The Choquequirao Ultimate Challenge
The Choquequirao 4 days trek offers stunning views of the Andean mountains, deep river canyons, and diverse ecosystems. Trekkers also have the opportunity to learn about the Inca culture and history and witness local rural life in the Peruvian highlands.
If you’re addicted to challenging physical activity, love nature, and are passionate about the history of ancient civilizations, this route is the perfect choice for you. Discover this off-the-beaten-path architectural jewel of the Incas on a trek that will challenge your physical and mental limits and provide you with the most epic adventure imaginable.
In Quechua, Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” This incredible site sits high looking over the Apurimac River, and snowy peaks surround it. Tourists rarely visit it due to the fact it’s not as ‘famous’ as Machu Picchu, and you can only get there by hiking. It’s three times bigger, though, and just as impressive! Join us and discover the secrets of this beautiful site and learn why it’s only recently being uncovered.
If you want to leave the crowds behind and venture on a challenging, exciting, and stunning trek, this route is perfect for you. You can join us as a couple or with a group of family or friends. We take care of every last detail so you can enjoy your trip to the max.
The Choquequirao Route is truly spectacular and very rarely visited by tourists. In other words, it’s barely known, seldom visited, and rarely explored. Choquequirao is believed to be the legendary last city inhabited by the Incas when the Spanish conquest reached Peru. You’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the site since it’s much larger than Machu Picchu.
Prepare yourself for a journey through time, leaving modernity and worries behind as you wander through the stony streets of Choquequirao. You’ll easily be able to imagine a lifestyle where great importance was given to the community and where there was a deep love and respect for Mother Nature or Pachamama as the Incas knew her. This intense and valuable connection between human beings and nature allowed the ancient civilization to create true wonders of architecture and engineering.
During this amazing adventure, you’ll travel the ancient paths that the Incas used hundreds of years ago, climb high Andean peaks, contemplate the majesticness of the glaciers, descend through deep canyons where the gigantic condors fly, and cross through completely different ecosystems in this fantastically biodiverse country.
DAY 1: Cusco | Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa
Enjoy this first day by taking in the incredible scenery of the Apurimac River and valley before you get to Santa Rosa, where you’ll spend the night.
DAY 2: Santa Rosa | Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata
You hike to Marampata this morning and enjoy amazing panoramic views, then follow the trail to Choquequirao. Remember to save your energy because you will return to Marampata for the night.
DAY 3: Marampata | Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquisca
You will depart from Marampata observing more impressive landscapes and refresh yourself in the cold waters of Rosalinas beach. Later, you will arrive at Chiquisca village to spend the night.
DAY 4: Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco
You will hike to Capuliyoc and at this point, you will say goodbye to the trekking team before heading to the Saywite Monolith. Afterwards, you will explore the Conoc hot springs to relax. In the afternoon, you will return in our private transportation to Cusco.
Highlight of the day: Walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Hike Through the Beautiful Andean Landscape and Breathe the Fresh Air.
Your epic trip begins at 4:30 am when we collect you from your accommodation in Cusco and drive for five hours to Capuliyoc in our private transport. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay snowy mountains.
When we arrive in Capuliyoc, you’ll devour a delicious breakfast and meet the cook and horseman who’ll make up your trekking team. They’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely at each camp and ensure you’re well-fed.
Once we start hiking, you’ll make your way through the beautiful Apurimac landscapes through a huge valley on a 3-hour downhill walk. You’ll spot two more gigantic mountains, Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina before we reach our lunch spot at Chiquisca.
When you’re full and reenergized, we’ll continue for another hour and fifteen minutes to the bottom of the valley. Here, you’ll be confronted with the rushing Apurimac River, which is known as “Speaking God” in Quechua. The water boasts class V rapids, making it perfect for canoeing or rafting.
Finally, we’ll make the last 2-hour descent until we reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), our first campsite. You’ll enjoy a tasty dinner before heading to bed for some well-earned sleep.
Highlight of the day: Entering Choquequirao for the first time and being in awe.
Arrive at the Epic Choquequirao Complex.
In the morning, you will be served a big breakfast to give you the energy you will need throughout the hike. Then, you will depart around 5:30 a.m. and zigzag your way up for three hours to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft.). There, you will be amazed by the incredible scenery and have the opportunity to capture some shots of the canyon and snow-capped peaks. After a brief rest and to organize your gear, you will hike for another hour and thirty minutes to the Choquequirao complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft).
On this day, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the surroundings and let the energy of this ancient site take hold of you. You will take your time and discover every part of the complex located in the deep canyon. You are probably already imagining the breathtaking scenery that awaits you. Your guide will take you around the site and teach you about the history and other interesting stories.
Choquequirao is much larger than Machu Picchu, although experts believe that only 40% is currently discovered, so there is likely to be much more to explore in the future. You will visit plazas, temples and impressive terraces. All of this will make you wonder how the ancient civilization could have built such a feat on top of the mountains.
Don’t miss some of the most important parts of the complex, such as the white stone llamas that were built to protect the important mountain overlooking the area known as Apu Qoriwayrachina. Choquequirao remains a mystery in many ways and imagine that in the coming years you will learn more. At noon, you will stop at this magnificent site to enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, you will return to your camp at Marampata to enjoy another great dinner and rest for the night. Once the sun has set, you will notice that the night sky is filled with stars and constellations. Contemplate their meaning before going to bed.
Highlight of the day: Discover the ancestral secrets of the preparation of Cambray, known as the ‘liquid diamond of the Andes.
The great return in the midst of magnificent landscapes.
You will start the day with another hearty breakfast before heading back, after having enjoyed some beautiful moments during your tour of Choquequirao.
You will return along the same trail until you reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), where you will stop to visit a local family’s agricultural hacienda, where they cultivate sugar cane that is used for the preparation of Cambray, a popular liquor in the area.
After enjoying a delicious lunch and a short rest, you will continue your descent until you reach Rosalinas Beach (1,500 m / 4921 ft), where you will cool your feet in the cold waters of the Apurimac River before starting to ascend.
You will continue the return trek, but this time you will start climbing for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes until you reach the warm Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where you will spend the night and enjoy a tasty dinner while talking to your trekking companions about all the exciting things you witnessed today. You will be more than ready for bed when the time comes.
Highlight of the day: Ending your challenging trek with a well-deserved rest in the hot springs.
Retrace Your Steps and Unwind in the Hot Springs of Conoc.
You’ll enjoy your last breakfast of the journey as you listen to the roaring Apurimac River and then be off on an early start to avoid walking in the hot sun. Take some last deep breaths and let Mother Nature guide you on his last section of the trek back to Capuliyoc.
When you get to the town, you’ll bid farewell to your trekking team that has accompanied you the whole way. It’ll be time to board our private vehicle that’ll take you to see the colossal rock known as Saywite. While there, you’ll learn that this rock was of great religious importance to the Incas and focused on water.
After your small history lesson, you’ll head to Conoc hot springs and enjoy a dip in the relaxing waters to rest your muscles after all the trekking. You’ll enjoy your final lunch here before continuing in our transport back to Cusco.
Make the most of your last chance to observe the pretty snowy mountains and take some memorable photos of the incredible landscape. You’ll likely be physically tired at this point, but you’ll have such a sense of satisfaction and achievement that none of it will matter. We’ll arrive back in Cusco and take you to the door of your accommodation at around 6:00 pm for you to unwind and get as much rest as you need.
At Pacha Peru Explorers, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
High Quality Service & Safety
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
Extras and important equipment
All our travelers need a sleeping bag to camp. Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you do not have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with Salkantay Trekking.
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
Walking Sticks
Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
Day 4 Dinner in Cusco
Hiking Clothes & Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
When preparing for the Choquequirao Trek, it’s important to pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need for the four-day journey. Here are some essential items to consider bringing:
Packing light and only bringing essential items is important, as you’ll carry your gear throughout the trek.
“The Short Choquequirao Route” can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 550.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 350.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal, credit cards charge a 6% fee for the use of their secure payment gateway. This tax is just for online and card payments. You can also pay the remaining balance in cash (the briefing day) without charges.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to [email protected]
The Choquequirao Trek is becoming increasingly popular among hikers who are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure than the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, it is still challenging, and hikers should be physically fit and prepared. Below are the most common questions about this amazing hike.
How long does the Choquequirao Trek take?
The Choquequirao Trek typically takes four to five days to complete.
Is the Choquequirao Trek 4 days difficult?
Yes, the Choquequirao Trek 4 days is considered to be a difficult hike due to its steep inclines and high altitude. Hikers should be in the good physical condition and have prior hiking experience.
What is the maximum altitude of the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek reaches an altitude of approximately 3,050 meters above sea level.
What is the best time of year to do the Choquequirao Trek?
The best time to do the Choquequirao Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is generally clear and dry during this time, making for good hiking conditions.
Do I need a permit to hike the Choquequirao Trek?
No, a permit is not currently required to hike the Choquequirao Trek, but you will need an entry ticket to access the Citadel.
What should I pack for the Choquequirao Trek?
Hikers should pack appropriate gear for high-altitude hiking, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, and a good quality backpack. It’s also important to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Are there places to stay along the Choquequirao Trek?
Several campsites and lodges along the Choquequirao Trek offer overnight accommodations. It’s recommended that hikers book ahead, especially during peak season.
Is it safe to hike the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek is generally considered safe for hikers, but it’s important to take proper precautions and be aware of potential hazards, such as steep drops and unstable terrain. Hikers should also be prepared for high-altitude conditions, which can cause altitude sickness if not appropriately acclimatized.
Thank you for your interest in having and adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Pacha Peru Explorers. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
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Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
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Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
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