Peru’s Last Great Adventure
Discover Peru’s spectacular ‘Lost City of the Incas‘ before the crowds arrive. Learn everything you need to know about Choquequirao, compare the 4-Day and 5-Day trekking options, and decide which adventure is right for you.
Option 1: Choquequirao Only
These expeditions are designed for those who want to dedicate their time entirely to the “Cradle of Gold,” exploring one of the largest and most remote Inca sites in the Andes in near-total solitude.
- Choquequirao Trek (4 Days – Ultimate Challenge) A high-intensity, direct route for very fit hikers. This expedition packs the journey into 4 days, requiring stamina and determination to conquer the Apurímac Canyon switchbacks. VIEW 4-DAY TREK
- Choquequirao Trek (5 Days – Balanced Adventure) The same legendary route, but with a more measured pace. The extra day allows for a deeper, more relaxed exploration of the site and reduces daily hiking fatigue. VIEW 5-DAY TREK
Option 2: Choquequirao to Machu Picchu (Both of them in 1 trip)
For the ultimate Peruvian trekking experience, these itineraries connect the remote wilderness of Choquequirao with the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu, crossing through diverse ecosystems from high-altitude passes to lush cloud forests.
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek (4 Days – Rapid Expedition) A fast-paced, demanding adventure that crosses the mountains to hit two of the most iconic Inca sites in one go. Best for experienced trekkers short on time. VIEW 4-DAY TREK
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek (5 Days – Standard Wilderness) A well-balanced trek that features panoramic dome camping, allowing you to experience the full beauty of the route with time to recover and explore. VIEW 5-DAY TREK
- Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek (7 Days – The Complete Journey) The definitive Choquequirao expedition. This tour offers the most comprehensive itinerary, allowing for thorough exploration of Choquequirao, the hidden Pinchiunuyoc ruins, and a breathtaking approach to Machu Picchu. VIEW 7-DAY TREK
Quick Facts & Information
- Location: Vilcabamba Mountain Range, Cusco Region, Peru
- Archaeological Site Size: Approximately 1,800 hectares
- Excavated Area: Around 40% has been uncovered
- Built By: Emperor Pachacutec (15th Century)
- Meaning: “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua
- Elevation: 3,050–3,150 metres
- Lowest Point on Trek: Apurímac River – approximately 1,450 metres
- Daily Visitors: Around 25 people
- Difficulty: One of Peru’s most challenging treks
- Trek Options: 4-Day Expedition or 5-Day Adventure
- Best Months: April to October
- Wildlife: Condors, Spectacled Bears, Viscachas, Orchids & more
- Access: Hiking only – no roads or trains
- Final Destination: Choquequirao Archaeological Complex
4-Day Ultimate Challenge: Day-by-Day
This itinerary is high-intensity and designed for experienced, very fit hikers.
- Day 1: The Descent into the Canyon Starting from Cachora, you begin with a dramatic descent into the Apurímac Canyon. You will trek through changing ecosystems, ending the day at the riverside camp of Chiquisca or Santa Rosa.
- Day 2: The Ascent to the Cradle of Gold The most challenging day of the trek. You will climb the steep switchbacks out of the canyon floor, heading toward Marampata and finally reaching the archaeological site of Choquequirao in the afternoon for your first glimpse of the ruins.
- Day 3: Exploring the Lost City A full day dedicated to exploring the vast complex, including the Llama Terraces, the Usnu Platform, and the unexplored residential sectors. In the afternoon, you begin the trek back, descending toward the canyon floor to camp.
- Day 4: The Final Climb The final push involves climbing back out of the Apurímac Canyon toward Cachora. It is a physically demanding finale to one of Peru’s toughest trekking routes.
The 5-Day Difference: Balanced Adventure
The 5-Day itinerary follows the same iconic route but prioritizes a more slower pace. Here is how the schedule changes to make the trek more accessible:
- Paced Elevation Gains: By adding an extra day, the intense vertical climbs are broken into shorter, more manageable segments. This reduces the cardiovascular strain experienced during the rapid ascents of the 4-day route.
- Extended Exploration: You gain more time to immerse yourself in the archaeological site itself. While the 4-day trek requires you to balance sightseeing with a strict departure schedule, the 5-day option allows for a relaxed, thorough exploration of the temples and terraces without feeling rushed.
- Reduced Daily Fatigue: The 5-day route features shorter hiking hours each day. This allows for better recovery at camp in the evenings, ensuring you are energized for the next day’s terrain rather than accumulating exhaustion.
Why Visit Choquequirao?
Discover Peru’s Last Great Inca Adventure
Long before social media and bucket-list tourism transformed Machu Picchu into one of the world’s most visited archaeological sites, there was Choquequirao—a vast Inca city hidden deep within the rugged Vilcabamba mountain range. Reached only by crossing the dramatic Apurímac Canyon on foot, this extraordinary archaeological complex offers a level of adventure, solitude, and authenticity that is becoming increasingly rare.
Often called the “Sister City of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao is believed to have been built during the 15th century under Emperor Pachacutec. Covering nearly 1,800 hectares, it is actually larger than Machu Picchu, yet only around 40% has been excavated, leaving much of the ancient city still concealed beneath dense cloud forest.
Unlike Machu Picchu, where thousands of visitors arrive every day by train and bus, Choquequirao welcomes only around 25 visitors daily. It’s entirely possible to spend an hour exploring magnificent plazas, temples, and agricultural terraces without seeing another person. For many trekkers, this isn’t simply another archaeological site, it’s Peru’s final great wilderness expedition
The History of Choquequirao
Believed to have been built during the 15th century by the Inca Emperor Pachacutec, Choquequirao served as an important administrative, ceremonial, and agricultural centre of the Inca Empire. Perched high above the Apurímac Canyon, the city played a strategic role in connecting Cusco with the remote Vilcabamba region and is thought to have been one of the last strongholds of the Incas during the Spanish conquest. Today, only around 40% of the site has been excavated, leaving much of this remarkable “Lost City” still hidden beneath the surrounding cloud forest, making every visit feel like a journey of discovery.
Why hikers choose Choquequirao
Choquequirao isn’t a trek that people choose because it’s easy. They choose it because it offers something that has become increasingly rare: a genuine sense of adventure. Unlike many of Peru’s more popular destinations, the journey takes you far from the crowds and into the heart of the Andes, where dramatic mountain scenery, the immense Apurímac Canyon, and peaceful cloud forests create an experience that feels wild, remote, and completely authentic. Reaching the ancient citadel requires determination, but that challenge is exactly what makes arriving at Choquequirao so rewarding.
For many hikers, the greatest reward is the opportunity to explore one of the Inca Empire’s largest archaeological sites in near solitude. With only a fraction of the complex excavated and relatively few visitors each day, Choquequirao still feels like a place waiting to be discovered, with the chance to spot Andean wildlife, experience constantly changing landscapes, and immerse yourself in the profound silence of the Andes, and it’s easy to see why many experienced trekkers consider Choquequirao to be Peru’s ultimate wilderness expedition.
Why is the Choquequirao Trek Harder than the Inca Trail?
Although both treks are among Peru’s most iconic hiking adventures, the Choquequirao Trek is widely regarded as the more physically demanding of the two. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, which follows a relatively steady climb over high mountain passes, the Choquequirao Trek begins with a dramatic descent of nearly 1,500 metres into the Apurímac Canyon before requiring hikers to climb the same elevation back out. This relentless pattern of steep descents and challenging ascents places constant strain on your legs and cardiovascular endurance, making every day a true test of fitness.
The challenge is even greater on the 4-Day Choquequirao Trek, where the route is completed over fewer days, resulting in longer hiking hours and less time for recovery. Hikers can expect days of 8 to 10+ hours on the trail, often crossing multiple climate zones in a single day. The canyon floor can be hot and dry, with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), while mornings and evenings higher in the mountains are considerably cooler. Adding to the adventure is the trek’s remote nature, there are no trains, no busy villages, and very few other hikers along the route. Once you enter the Apurímac Canyon, you’re immersed in one of Peru’s last true wilderness regions. It is this combination of demanding terrain, dramatic elevation changes, changing climates, and complete isolation that makes Choquequirao not only more challenging than the Inca Trail, but also one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in South America.
Choquequirao vs Machu Picchu
Often referred to as the “Sister City of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao offers a completely different experience, from the journey required to reach it to the peaceful atmosphere that awaits. Here’s how these two incredible Inca sites compare.
Choquequirao
Choquequirao is Peru’s hidden Inca city, offering an adventure that few travellers ever experience. Reached only after a challenging multi day trek through the spectacular Apurímac Canyon, it welcomes fewer than 30 visitors a day, allowing you to explore its vast plazas, temples, and famous Llama Terraces in remarkable peace and solitude. Larger than Machu Picchu and with only around 40% of the site excavated, Choquequirao still feels like a true archaeological discovery, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and untouched wilderness.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is Peru’s most iconic archaeological site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Easily reached by train and bus, it attracts thousands of visitors each day who come to admire its extraordinary architecture, breathtaking mountain setting, and fascinating history. While the atmosphere is understandably busier, its beautifully restored temples, terraces, and panoramic viewpoints make it one of the world’s greatest cultural landmarks and the perfect finale to the Choquequirao Trek.
Here is your definitive, up-to-date guide and daily itinerary for the ultimate Peruvian adventure.
Wildlife You’ll See
The Choquequirao Trek passes through one of Peru’s most diverse ecosystems, where dry canyon landscapes gradually give way to lush cloud forests teeming with wildlife. Thanks to the trail’s remote location and the low number of visitors, wildlife encounters are far more common here than on many of Peru’s more popular trekking routes.
Andean Condor
Keep your eyes on the skies for the magnificent Andean Condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world, effortlessly soaring above the Apurímac Canyon on rising mountain thermals.
Viscacha
Along the rocky cliffs and ancient terraces, you may spot a Viscacha, a curious mammal closely related to the chinchilla that is often seen basking in the morning sun.
Spectacled Bear
The surrounding forests are also home to the elusive Spectacled Bear, South America’s only native bear species. Although sightings are rare, these protected mountains provide an important habitat for this remarkable animal.
Caracara Falcon
Overhead, the Caracara Falcon patrols the canyon in search of insects, reptiles, and small mammalsm
Giant Hummingbirds
There are several species of Giant Hummingbirds and other colourful birds flit between the wildflowers as the trail climbs into the cloud forest.
Wild Orchids
The region is also famous for its incredible plant life, with hundreds of native orchid species blooming throughout the forests, particularly during the wetter months when the landscape bursts into colour.
Archaeological Highlights
Choquequirao is one of the largest and most fascinating archaeological sites in Peru, yet much of it remains hidden beneath dense cloud forest, with only around 40% of the ancient city excavated. As you explore the complex with your guide, you’ll discover remarkable examples of Inca engineering, architecture, and religious life. At the heart of the site lies the Great Plaza, once the centre of civic and ceremonial activities where important gatherings and celebrations took place. Nearby stands the impressive Usnu Platform, a sacred ceremonial structure believed to have been used by Inca leaders for religious rituals and official ceremonies overlooking the surrounding mountains.
One of Choquequirao’s most iconic attractions is the famous Llama Terraces, where white quartz stones have been carefully embedded into the retaining walls to create striking llama figures that appear to climb the mountainside. This unique artwork cannot be found at any other Inca site. Throughout the complex you’ll also see the remarkable Sacred Water Channels, an advanced hydraulic system that still carries fresh mountain water more than five centuries after it was built. The vast Agricultural Terraces demonstrate how the Incas transformed steep mountainsides into fertile farmland capable of supporting a thriving settlement, while the Temple Sector provides a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of the empire. As you continue through the Residential Areas, you’ll walk among the remains of homes and administrative buildings where priests, craftsmen, and officials once lived and managed one of the most remote and strategically important cities of the Inca Empire.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Choquequirao
The Choquequirao Trek can be completed throughout the year, but weather conditions play a significant role in the overall experience. The route passes through several distinct ecosystems, from the hot and dry Apurímac Canyon to cool mountain ridges and lush cloud forests, meaning you can experience different temperatures and weather conditions in a single day. Warm afternoons in the canyon can exceed 30°C (86°F), while evenings and early mornings at higher elevations can drop close to 0°C (32°F), making layered clothing essential.
The dry season, from April to October, is considered the best time to visit Choquequirao. During these months, hikers can expect clear skies, excellent mountain views, comfortable hiking conditions, and a much lower chance of rain. The trails are generally drier and safer underfoot, making this the most popular period for trekking. June, July, and August offer the clearest weather but can also bring colder nights at camp.
The wet season, from November to March, transforms the surrounding mountains into a vibrant green landscape filled with blooming flowers, waterfalls, and lush cloud forests. While the scenery is spectacular, heavy rainfall can make sections of the trail muddy, slippery, and more physically demanding. Afternoon showers are common, particularly between January and March, so waterproof clothing and good hiking boots are essential.
Monthly Weather Guide
| Month | Conditions | Recommended |
| January | Heavy rainfall, muddy trails, lush scenery | Fair |
| February | Wettest month, frequent rain showers | Fair |
| March | Rain begins to ease, landscapes remain green | Good |
| April | Dry season begins with pleasant temperatures | Excellent |
| May | Clear skies and ideal trekking conditions | Excellent |
| June | Cool mornings, sunny days, outstanding visibility | Excellent |
| July | Peak trekking season with dry weather and cold nights | Excellent |
| August | Dry, sunny, and perfect for photography | Excellent |
| September | Mild temperatures with fewer visitors | Excellent |
| October | Warm days and the last of the dry season | Excellent |
| November | Beginning of the rainy season with occasional showers | Good |
| December | Warmer temperatures and increasing rainfall | Good |
Local Tip: The best months for the 4-Day Choquequirao Trek are May through September, when cooler temperatures and stable weather make the demanding climbs more comfortable. If you plan to trek during the rainy season, allow extra time for changing trail conditions and always pack high-quality waterproof gear.
Guided Tour vs. Independent Hiking
One of the most common questions hikers ask is whether they should complete the Choquequirao Trek independently or join a guided tour. While it is possible to hike the trail without a guide, the experience is very different. Your decision will depend on your hiking experience, fitness level, available equipment, and how much you want to focus on enjoying the journey rather than managing the logistics.
An independent trek offers complete flexibility and can be a rewarding challenge for experienced backpackers who are confident carrying all of their own equipment. However, you’ll need to organise transportation, campsite fees, meals, navigation, and carry everything from your tent and sleeping bag to cooking equipment and several days of food. The steep climbs in and out of the Apurímac Canyon make a heavy backpack significantly more demanding, particularly on the 4-Day itinerary where hiking days are much longer.
Joining a guided tour allows you to concentrate on the adventure while experienced professionals take care of the planning. Your trekking crew prepares fresh meals each day, pack horses carry the majority of your equipment, camps are ready when you arrive, and your guide brings the history, culture, and archaeology of Choquequirao to life. Guides are also trained in first aid, carry emergency oxygen, and know the route intimately, providing an additional level of safety in one of Peru’s most remote trekking regions.
Which Option is Right for You?
| Guided Tour | Independent Hiking |
| Professional English-speaking guide | Self-guided navigation |
| Pack horses carry your equipment | Carry all personal and camping gear |
| Freshly prepared meals every day | Cook all meals yourself |
| Campsite organisation included | Arrange campsites independently |
| Emergency oxygen and first aid carried by the guide | Carry your own emergency equipment |
| Historical and cultural explanations throughout the trek | Self-guided exploration |
| Private transport and logistics organised | Arrange all transport yourself |
| Ideal for most hikers | Best suited to experienced backpackers |
Our Recommendation
For the vast majority of hikers, a guided tour offers the best overall experience. The Choquequirao Trek is not only physically demanding but also remote, and carrying an additional 15 to 20 kilograms of camping equipment can dramatically increase the difficulty. With a professional guide and support team, you’ll enjoy better meals, greater comfort, enhanced safety, and a much deeper understanding of one of the Inca Empire’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Whether you choose the 4-Day Ultimate Challenge or the more relaxed 5-Day itinerary, trekking with an experienced local team allows you to focus on what really matters: enjoying one of Peru’s greatest adventures.
How to Prepare for the Choquequirao Trek
The Choquequirao Trek is one of Peru’s most demanding hiking adventures, so preparing properly will make your experience safer, more enjoyable, and far more rewarding. Whether you choose the challenging 4 Day Trek or the more relaxed 5 Day Trek, a good level of fitness and the right equipment are essential.
Build Your Fitness
Aim to begin training at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trek. Regular walks or hikes, combined with hill training, stair climbing, cycling, or running, will help build the endurance needed for the long ascents and descents. Strengthening your legs and core with exercises such as squats and lunges will also help prepare your body for the steep terrain.
Acclimatise to the Altitude
Although the trek descends into the Apurímac Canyon, it also climbs above 3,000 metres. We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before your trek to give your body time to adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Break in Your Hiking Boots
Never bring brand-new hiking boots on a multi-day trek. Wear them during training walks to ensure they are comfortable and to help prevent blisters during your adventure.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and during the trek. Proper hydration helps your body adjust to the altitude and improves energy levels throughout the hike.
Pack Light
Only bring the essentials. A lighter backpack will make the steep climbs much more enjoyable. On our guided treks, pack horses carry your main duffel bag, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack containing your daily essentials.
Choquequirao Trek Packing List
Essential Clothing
- Moisture-wicking hiking shirts
- Lightweight hiking trousers
- Warm fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers (recommended during the rainy season)
- Comfortable hiking socks
- Sun hat
- Warm beanie
- Gloves
- Comfortable clothes for the evenings
Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
- Lightweight trainers or sandals for camp
- Gaiters (optional during the rainy season)
Daypack Essentials
- Passport
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2 to 3 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Camera or smartphone
- Portable power bank
- Personal snacks and energy bars
- Rain cover for your backpack
Personal Items
- Toiletries
- Personal medication
- Basic first aid items
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Toilet paper
- Quick-dry towel
Optional Items
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Reusable shopping bag for dirty clothes
- Notebook or travel journal
What We Provide
When you book with Inca Trail Hikes Peru, we provide all camping equipment, spacious tents, sleeping mats, delicious freshly prepared meals, professional guides, first aid equipment, emergency oxygen, and pack horses to carry your main duffel bag, so you can enjoy the trek carrying only a light daypack.
Top Tips
- Train before your trip, especially if choosing the 4 Day Choquequirao Trek.
- Spend at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before starting the trek.
- Wear layered clothing, as temperatures can change quickly throughout the day.
- Keep your camera easily accessible, as wildlife and panoramic viewpoints appear throughout the route.
- Most importantly, take your time, enjoy the scenery, and remember that reaching Choquequirao is as rewarding as exploring the ancient city itself.
Embark on Your Choquequirao Expedition
Discover the extraordinary ruins of Choquequirao with professional support every step of the way. We understand that every adventurer has a different approach, which is why we offer flexible scheduling to suit your specific goals. Please select the expedition length that best aligns with your preferences: would you prefer the steady pace of a 5-day trek or the more direct 4-day route? Our expert local team will handle all technical and logistical requirements to ensure a seamless experience.
1. Sam Travel Peru
Service Level: Premium / Top-Tier Regional Expert
- Group Size: Small, intimate groups (2 to 8 people max)
- Best For: Off-the-beaten-path routes and sustainable trekking
SAM Travel Peru is a highly professional, family-owned operator renowned for its unique, customized trekking itineraries. They specialize in taking alternative routes that avoid the heavy crowds, using secluded campsites with stunning alpine views. Their guides are deeply knowledgeable about Andean culture, and the company is celebrated for its fair treatment and excellent pay for its team of native Quechua porters.
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2. Orange Nation Peru
Service Level: Reliable Standard Comfort
- Group Size: 2 to 8 people max
- Best For: Personalized service and enthusiastic local guides
100% Peruvian-owned, Orange Nation has spent years perfecting the trek from the high Andes to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. They are famous for their energetic, fluent English-speaking guides and top-notch camping gear. If you want a perfectly balanced, stress-free trek that focuses heavily on local history and great mountain food, they are a fantastic choice.
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3. Spider Travel Peru
Service Level: Standard / Adventure-Focused
- Group Size: 2 to 8 people max
- Best For: Budget-conscious adventurers wanting custom flexibility
Spider Travel Peru is an innovative, fast-growing local agency that excels at catering to personal preferences and budget needs without compromising on safety. They offer fantastic, highly competitive packages for the Classic 4-Day trail as well as alternative routes like the Lares and Choquequirao treks.
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4. Glamping Peru Treks
Service Level: Ultra-Luxury
- Group Size: 2 to 4 people average (8 max)
- Best For: High-end comfort, private configurations, and boutique camping
If you want to experience the rugged wilderness of the Andes without sacrificing five-star luxury, this is your premier option. Glamping Peru Treks elevates mountain camping with walk-in tents, comfortable raised beds, gourmet chefs preparing multi-course meals, and private massage tents. It is perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for an upscale, highly private journey.
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5. 69 Explorer Peru
Service Level: Authentic / Essential Value
- Group Size: 2 to 8 people max
- Best For: Genuine cultural immersion and great value
Born and nurtured in the lap of the Andes, 69 Explorer Peru provides highly authentic travel experiences. They keep their prices competitive while offering excellent, professional service. Their deep-rooted connection to local highland communities shines through in their itineraries, giving you a beautiful look into modern Andean life along the way.
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