The famous 4-day Choquequirao trek is one of the most beautiful and spectacular treks in the Cusco region. Choquequirao is a remote and rarely visited “lost city of the Incas” which means “Cradle of Gold.” The Inca arqueological site is considered, the sister of Machu Picchu, it is less known but 3 or 4 times larger than Machu Picchu and full of mystery.
On this trek you will see the great Choquequirao ruins and have a real adventure enjoying the spectacular views of majestic snow-capped mountains, great valleys, and amazing canyons. You will also see native animals such as Andean Condors and birds of all types, native flora and fauna such as orchids and so much more. This is a challenging hike, even for those who are experienced! This is truly a unique not to be missed, once in a lifetime experience! We are specialists in this amazing route and offer the most frequent departures with experienced and professional guides.
Click on the link below to explore our blog with lots of pictures and experience the trek for yourself: Choquequirao Trek!
5571 m.s.n.m
Up to 8
Group or private
Trekking
Challenging
4 days / 3 nights
At 4:30H we pick you up at your hotel, and take you in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft), a 4 hours drive. Along the way there are spectacular views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once we arrive at Capuliyoc we meet our horsemen and pack all our equipment onto the horses. After enjoying a boxed breakfast we start walking down to Chikiska until lunch time. There we enjoy great views of Apurimac Canyon, snow-capped mountains such a Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft) and the location of Choquequirao. After lunch we descend for two hours to the Playa Rosalinas, then we hike up again for 2 more hours, arriving to Santa Rosa where we will spend the night.
After an early breakfast we walk uphill to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft) where we have early lunch while enjoying the spectacular views of the archeological site of Choquequirao (3,150m/10,397ft). Then we will walk through a myriad of flora and fauna to the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao where a private guided tour awaits us in the afternoon. During the tour we will explore all the important sections, such as: palaces, temple, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama’s section and much more. Finally we head back to our second campsite located at Marampata, where we will have our afternoon tea and dinner.
After an early breakfast we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) which takes about 3 hours, then finally we walk up a moderate hill for 2 hours to our third evening’s campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft)
** In case we will not have enought time for Choquequirao on day 2, then still we have the chance to visit again this amazing Inca city
After a delicious breakfast, we walk up a moderate hill towards the Capuliyoc pass. Once there we enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. Then we take our private van to the archeological site of Saywite with lots of time to explore. Finally our private transport will bring us back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening at around 8pm.
The Choquequirao Trek 4 days is available on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you with a duffle bag to put your personal items.
“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Choquequirao Trek 4 days”
You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to the start if your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with INCATRAILHIKE at the arrivals terminal.
It will take place the night before your trek departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course!During the Choquequirao Trek 4 days your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.
Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your 4-day Choquequirao Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will experience different weather conditions as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Incatrailhikeperu specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
YES. Its considered difficult by many, you need to be in good physical condition and well acclimated to the altitude. Fitness is naturally important for the trek, and obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do extra walking, hiking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip. This trek is difficult.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, we will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !
It will depend on train availability (during high season it could be booked out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and an opportunity to enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore we usually book the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Incatrailhikeperu destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
The easies and fastest way will be taking a private Van but still you can take the Hop on the buses going to Abancay Province from Terminal Terrestre of Cusco, Ask the driver to get off at the turn to Cachora(Ramal de Cachora)
** If you are taking a guided tour from Cusco, they will get you straight to Capuliyuc. The farthest the cars get is Capuliyoq hamlet, which is 6 Km from Cachora district Abancay – Apurimac.
The only way to get to Choquequirao, so far, is by hiking. From a 4 day hike to a 5 day trek.
Permits are up the entrance in Capuliyoq hamlet and punched at the park station before approaching Choquequirao. No pre-reservations are needed because it doesn´t get crowded as Machu Picchu. Each Choquequirao permit cost is about 60 soles per adult, 30 soles for University students, and 25 soles per child.
The best months for hiking Choquequirao start from about May to September
Why?
Because these months promise better weather conditions, same as clearer views of the way and all the panorama. Also, within this time of the year, the rainfall precipitation is low; therefore, the trail is much safer to walk and avoid mudslides or rockslides in one of the deepest canyons of the world.
The main difference between taking a 5-day hike and a 4-day hike is that hiking over 5 days, you do this at a much more leisurely pace and can camp at the base of Choquequirao for what is called sunset and sunrise. Whereas taking it in a 4-day hike, you will definitely have to re-evaluate your physical endurance and start real early the second day to see the Choquequirao before dusk. If going with a responsible tour agency, they will provide you with an emergency mule for the difficult sections.
There is a path that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu through other valleys and mountain passes, but of course, it takes longer, the minimum amount of time spent if continuing to Machu Picchu will be 7 or 9 days. If you want to spice up your trip in Peru and have time, then do the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Hard! We are not going to sugar-coat this for you, whatever way you do the Choquequirao trek, it is a hard trek. This is because you need to cross the Apurimac canyon on foot. In general, the first day has you descending 1500m (4921feet) which involves steep and slippery descents, the next day you climb back up the 1500 metres to reach the Choquequirao ruins. Both days involve a series of switch backs that are strenuous for all types of fitness.
Travel Tips for Choquequirao trek?
Cusco
Cusco
