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⚠ PRIVATE SERVICE ONLY · INTENSIVE

Choquequirao Trek 3 Days 2 Nights

Intensive and demanding. Three days of high physical effort to reach Choquequirao and return. Operated as a private service only — extra horse strongly recommended.

3 daysDuration
42 kmDistance
3,106 mMax altitude
Level 5+Difficulty
Apr – OctSeason
5 – 12Group size
⚠ Important — Private service only. This trek has very high physical demands. We do not operate it as a group service for safety reasons. It is only available as a private tour with a minimum of 5 people. We strongly recommend hiring an extra horse to assist on the climbs.

About this trek

Discover the majesty of the Peruvian Andes in a unique three-day adventure that will take you through stunning landscapes and towards the heart of the ancient Inca citadel of Choquequirao. This trek invites you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Incas as you explore centuries-old agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and ancestral plazas that have withstood the test of time.

For three intensive days, you will walk along ancient trails, surrounded by towering mountains and the natural beauty of the Andes. The pace is demanding — every day combines long descents and steep ascents. This is the most challenging of our Choquequirao itineraries and is reserved for hikers in excellent physical condition.

Want a more comfortable pace? Consider the 4-day trek (balanced) or the 5-day trek (most comfortable). Both are available in group service.

Day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco – Cachora – Marampata

We will start our journey in Cusco, meeting at Plaza Regocijo (parallel to the Plaza de Armas) between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. We will begin the trip enjoying wonderful views of landscapes that traverse the pampa of Anta as well as Limatambo, before continuing to the Apurímac region and onwards to Curahuasi, then arriving at Cachora, specifically at Capuliyoc, where we will enjoy breakfast overlooking the Apurímac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow-capped mountain. After breakfast, we will start our adventure by descending for about 3 hours, passing through the Cocamasana viewpoints until we reach Chiquiska, where we will have lunch. We will then descend for about 1 hour until we reach the Apurímac River, at a place known as Playa Rosalina. We will cross the river and begin to ascend towards Santa Rosa, a journey that will take us between an hour and a half to two hours approximately. This stretch requires considerable physical effort. After a brief rest in Santa Rosa, we will continue ascending for about three and a half hours until we reach the town of Marampata, where we will have dinner and spend the night. Marampata offers a spectacular view to witness the sunset if we are lucky.

DAY 2

Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata

We will wake up early to make the most of the day. After breakfast, we will head to Choquequirao, a journey that will take us approximately an hour and a half. Once there, we will explore and learn as much as possible during the day, as we will dedicate much of the day to touring this wonderful archaeological site. Lunch will be a snack that we will bring with us. In the afternoon, we will return to Marampata, where we will have dinner and spend another night.

DAY 3

Marampata – Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco

We will start the day very early, descending for about two hours until we reach Santa Rosa, where we will enjoy a typical mountain breakfast. Then, we will continue descending for approximately another hour and a half until we reach the Apurímac River, where we will stop to take photos and rest for a while. After that, we will begin to ascend towards Chiquiska, where lunch awaits us. In the afternoon, we will continue our walk towards Capuliyoc for about 3 more hours. There we will end our walk and this incredible experience. Then, we will return to Cusco, arriving around 10:00 pm.

⚠ This 3-day trek demands a high level of physical effort. We strongly recommend hiring an extra horse to help on the ascents. Horses cannot be used for descents due to the risk of falls.

What's included

  • Hot showers in all rural lodges along the trail
  • Free WiFi in all rural lodges
  • Private transportation Cusco – Capuliyoc – Cusco
  • 2 nights of accommodation in rural lodges
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners (vegetarian option at no extra cost)
  • Muleteer and mules to transport your luggage (up to 6 kg per person)
  • Emergency horse (for groups of more than 6 people)
  • First aid kit and oxygen tank

What's not included

  • Day 3 dinner
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao (S/ 60 adults · S/ 30 students)
  • Extra horse for climbs (strongly recommended for this itinerary)
  • Trekking poles (available for rent)
  • Tips for the guide and muleteers
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Extra expenses not in the itinerary (water, snacks, drinks)

Trek facts

  • Activity: Hiking — intensive
  • Difficulty: Level 5+ (Very High) — excellent fitness required
  • Total walking distance: 42 km / 26 miles approx.
  • Maximum altitude: 3,106 m / 10,190 ft
  • Service type: Private only
  • Departure days: Any day with a minimum of 5 people
  • Start & end: Cusco, near Plaza de Armas

Ready for the intensive 3-day challenge?

Private service only · for trained hikers in excellent condition

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