The Choquequirao Trek is an incredible alternative to the more famous Inca Trail, offering trekkers the chance to explore a remote and peaceful path while still being immersed in breathtaking Andean landscapes and ancient Inca ruins. Often referred to as the “Twin Sister of Machu Picchu”, Choquequirao is an exceptional, lesser-known archaeological site that attracts adventurers looking for a more tranquil experience compared to the crowded routes leading to other iconic Inca sites.
This trek is ideal for nature enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone wanting to connect deeply with the rich culture of the Incas. The Choquequirao trek takes you through stunning, remote locations that highlight the beauty of the Apurimac Canyon and the incredible engineering of the ancient Inca civilization. With far fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, you can explore the ruins in a serene and uncrowded atmosphere.
The departure will be from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am, and drive across the Andes to Capuliyoc, arriving around 8:30 am. After breakfast, start the trek to one of the Inca’s legendary lost cities, the Choquequirao citadel. The first part is a 4-hour downhill from Capuliyoc (2950 m – 9678 ft) to our lunch place at Chikiska (1950 m – 6398 ft). Along the way, you will get the first views of the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Peru. This part of the trek offers spectacular panoramas with different landscapes, from the mountains of Peru to the dense vegetation of the clouded forest. After lunch, continue the journey for two more hours to Santa Rosa (2230 m – 7300 ft), where we camp for the night.
After breakfast, get ready for one of the most challenging but rewarding days on this trek! First, hike for 4 hours uphill to Marampata (2940 m – 9646 ft). On the way, you will visit sugar cane farms where locals produce “Cañazo”, a local alcoholic drink made for centuries and delivered to cities like Cusco. Lunch is in a local house with amazing mountains and river views. After lunch, ascend another 2 hours up and down to Choquequirao (3050 m – 10006 ft). A spectacular Inca site perched in the Peruvian Andes, Choquequirao was one of the last Inca cities built in the cloud forest and abandoned during Peru’s conquest. It might have been one of the entrance checkpoints to Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Incas, in the 16th century. Today, our campsite offers spectacular views of the Apurimac Valley and the Peruvian Andes.
Wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee or coca tea provided by your trekking team while you enjoy the most spectacular sunrise at this magical place. It will be a 3-hour downhill to Santa Rosa (2230 m – 7300 ft), our lunch spot after breakfast. Later, continue down for one more hour downhill and 2 hours uphill until the last campsite at Chikiska (1950 m- 6398 ft). This is a perfect day to enjoy the surrounding landscape from hundreds of different flowers, birds, and waterfalls in the distance.
On the final day, wake up early and enjoy the last breakfast with your team. Then, prepare for the last 4-hour trek uphill to Capuliyoc. We will arrange a special feast, the Pachamanca underground barbecue, where we will have different kinds of vegetables, meats, and fruits buried underground with hot stones. After lunch, say goodbye to all our trekking team that accompanied you on this expedition. Afterward, take private transportation to the archaeological site of Saywite, a great mysterious rock believed to be the complex irrigation system of the region. You will have plenty of time to explore the area, then return to Cusco and drop off at your hotel around 6:00 pm.
All Transportation: Private transportation to and from Cusco to the trek start and end points, including all necessary transfers.
Professional Tour Guide: Experienced, bilingual guides with in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of the Choquequirao ruins and the surrounding landscapes.
Second Tour Guide: For groups of 9+ trekkers, an additional guide will accompany the group for a better experience.
Trekking Chefs: Skilled chefs who prepare fresh meals each day using locally sourced ingredients, providing you with an authentic taste of Peruvian cuisine.
Porters and Muleteers: Local staff who assist with carrying equipment, ensuring a smooth trek. Horses will carry food and camping supplies for you.
Duffle Bag for Personal Items: A bag to carry up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings, making the trek more comfortable.
Meals: 3 meals per day, with options for vegetarians and vegans, ensuring every dietary need is accommodated.
Comfortable Camping Equipment: Well-maintained and high-quality equipment, including sleeping foam mattresses and pillows for a more comfortable camping experience.
Safety Gear: A first aid kit, complete with an oxygen bottle for emergencies, along with satellite phones to stay connected in remote areas.
Entrance Fees: Entry to the Choquequirao archaeological site and Saywite archaeological site, ensuring access to these remarkable ruins.
Sleeping Bag: Not provided; however, you can hire a sleeping bag from us for your convenience.
Air Mattress: Not included; you can also rent an air mattress if desired.
Trekking Poles: Not included, but trekking poles are available for hire if needed.
Dinner on Day 4: The trek concludes in Cusco, where dinner on Day 4 is not included in the package.
Gratuities: Optional; tipping the trekking team is not mandatory but appreciated for excellent service.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for your safety and peace of mind during the trek.
Backpack & Daypack: A large backpack (30-40 liters) and a smaller daypack for daily essentials.
Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures (around -10°C).
Insect Repellent: Essential for keeping insects at bay during the trek.
Hiking Boots: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for rough terrain.
Trekking Poles: Trekking poles to help with stability, especially on steep sections.
Clothes for Variable Temperatures: Layered clothing for both cold nights and warmer days.
T-shirts and Trekking Pants: Lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts and trekking pants that zip off to shorts for easy adaptation.
Flashlight or Head Torch: A flashlight or headlamp for navigating at night.
Camera & Extra Batteries: Capture the stunning views with your camera, and bring extra batteries.
Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses: Sun protection for high altitudes and sunny days.
Personal Medical Kit: Bring your first-aid kit, including band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptics.
Rain Gear: A poncho or rain jacket for potential rain showers.
Toiletries: Toilet paper, wet wipes, small towel, and hand sanitizer for hygiene.
Water Bottle (2 Liters): A reusable water bottle (water purifying tablets optional).
Copy of Your Passport: Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of emergencies.
Extra Money: Bring enough cash (in soles or dollars) for drinks, tips, and souvenirs.
Emergency Money: Have at least 200 extra soles for emergencies.
Bathing Clothes (Optional): Bring swimwear for visiting hot springs (if desired).
