up early to enjoy the final breakfast with your team. Then, you will prepare for a 4-hour hike uphill to Capuliyoc. Here, you will enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Andean lunch cooked underground. After saying goodbye to the trekking team, you will visit the Saywite archaeological site before returning to Cusco, where you will arrive around 6:00 pm.

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Duration of hike: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch
Lodging: Not included
Difficulty: Moderate

Included

All transportation included
Professional Tour Guide
Second Tour Guide for groups of 9+
Trekking Chefs to prepare fresh meals
Porters, muleteers
Horses to carry food and equipment
Duffle bag for 8 kilos of your stuff
3 meals per day
Vegetarian and vegan options
Comfortable camping equipment
Sleeping foam mattress, pillows
First aid kit with Oxygen bottle, satellite phones
Entrance fee to Choquequirao site and Saywite
All taxes and booking fees

Not Included

Sleeping Bag, air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us)
Dinner on day 4 (When back in Cusco)
Gratuities (Optional)
Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)

Before You Go

Physical Preparation: This trek is demanding, with steep ascents and descents. It is recommended to have a good level of physical conditioning prior to the trip.
Acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
Adequate Equipment: Bring comfortable, well-worn trekking boots, layered, waterproof clothing, and a light backpack. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the trek. Bring water purification tablets or a water filter.
Food and Snacks: Although meals are included, bring energy snacks such as cereal bars, nuts and chocolate.
Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views and rich history of the place.
Respect Nature and Culture: Follow the instructions of the guides, respect the local fauna and flora, and take all garbage with you.
Travel Insurance: Make sure you have insurance that covers outdoor and high mountain activities.