Choquequirao Trek

5 days / 4 nights

Explore the Choquequirao Trek

Savor the pristine splendor of this Inca archaeological site.

the Choquequirao Trekking, described as the final sanctuary of the Incas, Choquequirao, whose name in Quechua means ‘Cradle of Gold’, presents an enchanting array of Incan archaeological wonders. Amidst the 5-day trek, encounters with tourists are sparse, offering a genuine expedition through unspoiled landscapes, affording travelers ample space and time to appreciate the architectural brilliance of the Incas.

Situated in Peru’s southern region, within the Vilcabamba Valley overlooking the Apurimac River, Choquequirao is often likened to a miniature Machu Picchu, overshadowed by the renown and history of its larger counterpart. Despite only 40% of its mystical terrain having been excavated thus far, Choquequirao holds numerous undisclosed secrets and mysteries awaiting discovery.

Serving as a pathway through Incan history, the Choquequirao Trek traverses high Andean terrains adorned with magnificent glaciers, descends into the depths of the Apurimac Canyons, and meanders through a diverse array of flora and fauna nestled within a lush cloud forest ecosystem.

With the Peruvian Government greenlighting the construction of a tramway that would increase tourist capacity to 3,000 visitors per day, coupled with Choquequirao’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2017’ list, it is poised to become one of the most coveted destinations for adventure travel aficionados worldwide.

Choquequirao trek solo

The Choquequirao trek solo offers a unique experience of connecting with both nature and the lost history of the Incas. As you navigate the winding and steep trails, you encounter ancient ruins emerging from the untouched jungle. The solitude of the journey allows for deep reflection as you take in spectacular views and immerse yourself in the majesty of a landscape that has withstood the test of time. It’s an adventure that challenges both physically and mentally, yet rewards with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and personal discovery.

Choquequirao elevation :10,010 ft.

 

Tour Info

Destination:Choquequirao
Duration:5 days / 4 nights
Difficulty:Moderate
Total Distance:57 km / 35 miles
Group Size:2 – 8 Persons
Price:$700.00p/p$630.00p/p
Payment Terms:Advance of US$ 210 through PayPal and Balance on Arrival
Price Includes:

Choquequirao tour includes

  • Tour briefing, the night before you set off
  • All transportation provided including pick up and drop off at your hotel
  • Professional guides
  • Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more)
  • Our chef, porters, horsemen, and mules to carry food and equipment
  • Hearty and wholesome meals to fuel you on your hiking tours (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available)
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao
  • Drinking water
  • Daily snacks
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Equipment (Eureka Timberline tents)
  • Satellite phones, first aid kit, and oxygen tank
Not Included:
  • Rentals (can be hired from us)
  • Sleeping bags
  • Inflatable air mattresses
  • Walking sticks
  • Gratitude

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco, Capuliyoc, Playa Rosalinas, Santa Rosa

playa rosalinas

After a 4:00 am pickup from your hotel, we’ll begin the awe-inspiring yet challenging 5 day trek to Choquequirao. A 3 hour and 30 minute drive across the Andes towards Capuliyoc, will take us to our first stop where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Fueled by a nutritiously dense meal, we’ll start the trek off with a 3 hour and 30 minute hike to Chiquisca. After a scrumptious lunch, we’ll travel another 2 hours downhill to Playa Rosalinas. The trail is dusty and slippery, but with good hiking boots and trekking poles you won’t have a problem crossing the Playa Rosalinas suspension bridge.

A further 2 hour uphill hike along a winding road will take us to your campsite located in Santa Rosa. Along the way, you’ll see spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyons, where the condors glide, sugar cane farms sway in the Andean winds, with exotic flora and fauna nestled in and around the Apurimac River, lying at the foothills of the canyon.

Once we reach the campsite, our crew will set up camp. After a long day’s hike, you’ll be treated to a warm cup of tea and delicious dinner by the fireside as you gaze up at the constellations strewn across the night sky.

- Difficulty:Moderate
- Distance:12 km / 7.5 miles
- Altitude:3,050 m / 10,006 ft. above sea level
- 2,200 m / 7,217 ft. above sea level
- Time:7 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping

Day 2: Santa Rosa, Marampata, Choquequirao

You’ll wake up to a steaming hot cup of tea. Breakfast will be served soon after. After breakfast, we’ll start off the trek to Choquequirao with a 2 hour uphill hike along a zigzag path to Marampata, where you will have a chance to bask in the glorious views from the summit.

Along the journey to Marampata, as we pass by the Marampata Villages, you’ll catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle, the animals, and the crops they grow upon their land.

A 1 hour and 30 minute walk from Marampata will take you to Choquequirao, the highlight of this amazing trek. A truly lost city of the Incas, Choquequirao was rediscovered in the early 18th century.

With the campsite set up at Choquequirao, you will be able to enjoy a delicious lunch and a short siesta before setting off on a brief hike to visit the Choquequirao terraces that cascade down in near perfect symmetry. Then we’ll hike back to the campsite for teatime and dinner to wrap up the day’s adventures.

- Difficulty:Moderate
- Distance:9.5 km / 6 miles
- Altitude:2,200 m / 7,217 ft. above sea level
- 3,033 m / 9,950 ft. above sea level
- Time:6 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping

Day 3: Exploring Choquequirao

choquequirao 3

On day three of the Choquequirao Trek, you’ll wake up to a hot cup of tea and breakfast. A 30 minute walk from the campsite we’ll take us to the summit of Choquequirao from where we’ll begin the exploration of this impressive Incan citadel which covers three times the land mass of Machu Picchu.

Our guide will share the history of Choquequirao, the last capital of the Incas, which houses an architectural layout of agricultural zones, temples, fountains, and lined terraces.

After a scrumptious lunch in Choquequirao, a steep 30 minute downhill descent will take us to the narrow farming terraces which feature white stone walls inscribed with depictions of llamas, presumably built by the Incas to represent the Llama Constellation in the Milky Way.

We’ll then return to our campsite at Choquequirao to enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Andean mountain, teatime, and a delicious dinner.

- Difficulty:Easy
- Distance:8.5 km / 5 miles
- Altitude:3,033 m / 9,950 ft. above sea level
- Time:6 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping

Day 4: Choquequirao, Marampata, Playa Rosalinas, Chikiska

chikiska choquequirao

After a day spent exploring Choquequirao, you will wake up the next morning to a hot cup of tea and breakfast. We will then start the journey back. A 2 hour hike back through Marampata and a 4 hour downhill hike zigzagging your way to Playa Rosalinas will take you to your lunch spot for the day.

After lunch, a 2 hour uphill hike will take us back to Chikiska where your campsite will be all set up just in time to enjoy the evening views as the sun sets behind the mountains. Here, you will enjoy teatime and a delicious dinner before getting in a good night’s rest.

- Difficulty:Moderate
- Distance:18 km / 11 miles
- Altitude:3,300 m / 9,950 ft. above sea level
- 2,100 m / 6,890 ft. above sea level
- Time:8 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping

Day 5: Chikiska, Capuliyoc, Conocc Hot Springs, Cusco

Capuliyoc choquequirao

After the usual morning’s wakeup call with a hot cup of tea followed by breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco. To start the trek, we will travel uphill to Capuliyoc where we say goodbye to the horsemen.

Then, all you have to do is sit back and relax while you’re whisked away in a 2 hour van ride to Conoc. Here you’ll be able to dip in the natural hot springs of Conoc, the waters of which are touted to have healing properties. Soon after your dip, you’ll be invited to dine for lunch. A 2 hour and 30 minute drive will take you back to Cusco where you will be dropped off safely at your hotel.

- Difficulty:Moderate
- Distance:8 km / 5 miles
- Altitude:2,100 m / 6,890 ft. above sea level
- 3,050 m / 10,006 ft. above sea level
- Time: 8 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch

Packing List

Day Pack

  • Backpack for hiking (25L to 30L)
  • Water (we provide water with every meal)
  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (phone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste

Official Papers

  • Valid and Original Passport (same passport used for booking your trek)
  • Travel Insurance (we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for your trip)

Duffle Clothing

- 4-5Wicking t-shirts
- 4-5Hiking pants
- 5 setsUndergarments
- 5 pairsHiking socks
- 1Fleece
- 1Warm down jacket (for the chilly night air)
- 1Rain jacket and pants
- 1Sun hat
- 1Woolen hat
- 1Headlamp (essential)
- 1 pairWaterproof gloves
- 1Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- 1Large towel (we provide a small towel)
- 1Sleeping bag (we recommend down bags for 14 °F (- 10 °C) at least)
- Large plastic bags (to help organize and keep clean)
- Power bank (no outlet to plug in battery chargers while trekking)

Footwear

  • Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof, lightweight, broken-in with aggressive tread)
  • Comfortable shoes (walking shoes, sandals or other comfortable footwear to wear on campsites)
  • Flipflops

Travel Accessories

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Watch with alarm or travel clock
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Sunblock and lip balm
  • Toiletry kit
  • Small washcloth
  • Earplugs
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Several ziploc bags

Extra Money For

  • Drinks
  • Tip or gratitude
  • Souvenirs

Reviews

Important Info

Certainly! Here’s a concise list of important information for travelers planning to explore Choquequirao:

  1. Location: Choquequirao is situated in the Andes of Peru, accessible from Cusco.
  2. Transportation:
    • Start your journey in Cusco.
    • Options include bus rides or guided tours to the Choquequirao trailhead.
  3. Permits:
    • Obtain necessary permits for entry. Check and secure in advance.
  4. Trekking Essentials:
    • Ensure good physical fitness for challenging ascents and descents.
    • Acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before trekking.
  5. Accommodation:
    • Camping is the primary option.
    • Limited facilities; be prepared for a rustic experience.
  6. Packing List:
    • Sturdy hiking boots.
    • Weather-appropriate clothing and layers.
    • Sufficient water and snacks.
  7. Guided Tours vs. Solo Trekking:
    • Guided tours offer insights and support.
    • Solo trekking requires thorough preparation and a reliable map.
  8. Respect the Environment:
    • Practice Leave No Trace principles.
    • Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
  9. Weather Considerations:
    • Dry season (May-Oct) is optimal.
    • Rainy season (Nov-Apr) can be wet and muddy.
  10. Altitude Sickness:
    • Acclimate in Cusco.
    • Stay hydrated to combat altitude sickness.
  11. Photography Tips:
    • Capture the ruins during sunrise and sunset.
    • Check drone regulations if planning aerial photography.

Choquequirao Trek Map

Availability of the Inca Trail

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From: $700 $630

For treks and tours, the deposit is $200 + $10 service fee = $210 per person. The remaining balance must be settled before the tour.

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Choquequirao Trek

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