Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
Private Tour & Semi-Private Tour
Level:
The 4-day Choquequirao Trek is an ideal option for those passionate about nature and Inca history, seeking a challenging and authentic experience. This tour will take you through towering Andean mountains, deep canyons, and off-the-beaten-track trails to an Inca citadel as majestic as Machu Picchu, but much less crowded. The weather varies along the route, with warm days and cold nights, so it’s essential to be well prepared.
Choquequirao, which means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua, is an archaeological complex located at over 3,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and highland rainforest. The total hike is approximately 64 kilometers round trip, with steep ascents and descents making this a challenging trek, recommended for those in good physical condition and with experience on long hikes.
ITINERARY
4-Day Choquequirao Trek Itinerary
🏛️Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chikiska – Santa Rosa Baja
We’ll pick you up from your hotel between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. After an approximately 4-hour shuttle ride through the picturesque landscapes of the Anta Valley, we’ll reach Cachora. We’ll then continue to the Capuliyoc natural viewpoint (2,890 m / 9,482 ft). From this point, you’ll witness spectacular panoramic views of the imposing Padreyoc snow-capped mountain (5,771 m) and the Apurimac Canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world.
From Capuliyoc, we will begin our descent along a winding trail for approximately 2.5 hours until we reach the Chikiska sector (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where we will stop for lunch.
After recharging our batteries, we will descend to Playa Rosalina, the lowest point of the trek (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), crossing the suspension bridge over the Apurímac River. From there, the trail ascends for approximately 3 hours to our first camp in Santa Rosa Baja, where we will spend the night. The team will welcome you with a comforting hot dinner.
🚌Day 2: Santa Rosa Baja – Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex
This will be one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek, as we will begin the day at 5:00 a.m. After breakfast, at 6:00 a.m., we will begin a steep ascent of approximately 2.5 hours to the community of Marampata (2,870 m / 9,416 ft), where we will take a break while taking in spectacular views of the canyon and the Inca citadel.
After a short break, we will continue on an additional 2-hour hike to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex, a hidden gem of the Inca world, surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains.
We will have a picnic lunch near the site, and then our guide will give us a complete tour of the most important areas: plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial centers. At the end of the visit, we will return to Marampata, where a hot dinner awaits us and a campsite set up for the night.
🗿Day 3: Marampata – Rosalina Beach – Chikiska – Cocamasana
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin the trek early in the morning, following the same scenic trail as we descend toward Santa Rosa Alta and Santa Rosa Baja. From there, we continue until we reach the Playa Rosalina suspension bridge (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), a picturesque spot perfect for a short rest and to recharge our energy.
Afterward, we’ll resume our hike with a steady ascent of approximately 1.5 hours until we arrive at Chikiska (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where a delicious lunch will be waiting for us.
Once we’ve rested, the adventure continues with a gradual two-hour climb toward the Cocamasana campsite, our final resting point for the day. From here, we’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon, making it an ideal spot to relax, take photos, and connect with the stunning natural surroundings.
🚆Day 4: Cocamasana – Capuliyoc – Return to Cusco
This last day will begin with an early breakfast. We will hike upward for approximately 3 hours until we reach the Capuliyoc Pass again, where we will bid farewell to the mountains and board our private transportation back to Cusco.
The return trip will take about 4.5 hours, arriving in Cusco around the afternoon, where the adventure will end.
INCLUDES
Included in the 4-day Choquequirao Trek:
- Camping for the 3 nights
- 3 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Professional cook; vegetarian/vegan options available.
- Transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc (round trip).
- Professional bilingual guide
- Pack horses, duffel bag (up to 5 kg)
- Entrance fee to the Choquequirao archaeological site.
NOT INCLUDED
Not included in the 4-Day Choquequirao Trek
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
- Trekking poles
- Tips, travel insurance, and flights.
- Activities not specified in the itinerary.
- Domestic or international flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for the 4-Day Choquequirao Trek
- Small backpack (10 L) for daily hikes.
- Sleeping bag (minimum -10°C)
- Trekking poles (optional but useful, should have rubber protectors).
- Breathable t-shirts
- Long-sleeved polo shirts for sun protection.
- Trekking pants
- Thermal underwear for cold nights.
- Waterproof or windproof jacket.
- Fleece jacket or coat.
- Rain poncho or plastic raincoat (rain is possible year-round).
- Sun hat or cap.
- Wool hat and gloves for the cold.
- Hiking socks.
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Toilet paper and resealable trash bags.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap.
- Light towel or microfiber towel.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Water bottle.
- Purification tablets or water filter.
- Energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate).
- Cash (tips, small purchases in towns).
- Original passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu).
- Camera or cell phone with external battery
- People with heart or respiratory problems, or uncontrolled chronic medical conditions
- People with reduced mobility or recent knee, ankle, or back injuries
- Children under 10 years old and older adults with no trekking experience
- People without prior altitude acclimatization
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the 4-Day Choquequirao Trek
1. What is the difficulty level of this trek?
This trek is of high difficulty. It requires good physical condition, as it covers steep paths, steep slopes, and several days of demanding walking.
2. How many kilometers are hiked in total?
Approximately 60 to 65 km total over the 5 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 8 hours.
3. What is the maximum altitude of the trek?
The maximum altitude reaches 3,050 m (10,006 ft) at Capuliyoc Pass, although it descends to 1,500 m (4,920 ft) in some sections, such as Rosalina Beach.
4. What is the weather like during the hike?
The weather varies: during the day it can be hot and sunny (20–28°C), while at night it can be cold (5–10°C). During the rainy season (November to March), muddy trails are common.
5. Is it necessary to bring trekking poles?
They are not mandatory, but highly recommended due to the difficulty of the descents and ascents. You can rent them in advance.
6. Is previous trekking experience necessary?
It is not essential, but previous experience with multi-day hikes and being in good physical shape are recommended.
7. What type of accommodation is used?
You sleep in spacious tents (4 for 2 people), with all the basic amenities of an Andean camp.
8. When is the best time to do the trek?
The best time is between April and October, during the dry season, with firmer trails and clear skies.
DEPARTURE DATES
The 4-day Choquequirao Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Cusco, Peru. We currently offer daily tours to this impressive mountain.
PRICES
Adult: $400 per Adult
Student: $400 per Adult
