4 Days / 3 Nights
Choquequirao Trek - Adventure Tours and Hiking
Visit CHOQUEQUIRAO! Our 4-day tour to Choquequirao is one of the most beautiful and incredible experiences you shouldn’t miss. Most travelers who have done this tour say it’s challenging, but the effort is always worth it. Choquequirao is a fascinating archaeological site located in the Cusco region of Peru, often compared to Machu Picchu due to its historical significance and natural beauty. If you’re interested in exploring the landscapes of the Andes and jungle while visiting ancient Inca cities, this tour is perfect for you.
Trekking or hiking to Choquequirao offers a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes, revealing ancient Inca structures, mysteries, and llama-themed artwork.
ITINERARY
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
Our Choquequirao Trek begins early in the morning, departing from Cusco between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. in tourist transportation. We head to Cachora, a mountain community located 4 to 5 hours from Cusco, at an altitude of 2800 meters (9184 feet). This will be the starting point of our hike, surrounded by stunning Andean mountains and snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Nevado Padreyoc, whose name translates to «the place of the Father» in Spanish.
Our transport will drop us off near the Capuliyoc pass, where we will meet our mule handlers and mules. Here, our chef will prepare a light meal to fuel us for the hike. We’ll start with a short 15 to 20-minute uphill trek to reach the Capuliyoc pass, situated at 2,912 meters (9,563 feet) above sea level, from where we can take in the breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon, the third deepest canyon in the world. If the weather is favorable, we may even catch a glimpse of the Choquequirao archaeological site, also known as the «cradle of gold.»
Following this, we will descend for about three hours until we reach Chiquisca. Along the way, we might see local wildlife, including birds, foxes, and vizcachas. Chiquisca serves as one of the first campsites on the trek to Choquequirao, where we will set up camp and spend the night.
Total hiking time for the day is around 7 hours, and the weather is typically warm, with mosquitoes present. We will camp overnight in Chiquisca.
Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao
After enjoying a hearty breakfast in Chiquisca, we begin our hike around 6:00 a.m., heading toward Playa Rosalina, a short 30-minute trek. We then cross the Apurímac River and face a steep ascent to Santa Rosa, which takes about 2 hours. Starting early helps us avoid the midday heat, making the climb more manageable.
Once we reach Santa Rosa, we take a well-deserved 30-minute break before continuing the hike uphill to Marampata, a journey of approximately two and a half hours. At Marampata, situated at 2850 meters above sea level, we pause for lunch while admiring the incredible views of Choquequirao, often referred to as Machu Picchu’s sister, which is located at 3103 meters.
After lunch, we continue hiking for another 2 hours until we reach the designated camping area, just 20 minutes from the Choquequirao Archaeological Center. The total walking time for the day is around 7 hours, with warm weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night, where we will camp for the night.
Choquequirao – Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca.
In the morning, we begin a guided exploration of the remarkable Choquequirao Archaeological Center, often referred to as the «sister city of Machu Picchu.» Situated in the Apurímac River canyon and constructed in the 15th century, Choquequirao showcases the ingenuity of the Incas, serving more than just administrative and religious purposes.
Our expert guide will share the rich history and hidden secrets of this ancient site, where only 30% of its ruins have been uncovered and restored so far, with the potential to rival Machu Picchu in the future. We’ll explore its sophisticated hydraulic systems, the Grand Complex, the Main Plaza, religious and elite sections, and the vast agricultural terraces.
After this cultural experience, we will hike back to Marampata and continue through the Apurímac Canyon, reaching our camp in Chiquisca, located at 1930 meters. The trek for the day will last about 6 hours in warm weather, ending with a night of camping in Chiquisca.
Chiquisca – Capuliyoq – Cusco
We leave the camp after breakfast to start the ascent of approximately two to three hours to CHIKISCCA (Chiquisca), and then we make the return journey to the Capuliyoc pass, near which we have our lunch. In the late afternoon, we embark on our two-hour return journey to Cachora. There, transportation awaits us to take us back to Cusco.
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NOTE:
- Departure and arrival times are approximate.
- Campsites are subject to changes according to the guide’s criteria and the group’s progress.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Carry your passport or identification document.
- Bring cash, Peruvian soles.
- Carry in a small backpack a camera, a sun-protective hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a water bottle.
- In CHOQUEQUIRAO, you will climb stairs, so wear suitable, non-slip shoes.
- For altitude sickness, you can try a good coca leaf tea.
- Bring some extra snacks and a water bottle, as they will be more expensive along the way.
- During our guided tour in CHOQUEQUIRAO, enjoy the magical moment, open your arms, and recharge your energy.
- Regarding your luggage, you can carry up to 7 kilograms.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing.
- Morning pick-up from the hotel in Cusco and transportation to Cachora, the starting point of the hike.
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao for visitors and our team.
- Tents.
- Professional guide (Spanish and English).
- Chef and kitchen team.
- Horse wranglers (to carry equipment, tents, food, and the kitchen).
- Meals (03B, 04L, 03D).
- First aid kit.
- Private transportation from Cusco to Cachora.
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Dinner on the last day.
- Other services not mentioned in the program.