Choquequirao Trek 5 days takes you off the beaten path, far from the crowded places. It's a beautiful trek that leads you through stunning scenery and untouched Inca ruins. This trip doesn’t take you to Machu Picchu. Instead, you’ll hike to another lost Inca Citadel, the Machu Picchu's twin: Choquequirao. This spectacular archaeological site was hidden in the mountain for centuries and was recently uncovered.
This is the perfect trip for those who prefer to explore untouched terrain and are looking for an adventure off the beaten track and more exclusive. TreXperiencie can help you make this experience a reality. Contact us!
Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Activities Trekking and History
Average Group Size Up to 16
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation Camping
Tour Language English, Spanish
Hiking Distance 55 km / 34 miles
Starts/Ends Cusco / CuscoChoquequirao 5 Days Trek - Overview
The 5-day Choquequirao trek is one of Peru’s best-kept secrets. This is the perfect trip for those who prefer to explore untouched terrain and are looking for an adventure off the beaten track. We'll begin leaving Cusco very early and hiking mostly downhill into the mighty Apurimac Canyon, reaching the quiet Chikiska.
The next day, we'll have breakfast, then trek toward scenic Marampata with wide-open views of the canyon and the Andes. On Day 3, we'll walk 2 hours to Choquequirao and spend the entire day exploring this awe‑inspiring Inca citadel with your guide, bringing history to life.
Day 4 descends back to the canyon before a final climb to Coca Masana. Finish on Day 5 with an uphill to Capuliyoc, celebrate with a traditional Peruvian barbecue called Pachamanca and cooked with hot stones, to go back in Cusco around 6:00 p.m.
Tour Highlights:
- Get off the beaten path to explore Choquequirao.
- Learn the history of the last days of the Inca Empire.
- Enjoy a Pachamanca underground barbecue.
- Marvel with the fantastic views of the Apurimac Canyon.
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska
After a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am, we will drive for 4 hours towards Capuliyoc (2,950 m / 9,678 ft) and hike for 6 hours, mostly downhill, into the Aprurímac Canyon. We camp at Chikiska at (1,950 m / 6,398 ft).
Day 2: Chikiska – La Playa Rosalina – Marampata
Wake up in your tent with freshly brewed coffee, enjoy breakfast, and start the 8-hour hike to Marampata camp (2,940 m /9,646 ft). This campsite offers amazing views of the Apurimac Canyon and the Andes Mountains.
Day 3: Explore Choquequirao
After breakfast, you will hike for 2 hours to explore the great Choquequirao all day. You will visit the most remarkable places with your tour guide and learn about the Incas' history. We will spend the night at the same campsite.
Day 4: Marampata – Playa – Coca Masana
After enjoying the fantastic mountain views, you will begin a 4-hour descent back into the Apurimac Canyon, then another 2-hour uphill to our campsite at Coca Masana (2,330 m / 7,545 ft).
Day 5: Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Start with a 4-hour uphill to Capuliyoc pass for lunch on the final day. Today, you’ll enjoy a traditional Pachamanca Barbecue with hot stones. After lunch, you’ll say goodbye to your trekking team and return to Cusco, the arrival time at your hotel is around 6:00 pm.
Included
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel
- All transportation during 5 days
- Professional bilingual tour guide; English and Spanish
- Second tour guide for groups of 9+
- Trekking Chef to prepare fresh meals
- Porters, horsemen
- Horses to carry food and equipment
- Duffle bag where you can put up to 8 kilos
- Drinkable water and snacks
- All meals during the tour.
- Special dietary options
- Comfortable camping equipment
- Comfortable tents
- Sleeping foam mattress
- First aid kit, Oxygen bottle, satellite phones
- Tickets to the Choquequirao site
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag, air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us. Check the "Price" section)
- Dinner on day 5
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get great value and attentive service with a 100% Peruvian company.
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professional and fluent in English.
- Exclusive Hotels: We work with top-rated 3-star hotels in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Panoramic Trains: We include panoramic trains Vistadome.
- Want more? We also offer the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days.
Full Itinerary of the Choquequirao Trek 5 days
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chikiska
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco city at 4:30 am and drive for about 4 hours to Capuliyoc, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. The TreXperience to Choquequirao begins with a 6 hours hike from Capuliyoc (2950 m / 9678 ft) to Chikiska at 1950 m (6398 ft). During the route, there are breathtaking views of the Apurimac canyon, one of the deepest in Peru, and the many landscapes, from the Peruvian highlands to the lush foliage of the cloud forest.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Chikiska – Playa Rosalina – Marampata
You will wake up around 5:00 am in your tent with a steaming cup of coffee or coca tea and start packing for the most challenging part of the Choquequirao trek. After breakfast at the campsite, we will begin a moderate hike down to Playa Rosalina (1500 m - 4921 ft), passing through some stunning scenery. We will reach Playa Rosalina after about 1.5 hours of hiking, and you will cross the Apurimac river by a suspension bridge and hike for 2 hours uphill to Santa Rosa, where we will stop for lunch with breathtaking mountains and river views.
After lunch, you will keep another 2.5 hours ascent to Marampata village (2940 m / 9646 ft), where we will camp for the night with spectacular views. This is the most beautiful campsite on the trek; you will have amazing views and clear night skies perfect for stargazing.
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day 3: Explore Choquequirao
We will wake you up bright and early with a nice cup of hot coca tea or coffee to witness the mountains’ fantastic sunrise. After breakfast, you will hike up and down for about 2 hours and have the entire day to explore the magnificent Choquequirao. Your guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the most beautiful spots and teach you about the history of Choquequirao and the Incas. Choquequirao (cradle of gold) is nicknamed the twin sister of Machu Picchu but is almost twice the size. For this reason, this mostly unknown location is expected to become soon one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. After taking all the time you need to discover Choquequirao, we will return to the same campsite for dinner and spend the night.
- Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Marampata – La Playa – Coca Masana
We will wake up for the second morning in this magical place and enjoy the fantastic sunrise. After a delicious breakfast, we will start a 4 hours descent into Playa Rosalina (1500 m - 4921 ft). The trail is mostly downhill, with breathtaking views of the mountains. The second part of the day begins with a 2-hour hike up to Coca Masana campsite (2,330 m - 7545 ft). This a perfect day to enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature. We will pass a wide range of flowers and birds along the way, and waterfalls can be heard in the distance.
- Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
- Duration: 7 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 5: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Cusco
On our final day, we will wake up for a last time with a coca tea in our tent, have breakfast, and prepare for our last 3-hour trek uphill to Capuliyoc. We will have lunch and say goodbye to our team of chefs and porters accompanied on this expedition. We will then take our private transportation to the archaeological site of Saywite, a beautifully carved rock that remains a mystery to archaeologists. You will have plenty of time to explore before returning to Cusco and dropping you off at your hotel around 5 pm.
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Price for the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
We run small group tours for a more personal, intimate experience. If you're traveling with a large party or want an exclusive adventure, we offer the private Choquequirao Trek 5 Days 4 Nights tailored to your preferences. Contact us today and we'll share a customized price and design the perfect tour to fit your needs, so your journey is unforgettable.
Price per person:
- From US$ 650 - Adults
- From US$ 620 - Children and students
Booking and payment
- Deposit US$200 per person. The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco by credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.
Student Discount
- US$30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 and to students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, your ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date (expired IDs are not accepted)
- ISIC cards are not valid.
The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, please submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, the adult rate will apply.
Camp gear for rent
- Inflatable mattress: US$20 per person
- Single Tent: US$35 per person
- Sleeping bag: US$25 per person
- Trekking Poles: US$20 per person
Packing list for the Choquequirao Trek
A successful Choquequirao trek requires careful planning and packing. Here are some essential items to pack for your Choquequirao trekking adventure:
Clothing
- Hiking boots or walking shoes
- Hiking pants (Long pants and shorts)
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat or cap
- Socks (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
Equipment
- Backpack (30-40L)
- Sleeping bag (3-season or 4-season, depending on the time of year)
- Sleeping pad (inflatable or foam)
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Flashlight (Headlamp is recommended)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Water bottle or camel bag
Personal first aid kit
- Toiletries and personal items
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Personal medications
Miscellaneous
- Camera or smartphone with a camera
- Cash for tips and souvenirs
- Lightweight daypack (optional for day hikes from base camp)
- Binoculars (optional for bird-watching or wildlife spotting)
Note: Packing light for the Choquequirao Trek is important, as you will carry your gear for the hike. Limiting your pack weight to 15-20% of your body weight is recommended.
Travel Info of Choquequirao Trek Camping 5 days
What is Choquequirao
Choquequirao (3,050 m.a.s.l. / 10,007 ft.) is an Inca citadel above the Apurímac Canyon. Its name combines the Aymara word Chuqui (“gold”) and the Quechua word K’iraw (“cradle”), so it literally means “cradle of gold.” With fewer crowds than Machu Picchu, it features broad terraces, ceremonial plazas, and big mountain views. Reached by a challenging multi-day hike, it offers quiet trails, ongoing restoration areas, and starlit camps, a strong choice for travelers who want archaeology and nature together. For all these reasons, Choquequirao is also known as the "sister of Machu Picchu".
Where is Choquequirao
Choquequirao sits in Peru’s Cusco region, high above the Apurímac Canyon in the Vilcabamba range (Santa Teresa district, La Convención). Most travelers begin at Capuliyoc near Cachora in Apurímac, about 4–5 hours by road from Cusco, and then hike two days via Marampata to reach the archaeological site. The remote location delivers wide viewpoints and a quiet experience for hikers who enjoy multi-day treks.
Choquequirao Altitude
Choquequirao sits around (3,050 m / 10,000 ft) above sea level, high above the Apurímac Canyon. The trek brings big climbs and descents between 1,500 m to 3,050 m (4,922 ft to 10,006 ft), so acclimatize in Cusco and keep a steady pace. The altitude rewards you with wide mountain views and a thrilling arrival among terraces and plazas. If you enjoy a good challenge and open scenery, you’ll love it. Carry layers, water, and snacks to make the most of it.
Weather of Choquequirao
Expect high-Andean conditions: mild sunny days and cold nights. From May to September is drier with steadier trails. From November to March, the months bring frequent rain and humid heat in the canyon. Pack layers, a waterproof shell, a hat, and sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Weather shifts quickly, so early starts and a flexible pace help you enjoy the day.
Best time to visit Choquequirao
The best time to tour it is from May to September: drier weather, clearer views, and safer river crossings. April and October are shoulder months; greener scenery with some rain. From November to March, heavy showers can make descents slick. Acclimatize in Cusco and start early to feel stronger and get the most from the route.
Choquequirao brief history
Rebuilt in the late 1400s to early 1500s, likely under Pachacutec, the nine Sapac Inca, Choquequirao served as a ceremonial, administrative, and agricultural hub on the Qhapaq Ñan, the extensive road system of the Inca Empire, that linked Cusco and Vilcabamba. Before the arrival of the Incas, the site had been inhabited by groups such as the Antis and the Pilcozones. After the Spanish arrival, it became a refuge. Ongoing research shows new sectors in the citadel, adding depth to every visit.
What to see in Choquequirao
Hanan Temple Area
North of the main plaza, Hanan (“upper” in Quechua) gathers temples, rooms, canals, and a stepped waterfall. It splits into two sectors with corridors, terraces, and continuous buildings, great for seeing how ritual and daily life were organized.
Qolqas (Storehouses)
These large storehouses ensured food supply. Southeast of Hanan Temple, two areas sit on platforms with multiple structures and corridors. Some have two floors and built-in ventilation shafts that helped preserve crops and supplies.
Main Plaza Sector
At the heart of the city, the Main Plaza comprises nine buildings. Highlights include two-story Kallankas used as residences, the Sunturwasi, and the Main Temple. Four terraces frame a sacred enclave known as Haucaypata, the ceremonial plaza.
Gateways (Portadas)
South of the main plaza stand four double-jamb trapezoidal gateways. Archaeologists call this space a “Monument Dedicated to the Ancestors,” likely a sacred enclosure where malkis, mummified nobles,were kept during religious ceremonies.
Ushno
On a hill south of the plaza, the Ushno is a ceremonial platform with a 147-meter enclosing wall and three horseshoe-shaped terraces. It hosted rituals, offerings, and libations, and served as an important spot for astronomical observation, with sweeping canyon views.
House of the Priests
Near the Ushno sits the so-called House of the Priests, split into two areas: one with five retaining walls and another with two large rectangular buildings. It likely served as a preparation space for officiants, with restricted access, and a history you can sense onsite.
Sacred Terraces
Northeast of the plaza, the Sacred Terraces form five sub-sectors arranged in a concave shape toward the southeast and northeast. The longest terrace stretches about 116 meters, an impressive example of Inca engineering and landscape control.
Llama Terraces
In the north sector, the Llama Terraces, found in 2002, rise in sixteen steep levels inlaid with white limestone figures of camelids, humans, and geometric motifs. The staircase is very steep, so watch your footing while you admire the stone artwork.
Paraqtepata Terraces
This sector stacks 18 striking terraces vertically on the mountainside, grouped into five irrigated blocks for cultivation. Set on a landslide zone along the right bank of the Ch’unchu Mayu, they’re visible long before you reach the core of Choquequirao.
Phaqchayoq Terraces
Phaqchayoq holds the largest terrace groups at Choquequirao: nine cultivation sectors with a central promontory hosting three buildings. A complex water-channel system irrigated the terraces, showing refined hydraulic design and careful planning.
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days Frequently Asked Questions
What is Choquequirao Trek?
Choquequirao Trek is a challenging hike in the Andes Mountains of Peru that leads to the ancient Incan ruins of Choquequirao. The trek usually takes 5 days and covers a distance of approximately 55 kilometers (34.5 miles).
How difficult is the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek is a challenging hike involving steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and long distances. Hikers should have good physical condition and some prior hiking experience.
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, and the trails are in good condition.
Do I need a guide to do the Choquequirao Trek?
While it is possible to do the Choquequirao Trek without a guide, it is highly recommended that you hire one. A guide can provide valuable information about the region's history and culture and ensure your safety on the trail.
What should I pack for the Choquequirao Trek?
You should pack lightweight, breathable clothing for hiking and warm layers for cool evenings. Other essential items include sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a headlamp.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Choquequirao Trek?
Altitude sickness is a concern on the Choquequirao Trek, as the hike reaches an altitude of over 3,050 meters (10,006 feet). Hikers should acclimatize themselves to the altitude before starting the trek and be prepared to take it slow and rest as needed.
Are there any age restrictions for the Choquequirao Trek?
There are no official age restrictions for the Choquequirao Trek, but it is a challenging hike requiring good fitness and stamina. Children under the age of 12 are not recommended to participate. However, we often have younger travelers.
Can I do the Choquequirao Trek if I have a fear of heights?
The Choquequirao Trek does involve some steep drop-offs and narrow paths, so it may not be suitable for those with a severe fear of heights. However, there are alternative routes that avoid the most challenging sections.
Is it safe to drink water on the Choquequirao Trek?
Drinking water from streams or rivers on the Choquequirao Trek is not recommended, as it may be contaminated with bacteria or parasites. You should bring a water filter or purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water. During our treks, we will provide drinkable water every day.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek is home to various wildlife, including Andean condors and bird species. It is also possible to see pumas and spectacled bears, although they are rare and elusive.