Choquequirao trek 6 days - Full Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska

We will start the tour in Cusco city, where you'll be picked up from your hotel at 4:30 am and travel to the small town of Capuliyoc. The drive takes around 4 hours, passing through small villages and offering stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Once you arrive in Capuliyoc, you will meet your trekking team, have breakfast, and start the hike to Chikiska Campsite.

The trail is mostly downhill, descending from Capuliyoc at an altitude of (2,950 m / 9,678 ft) to Chikiska at (1,950 m / 6,398 ft). The hike takes around 4 hours and covers a distance of approximately (10 kilometers / 6.2 miles).

Along the way, you'll pass through a canyon and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The campsite at Chikiska is located in a lush valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Upon arriving at the campsite, you'll have time to relax and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night in your tent. The first day of the trek is a challenging but rewarding start to the journey, offering a taste of the stunning scenery and wildlife to come.

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Accommodation: Camping (Chikiska)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Chikiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata

We will wake up in your tent with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea, start packing and have an early morning breakfast at the campsite. From there, you'll start the trek to Santa Rosa, a small village located at an altitude of (2,300 m / 7,500 ft). The second part of Santa Rosa is mostly uphill, passing through lush vegetation and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to see a range of birdlife, including the Andean condor.

Once you reach Santa Rosa, you'll take a break for lunch before continuing on to Marampata, which is located at an altitude of (2,940 m / 9,646 ft). The trail to Marampata takes around 3-4 hours. Along the way, you'll pass through a cloud forest and enjoy stunning views of the Apurimac River.

Once you arrive in Marampata, you'll set up camp and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night in your tent. The campsite at Marampata offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

• Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
• Duration: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Accommodation: Camping (Marampata)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Day 3: Marampata – Explore Choquequirao – Marampata

The highlight of day 3 is exploring the remote Inca Citadel of Choquequirao. After breakfast, you'll start the hike up and down to the ruins, which are located at an altitude of 3,050 m / 10,006 ft. The trail to Choquequirao takes around 2-3 hours and covers a distance of approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). The trek is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Once you arrive at Choquequirao, you'll have the chance to explore the ruins and learn about Incan history and culture. The site covers an area of approximately 1,800 hectares / 4,500 acres and is thought to have been a religious and administrative center during the Incan empire.

The ruins at Choquequirao are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the incredible engineering feats of the Incas. You'll have the chance to see the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the House of the Waterfalls, among other structures. You'll also have the chance to learn about the Incan farming practices and irrigation systems that allowed them to survive in such a remote location.

After exploring the ruins, you'll hike back down to Marampata, where you'll have dinner and spend the night in your tent. The day spent exploring Choquequirao is often the highlight of the trek, offering a chance to see one of the most impressive Incan ruins in a remote and stunning location.

• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Accommodation: Camping (Marampata)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Marampata – La Playa – Coca Masana

After breakfast, you will hike from Marampata to Coca Masana by the small town of La Playa. The day starts with an early breakfast at the campsite in Marampata before starting the descent towards the Apurimac River. The trail descends through a cloud forest, passing through small villages and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After around 3 hours of hiking, you'll reach the town of La Playa, where you'll take a break for lunch.

After lunch, you'll continue the hike towards Coca Masana, passing through small villages and enjoying more stunning views of the Andes Mountains. The trail to Coca-Masana takes around 2 hours with beautiful views.

Upon arriving in Coca Masana, you'll set up camp and have dinner. The campsite is located near the Apurimac River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

• Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
• Duration: 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Accommodation: Camping (Coca Masana)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 5: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The day starts with an early breakfast at the campsite in Coca Masana before starting the ascent back up to Capuliyoc, which is located at an altitude of 2,950 m / 9,678 ft. The trail to Capuliyoc takes around 3 hours, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way. Once you reach Capuliyoc, you'll stop for a special Pachamanca barbecue lunch break before traveling by car for 4 hours to Ollantaytambo, a small town in the Sacred Valley. 

From Ollantaytambo, you'll take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you'll have dinner and settle into your accommodation for the night.

• Distance: 18 km / 11.5 miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Accommodation: 3 starts hotel Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

On the final day of the tour, you will explore the iconic Machu Picchu. The day starts with an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes before taking a bus up to Machu Picchu, which is located at an altitude of 2,430 m / 7,970 ft.

Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, you'll have the chance to explore the iconic citadel through circuit 2 and learn about Incan history and culture. The site was built by the Incas in the 15th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have the chance to see the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana, among other structures.

Your guide will provide you with insights and history about the site and answer any questions you may have. You'll also have time to soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After exploring Machu Picchu, you'll take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have lunch (on your own) before taking the Vistadome Panoramic Train back to Ollantaytambo and a exclusive van back to Cusco. The expected arrival time is around 7:30 pm.

• Duration: 2–3 hours in Machu Picchu
• Meals: Breakfast (Hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

Price for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 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 to Machu Picchu trek in 6 days 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:

• US$ 850 - Adults
• US$ 820 - Children and students

Booking and Payment

• Deposit: US$200 per person (to reserve your spot). The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to explore alternative payment options.

Student Discount

• US$ 30 off

Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To receive the discount, your ID must show:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• A valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be 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 not accepted, 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

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu Packing List

For the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, it is important to pack light and bring only essential items. Additionally, remember to pack warm clothing and rain gear, as the weather in the Andes Mountains can be unpredictable.

Clothing:

• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Hiking pants and shorts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• T-shirts
• Underwear and socks
• Hat and gloves
• Bandana or buff

Footwear:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Sneakers or sandals for camp

Equipment:

• Backpack (40-50 liters)
• Sleeping bag (-10°C or 14°F rating)
• Sleeping pad or mat
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Insect repellent
• Personal toiletries and medication
• Quick-drying towel

Miscellaneous:

• Camera and extra batteries
• Cash and credit cards
• Passport or ID
• Trekking permits and vouchers
• Map and guidebook
• Snacks and energy bars

Travel Info for Choquequirao Trek Camping 6 days

What is Choquequirao

Choquequirao (3,050 m.a.s.l. / 10,007 ft.) is an Inca citadel set high above the Apurímac Canyon. Its name blends the Aymara word Chuqui (“gold”) and the Quechua word K’iraw (“cradle”), meaning the “cradle of gold.” Often described as the "sister of Machu Picchu," it feels wilder and quieter, with wide terraces, ceremonial plazas, and dramatic mountain scenery. Getting there takes a challenging multi-day hike, which is exactly why it stays uncrowded. Along the way, you’ll camp under clear skies, walk peaceful trails, and see ongoing restoration areas that make each visit feel like a discovery. If you want archaeology and nature in the same trip, Choquequirao is a perfect match.

Where is Choquequirao

Choquequirao sits in Peru’s Cusco region, perched above the Apurímac Canyon in the Vilcabamba range (Santa Teresa district, La Convención). Most hikers start at Capuliyoc near Cachora in the Apurímac region, about 4–5 hours by road from Cusco, then trek through the canyon and climb toward Marampata before reaching the archaeological site. Its remote setting is part of the magic: fewer people, bigger landscapes, and a true sense of being far from the usual routes. If you enjoy multi-day treks and quieter places, this route delivers.

Choquequirao brief history

Choquequirao was likely developed in the late 1400s to early 1500s and is often linked to Pachacutec, the ninth Sapa Inca. It worked as a ceremonial, administrative, and agricultural hub connected to the Qhapaq Ñan, the vast road system of the Inca Empire that linked Cusco and Vilcabamba. Before the Incas, other groups—often mentioned as the Antis and the Pilcozones, lived in this region. After the Spanish arrival, the area became a refuge during a time of resistance and retreat. Ongoing research shows new sectors in the citadel, adding depth to every visit, and reminding you that much of Choquequirao is still being uncovered.

What to see in Choquequirao

Choquequirao Altitude

Choquequirao sits around (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) above sea level, high above the Apurímac Canyon. The trek includes steep descents and tough climbs, moving between 1,500 m to 3,050 m (4,922 ft  to 10,007 ft), so it’s smart to acclimatize in Cusco and walk at a steady pace. The reward is worth it: sweeping views, fresh mountain air, and an unforgettable arrival among terraces and plazas. Bring layers for changing temperatures, drink plenty of water, and keep a few snacks handy so you can enjoy the hike without rushing.

Weather of Choquequirao

Expect classic high-Andean conditions: sunny, mild days and cold nights, with quick changes depending on wind and cloud cover. May to September is drier with steadier trails. From November to March, the months bring frequent rain and humid heat in the canyon, which can make descents slippery. Pack layers, a waterproof shell, a warm hat for evenings, plus sunscreen for daytime. Starting early helps you hike in cooler temperatures and gives you more time to explore without feeling rushed.

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 great shoulder months with greener scenery and lighter crowds, though you may still get some rain. From November to March, heavier showers can make the trail muddy and the steep sections more challenging. No matter the season, acclimatize in Cusco, start your days early, and keep your pace comfortable—those small choices make the trek feel much more enjoyable.

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu - Frequently Asked Questions