Choquequirao Trek

If you enjoy physically demanding adventures, untouched landscapes, and the intrigue of ancient civilizations, the Short Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days & 3 Nights offers an ideal escape. This off-the-beaten-path journey leads you deep into the Andes, far from crowded tourist routes, to the lost Inca city of Choquequirao—accessible only by crossing challenging mountain terrain.

Often called Machu Picchu’s sister, Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua. Perched high above the Apurímac River and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this immense archaeological site is nearly three times larger than Machu Picchu and just as breathtaking—yet still visited by relatively few travelers.

With new terraces, temples, and ceremonial spaces still being uncovered, exploring this hidden treasure feels like stepping into a forgotten world.

This demanding trek rewards hikers with spectacular mountain views, peaceful trails, and a deep connection to Inca history. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or simply looking for a distinctive alternative to the Inca Trail, the Choquequirao route promises an authentic and unforgettable journey through Peru’s sacred landscapes.

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa
Your unforgettable journey begins with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic five-hour drive to Capuliyoc, where breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay peaks set the stage for the adventure ahead.

After a hearty breakfast and meeting your trekking team—including your cook and horseman—you’ll begin a three-hour descent into the dramatic Apurímac Canyon. Along the way, admire towering mountains such as Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina before stopping for lunch in Chiquisca.

In the afternoon, continue toward the powerful Apurímac River, whose Quechua name means “Talking God.” From there, climb for about two hours to reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m), your first campsite. Enjoy a warm dinner and rest beneath the clear Andean sky.

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata
After breakfast, prepare for a challenging three-hour zigzag ascent to Marampata (2,900 m), rewarded with sweeping canyon views and snowy peaks. Following a short break, continue for about 90 minutes to the impressive Choquequirao ruins (3,050 m), often referred to as the “sister city of Machu Picchu.”

Here, you’ll explore expansive terraces, ceremonial plazas, and ancient temples that reveal the story of a civilization still wrapped in mystery. With only around 40% of the complex excavated, visiting Choquequirao feels both exclusive and deeply meaningful.

Highlights include the white stone llama carvings facing the sacred mountain Apu Qoriwayrachina. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the ruins before returning to your campsite in Marampata for dinner and a peaceful night under a star-filled sky.

Day 3: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquisca
After breakfast, begin your return journey through the canyon, retracing your path toward Santa Rosa. Along the way, visit a local farm to learn about the production of Cambray, a traditional sugarcane liquor. Stop for lunch and a well-deserved rest before descending to Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m), where you can refresh your feet in the cool glacial waters of the river.

From there, continue with a steady uphill hike of about 1 hour and 15 minutes until reaching Chiquisca (1,900 m). Relax over dinner and share stories with fellow trekkers after another fulfilling day on the trail.

Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco
Start early to avoid the heat during your final climb back to Capuliyoc. After saying goodbye to your trekking crew, travel by private transport to the Saywite Monolith, an ancient Inca ceremonial stone believed to symbolize the world in miniature and used in water rituals.

Next, soothe your muscles in the thermal waters of the Conoc Hot Springs. After a final lunch surrounded by mountain scenery, return to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m. You’ll finish the trek physically tired but deeply rewarded after completing one of Peru’s most remarkable hiking experiences.

• Hotel pick-up and drop off
• Information about the trek
• Transport from hotel to the town of Cachora
• Entrance to Choquequirao
• Bilingual tour guide
• Food during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
• Mules to carry the camping equipment
• A cook
• First aid kit
• Oxygen tank
• Transport from Cachora town to Cusco city
• Hotel – Airport or bus station transportion

What’s not included:

• Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the second day.
• Sleeping bag

Options to rent:

• A horse: $ 115.00 US Dollars
• Feather sleeping bag: $ 30.00 US Dollars
• Normal sleeping: $ 25.00 US Dollars
• Backpack: $ 30.00 US Dollars
• Vegan and vegetarian options available upon request, please let us know when booking