Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights
4 days / 3 nightsDuration
Up to 16 peopleGroup
3,040 mMax. altitude
ChallengingDifficulty

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights

The Golden Cradle of the Incas
The Choquequirao Trek is a thrilling 4-day hike designed for adventure lovers looking for unforgettable experiences along ancient Inca trails.
Along the route you will discover the majestic ceremonial plazas and temples of Choquequirao, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes. With a bit of luck, you will also watch the majestic flight of the condors across the Andean sky.
This trek takes you through several altitude levels (ecological tiers), letting you experience different microclimates and temperatures while observing a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Embark on this unique adventure and live an unforgettable experience in Choquequirao.

Tour Details

Saywite and the Capuliyoc Viewpoint

We leave Cusco for the Saywite Archaeological Park to admire the famous stone carved by the Incas. After lunch in Cachora, overlooking the Apurimac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow peak, we descend through the Cocamasana viewpoints down to Chikiska.

Saywite and the Capuliyoc Viewpoint

The Climb to Marampata

The big day of the trek: we drop down to Playa Rosalina on the banks of the Apurimac River, cross the bridge and take on the demanding climb to Santa Rosa and Marampata. A 1,500-metre ascent through high-altitude forest, rewarded with a free afternoon and the best views of the canyon.

The Climb to Marampata

The Citadel of Choquequirao

A full morning exploring the main plaza, the temples, the upper platforms and the famous llama terraces. Our muleteer carries lunch up to the archaeological site so you can enjoy Choquequirao unhurried and, almost always, with nobody else around.

The Citadel of Choquequirao

Back Through the Canyon to Capuliyoc

An early descent to the Apurimac River and breakfast in Chikiska before the final 3.5 to 4-hour climb up to Capuliyoc. A well-earned lunch facing the canyon and a private transfer back to Cusco.

Back Through the Canyon to Capuliyoc

The adventure begins at Plazoleta Regocijo in Cusco at 6:30 am. We head to the Saywite Archaeological Park, a 3.5-hour drive, to admire the stone carved by the Incas and explore its ceremonial centres.

We continue for another hour to Cachora, where we have lunch overlooking the Apurimac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow peak.

We then begin a 3-hour hike, descending through the Cocamasana viewpoints down to Chikiska. Here we have dinner and spend the night in a rural lodge with double or twin beds.

Includes: hotel or Plaza Regocijo pick-up · Cusco – Cachora transfer · Choquequirao entrance ticket · lunch in Cachora · dinner in Chikiska · accommodation in the rural lodge at Chikiska.

We start the day early with a revitalising breakfast. We descend for one hour to Playa Rosalina, on the banks of the Apurimac River. We then cross the river and begin a demanding climb towards Santa Rosa, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in the shade.

After a short rest, we keep climbing for another 1.5 to 2 hours until we reach the village of Marampata, where we have lunch. The afternoon is free to rest after ascending 1,500 metres in 3 to 4 hours.

In the evening we have dinner and spend the night in Marampata.

Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner · specialised bilingual professional guide · first-aid kit · accommodation in Marampata.

After an energising breakfast we head to majestic Choquequirao. We spend the morning exploring all of its main sites, soaking up the history and beauty of the archaeological complex.

Our muleteer brings lunch up to Choquequirao, so we can enjoy a meal in this breathtaking setting.

In the afternoon we return to Marampata and continue descending to Santa Rosa Baja, where we have dinner and spend the night.

Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner · specialised bilingual professional guide · first-aid kit · accommodation in Santa Rosa.

We start early with a snack before descending for 1.5 hours to the Apurimac River.

We then continue for another hour to Chikiska, where we take a short break for breakfast.

Afterwards we begin the 3.5 to 4-hour climb up to Capuliyoc. We arrive in time for a well-earned lunch and in the afternoon we head back to the city of Cusco, where our trekking adventure ends at around 21:00.

Includes: breakfast and lunch · specialised bilingual professional guide · first-aid kit · Capuliyoc – Cusco transfer.

Includes

  • Pick-up at your hotel or at Plaza Regocijo
  • Tourist transport Cusco – Cachora
  • Tourist transport Capuliyoc – Cusco
  • Choquequirao entrance ticket
  • Specialised bilingual professional guide
  • 3 nights of accommodation: rural lodges in Chikiska, Marampata and Santa Rosa
  • 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Visit to the Saywite Archaeological Park
  • First-aid kit

Not included

  • Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
  • Saywite Archaeological Park entrance ticket
  • Travel insurance and medical assistance
  • Horse or pack mule rental
  • Sleeping bag and trekking pole rental
  • Extra drinks, snacks and personal expenses
  • Tips for the guide and support team

Prior acclimatisation is essential

Important

Arrive in Cusco at least one full day in advance. Spend that day resting or on light tours to adapt to the altitude before starting the trek.

Required fitness level

Warning

Day 2 climbs 1,500 metres in 3 to 4 hours. We recommend cardiovascular training (hiking or running) in the weeks before your trip.

Choose the best time to travel

Dry season (May to November): sunshine and clear skies, cold nights. Rainy season (December to April): fewer tourists and better prices, but slippery trails. April and May are our favourite months.

Bring cash in soles

Important

There are no ATMs or card payments along the route (Chikiska, Santa Rosa, Marampata). Bring cash in soles for extra drinks, showers and tips.

Pack light and use pack animals

On the trek you only carry a daypack. If you hire a horse or pack mule, the rest of your gear travels in duffel bags; luggage you will not need can stay at your hotel in Cusco.

Group departures

This programme runs with group departures every Monday. Book with 40% of the tour value.

Small travel backpack

Small travel backpack

Ideal for carrying personal items, water, documents, and essentials during day trips.

Comfortable, lightweight clothing

Comfortable, lightweight clothing

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement during walks, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

Waterproof jacket or windbreaker

Waterproof jacket or windbreaker

Useful for protection against sudden weather changes, light rain, and wind, especially in mountainous areas.

Comfortable walking shoes

Comfortable walking shoes

Sports or trekking shoes that provide comfort and stability when traversing different types of terrain.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Essential for protecting the skin from solar radiation, especially at high-altitude destinations or during prolonged outdoor exposure.

Cap or hat

Cap or hat

Recommended for sun protection during hikes, archaeological visits, and outdoor activities.

Botella de agua reutilizable

Botella de agua reutilizable

It allows you to stay hydrated throughout the journey and contributes to protecting the environment.

Portable battery

Portable battery

Very useful for keeping mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices charged during excursions.

It is a challenging trek. Day 2 is the toughest: you descend to the Apurimac River and then climb 1,500 metres in 3 to 4 hours up to Marampata. Days 1 and 3 are moderate.

3,040 m.a.s.l. on Day 3, during the visit to Choquequirao. Unlike other treks around Cusco, this one never goes above 3,100 m, so altitude sickness is less common than on the Inca Trail or the Salkantay.

There are group departures every Monday.

With a deposit of 40% of the tour value. The balance is paid before the service begins.

In rural lodges: Chikiska on the first night (double or twin beds), Marampata on the second and Santa Rosa Baja on the third. There is no camping.

Any month is possible. Our team recommends April and May for the pleasant weather, blue skies and landscapes in full bloom. The dry season runs from May to November and the rainy season from December to April.

No. Choquequirao can only be reached on foot, which makes it one of the least visited Inca citadels in Peru. It is common to walk the site almost entirely on your own.

Yes. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least one day early and spending that day resting or on light tours.

Around 21:00 on Day 4.

Send us your inquiry

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights