About this trek
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, as 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, marveling at the magnificence of a lost civilization and connecting with the ancestral energy of this sacred place.
Day-by-day itinerary
Cusco – Cachora – Chiquiska
We will start our journey in Cusco, meeting at Plaza Regocijo (parallel to Plaza de Armas) 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 de 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 accommodation.
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.
What's included
- Hot showers in all rural lodges along the trail
- Free WiFi in all rural lodges
- Private transportation Cusco – Capuliyoc – Cusco
- 3 nights of accommodation in rural lodges
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 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 1 breakfast and Day 4 dinner
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao (S/ 60 adults · S/ 30 students)
- 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
- Difficulty: Level 5 (High)
- Total walking distance: 42 km / 26 miles approx.
- Maximum altitude: 3,106 m / 10,190 ft
- Accommodation: Rural lodges with hot showers and WiFi
- Departure days: Group — only on scheduled dates · Private — any day with 4+ people
- Start & end: Cusco, near Plaza de Armas