Choquequirao Trek, 4 Days / 3 Nights
Places to visit
A challenging hike to Choquequirao
The 4-day trek to Choquequirao is a challenging and unforgettable journey that takes you to the lost city of the Incas. Choquequirao (3,033 m / 10,168 ft) is a vast and enigmatic archaeological site, still partially covered by vegetation.
Located high above the Apurímac River canyon, this trip offers truly breathtaking mountain scenery. The stages are demanding, beginning with the descent from Capuliyoc to Playa Rosalinas or the Apurímac River, crossing the bridge, followed by an intense and prolonged climb to the small village of Marampata.
The trail is physically demanding and challenging, with steep paths and uneven terrain, so it is recommended that you be in good physical shape to fully enjoy the experience.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Cusco - Capuliyoc - Rosalinas Beach - Santa Rosa (15 km, 6 to 7 hours)
The tour begins in the city of Cusco with a 5-hour drive to Capuliyoc, in the Apurímac region. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast with panoramic views. Then, you will begin the hike, descending for about 3 hours through the impressive Apurímac River valley, while admiring the majestic snow-capped mountains of Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina.
The first stop will be in Chiquisca, where you will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest. Afterward, you will continue the descent for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until you reach the imposing Apurímac River. From there, you will begin a demanding 2-hour ascent to Santa Rosa, located at an altitude of 1,970 m, where the first camp is located. Here you can relax, have dinner, and recharge your batteries for the next day.
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Day 2: Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao Archaeological Complex - Marampata (10 km, 6 hours)
You will start your day early with a nutritious breakfast and then begin a challenging 3-hour climb along a zigzagging trail to Marampata (2,900 m above sea level). Here you will admire panoramic views of the canyon and the snow-capped mountains. After a short rest, you will continue for another 1.5 hours to the impressive Choquequirao Site (3,050 m above sea level), where you will explore this mystical Quechua site, guided by an expert who will tell you its history. At noon, you will enjoy lunch at this majestic site. Then you are going to return to Marampata, where you will have dinner and rest under a starry sky, just as the Quechua people saw it during the Inca era.
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Day 3: Marampata - Santa Rosa - Rosalinas Beach - Chiquisca (11 km, 7 hours)
At around 6:00 am we'll have breakfast and after an additional half hour, we'll start our Choquequirao trek. We'll go downhill for about 2 to 2 ½ hours to the Apurimac River which we'll cross. From here we'll go up to Chikisca for lunch. Here we'll also be able to enjoy the view of the condors from this area. We'll be in camp at around 3:00 to 4:00pm. Here we'll also have our tea and dinner and the rest of the time to relax a little.
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Day 4: Chiquisca - Capuliyoc - Cusco (8 km, 3 a 4 horas)
After early breakfast you will get ready to return to Cusco. It will be the last 3 hours uphill to arrive to the end of the trek where you will enjoy your last lunch with your guide, porters and horsemen. You will say goodbye to your team other than your guide and then continue for about 3 hours, this time by Private Bus, drive back to Cusco along the nice landscape.
Optional: After spending time enjoying the site we drive to the hot spring of Conoc to relax after several days of walking. After lunch we head back to Cusco dropping you at your hotel.
What’s Included in This Tour?
Included
- Private transport from Cusco to Capulioc trail head
- Hotel in Marampata
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner / option vegetarian
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 6 kg)
- Emergency horse over 6 persons
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
Not Included
- Day 1: Breakfast
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao
- Lunch and Dinner on the last day
- Walking Sticks: you can hire from our company
- Tips: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
Pricing
Available year-round, on the date of your choice, with a minimum of 2 people.
- Price per person: $550 USD. Includes spacious tents for 4 people, used by only 2 hikers for greater comfort.
- Private hike: Additional $80 USD per person (optional).
- Group discount: If booking together, groups of 5 or more people get a $30 USD discount per person.
Packing List
What to bring for the 4-day excursion to Choquequirao
- 30-liter backpack to carry the things you will use during the excursion.
- Waterproof cover for the backpack.
- Sleeping bag.Tre
- kking poles (recommended).
- Thermal underwear (synthetic T-shirts and pants).
- Short-sleeved and long-sleeved T-shirts.
- Warm jacket.
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and pants, or rain poncho).
- Synthetic underwear.
- Trekking shoes.
- Beach sandals.
- Towel.
- Hat and gloves for cold weather.
- Sun hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Toilet paper.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Headlamp.
- External battery (most accommodations do not have access to electricity).
- Water (1 liter per person on the first day; more water can be purchased along the way).
- Snacks.
- At least S/. 200 for expenses not included in the hike.
Choquequirao Trek, 4 Days / 3 Nights
