Choquequirao Trek 4 Days 3 Nights
Discover the majesty of the Peruvian Andes in a unique four-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, while you explore centuries-old agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and ancestral plazas that have withstood the test of time. For four days, you will walk along ancient trails, surrounded by towering mountains and the natural beauty of the Andes, in an experience that will challenge your physical and emotional limits. Get ready to discover Choquequirao in all its grandeur, while you marvel at the magnificence of a lost civilization and connect with the ancestral energy of this sacred place. Join us on this unforgettable adventure and let yourself be captivated by the magic of Choquequirao!
IMPORTANT: Trekking to Choquequirao is a challenging adventure that requires good physical and mental condition to complete successfully. For several days, you will walk on difficult terrain and face weather changes, which demands endurance and determination. In addition, the altitude and long days can test our physical and mental capacity.
To fully enjoy this experience and achieve the journey successfully, it is important to prepare adequately, both physically and mentally. Training in advance, maintaining an adequate pace during the hike, and keeping a positive attitude are key. It is also essential to listen to our body, rest when necessary, and be prepared for the challenges that may arise along the way.
By overcoming these challenges, we not only reach Choquequirao, but we also strengthen our determination, endurance, and ability to face and overcome obstacles, which can be a transformative and enriching experience.
If you are not used to exercising regularly, it is recommended to start hiking, trekking, or other aerobic activities several weeks before your trip. This will help you strengthen your muscles, improve your endurance, and prepare physically for the hike you will undertake during your trip. Starting with short hikes and gradually increasing the distance and intensity will help you avoid injuries and condition your body safely. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program is also a good idea to ensure you are in shape to do so.
If you would like a tour in fewer days, you can choose Choquequirao Trek 3 Days 2 Nights (private service only). If you would like a longer one, the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days 4 Nights may suit you.
Day-by-day itinerary
Cusco – Cachora – Chiquiska
We will start our journey in Cusco with pickup from your hotel between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. We will begin the journey enjoying the wonderful views of landscapes that cross the pampa of Anta and Limatambo, to later pass to the Apurímac region and continue towards Curahuasi to then reach our first destination, the archaeological park of SAYWITE, about 3 hours and a half journey from Cusco. Here we can admire a stone carved by the Incas, where they designed numerous miniature structures as models. We will also explore other ceremonial centers. After the visit, we will continue towards Cachora, specifically to Capuliyoc, where we will enjoy lunch overlooking the Apurímac Canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoc. After lunch, we will start our adventure descending for about 3 hours approximately, passing through the viewpoints of Cocamasana until we reach Chiquiska, where we will have dinner and spend the night in a rural lodge.
Chiquiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata
We will start early this day after breakfast. We will descend for approximately 1 hour until we reach the Apurímac river, in a place known as Playa Rosalina. We will cross the river and start ascending towards Santa Rosa, a journey that will take us between one and a half to two hours approximately. This stretch requires considerable physical effort, so we will try to climb when the sun has not yet fully risen. After a short break in Santa Rosa, we will continue ascending for about three and a half hours approximately until we reach the town of Marampata, where we will have lunch and have free time in the afternoon to rest. Marampata offers a spectacular view to witness the sunset if we are lucky. After having ascended about 1,500 meters above sea level, we will rest for the rest of the day. There we will also have dinner and stay overnight.
Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata
We will get 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 spend much of the day touring this wonderful archaeological site. Lunch will be a snack that we will take with us. In the afternoon, we will return to Marampata, where we will have dinner and spend another night.
Marampata – Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
We will start the day very early descending approximately for 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. We will stop to take photos and rest a bit, then we will start ascending towards Chiquiska, where lunch awaits us. In the afternoon, we will continue our walk towards Capuliyoc for about 3 more hours approximately. There we will end our walk and this incredible experience. Then, we will return to Cusco, arriving around 10:00 pm. This day is very demanding due to the intensity of the hike. During the first two days of this trip, the hike is not so demanding, which allows us to assess your physical endurance. If you consider that the hike will be too difficult, you can choose to rent a horse to ascend the mountain.
Photos from the trail
A glimpse of what awaits you on the Choquequirao Trek.
What's included
- Private transportation from Cusco to the starting point at Capuliyoc
- Three nights of accommodation in rural lodges
- Professional guide — bilingual (English/Spanish) on group service · Spanish on private service
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners (vegetarian option at no extra cost)
- Muleteer and mules to transport the client's luggage (up to 6 kg maximum)
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
Not included
- Day 1: Breakfast
- Day 4: Dinner
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao (60 soles for national or foreign adults · 30 soles for students)
- Saddle horse (will help you on the ascents)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Tips: it is a tradition; the muleteers and the guide will be happy to receive them if deserved
- TRAVEL INSURANCE (it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for any unforeseen events, remember this is an adventure trip)
- Expenses not mentioned in the itinerary (water, snacks, other drinks, etc.)
Trek facts
- Activity: Hiking
- Difficulty level for Choquequirao Trek 4 Days 3 Nights: 5 High (requires good health and physical condition). Distance: up to 16 kilometers. Terrain: slopes, dirt roads, paths and royal trails with very steep ascents and descents, narrow and irregular paths with high difficulty. Altitude: ascents and descents up to 800 m. Recommended for people in good physical condition.
- Maximum altitude: 3,106 m / 10,190 ft
- Accommodation & meals: In rural lodges of the area
- Total walking distance: 42 km / 26 miles approx.
- Type of tourism: Trekking, hiking, ecotourism
- Departure day: Any day, preferably from April to October
- Tour starts: In Cusco
- Ends: Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco (must be accessible and central)
If you would like to learn more about us, please visit our main page at: https://infocusco.com.pe/