Private Choquequirao Trek 5 Days Hiking the Last Inca Refuge

Tour overview

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Private Choquequirao Trek 5 Days Hiking the Last Inca Refuge

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes on this extraordinary five-day trek, leading you through awe-inspiring landscapes to the hidden Inca citadel of Choquequirao. This adventure is your gateway to history, where you’ll traverse ancient trails, explore timeworn agricultural terraces, and uncover the mysteries of ceremonial temples and sacred plazas that have stood resilient for centuries.

Over the course of five days, you’ll hike through rugged terrain, surrounded by towering peaks and the raw beauty of nature, testing both your endurance and spirit. Prepare to witness the grandeur of Choquequirao, where the legacy of a lost civilization comes to life, and feel the profound energy of this sacred sanctuary. Join us for a journey like no other and let yourself be captivated by the magic of the Andes!

A Trek for the Bold and Determined

The trek to Choquequirao is an intense and rewarding challenge that demands both physical stamina and mental resilience. You’ll navigate steep trails, changing altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions—pushing your endurance and determination to the limit. Each step forward will test your strength, but the reward of reaching this magnificent site is worth every effort.

To fully enjoy this experience, preparation is key. Training in advance, maintaining a steady pace, and adopting a positive mindset will be crucial to your success. Listening to your body, taking necessary breaks, and staying mentally prepared will help you tackle every challenge along the way.

Conquering this trek is more than just reaching Choquequirao—it’s about personal growth, resilience, and the thrill of overcoming obstacles. It’s a journey that will not only lead you to one of Peru’s most remarkable archaeological wonders but will also transform you from within.

Get Ready for Private Choquequirao Trek 5 Days Challenge

If you’re not accustomed to regular physical activity, we highly recommend starting a training routine weeks before your trip. Hiking, trekking, or engaging in aerobic exercises will help build strength, endurance, and confidence for the demanding trails ahead. Begin with short hikes and gradually increase intensity to avoid injuries and prepare your body effectively. Consulting a health professional before embarking on this adventure is always a good idea to ensure you’re ready for the journey.

Are you ready to take on the challenge and uncover the secrets of the Lost Inca Citadel? Let’s make this adventure one to remember!

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquiska

Our adventure begins in Cusco, we are going to pick you up from your hotel around 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. From there, we will embark on a scenic drive, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Anta plateau and Limatambo before entering the Apurímac region. After approximately 3.5 hours, we will arrive at Saywite Archaeological Park, home to an intricately carved Inca stone featuring miniature representations of agricultural terraces, canals, and ceremonial sites.

After exploring this fascinating site, we will continue to Capuliyoc near Cachora, where a delicious lunch awaits us with breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow-capped peak. From here, our trek begins with a three-hour descent through scenic viewpoints like Cocamasana, eventually reaching Chiquiska, where we will have dinner and spend the night in a rural lodge.

Day 2: Chiquiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata

After an early breakfast, we will descend for about an hour until we reach the Apurímac River at Playa Rosalina. Crossing the river, we will begin the challenging ascent to Santa Rosa, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. To avoid the intense midday sun, we will start this climb early in the morning.

After a short rest in Santa Rosa, we will continue the uphill trek for another 3.5 hours until we reach Marampata, where we will have lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. This high-altitude spot offers a spectacular sunset view over the surrounding mountains. After gaining approximately 1,500 meters in elevation, we will rest, have dinner, and spend the night in Marampata.

Day 3: Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata

We will wake up early to make the most of our day. After breakfast, we will hike for about 1.5 hours to reach Choquequirao, the hidden Inca citadel known as the “sister city of Machu Picchu.” Here, we will spend most of the day exploring the agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and mysterious temples that have remained untouched by time.

Lunch will be a packed meal that we will carry with us. In the afternoon, we will return to Marampata, where we will have dinner and spend another night under the Andean sky.

Day 4: Marampata – Chiquiska

We will begin the day at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, we will retrace our steps, descending for about two hours to Santa Rosa. Following a short rest, we will continue our descent for another 1.5 hours to the Apurímac River, where we will stop for photos and a well-deserved break.

From there, we will begin a final uphill trek to Chiquiska, where we will enjoy lunch, rest, and have dinner before our last night on the trail.

Day 5: Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco

After breakfast, we will embark on the final leg of our journey, trekking for approximately three hours to reach Capuliyoc, where our unforgettable trek comes to an end. From here, we will take our private transportation back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m.

Important Information:

This trek is demanding but manageable. If you are concerned about the physical challenge, you have the option to hire an extra horse to assist with the uphill sections. However, due to safety concerns, horses cannot be used during descents.

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Join us and experience the magic of Choquequirao!

Activities: Hiking
Difficulty level: 5 High (have good health and physical condition)Distance: up to 16 kilometers. – Terrains: slopes, roads, paths, and royal roads with very steep ascents and descents, narrow and irregular paths with high difficulty. – Altitude: with ascents and descents up to 800 meters above sea level. – Recommended for people with good physical condition. Maximum altitude: 3106 meters above sea level / 10190 feet
Accommodation and Food: In rural lodgings in the area
Walking distance: 42 Km or 26 miles approx.
Type of tourism: Trekking, hiking, ecotourism.
Departure day: Any day with a minimum of 4 people.
The tour starts: In Cusco
Ends: In Cusco near the main square

What’s included?

Private transportation from Cusco to the beginning of the trail in Capulioc / Cusco.
4 nights of accommodation in rural lodging.
Professional guide in Spanish.
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. (vegetarian option at no extra cost)
Muleteer and mules to transport the client’s luggage (up to 6 kg maximum).
One Emergency horse.
First aid kit and oxygen ball.

Not included:

Day 1: Breakfast.
Day 5: lunch.
Entrance to Choquequirao (60 soles for adults national or foreigner and 30 soles for students).
Walking sticks (available for rent).
Tips: Tipping is tradition, muleteers as well as the guide will be happy to receive it if they deserve it.
TRAVEL INSURANCE (it is highly recommended to have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen event, remember that it is an adventure trip).
Expenses not mentioned in the itinerary (water, snacks, other drinks, etc.)

WHAT TO BRING:

Original Passports: Carry your documents and if you are also a student, originals.
Copy of travel insurance: We recommend carrying a copy of travel insurance in case there is an incident and it is necessary to use the insurance.
Small Backpack: Opt for a sturdy and comfortable backpack, just enough to carry your essential belongings.
Appropriate Footwear: A pair of sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes to face various terrains and weather conditions.
Technical Clothing: Technical clothing and lightweight layers to adapt to temperature changes during the hike. 2-4 t-shirts. 2 pairs of pants (1 for excursions, 1 for camping), comfortable trekking pants (NO JEANS)
Waterproof Jacket: A waterproof or windproof jacket to protect you from rain and wind.
Hat or Cap: A hat or cap to protect you from the sun during the hike.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Broad-spectrum sunscreen and insect repellent to protect you from natural elements.
Energetic Snacks: Snacks like dried fruits, energy bars, and nuts to maintain energy during the hike.
Camera or Phone and extra power bank: A camera or phone to capture unforgettable moments, along with an external battery. Flashlight: You may need a flashlight in case the night catches up with us.
Personal Hygiene Items: Basic hygiene items, including toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Hiking Poles: Hiking poles to help with balance and reduce leg strain.
Sandals or Lightweight Shoes: Lightweight sandals or comfortable shoes to wear at the lodging.
Extra money in soles: It is advisable to carry extra money in soles (approximately 700 soles) for your extra expenses during the hike.

Remember that the weather can vary, so it is important to be prepared for both sunny and rainy conditions.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER CODE:

Travel with a spirit of openness and authenticity to connect with the local community. Be aware of local sensitivities and avoid any behavior that may be offensive.
Practice active listening and observation to better understand, rather than simply assuming that you know everything.
Accept and respect cultural differences, including concepts of time and thought patterns.
Explore and appreciate cultural diversity rather than seeking the exotic.
Learn and respect local customs. Recognize that as visitors we are only a part of a larger community and not expect special treatment.
When bargaining, remember that the poorest merchant may be sacrificing their profits for their dignity. Avoid making promises that cannot be kept.
Reflect daily on experiences to enrich personal understanding, recognizing that what benefits one may affect others.
Be committed to traveling respectfully, responsibly, and sustainably, actively collaborating to achieve this.