Choquequirao Trek 4 days / 3 nights

Experience the Choquequirao Trek on a 4-day, 3-night adventure through deep Andean valleys, mountain trails, remote campsites, and impressive Inca history. Travel with professional guidance, transportation, meals, a cook, muleteers, entrance tickets, and trekking equipment included.

Choquequirao Trek 4 days, 3 nights
US$: 570/person
Duration

4-day, 3-night

Difficulty

Medium

Group

+4 persons

Booking
from US$: 570/person
Duration

4-day, 3-night

Difficulty

Medium

Group

+4 persons

Discover one of Peru’s most rewarding archaeological adventures with the Choquequirao Trek, a 4-day, 3-night journey through remote Andean landscapes to the spectacular Inca site of Choquequirao.

Unlike archaeological destinations reached primarily by train or road, Choquequirao requires a demanding multi-day hike. The trail crosses the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, descends toward the river valley, and climbs again through mountain communities and changing vegetation before reaching the archaeological complex.

Your route begins from Cusco and continues toward Cachora and Capuliyoc before descending to Chiquisca. From there, the trek crosses the lower valley and climbs through Santa Rosa and Marampata toward Choquequirao.

One of the main highlights of the experience is dedicating time to exploring the archaeological site with a professional guide. Terraces, ceremonial spaces, stone structures, and the surrounding mountain setting reveal why Choquequirao has become one of the most fascinating trekking destinations in the Cusco region.

The Choquequirao Trek package includes transportation, professional guidance, entrance fees, meals during the trekking program, a cook, mules and muleteers, and equipment for the organized expedition.

This route is particularly suitable for travelers looking for a physically demanding adventure that combines hiking, history, camping, and remote mountain scenery over several days.

Why visit Choquequirao?

Choquequirao, often referred to as the “Cradle of Gold,” is an ancient Inca site nestled high in the Andes, offering a unique and less crowded alternative to Machu Picchu. With stunning views, rich history, and a challenging trek, it's a must-see for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.

  • Incredible views: Perched at 3,110 meters above sea level, Choquequirao offers stunning panoramic views of the Vilcabamba Valley and surrounding mountains. The trek to this site is as scenic as the destination itself.
  • Rich history: Known as the “Cradle of Gold,” Choquequirao is a fascinating Inca site, often referred to as Machu Picchu's sister. It played a significant role in the Inca Empire as a strategic control point and served as a vital hub for the ancient civilization.
  • Less crowded: While Machu Picchu is world-renowned, Choquequirao remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, providing a more peaceful and intimate experience. Explore the ruins without the crowds and immerse yourself in the serenity of the place.
  • Adventurous trek: The Choquequirao Trek is perfect for adventure seekers. With its challenging terrain, steep climbs, and beautiful landscapes, this trek offers an unforgettable physical challenge and a true sense of accomplishment when you reach your destination.
  • Architectural wonders: Choquequirao boasts impressive terraces, ceremonial spaces, and structures, many of which remain unexplored. It's a unique opportunity to witness Inca architecture and history firsthand in a secluded and less explored part of the Andes.
  • Connection with nature: The trek to Choquequirao allows you to experience the pristine natural beauty of the Andes, with dense cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and the chance to spot rare flora and fauna along the way.
  • A unique experience: For those who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Choquequirao offers a truly unique experience compared to other tourist-heavy Inca sites. It’s an opportunity to connect deeply with history, nature, and the spirit of the Andes.

Whether you are a history buff, adventure lover, or simply looking for a unique getaway, Choquequirao promises an unforgettable journey.

Why Choose the Choquequirao Trek?

The journey to Choquequirao is very different from a conventional sightseeing tour. Reaching the archaeological site requires effort, but the trail itself becomes an essential part of the experience.

Explore a Remote Inca Site

Choquequirao is located deep within the Andes and can only be reached through a demanding trekking route.

The relative isolation of the archaeological complex creates a very different atmosphere from Peru’s most heavily visited destinations.

The Choquequirao Trek allows you to experience the site as the culmination of a multi-day journey through mountains, valleys, and remote Andean landscapes.

Cross the Apurímac Canyon

The Apurímac Canyon is one of the defining geographical features of the trek.

The route descends dramatically toward the valley before climbing again toward Marampata and Choquequirao.

These elevation changes contribute significantly to the physical challenge of the journey, but they also provide some of its most impressive landscapes.

Discover Choquequirao with a Professional Guide

A professional guide accompanies the trek.

During your visit to the archaeological complex, professional guidance helps you better understand the structures, terraces, history, and cultural significance of Choquequirao.

Instead of simply walking through the site, you can explore it with greater historical context.

Experience a Challenging Andean Adventure

The Choquequirao Trek includes steep ascents and descents across several days.

Travelers should prepare for demanding hiking conditions rather than approaching the tour as a casual walking experience.

Good physical preparation, comfortable trekking footwear, and appropriate equipment are important for enjoying the route more comfortably.

Travel with Trekking Support

The package includes a cook, mules, and muleteers to support the logistics of the expedition.

Having an organized trekking team allows essential services such as meals and expedition equipment to be managed throughout the journey.

This support is particularly important on a remote multi-day route.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca

Journey from Cusco

Your adventure begins with transportation from Cusco toward the trekking region.

The journey leads toward Cachora, one of the main gateways to the Choquequirao Trek.

Transportation is included as part of the tour package.

Breakfast on the first day is not included, so travelers should eat before beginning the expedition.

Cachora and Preparation for the Trek

After reaching the Cachora area, the trekking team prepares for the journey.

This is an important moment to organize your personal belongings and make sure that water, sun protection, rain protection, and other essential hiking items are easily accessible.

Mules and muleteers form part of the organized support team for the trek.

Capuliyoc and the Apurímac Canyon

The route continues toward Capuliyoc, where the landscape opens toward the Apurímac Canyon and the surrounding Vilcabamba mountains.

From this area, the trail begins descending into the canyon.

The dramatic change in elevation provides an early indication of the physical demands that characterize the Choquequirao route.

Continue to Chiquisca

Continue descending toward Chiquisca, where the first trekking day concludes.

Meals included in the expedition are prepared by the cook according to the trekking program.

Use the evening to rest and recover before the demanding ascent scheduled for the following day.

Day 2Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

+

Descent Toward Playa Rosalinas

After breakfast, continue toward Playa Rosalinas, located near the lower section of the canyon.

This stage brings you closer to the Apurímac River before the route begins its significant ascent toward Choquequirao.

Keep your water easily accessible and follow your guide’s pace throughout the day.

Ascent Toward Santa Rosa

From the lower valley, begin climbing toward Santa Rosa.

The ascent is one of the physically demanding sections of the Choquequirao Trek, so maintaining a steady pace is more important than moving quickly.

Take appropriate breaks and follow the instructions provided by your guide.

Continue to Marampata

The route continues upward toward Marampata.

As you gain elevation, views of the valley and surrounding mountains become increasingly impressive.

The environment also changes as the trail moves away from the warmer canyon floor.

Arrival in the Choquequirao Area

Continue from Marampata toward the Choquequirao area.

After a demanding day of hiking, you will reach the surroundings of the archaeological complex and prepare for the overnight portion of the expedition.

Meals and trekking equipment are included as part of the organized tour.

Day 3Choquequirao – Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas

+

Explore Choquequirao

Day 3 provides the opportunity to discover the Choquequirao archaeological complex with your professional guide.

The site includes terraces, plazas, ceremonial areas, stone structures, and impressive views of the surrounding mountains.

Take time to explore the archaeological remains and understand the importance of the site within the wider Inca landscape.

Your entrance is included in the package.

Begin the Return Trek

After completing the Choquequirao visit, begin the return journey.

The route retraces part of the mountain trail through the surrounding valley.

Because the terrain involves significant elevation changes, continue at a controlled pace.

Descent Toward Santa Rosa

Continue descending toward Santa Rosa.

The return route gives you another perspective of the canyon and mountains experienced during the outward journey.

Overnight Near Playa Rosalinas

The day concludes after descending toward the lower valley and the Playa Rosalinas area.

Use the final night of the trek to rest before completing the ascent back toward Cachora on Day 4.

Day 4Playa Rosalinas – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco

+

Begin the Final Ascent

The final day starts with the return climb from the lower canyon.

This section requires another sustained ascent, so maintaining a comfortable walking pace remains important.

The trail gradually rises toward Capuliyoc.

Return to Capuliyoc

As you gain elevation, the broad views of the Apurímac Canyon return.

Reaching Capuliyoc marks an important milestone on the final day and signals that the most demanding sections of the Choquequirao Trek are approaching their conclusion.

Continue to Cachora

Complete the remaining section toward Cachora and reconnect with the transportation arranged for the return journey.

After four days of trekking, this marks the end of the active hiking portion of the expedition.

Return to Cusco

Transportation is included for the return journey to Cusco.

The final lunch is not included, so travelers should plan this meal separately

What’s included in the Choquequirao trek 4 days, 3 nights?

  • Transport: Cusco - Cachora – Cusco.
  • Professional guide: Spanish/English.
  • Entry tickets: Choquequirao.
  • Cook: Responsible for meal preparation.
  • Mules and muleteers: In charge of handling horses and carrying tents, food, and cooking equipment.
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks, and wake-up tea.
  • Equipment: Double tents, mattresses, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, tables, and a first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.

What’s not included in the Choquequirao trek 4 days, 3 nights?

  • Breakfast on the first day and last lunch.
  • Sleeping bag.

This adventure takes you through rugged terrain, picturesque valleys, and diverse ecosystems, all while discovering the rich history of the region. With expert guides and a team of professionals, the trek ensures a memorable experience for all adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in nature and culture. The challenge of the journey is well worth the reward, leaving you with unforgettable memories of one of Peru’s most incredible and lesser-known destinations.

The Choquequirao Trek involves demanding ascents and descents over four consecutive days. Good preparation will make the experience significantly more comfortable.

Wear trekking shoes or boots that provide reliable grip and that you have already used before the tour. Avoid beginning a multi-day trek in brand-new footwear.

Carry clothing that can be layered because temperatures can vary considerably between the warmer canyon floor and higher mountain areas.

Rain protection, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sufficient water should form part of your basic trekking equipment.

Because a sleeping bag is not included, make sure you arrange suitable sleeping equipment before departure.

Travelers should also pack any personal medications and essential items they may need, as large portions of the route pass through remote mountain terrain.

Packages
Tambopata tour 4 days 3 nights
Discover the Tambopata tour over 4 days with Lake Sandoval, rainforest lodging, night excursions, canopy bridges, wildlife activities, river transport, and meals….

Price: US$.

669/person
With a Waqrapukara tour you'll see all the wonders of this place
Were you looking for an unexplored destination to have an out of the ordinary experience? We have the perfect proposal for this, the Waqrapukara tour….

Price: US$.

269 per person, US$ 69 per 4+ persons
poc poc waterfall hike
If you are a super fan of nature, I recommend that you take the Poc Poc waterfall hike, as it is the ideal way for…

Price: US$.

169/ person

FAQs About the Choquequirao Trek

Before starting the Choquequirao Trek 4 days, 3 nights, travellers often have practical questions about difficulty, weather, safety and what to expect along the route. Below you’ll find clear and helpful answers to the most common doubts so you can prepare confidently for your adventure.

How difficult is the Choquequirao Trek?

The Choquequirao Trek is a physically demanding multi-day hike because the route repeatedly descends into and climbs out of the Apurímac Canyon. Travelers should be comfortable with several consecutive days of walking and significant elevation changes. Good physical preparation before arriving in Peru is recommended. Comfortable trekking footwear and a controlled walking pace can make the experience more manageable. Spending time adapting to the Cusco region before beginning a demanding trek is also advisable.

What is included in the Choquequirao Trek?

The package includes transportation, a professional guide, entrance fees, a cook, mules and muleteers, meals during the trekking program, and expedition equipment. These services cover the main logistics required for the four-day journey. Breakfast on Day 1 and the final lunch are not included. A personal sleeping bag is also excluded and should be arranged separately. The tour is currently listed as a group service priced at US$570.

Are all meals included during the trek?

Meals are provided during the organized trekking program, but there are two specific exceptions. Breakfast on the first day is not included, so travelers should eat before departure. The final lunch is also excluded and should be purchased separately. A cook accompanies the expedition and is responsible for preparing the meals covered by the package. Travelers may also carry personal snacks if they prefer additional food during long hiking sections.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?

Yes. Trekking equipment is included as part of the tour package, but a personal sleeping bag is not included. You should bring an appropriate sleeping bag or arrange one separately before the trek begins. Remember that overnight temperatures can vary depending on elevation and weather conditions. Your sleeping equipment should therefore be appropriate for a multi-day Andean trek. Confirm your equipment before leaving Cusco rather than waiting until the first day.

What route does the Choquequirao Trek follow?

The four-day route begins from Cusco and travels toward Cachora before the trekking portion continues through Capuliyoc and Chiquisca. The journey then descends toward Playa Rosalinas and climbs through Santa Rosa and Marampata before reaching Choquequirao. After exploring the archaeological complex, the return route descends through the canyon and climbs back toward Cachora. Transportation then completes the journey back to Cusco.

Choquequirao Trek 4 days, 3 nights
Frequently asked questions about the Choquequirao Trek 4 days, 3 nights

Need more information?

If you’d like extra details or still have questions about this trip, feel free to get in touch. Send us a message and our team will respond promptly to help you plan with confidence.

Unforgettable travel stories

Our clients share their happiness and adventures. Find out why Climb Sunday is their choice in Peru.

Need Help? Chat with us