The Choquequirao 4 days trek offers stunning views of the Andean mountains, deep river canyons, and diverse ecosystems. Trekkers also have the opportunity to learn about the Inca culture and history and witness local rural life in the Peruvian highlands.
Choquequirao Trek 4 days 3 nights
For those seeking an experience off the main path, the Choquequirao Trek 4 days is the ideal getaway. You'll pass through some of Peru's most breathtaking landscapes on this walk and get to explore little-known Inca sites. It's understandable why the Choquequirao Trek has been dubbed the "Twin Sister of Machu Picchu." This tour is ideal for those looking for an adventure off the beaten path and who want to explore uncharted territory.
Tour Highlights:
- Hike off the beaten path and explore Choquequirao
- Follow the footprints of the last Incas
- Prepare Pachamanca barbecue on the last day.
- Enjoy the stunning views of the Apurimac Canyon.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa
Depart from your hotel Cusco at 4:30 am and drive towards Capuliyoc. After breakfast, hike for 6 hours into the Apurimac Canyon. Camp at Santa Rosa (2230mts – 7300ft).
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao
After breakfast, hike for 6 hours up to the marvelous Inca Citadel of Choquequirao. You will enjoy all the afternoon exploring the terraces and buildings and enjoying a spectacular sunset.
Day 3: Marampata – Chikiska
Wake up with a cup of coffee in your tent and get ready to return for 6 hours to Chiquiska.
Day 4: Chikiska – Saywite – Cusco
On the final day, wake up early and hike for 4 hours back to Capuliyoc, where our trekking team will prepare a Pachamanca Barbecue. Return to Cusco by car.
Included:
- All transportation included
- Professional Tour Guide
- Second Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Trekking Chefs to prepare fresh meals
- Porters, muleteers
- Horses to carry food and equipment
- Duffle bag for 8 kilos of your stuff
- 3 meals per day
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Comfortable camping equipment
- Sleeping foam mattress, pillows
- First aid kit with Oxygen bottle, satellite phones
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao site and Saywite
- All taxes and booking fees
Not Included:
- Sleeping Bag, air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us)
- Dinner on day 4 (When back in Cusco)
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)
Full Itinerary of the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa
The departure will be from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am and drive across the Andes towards Capuliyoc, arriving at approximately 8:30 am. After the first breakfast prepared by your chef, start the TreXperience to one of the Incas’ 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 us 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 – 7300ft), where we camp for the night.
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Hiking hours: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
After breakfast, get ready for one of the most challenging but rewarding days on this TreXperience! 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.
- Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
- Hiking duration: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Marampata – Chikiska
Wake up with a cup of coffee or coca tea provided by your trekking team in your tent 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 1 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.
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Approximate Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Chikiska – Saywite – Cusco
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.
- Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Approximate Hiking Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Not included
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days Packing List
When preparing for the Choquequirao Trek, it's important to pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need for the four-day journey. Here are some essential items to consider bringing:
Essentials
- Sturdy hiking boots: A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is essential for steep and rocky terrain.
- Warm clothing: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, so bring warm layers, including a fleece or down jacket, hat, gloves, and thermal underwear.
- Rain gear: Rain is common in the region, so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and pants.
- Sun protection: The high altitude and intense sun can cause sunburn and dehydration, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Water: Bring a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a filtration system, as there are limited opportunities to purchase water along the trail.
- Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars are essential for sustained daily energy.
- First aid kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptics are necessary for minor injuries or illnesses.
- Camera: The Choquequirao Trek offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Inca ruins, so don't forget your camera to capture the experience.
- Cash: Bring enough cash for park entrance fees, camping fees, and food and drink purchases along the way.
- Trekking poles: Trekking poles can be helpful for stability and reducing strain on the knees during steep descents.
Clothing:
- Hiking boots
- Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- Lightweight pants
- Long-sleeve shirt (sun protection)
- Fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking pants
- Hat or bennie
- Gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Swimsuit (for hot springs, if desired)
Gear:
- Backpack (at least 30-40 liters)
- Sleeping bag (rated -10°C)
- Inflatable Mattress (for extra comfort)
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Reusable water bottle
- Water bottle or Camel bag
- Snacks
- First aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic)
- Camera
- Cash (for park entrance fees, camping fees, and food/drink purchases)
Others:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
- Plastic bags (for trash or to keep gear dry)
- Map or guidebook of the trek
- Altitude sickness pills
Packing light and only bringing essential items is important, as you'll carry your gear throughout the trek.
Price for the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
Price per person:
- US$ 600 - Adults
- US$ 560 - Children
To book the Choquequirao Trek 4 days, you need to make an initial payment of US$200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
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Choquequirao Trek 4 Days Frequently Asked Questions
The Choquequirao Trek is becoming increasingly popular among hikers who are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure than the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, it is still challenging, and hikers should be physically fit and prepared. Below are the most common questions about this amazing hike.
How long does the Choquequirao Trek take?
The Choquequirao Trek typically takes four to five days to complete.
Is the Choquequirao Trek 4 days difficult?
Yes, the Choquequirao Trek 4 days is considered to be a difficult hike due to its steep inclines and high altitude. Hikers should be in the good physical condition and have prior hiking experience.
What is the maximum altitude of the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek reaches an altitude of approximately 3,050 meters above sea level.
What is the best time of year to do the Choquequirao Trek?
The best time to do the Choquequirao Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is generally clear and dry during this time, making for good hiking conditions.
Do I need a permit to hike the Choquequirao Trek?
No, there is currently no permit required to hike the Choquequirao Trek. You can buy entrance tickets at the citadel.
What should I pack for the Choquequirao Trek?
Hikers should pack appropriate gear for high-altitude hiking, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, and a good quality backpack. It's also important to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Are there places to stay along the Choquequirao Trek?
Several campsites and lodges along the Choquequirao Trek are where hikers can stay overnight. It's recommended to book ahead, especially during peak season.
Is it safe to hike the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek is generally considered safe for hikers, but it's important to take proper precautions and be aware of potential hazards, such as steep drops and unstable terrain. Hikers should also be prepared for high-altitude conditions, which can cause altitude sickness if not appropriately acclimatized.