Choquequirao Trek takes you off the beaten path, far from the crowded places. This trip doesn’t take you to Machu Picchu. Instead, you’ll hike to another lost Inca Citadel. This spectacular archaeological site was hidden in the mountain for centuries and was recently uncovered. During the Choquequirao Trek, you may see less than a dozen travelers, making this place a truly unique and quiet retreat.
Choquequirao 5 Days Trek
The Choquequirao Trek is one of Peru’s best-kept secrets. It’s a beautiful trek that leads you through stunning scenery and untouched Inca ruins. Choquequirao has been nicknamed the ‘Twin Sister of Machu Picchu,’ and it’s easy to see why. This is the perfect trip for those who prefer to explore untouched terrain and are looking for an adventure off the beaten track.
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.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
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 (2950 m - 9678 ft) and hike for 6 hours, mostly downhill into the Aprumimac Canyon. We camp at Chikiska at 1950 m (6398 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 ( 2940 m—9646 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—7545 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 Tour Guide
- 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
- 4-person Eureka 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)
- Dinner on day 5 (When back in Cusco)
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)
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 4 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
- Hiking hours: 4 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
- Approximate Hiking Time: 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
- Hiking hours: 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
- Hiking Time: 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
- Difficulty: Moderate
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.
Price for the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
Price per person:
- US$ 700 - Adults
- US$ 660 - Children and students
To book the Choquequirao Trek, 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 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 48 kilometers (30 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.