GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 5 days/4 nights.
Point of departure: Cusco
Point of Return: Cusco
Size of Group: Small Group (Average 4, Maximum 8 People).
Travel style: Hiking, Trekking, is also an Archaeological and Cultural trip.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Height: 1475 m.s.n.m.
Date of departure: Daily
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
This excursion begins with pickup from your hotel in the city of Cusco, from where we depart by private vehicle to the trekking starting point at Capuliyoc. Along the 45-kilometer route, travelers cross landscapes of deep ravines, cloud forests, and natural viewpoints with sweeping views of the mountain range and inter-Andean valleys.
This is a genuinely demanding journey, one that rewards with access to the ancient Inca city of Choquequirao, among the least-visited archaeological complexes in the Andean world. Its agricultural terraces, ceremonial enclosures, and finely crafted stone buildings remain in remarkable condition, due in no small part to the site’s difficult access. Choquequirao was recognized by National Geographic Traveller magazine as one of the 20 best tourist destinations in the world an accolade that every traveler who makes it here understands firsthand.
Our team will accompany you at every stage of the journey, with a specialized guide and full logistical support so you can focus entirely on the experience.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Reserve your excursion as early as possible, as spots fill up quickly.
- Arrive in Cusco at least one day before your trek to acclimatize to the altitude. Keep in mind that the city sits at 11,154 ft. (3,400 m.a.s.l.).
- Review your personal gear and packing list ahead of your departure date.
- Visit our main office in the Historic Center of Cusco the evening before your trek at 7:00 p.m. Your guide will lead an informational briefing covering the route, recommended equipment, and trail conditions.
- Leave any luggage you won’t need on the excursion free of charge at our baggage storage at the main office.
- If you have any questions or would like more information about this Trek, do not hesitate to contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
SHORT ITINERARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – CACHORA – CHIQUISCA
- 5:00 a.m. Hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to Cachora.
- 8:00 a.m. Approximate arrival in Cachora (2,909 m / 9,543 ft). Breakfast and pack organization.
- 9:00 a.m. Start of the hike.
- 11:00 a.m. Approximate arrival at Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,915 m / 9,561 ft). Short stop and snack.
- 1:00 p.m. Lunch on the descent.
- 5:00 p.m. Estimated arrival at Chiquisca camp (1,850 m / 6,070 ft).
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Hiking time: 6 hours · 15 km / 9.3 milla
DAY 02: CHIQUISCA – APURIMAC RIVER – CHOQUEQUIRAO
- 6:00 a.m. Breakfast at camp.
- 6:30 a.m. Start hiking. Descent to Playa Rosalinas and the Apurimac River (1,550 m / 5,084 ft).
- 8:00 a.m. Start the climb to Santa Rosa (2,095 m / 6,873 ft).
- 10:00 a.m. Rest stop at Santa Rosa.
- 12:30 p.m. Approximate arrival at Marampata (2,913 m / 9,557 ft) and lunch.
- 2:00 p.m. Continue to Choquequirao.
- 5:00 p.m. Estimated arrival at Choquequirao camp (3,033 m / 9,951 ft).
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Hiking time: 7 hours · 18 km / 11.2 milla
DAY 03: CHOQUEQUIRAO – MARAMPATA
- 6:30 a.m. Breakfast at camp.
- 7:00 a.m. 15-minute walk to the Choquequirao archaeological site (3,110 m / 10,203 ft).
- 7:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Guided visit of the complex.
- 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Free time at the site.
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch at camp.
- 2:00 p.m. Return hike to Marampata.
- 4:00 p.m. Estimated arrival at Marampata (2,913 m / 9,557 ft).
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Hiking time: 2-hour visit + 2-hour return · 6 km / 3.7 mi
DAY 04: MARAMPATA – PLAYA ROSALINAS – CHIQUISCA
- 7:00 a.m. Breakfast at camp.
- 7:30 a.m. Start the descent to the Apurimac canyon.
- 11:30 a.m. Approximate arrival at Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,084 ft). Lunch and rest.
- 1:30 p.m. Climb to Chiquisca.
- 3:30 p.m. Estimated arrival at Chiquisca camp (1,850 m / 6,070 ft).
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Hiking time: 6 hours · 18 km / 9.3 milla
DAY 05: CHIQUISCA – CAPULIYOC – CACHORA – CUSCO
- 5:30 a.m. Breakfast at camp.
- 6:00 a.m. Start the climb to Capuliyoc.
- 10:00 a.m. Approximate arrival at Capuliyoc (2,915 m / 9,561 ft). Lunch.
- 11:00 a.m. Final hike to Cachora.
- 1:00 p.m. Estimated arrival in Cachora (2,909 m / 9,543 ft). Farewell to the muleteers.
- 1:30 p.m. Transfer to Cusco (about 3 hours 30 minutes).
- 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Estimated arrival in Cusco and hotel drop-off.
Hiking time: 6 hours · 15 km / 9.3 milla
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: CUSCO-CACHORA-CHIQUISCA.
Pickup from your hotel takes place at 5:00 a.m. in our private vehicle, heading to Cachora (2,909 m.a.s.l. / 9,543 ft.), a small town where we have breakfast and pack our bags before hitting the trail. We start walking around 9:00 a.m.
The first section is a roughly 2-hour descent along an open path with views of the valley and river below. The vegetation along the way includes begonias, orchids, and cacti, and local birds are commonly spotted throughout. Upon reaching the Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,915 m.a.s.l. / 9,561 ft.), the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora — both above 5,400 m.a.s.l. — come into full view. This is a natural stop for photos and a snack before continuing.
From Capuliyoc, the trail descends in switchbacks for another 2 hours to our lunch spot, where we arrive around 1:00 p.m. After resting, we set off again for a final 2-hour descent to the Chiquisca campsite (1,836 m.a.s.l. / 6,023 ft.), arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m. Coffee, popcorn, and cookies are served at dusk, followed by dinner.
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi.
- Weather: warm throughout the day
- Altitude: from 2,909 m.a.s.l. to 1,836 m.a.s.l.}
DAY 02: CHIQUISCA-APURIMAC RIVER-CHOQUEQUIRAO CAMP
We depart early after breakfast. Throughout the day, expect to encounter bromeliads, orchids, bamboo groves, and a variety of birds including the clock bird, toucans, and numerous hummingbird species.
From camp, we walk roughly 1 hour downhill to the bottom of the canyon, where Playa Rosalinas and the Apurímac River (1,550 m.a.s.l. / 5,084 ft.) await. From here begins the most demanding climb of the entire route: a 2-hour ascent to Santa Rosa (2,095 m.a.s.l.) for a rest stop, followed by another 2 hours uphill to Marampata (2,913 m.a.s.l. / 9,557 ft.), where lunch is served with views of the Apurímac canyon. After a break, we continue for a final 2-hour push to the Choquequirao campsite (3,033 m.a.s.l. / 9,951 ft.), arriving around 5:00 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies are served on arrival, followed by dinner.
- Walking time: 7 hours
- Distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi.
- Weather: warm throughout the day
- Altitude: from 1,836 m.a.s.l. down to 1,550 m.a.s.l., then up to 3,033 m.a.s.l.
DAY 03: CHOQUEQUIRÃO INCA CITADEL-MARAMPATA
TThis is the centerpiece of the trek. The Choquequirao archaeological site (3,110 m.a.s.l. / 10,120 ft.) is a 15-minute walk from camp. After breakfast, we spend a full day exploring the site with our specialized guide.
Only 35% of the complex has been excavated, making it one of the least-disturbed Inca sites open to visitors today. Accessible areas include the main plaza, the Inca residential quarters, the storage buildings, the ceremonial sector with its altars, the agricultural terraces, and the celebrated Llamas sector, where the Inca carved representations of this sacred animal into the stone retaining walls. After the guided tour, free time is available to explore the site at your own pace.
Lunch is served at the campsite in the afternoon, after which we begin the return walk to Marampata (2,913 m.a.s.l. / 9,557 ft.) for the night. From this camp, sunset views over the surrounding peaks are outstanding and condors are occasionally spotted riding thermals over the valley below. Cold showers are available at this location.
- Walking time: 2-hour guided tour + 2 hours free exploration + 2 hours to campsite
- Distance: 6 km
- Weather: warm throughout the day
- Altitude: from 3,110 m.a.s.l. to 2,913 m.a.s.l.
DAY 4: MARAMPATA-ROSALINAS BEACH-CHIQUISCA .
After breakfast at 7:00 a.m., we begin a 4-hour descent to the floor of the Apurímac River canyon, cross the river at Playa Rosalinas, and stop for lunch and a well-earned rest. From there, the final stretch is a 2-hour climb to the Chiquisca campsite (1,930 m.a.s.l. / 6,332 ft.), where we spend the night. A small local store in the area offers water, soft drinks, and beer.
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Distance: 18 km
- Weather: warm throughout the day
- Altitude: from 3,110 m.a.s.l. down to 1,550 m.a.s.l., then up to 1,930 m.a.s.l.
DAY 5: CHIQUISCA-CAPULILLOC-CUSCO.
The final day begins early with breakfast, followed by a 4-hour ascent to Capuliyoc (2,850 m.a.s.l. / 9,350 ft.), the last viewpoint of the trek, with open views of the Apurímac canyon. Lunch is served here in the open air before the final 2-hour walk down to the town of Cachora (2,909 m.a.s.l. / 9,543 ft.), where we say goodbye to the muleteers who carried the group’s equipment throughout the trek.
From Cachora, our private vehicle takes us back to Cusco – approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by road. Arrival in the city is estimated between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with drop-off at your hotel.
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Distance: 15 km
- Weather: warm throughout the day
- Altitude: from 1,930 m.a.s.l. to 2,909 m.a.s.l.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pre-trek informational meeting with your guide 1 or 2 days before departure at our main office in Cusco.
- Secure luggage storage at our main office in Cusco at no additional cost while you are out on the trail. Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the trekking starting point.
- Professional bilingual guide for the entire route (Spanish and English).
- Entrance tickets to the Choquequirao archaeological site.
- Muleteers and horses to carry all camping equipment throughout the trek: tents, tables, chairs, food supplies, cooking gear, and personal items.
- Horse transport of up to 7 kg. / 15 lb. of your personal belongings.
- A duffel bag will be provided at the pre-trek meeting for this purpose, where you will pack your personal items for the horses to carry.
- During the hike, you will only need to carry a small daypack with water and essentials.
- Full meals throughout the excursion: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Vegetarian menu or special dietary requirements available upon request at no additional cost.
- Boiled drinking water available from the second day onward.
- Complete camping equipment for the entire route: high-quality mountain tents with capacity for 4 people, used by 2 guests only for added comfort, with enough interior space for your backpacks.
- Thermarest inflatable sleeping pad.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BE CARRIED
Many travelers assume the weather across South America is consistently warm, but at higher elevations temperatures can drop considerably, particularly at night. For that reason, we have put together a complete gear list to help you prepare well in advance. If you are missing any items, there is no need to worry Cusco has a wide selection of outdoor stores where you can rent or purchase everything you need before your departure.
Please review the following list carefully before your Choquequirao Trek. Each item serves a specific purpose in keeping your journey safe and comfortable from start to finish.
Documents
- Original passport
- Student card, if you are a student
- Travel insurance (some copies)
Essential
- Day pack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Water bottle.
- Purification or filter tablets
- Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
- Money belt and some cash in Peruvian currency if you want to buy some souvenirs.
Clothes and shoes
- Hiking boots and sandals.
- Warm clothing: especially for the nights, such as a thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and rain poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, trousers, shorts, 4 hiking shirts)
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal first aid kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory pills
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen
- Lipstick
Personal hygiene items
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Body Wash Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body spray deodorant
- Toilet paper
Other articles
- Flashlight (or headlamp, recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory cards and additional batteries.
- Rubber tipped canes (optional).
- Pocket knife
- Some plastic bags.
- Sense of humor.
- Prior acclimatization in Cusco City is recommended, for at least 2 days and good general health.
* If you have any Questions or Queries about the Items you should bring to the tour, contact us at WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain valuable information in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. HOW DIFFICULT IS THE HIKE TO CHOQUEQUIRAO?
The hike has a moderate to challenging difficulty level, as it includes descents, ascents, and several hours of walking each day. Good physical condition, a positive attitude, and being prepared to hike on mountain trails are recommended.
2. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THE CHOQUEQUIRAO HIKE?
The best season is usually during the dry season, from April to October, when there is less rain and better conditions for hiking. However, the route can be done on other dates depending on the weather and tour availability.
3. DO I NEED PREVIOUS TREKKING EXPERIENCE?
Professional trekking experience is not required, but it is recommended to have done long hikes before. The route requires physical endurance, especially because of the altitude changes, descents, and steep uphill sections.
4. WHY CHOOSE INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS FOR THIS EXPERIENCE?
Because Incredible Peru Tours offers an organized, safe, and authentic experience, combining adventure, Andean culture, nature, and professional guidance to discover Choquequirao in a special and unforgettable way.
5. ¿WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
We understand how curious you are about the quality of the food you will have during the trek. For your peace of mind we include All Meals and Snacks throughout the tour. All the reports and comments made by our clients guarantee and demonstrate that our meals are excellent.
All food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are purchased at the local market in Cusco City the day before the trek. Everything is carried by the porters, and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or rehydrated foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!
Each cook is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Food is served daily starting in the morning with a great breakfast, then we will give you some snacks to enjoy along the way, at noon you will have a good lunch. When you arrive at the camp you will enjoy tea time, and finally at night there is a delicious dinner. Without a doubt, all of this will exceed your expectations about food on the trek.
Below we show you some examples of what our Chefs can prepare and serve at meals:
- Breakfasts: Scrambled eggs, breads, pancakes, omelets, cereals, fruit salad, toasts, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, jam.
- Snacks for the Walk: Fruits, Cookies, Cereals, Chocolate, Candies.
- Lunch: Corn soup, Cream of Mushrooms, Cream of Asparagus, Rice with chicken, sausages, Fried trout, ceviche, meat, beans, fried rice, French fries, boiled vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
- Tea Time: Popcorn, fried wontons, tea, coffee.
- Dinner: Stuffed Chicken, vegetable omelets, pizza, spaghetti, pork chop, sautéed vegetables, salads.
In case you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to cater for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the trek.
6. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?
Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give tips for the tour guides, cooks and porters. As you can see, this is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider will be greatly appreciated by our Staff.
7. ¿HOW DO I BOOK THIS TREK?
Booking this Tour with Us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also enjoy Payment Facilities such as Paying for your Excursion up to 1 day before your Tour and in 2 Installments:
- The First Installment can be paid online from the comfort of your home by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our safe and reliable money-transfer system. Pre-Payment will be made through a deposit of USD 200 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)
- The Second Fee will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, in person at our Main Office located at Historic Downtown, up to 1 day before the Tour.
⇒ To Book your Trek to Choquequirao 5 Days / 4 Nights, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.
2. Pay the First Installment (Pre-Payment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any payment method: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): Will be sent to you immediately after you have made the Pre-Payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Pre-Payment by another means such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other payment methods, let us know to send you all the necessary information for you to make it.
8. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST FEE AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
Unfortunately No. We will not be able to make any type of refund or change dates for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments are not refundable or transferable since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations required to carry out the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets.
We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Change and Cancellation Policies on our website
9. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can reach us anytime. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to assist you. Call us at Cell Phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047, or email us at info@incredibleperutours.com. You can also contact us through the Contact Us link on this website.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- Permit availability displayed on our website is updated in real time.
- Available permits are purchased on an ongoing basis, meaning the remaining count decreases continuously as hours and days pass until they sell out.
- Please note that permits are not exclusive to our company they are shared across all licensed tour operators authorized to run this route.
- We strongly recommend booking your excursion as early as possible to secure your spot on your preferred departure date.
- If you are interested in doing this Trek and want to reserve permits, or would like more information, contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
- If there is no longer availability for your Travel Date, you can search for other similar Excursions such as: the Inca Trail Route of 2 days/1 night, the Salkantay Trek, the Choquequirao Route or the Lares Trek, or the famous Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for 4 Days / 3 Nights.
PREVIEW
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (17 years and older) | USD 650 |
| Student or child (4 – 17 years) | USD 640 |
| Child (0 – 3 years) | Free — traveling with parents |
IMPORTANT:
Please note that this is a group tour.
IF you want a PRIVATE TOUR, request your quote by email at info@incredibleperutours.com or via WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006
A CONSIDERATION:
- Our passion is family travel, so if you are coming with children, contact us to offer our promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Contact us to receive our offers.
- Incredible Peru Tours – IPT for your peace of mind does not have any hidden charges or expenses.
