Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
Activity Level : Challenging
Overview
The Choquequiaro Trek is as demanding as it is rewarding. It will take you over some steep ascents and descents, following canyons and rugged mountain scenery. This trek is designed to delve into the misteries of the latter Inca days, over 5 days of adventure.
Main Challenges
- Steep ascents and descents over several summits.
- Altitude: Choquequirao sits at 3050 m (10,000 ft).
- Long hours on the trails.
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 La Playa Campsite.
After making sure that you have everything needed for the day in your day bag, our horsemen will collect the duffels. Then, we will enjoy a picnic styled breakfast. Once we are full and ready to go, we will take on the first segment of the day, a hike to Chuquisaca. This stop will be a town overlooking the Apurimac Canyon.
From Chuquisaca we will spot for the first time Choquequiaro. We will break here for our lunch, to then continue for another 2 hours. This following segment will take us downhill to La Playa, our first campsite.
To wrap up the first day, we will be welcomed to the campsite with hot beverages and appetizers as we settle in the tents. After, our chef will spoil us with a hearty dinner.
First day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 1550m/4650ft
- Maximum altitude: 3100m/9300ft
- Time: 5hrs approximately
- Distance: 14kms/9 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 2 Playa – Maranpata – Choquequirao
The second day of the Choquequirao Trek offers a mix stunning nature and mysterious archeology.
You will wake up with a hot beverage served to your tent. The perfect way to start an exciting day. After fueling up for the day, with our hearty breakfast, we will take on the first segment of the day. A gentle 2 hour climb to Marampata, a picturesque rural village.
From there we will continue our trek to Choquequirao, reaching our destination in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, we will rest and enjoy a re-energizing lunch.
First visit to Choquequirao.
In the afternoon, we will join a private guided tour of Choquequirao. We will explore all the relevant sections of this ancient site, including the palaces, temple, ritual water fountains, the impressive Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, and the llama’s section. Our guide will enrich the experience with fascinating stories and historical insights about Choquequirao, bringing history to life.
Back to Marampata Campsite.
After our first visit to the archeological complex, we will make our way back to the campsite. There our team will welcome us, once again with hot beverages and appetizers. This, before serving a delicious dinner to wrap up an amazing day.
Second day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Highlights: Diverse ecosystems, Choquequirao archeological site, panoramic views.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Lowest Altitude: 2850 m (9350 ft): Maranpata.
- Highest Altitude: 3050 m (10006 ft): Choquequirao
Day 3 Choquequirao
The third day will be dedicated to a detailed exploration of Choquequirao.
Full Day in Choquequirao.
After enjoying a nourishing breakfast, we will head to the Choquequirao ruins. These ruins are three times bigger than Machu Picchu. The site, still covered by the dense jungle, continues to reveal new sections, making every visit a unique experience. We will spend the entire day here.
Choquequirao translates to “Cradle of Gold” from Quechua. It stands as a proof of the Inca civilization’s architectural prowess. Our guide will lead a private tour of the site, exploring the temples, terraces, palaces, the llamas’ section, and more. An opportunity to learn about the excavations and restorations that have been happening since the 1990s.
Back to Marampata Campsite.
Following our exploration of Choquequirao, we will return to our campsite. Here, hot beverages and appetizers will be waiting for us.
Finally, after a tasty dinner, we will enjoy of our last night camping next to the ruins.
Third day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Starting and Ending Altitude: 2950 m (9678 ft): Campsite near Choquequirao.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Highest Altitude: 3050 m (10000 ft): Choquequirao.
Day 4 Marampata- Playa Chikiska
On the fourth day we will start our journey back to Cusco.
Marampata to La Playa.
Another early morning start and once again with a hot beverage served to your tent. Followed by a hearty breakfast, as usual.
Our way back will take us along the same trail we already hiked in the way in. After 2 hours, revisiting the Apurimac Canyon, we will arrive to Marampata. From this point the trail will turn steep for the next 4 hours to La Playa. Halfway there, we will make a stop to enjoy locally farmed fruit.
Upon arrival in La Playa, we will break for a well-deserved lunch.
Night in Chikiska Camp.
The journey will continue with a 2-hour uphill trek to Chikiska Camp. At this campsite we will be able to glimpse into the Andean lifestyle.
This day’s trek offers the chance to encounter wildlife such as spectacled bears, condors, and hummingbirds, adding an element of excitement to our adventure.
Statistics of the fourth day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Starting Altitude: 2950 m (9678 ft): Choquequirao.
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging.
- Highest Altitude: 2950 m (9678 ft): Marampata
- Total Distance Covered: Approximately 18 km (11.2 mi)
Day 5 Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Day 5 of our adventure is here, and it will be the last push back to Capuliyoc.
Time to return to Cusco, but first…
After waking up to an early breakfast, we will get ready to conclude our experience. The day begins hiking 4 hours uphill. This final ascent is a test of resilience and strength. As we hike, we will be surrounded by the beauty of the Peruvian Andes.
Upon reaching the last stop of our trek, we will enjoy our last lunch together with our tour guide, porters, and horsemen. This special moment will be our chance to express gratitude to the team who have been crucial in making our journey to Choquequirao a success.
After lunch, we will bid farewell to our team and continue with our tour guide back to Cusco.
Statistics of the fifth day of the Choquequirao Trek:
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Total Distance Covered: Approximately 8 km (5 m)
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.
- 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.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: With extra batteries.
- Toiletries: 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.
- 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.
