Choquequirao trek SEO description 4 Days

This landscape features a limitless variety of microclimates, transitioning from snow-dusted peaks over 6,000m through high Andean plains down to the expansive cloud forests and upper jungles.

Following the arrival of Western explorers, Manco Inca ruled this territory. It contained numerous centers, villages, and sacred sites connected by a sophisticated network of Inca paths that were expanded during the eras of Manco Inca, Sayri Tupac, Titu Cusi Yupanqui, and Tupac Amaru I. They established a NEO-IMPERIAL state here to protect the traditional knowledge, religion, astronomy, and customs of the ancient Inca people.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca (3,350 – 2,850 – 1,930m)

We depart early in the morning, heading northwest from Cusco (3,350m) via private transport toward the village of Cachora (2,850m). Along the way, we will stop for a morning meal before reaching Capuliyoc, the trek’s starting point, which is bordered by mountains and the grand, snow-covered Padreyoc peak (5,571m). This is where we meet the wranglers and mules who will transport our gear from the Capuliyoc pass (2,800m) throughout the journey. From this vantage point, we enjoy an incredible view of the Apurímac canyon and the distant Choquequirao complex. After a brief pause, we follow a winding path down the mountainside to our camp at Chiquisca (1,930m), a small village with a balmy climate where we will eat lunch and stay overnight.

Distance: 8 km.

Trekking time: 3–4 hours in warm weather with insects.

Day 2: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao (1,930 – 1,550 – 2,850 – 3,033m)

Following breakfast, we begin a thirty-minute descent to Rosalina Beach (1,500m). From there, we immediately start climbing out of the canyon in warm temperatures toward the town of Marampata (2,850m), our campsite that offers a lovely view of the Choquequirao ruins. The sunset at Choquequirao is a mystical event, often featuring the Andean Condor flying from the high Vilcabamba peaks down toward the archaeological site (3,033m).

Distance: 14 km.

Trekking time: 7 hours in mixed warm and cold temperatures.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca (3,033 – 2,850 – 1,550 – 1,930m)

We will watch the sun rise over the Choquequirao ruins early in the morning. A professional guide will then provide a presentation on the history of the site, its architecture, and the latest archaeological findings. Currently known as the “Cradle of Gold,” the site still holds many secrets as only 30% has been restored. Ongoing restoration efforts suggest that in a few years, Choquequirao will be fully revealed and may eventually become a greater attraction than Machu Picchu. Afterward, we return to Marampata and descend back into the Apurímac canyon (Playa Rosalina 1,500m) before climbing again to our campsite at Chiquisca (1,930m).

Distance: 14 km.

Trekking time: 6 hours in a warm, mosquito-prone climate.

Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc Pass – Cusco (1,930 – 2,850 – 2,800 – 3,350m)

Our final morning involves an uphill climb through a dry landscape as temperatures rise with the sun. At Capuliyoc (2,850m), we take a short break to enjoy the view of the Apurímac canyon—where condors are sometimes seen—before boarding our bus to Cusco. The final segment from the Capuliyoc pass is more relaxed, providing great views of the mountain range’s snowy peaks. We arrive in Cachora to finish our journey through the Vilcabamba mountains. Finally, our transport will return us to the city of Cusco.

Distance: 8 km.

Trekking time: 3–4 hours in warm, mosquito-prone weather.

INCLUDED

Private vehicle transport from your hotel to the town of Capuliyoc.
Premium camping gear (We utilize professional tents like the Doite Himalaya or Doite Cima 4 models, which are lightweight at 4.5kg and provide ample space for two people. Includes sleeping mats, a dining tent equipped with tables and chairs, and a portable restroom tent).
All meals provided throughout the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and snacks, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets).
An expert guide fluent in English and Spanish (services in French or German are available for an extra fee).
A professional chef and all necessary culinary tools.
Wranglers and pack animals to carry all camping gear and personal belongings (up to 7kg per traveler).
A horse for emergency use.
Admission tickets for the Choquequirao archaeological complex.
Return transport from Capuliyoc back to the city of Cusco.
A medical kit and supplemental oxygen.

NOT INCLUDED

A sleeping bag (available for rent at a cost of USD 20 if you do not bring your own).
The initial breakfast on the first day and the final lunch on the last day.

We recommended to bring

A backpack and a sleeping bag.
Attire suitable for both high and low temperatures.
A water-resistant jacket, fleece layers, hiking trousers, and trekking boots.
T-shirts, a rain poncho, a sun hat, and a neck scarf.
Sunblock, bug spray, and hand-sanitizing gel.
A reusable water container and water-cleansing tablets.
A camera (stored inside a plastic bag for protection).
A torch or headlamp with extra batteries.
A small selection of snacks, such as chocolates and dried fruits.
One pair of pajama bottoms.
Your original passport.
Additional cash in local currency (Soles).

NOTES:

In our shared services, we will pick-up our clients from your hotel as long as it is located in the downtown.
In our shared services, at the end of the tour, we leave our clients in a place close to the Main Square, because is easier go walking instead the car for the traffic jam. If your hotel is far from the downtown, take some cash with you in order to take a taxi.
Pick-up and drop off times are referential, this will depend on the traffic that can be found in the streets or delay of the other clients, our assistant will be on time but sometimes the transport could delay a few minutes.