Choquequirao Trek (4 Days)
Take on the challenge of the Choquequirao Trek, an epic 4-day hike to the “Cradle of Gold” or “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu.” This is one of the most challenging and least-traveled treks in Peru, taking the traveler to a majestic Inca citadel nestled on a summit, with spectacular views of the deep Apurímac River Canyon. The route is characterized by intense descents and ascents that will test your endurance, but the reward is the exploration of Choquequirao ($3,103$ m / $10,180$ ft a.s.l.), a vast complex that has yet to reveal all its secrets. Discover the grandeur of a site that served as a refuge and ceremonial center for the last Incas, and marvel at the famous terraces with embedded llama figures. An adventure for the serious hiker seeking authenticity and untamed history.
Apurímac River Canyon (Cachora, Capuliyoc, Chiquisca, Marampata, Choquequirao)
Extreme Trekking, Historical, Archaeological
Spanish and English
Small, Maximum 10 people
Day 1: Cusco to Chiquisca (Descent to the Canyon)
The challenge begins with a very early pickup from your hotel in Cusco (approx. 4:00 a.m.) and a long drive in private transportation to the town of Cachora.We enjoy breakfast here before continuing to Capuliyoc ($2,900$ m / $9,515$ ft a.s.l.), the viewpoint and starting point of the trek.You receive final instructions before starting a steep descent of approximately 4 hours toward the Apurímac Canyon, with impressive views.We have lunch in Chiquisca and continue the descent to cross the Apurímac River at Playa Rosalinas ($1,484$ m / $4,869$ ft a.s.l.).Finally, we begin an ascent toward Santa Rosa Baja, our campsite for the night.
Day 2: Ascent to Marampata and First Exploration of Choquequirao
This is the most physically demanding day. After a nutritious breakfast, we begin the strenuous, zigzagging ascent of approximately 3 to 4 hours toward the town of Marampata ($2,918$ m / $9,574$ ft a.s.l.). This climb is constant and challenging but offers spectacular views.Upon arrival, we pause for lunch and to regain energy.In the afternoon, we continue a gentler 2-hour hike to the archaeological complex of Choquequirao ($3,103$ m / $10,180$ ft a.s.l.).We enjoy a first exploration and the majestic sunset over the canyon. We camp near the ruins for dinner under the starry sky.
Day 3: Guided Tour of Choquequirao and Return to Chiquisca
We start the day with breakfast, followed by a detailed, guided exploration of the citadel.Your guide shows you the recently excavated sectors, the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Usnu (ceremonial platform), and the famous and remote Llama terraces, a series of platforms featuring figures of llamas embedded in their walls.After the visit, we begin the long journey back, descending from Choquequirao to Marampata, to continue the sharp descent to Santa Rosa, and finally, to our last campsite in Chiquisca ($1,911$ m / $6,270$ ft a.s.l.).
Day 4: Final Ascent to Capuliyoc and Return to Cusco
The last day begins with breakfast and the final physical challenge: the ascent from Chiquisca to the Capuliyoc viewpoint. This climb is the steepest and can take between 3 and 4 hours. Upon reaching Capuliyoc, we celebrate the achievement and bid farewell to our support team. We enjoy our last lunch and board the private transportation that takes us back to Cusco city (approximately 4 hours drive). The service concludes with the transfer to your hotel in the afternoon/evening.
- Guide and Team: Professional bilingual trekking guide (Spanish/English). Cook, muleteers, and horses (to transport camping and food equipment).
- Transportation: Private transportation Cusco – Capuliyoc (round trip).
- Accommodation: 3 Nights of camping in high-quality tents (sleeping tent, dining tent, and kitchen tent).
- Food: 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners (includes snacks and hot drinks; vegetarian options available).
- Entrance Fees: Entrance Ticket to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
- Extras: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Trekking poles (available for rent).
- Emergency horse or personal riding horse (horses for equipment are included).
- Breakfast on Day 1 and Dinner on Day 4.
- Gratuities for the support team (guide, cook, muleteers).
- Crucial Acclimatization: It is essential to have spent a minimum of 3 full days in Cusco before starting the hike.
- Physical Condition: Excellent physical condition is required due to the nature of the ascents and descents in the canyon.
- Camping Gear: A good quality sleeping bag ($-10\text{°C}$ to $-15\text{°C}$) is highly recommended for the cold nights at altitude.
- Clothing: Wear fast-drying trekking clothing, a waterproof/windbreaker jacket, gloves, and a hat.
- Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Health: Bring altitude sickness pills and high-quality insect repellent for the lower canyon area.