5-day hike to Choquequirao

The Choquequirao trek is probably the most underrated trek in Peru. The archeological center of Choquequirao is considered the ''second Machu Picchu''. In fact, Choquequirao is three times bigger than Machu Picchu! But the citadel of Choquequirao still retains its charm because it is only accessible by foot - and it is not an easy hike! It is about a 50 km round trip on muleteer roads with many ups and downs.

Choquequirao is located on the spur of the Salkantay mountain range, more than 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (spirits of the mountains) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, the whole circuit was connected to Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails. Choquequirao is considered the last refuge of the Inca Empire that resisted before the Spanish invasion.In addition to discovering this impressive citadel, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoq. These are incredible landscapes that will allow you to connect with nature and the divine at a very deep level.

Basic info

The trekking route to Choquequirao has a medium-high difficulty. From the town of Capuliyoq to the archaeological site, you hike a total of 26 km one way and 26 km back. The hike includes a descent and a steep climb.

Distance: Approx. 52 km.
Difference in altitude levels: + - 1,600 m.
Level of difficulty: Demanding

Requirements

To be in excellent health
To have experience hiking long routes ( 6 - 8 hours including breaks).

This hike includes:

✅ Private transportation from the city of Cusco to the town of Cachora (4 to 5 hours of travel)

✅ Food (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners)

✅ Accommodation (cabins with bed, mattress and bed cover)

✅ Shared bathroom and showers

✅ Photos and video to share

✅ Emergency horse

✅ Mule for loading luggage

✅ Muleteer

✅ Entrance to the archaeological zone of Choquequirao

✅ Oxygen tank

✅ Accompaniment and guidance

✅ Private transportation from Cachora to the city of Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

❌ Breakfast on the first day of departure

❌ Dinner on the last day of return

❌ Snacks, water bottles

❌ Walking poles (available for rent)

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Day 1: Cusco - Capuliyoc - Chiquisca

Our first day of trekking to Choquequirao starts at 7 am. We will board our private transport to the village of Curahuasi where we will have breakfast (not included in the price) and continue our route to the village of Capuliyoq.
In Capuliyoq we will rest after the trip, have our lunch and then start our hike towards our first camp in Chiquisca which is at 1,900 meters above sea level, a stretch of descent covering a distance of 8.6 km.
We will enjoy a spectacular view of the Apurimac Canyon, the snow-capped Padreyoq and we will see in the distance the archaeological center of Choquequirao.

Hiking time: 5 hours

Level: Advanced

Distance covered: 8.6 km

Lodging: cabins with mattresses

Maximum altitude: 2,800 msnm

Minimum altitude: 1,900 msnm.

Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Chiquisca - Marampata

Our hike will begin at 6:00 am towards the next camp of Marampata. We will cross the bridge of Rosalinas beach which is located at a distance of 2.5 km and at 1,472 m above sea level where the Apurimac River is located. From this point we will begin the difficult stretch of ascent by the bridle path; we will take a break in Santa Rosa baja and Santa Rosa Alta to rest for a few moments. The cabins of Marampata are located at 8.1 km of pure ascent.

Hiking time: 6 hours

Level: Advanced

Hiking distance: 10.6 km

Lodging: cabins with mattresses

Maximum altitude: 2,900 msnm.

Minimum altitude: 1,472 msnm.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata

We will start hiking early at 7 am to Choquequirao to explore the incredible Inca archaeological site in all tranquility. We will cover a distance of 10.4 km round trip.
We will visit the Sector of the Llamas, the Main Square Urin and Hanan, which has an enclosure built with two-story stones. We will see the Usnhu, located at the top of the mountain of Choquequirao, which has an incredible view of the Nevados.; as well as the Colcas, the dwellings, and the Kallankas, the priestly house.
After visiting the entire center, we will leave towards the Choquequirao pass to continue walking about three hours towards the area of Pinchaunuyoq.
Here we will camp and spend the night in tents.

Hiking time: 9 hours

Level: Intermediate

Distance covered: 10.4 km

Lodging: cabins with mattresses

Maximum altitude: 3,030 msnm.

Minimum altitude: 2,900 msnm.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Maranpata – Chiquisca

We will start at 7 am. the return to the initial point of our excursion. This route will cover 8.1 km. of a zigzag-shape downhill path, followed by 2.5 km of ascent.

Hiking time: 5 hours

Level: intermediate

Distance covered:

10.6 km

Lodging: cabins with mattresses

Maximum altitude: 2,900 msnm.

Minimum altitude: 1,472 msnm.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc - Cusco

We will begin our last hike back to Cusco after breakfast, at 6 am. So we begin our departure from Chiquisca to Capuliyoc, an uphill stretch of 8.6 km to the community of Capuliyoc where we will rest, have lunch and where our private transport will await us to return to the city of Cusco. We arrive to Cusco around 5 pm approximately.

Hiking time: 5 horas

Level: Advanced

Distance covered: 8.6 km

Maximum altitude: 2,800 msnm.

Minimum altitude: 1,900 msnm.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Transport towards Cusco

What to bring for the hike?

Note: We recommend a previous acclimatization in the city of Cusco, at least 2 days and to be in good health.

ID card / Passport (original) / Foreigner's card
Student card
Travel insurance and some copies
Backpack to carry your things.
Charger and adapter for phone and camera
Camera
Flashlight or headlamp
Deet or mosquito repellent
Hand sanitizer
Hiking poles (or you can rent a pair from us)
Rain gear (especially if traveling in the rainy season, from October to March)
Warm clothes to spend the night (thermal underwear, polar fleece, hat, gloves, socks).
Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, comfortable pants, shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts).
Good hiking boots with ankle protector or similar, and a pair of flip-flops or light sandals.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Water bottle or canteen
Peruvian soles in cash
Sun hat, cap and hat and warm gloves for the night.
Toilet paper
Personal first aid kit
Bathing clothes and towel
Personal snacks
Personal toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, soap, etc).

Our prices are among the lowest you will find in your search for travel agencies.Why?Because our purpose goes far beyond money: we want to accompany, guide and share experiences in the mountains as tools for spiritual and personal growth.In the same way, we guarantee an impeccable service of high quality, with the logistics, security, and all the necessary equipment.It is logical that a single person will pay more than a group of 5 people who will share the costs of food, muleteers, transportation, and guiding.So please contact us to ask for a rate for you and your group.

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