Choquequirao Trek 4 days
Activity Level : Challenging
Overview
The 4 days Choquequirao Trek is a journey into the remoteness of the Andes, in the search for impressive historical archeological sites and unique landscapes. You will be physically challenged, following the steps once Incas took to get to Choquequirao. This experience will take you over different micro-climates and dramatic altitude challenges.
What to Expect
- Trekking through steep descents into the canyons, to then ascend back up to mountain ridges.
- Long hiking days.
- Remote campsites.
- Unique landscapes and stunning views of the Apurimac Canyon and the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
Main Challenges
- Steep descents and ascents.
- Physically demanding trail: long hours on the trail, uneven terrain, loose grip and high exposure to sun radiation.
- Remoteness: Less access to facilities, need to carry al the essentials and no phone service along the trail.
Highlights
- Visiting Choquequirao: a recent discovered archeological complex, possibly over 3x the size of Machu Picchu and as mysterious.
- Incredible views of the Apurímac Canyon and snow-capped peaks
- Diversity of flora and fauna, with the possibly of spotting condors and spectacled bears.
- Shared time around campfires.
Who Is This Trek For?
This adventure is for those travelers brave enough to go as remote as the trail can take you. It is highly demanding, due to the nature of the terrain and long distances to be covered every day.
If you are looking to take in an experience that will show you the unexplored side of the Inca world, while discovering these hidden landscapes, this unforgettable experience is for you.
Looking for something less adventurous, check our Machu Picchu Tours.
Day 1 Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa
From Cusco to the Trailhead.
Welcome to the Choquequirao Trek!
On the first day, you will be picked up from your hotel at 5 am. Then our shuttle will take us 4 hours away, to Capuliyoc. On arrival to Capuliyoc, we will meet our horsemen who will carry our equipment for the trek.
Time to start hiking, destination Santa Rosa Campsite.
Our adventure begins!
The first segment will take us to Playa Rosalinas, following the Apurimac Canyon. Along the trail we will spot towering peaks like Padreyoc, which summit reaches 5571 m (18387 ft). Once we reach Playa Rosalinas, we will take a break to enjoy a nourishing lunch and recharge energy for the upcoming segment.
The final segment of the day will take us to Santa Rosa. We will arrive to our destination after 2 hours hiking uphill. There our fist campsite will be waiting for us with hot beverages and appetizers before our dinner.
Statistics of the first day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
- Scenic Highlights: Apurimac Canyon and Padreyoc peak.
- Lowest Altitude: 1475 m (4840 ft): Playa Rosalinas
- Highest Altitude: 2850 m (9407 ft): Capuliyoc
Day 2 Santa Rosa – Maranpata – Choquequirao
Day 2 will start with a hot beverage to your tent and the promise to reach Choquequirao in the afternoon.
We will enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to our first destination, Marampata.
To Marampata.
We will take on a 2-hour uphill hike to Marampata, a rural village. Around this area we will experience a micro-climate, that sets the perfect conditions for a large diversity of flora and fauna.
There we will enjoy a nourishing lunch and recharge for an enriching afternoon. After this stop we will continue to Choquequirao, where we plan to arrive in the early afternoon.
Visit to Choquequirao.
It will take us about 1.5 hours to get to Choquequirao, where we will spend the afternoon exploring this ancient site. Our guide will guide us around the different sections of Choquequirao, sharing with us tales and facts about the palaces, temples, ritual fountains, the Usnu or ceremonial platform, the agricultural terraces and the area designed for the llamas.
After concluding with our exploration, we will return to Marampata, where our campsite will be waiting. Upon arrival at the campsite, hot beverages and appetizers will be served as a welcome. Followed by a well-deserved dinner and some stargazing.
Statistics of the second day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Highlights: Diversity of ecosystems and Choquequirao visit.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Lowest Altitude: 2850 m (9350 ft): Maranpata.
- Highest Altitude: 3050 m (10006 ft): Choquequirao.
Day 3 Choquequirao – Maranpata – Chiquisqa
On the third day of our adventure, we will experience a mix of physical challenge and stunning nature.
To Camp Chiquisca.
Before joining our trek of the day, we will fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Then, we will start descending in direction to the Apurimac River. For 2 hours we will hike to one of the most sacred rivers for the Andean peoples.
The second segment of the day will take us uphill. This time we will climb for 1 hour to our next campsite, Chiquisca. Where, once again, our team will be waiting for us with our tents ready and hot beverages & appetizers to welcome us. This will be a perfect wrap up to a physically demanding third day.
Statistics of the third day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Scenic Highlights: Apurimac River.
- Highest Altitude: 2850 m (9350 ft): Maranpata.
- Lowest Altitude: 1550 m (5117 ft): Apurimac River.
Day 4 Chiquisqa – Sayhuite – Cusco
Welcome to the final day of your Choquequirao Trek. This day will bring more history and stunning views.
We will start with a delicious breakfast prepared by our expedition chef, to then join our trek of the day.
Capuliyoc Pass.
Our final day on the Choquequirao Trek will challenge us to the last step. First, we will climb to Capuliyoc Pass, at 2900 m (9500 ft). We will be rewarded at the top with privileged views of the mountain ranges and the Apurimac Canyon.
Then, we will proceed to Cachora, which is at slightly lower altitude, but the terrain in between presents many punchy climbs along the trail. Upon arrival at Cachora, our team will spoil us with a final lunch.
Archeological site of Saywite.
We will have one more stop before heading back to Cusco.
After our lunch, our driver will take us to the Archeological site of Saywite. This site is less visited, but filled with historical and cultural relevance. Next, we will enjoy a scenic drive back to Cusco, which will end our memorable experience on the Choquequirao Trek.
We will arrive around 6 pm.
Statistics of the fourth day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Highlights: Exploration of Saywite.
- Highest Altitude: 2850 m (9407 ft): Cachora & Capuliyoc Pass
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
What is included?
- Transportation
- Experienced Guides
- Porters and Horsemen
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Camping Equipment
- First Aid and Emergency Equipment
- Entrance Fees
- Environmental Responsibility
What is excluded?
- Sleeping Bags.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Trekking Gear.
- Meals in Cities.
- Tips for Guides and Staff.
- Additional Snacks and Drinks.
- Extra Activities or Side Trips.
- Transportation Outside of Trek Itinerary.
- Extra Nights of Accommodation.
- Emergency Evacuation and Medical Costs.
Packing List
Backpack
A comfortable, fitting backpack with a good support system. A 30-40 liter capacity should be sufficient for your daily essentials.
Sleeping Bag
Suitable for temperatures down to at least 0°C (32°F). It’s possible to rent them from many trekking companies if you don’t want to bring your own.
Trekking Poles
Helpful for navigating the steep and uneven terrain. They reduce the impact on your knees and improve balance.
Footwear
Good quality, well-fitting hiking boots with ankle support. Make sure they are worn-in to prevent blisters.
Clothing
- Layering is key.
- Base layers: Moisture-wicking fabric is best.
- Insulating layers: Fleece or down jacket for cold evenings.
- Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Trekking pants and shorts.
- Moisture-wicking underwear.
Hat and Gloves
A brimmed hat for sun protection and a warm hat for cold evenings, along with a pair of gloves.
Socks
Several pairs of wool or moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Personal Medication and First Aid Kit
Include any personal medication, plasters for blisters, painkillers, altitude sickness medication, and basic first aid items.
Hydration
Water bottles or a hydration bladder with at least a 2-liter capacity. Water purification tablets or a water filter as a backup.
Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen, lip balm with sun protection, and sunglasses.
Insect Repellent
Especially important in the lower elevations and jungle areas.
Headltries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene items. Biodegradable soap is recommended.
Snacks
Energy bars, trail mix, or your preferred snacks to keep your energy up between meals.
Camera
With extra batteries or a power bank.
Rain Gear
A good quality raincoat or poncho to protect against rain and wind.
Cash
For tipping, snacks, and souvenirs along the way.
Travel Documents
Passport, travel insurance details, and any other necessary documents.
Small Towel and/or Wet Wipes
For personal hygiene.
Warm Clothing for Nighttime
It can get quite cold in the evenings and at higher elevations.
FAQS
Why choose our tour services
Small groups
Join a small group of like-minded travellers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
Philosophy & values
We are experts in the field of making dreams come true! With a unique experience in all of Cusco, wherever you want to go, we can take you there
Locally based guides
At Hotel Andenes del Inca, we have experienced tour guides. And they are all locals, which means they know the area you are exploring like the back of their hand.
