Frequently Asked Questions

It is a demanding trek classified as Level 5 (High). It involves long days of hiking with steep ascents and descents, often gaining or losing more than 1,500 meters in elevation in a single day. Good physical condition, prior hiking experience, and mental preparation are required.

The Choquequirao trek is more remote, less crowded, and physically more demanding. While the Inca Trail caps at about 500 hikers per day, fewer than 50 visitors typically reach Choquequirao daily. There are no permit restrictions and no train involved — you reach the citadel entirely on foot.

No special permit is required for the trek itself, unlike the Inca Trail. You only pay the entrance fee to the archaeological site at the gate.

The dry season runs from April to October and offers the most reliable conditions: clear skies, less rain, and good visibility. May to September is peak season. We do not operate this trek in the rainy months (December – February) for safety reasons.

We strongly recommend arriving 2 to 3 days before the trek starts. This allows your body to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco (3,400 m) and reduces the risk of altitude sickness during the trek.

We offer four options: a 3-day intensive (private only), a 4-day balanced trek, a 5-day comfortable trek, and a private 5-day trek with hotel pickup. The 4 and 5-day versions are available in group or private service.

Our 2026 referential prices start at USD $365 for the 3-day private trek, $380 for the 4-day, and $485 for the 5-day. Final price depends on group size, season, and add-ons. Contact us for an exact quote.

Yes. Solo travelers can join our scheduled group departures or book the private 5-day trek which has no minimum number of participants.

We recommend a minimum age of 12 years for the group treks. Younger children may participate on private treks subject to evaluation. There is no strict upper age limit — what matters is good physical condition.

Group service runs only on confirmed scheduled departure dates and is shared with other travelers (4 – 12 people). Private service runs any day, with just your group, at your pace, and includes hotel pickup. Group is more affordable; private offers maximum flexibility.

The citadel of Choquequirao sits at approximately 3,106 meters (10,190 feet) above sea level. The trek descends and ascends through the Apurímac canyon, reaching a low point of around 1,500 m at the river.

The full trek covers approximately 42 km (26 miles) round trip from Capuliyoc to Choquequirao and back.

You'll walk on ancient Inca royal roads, dirt paths, and rocky sections through the Apurímac canyon. The trail is narrow in places, with steep ascents and descents. There are no flat sections of significant length.

Depending on the itinerary, between 5 and 9 hours per day. The longest day is typically the last day of the 4-day trek (full descent and ascent in one stretch).

During the dry season (April – October), expect warm to hot days (20 – 28 °C in the canyon) and cool nights (5 – 12 °C at higher elevations). The sun is intense at this latitude and altitude. Light rain is possible at any time.

Signal is limited. There is some coverage at Capuliyoc and Marampata, but for most of the trek you'll be offline. Our lodges offer free WiFi, however, so you can check in with family in the evenings.

Yes — every rural lodge where we stay along the trail has hot showers. This is one of the features that sets our service apart.

We use family-run rural lodges along the trail (in Chiquiska and Marampata). Rooms are simple but clean, with proper beds, hot showers, and WiFi. We do not camp on this trek.

Bottled water is available for purchase at the lodges. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle and water purification tablets or a filter as a backup.

Some, but very few compared to other Peruvian treks. Typically you'll cross paths with 10 to 30 hikers per day during peak season — a fraction of what you'd see on the Inca Trail or in Machu Picchu.

Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit, and they are trained to recognize and treat altitude sickness. Most of the trek actually takes place below Cusco's altitude, in the Apurímac canyon, so the risk is lower than on the Inca Trail or Salkantay.

Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking activities, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation. This is your responsibility to arrange before arrival.

You can rent an extra horse to help you ascend the steep climbs. We always recommend booking the horse in advance for the 3-day trek. Horses cannot descend due to safety risks.

No specific vaccinations are required for the Choquequirao region. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you'll also visit the Amazon. Consult your doctor before traveling.

Yes. We offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options at no extra cost. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking.

Pack mules carry up to 6 kg per person in a duffel bag we provide. You'll carry your own daypack with water, snacks, camera, and warm layers. Leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco.

Essentials: hiking boots (broken in), 2 pairs of trekking pants, 3 t-shirts, fleece or jacket, waterproof shell, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, insect repellent, water bottle, headlamp, personal medication, and approximately S/ 700 in cash for personal expenses. We provide a detailed packing list at booking.

Yes, highly recommended for the steep descents. We rent quality trekking poles for a small fee, or you can bring your own.

Yes. Cusco has many equipment rental shops where you can rent sleeping bags, trekking poles, jackets, and more. We can also point you to trusted rentals.

No. There are no ATMs after leaving Cusco. Bring enough cash in Peruvian soles for tips, snacks, drinks, the entrance fee, and any extras.

Fill out the booking form on our contact page or send us a WhatsApp message at +51 931 500 500. We'll reply within 24 hours with a personalized quote.

Yes. A deposit is required to confirm your booking (typically 30%). The balance is paid in Cusco before the trek starts.

We accept international bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal for deposits. The balance can be paid in Cusco in cash (USD or PEN) or by card.

Cancellations more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund minus a 10% admin fee. 15 – 30 days: 50% refund. Less than 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance for unexpected situations.

Yes, with at least 15 days' notice, you can change to another available date at no extra cost (subject to availability).

Tips are not mandatory but are customary when service is good. As a guideline: USD 10 – 20 per day for the guide and USD 5 – 10 per day for the muleteers, per traveler. Always at your discretion.

Absolutely. Many travelers combine Choquequirao with a Machu Picchu visit. We can organize the full Machu Picchu logistics — train tickets, entrance, guide, hotel — as an add-on package. Just ask.

The trek ends back in Cusco, typically dropping you off in the historic center near Plaza de Armas or at your hotel.

Yes, and we'd be grateful! You can leave reviews on our TripAdvisor page, Google Maps, or send us a video testimonial for our YouTube channel.

WhatsApp us at +51 931 500 500 or email [email protected]. We answer in English and Spanish, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 – 19:00.