Choquequiraw trek 5D/4N
Duration
5D/4N
Difficulty
Challenging
Language
Español / Ingles
Max. Altitude
4,200 msnm
Choquequirao means (cradle of the gold), regarded by many as the original lost city of the Incas, choquequiraw was the firth fabled set of ruins to be uncovered. People had been aware of its existence from at least the 18th century but it was rarely visited and despite several acclaimed “rediscoveries” over the years, it wasn’t until Hiram Bingham arrived here in 1909 that it really came to people’s attention. For Bingham it was the discovery that fired his passion to uncover Machu Picchu and esperitu pampa. Set in remote part of wilderness, on a ridge spur around (1750m/5740ft) above the Apurímac River and surrounded by sheer, snowcapped peak, it’s an awe inspiring destination that requires a degree of effort to reach. Choquequiraw is a pretty good substitute for machu picchu; the main features of both are similar in many respects. The most important is arrive and enjoy this mysterious Inca citadel, if you want to do this one, don’t think any more and join us. machulas journey, is ready for organize your trip, this option is totally different than famous Inca trail.
Prices
We pick you up at 3.30 am from hotel and take you by minivan from Cusco to Capuliyoc. From here we will start our hike and gradually descend for two hours until we get to our lunch spot at Cocamasana. On the way down you will appreciate the spectacular snowcapped mountains of Pedrayoc and Qoriwayrachina. Once arrived at the lunch spot our master chef will wait for us with a delicious organic buffet lunch. Afterward we will continue hiking down for 1:30 hours until we reach our campsite at chikiska. this place is just located only (1000m/3280ft), above sea level, it is warm and perfect location to enjoy the night.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
- Transport time: 4 hours
- Tour Type: Hiking – Cultural, History – Nature
- Start/End Time: At 4.00 am from your Cusco hotel and you will be in your camp at 4 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
We wake you up early in the morning with a cup of hot coca tea. Then you will have half an hour to organize your personal belongings and have a healthy energetic breakfast. After breakfast we will start hiking. Just 30 minutes hike down to our campsite there is a river called Apurímac, which is one of the tributaries of the amazon river. We have to cross it and start climbing up for 2 hours until we get to the village of Santa Rosa, where we will have our second organic buffet lunch. And then we will continue to Marampata village This is a beautiful spot from where we have glamorous views in different directions. Sometimes you can even see condors flying above us. Here will be our second campsite.
From now on we will follow a gentle path until we reach our second campsite near Choquequiraw. After a challenging day we will enjoy hot drinks and an organic buffet dinner.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – History – Nature
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 3.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 1500 m – 4921 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2940 m / 9646 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Today is a very important day! After two days of hard hiking we will visit the famous Inca citadel of Choquequiraw. We will wake you up with a cup of hot coca tea and you will have half an hour to organize your personal belongings and have breakfast. Once we have enjoyed our healthy and energetic breakfast, we will start hiking all the way up to Choquequiraw for 2 hours. Our tour guide will give you an interesting information about this Wonderful archaeological site “Choquequiraw” and shown us important places such as the major plaza, the water fountains, the llama sector, Piquiwasi and the casa sacerdotal. After you will have some time to explore this impressive Inca citadel on your own. We will then return to our camping site and enjoy our organic buffet lunch. Then we continue hiking for 2 more hours until we reach the village of Maranpata, where we will stay and spend the night.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – Culture History – Nature
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 3.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 1500 m – 4921 ft
- Climate: Templete
- Total, Walking Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles
- Highest Altitude: 3050 m / 1.8952 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
We will wake you up at around 6 am and enjoy a healthy energetic breakfast. Then we start hiking downhill for 3 hours until we reach La Playa Rosalina. Along the way we can enjoy the Apurímac canyon and the flora and fauna of this region. Especially the beautiful orchids and a waterfall along the way makes this part of the hike special. Once arrived to La Playa Rosalina we will take a break and have a snack in order to charge our batteries for the second part of today’s hike. After the break we will continue going up for 1:30 hours until we get to Chiquisca, where we will have another organic buffet lunch. And then continue 2 more hours up to Coca masana our campsite, where we stay our last night.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – nature – river
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 3.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2940 m / 9646 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2940 m / 9646 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Challenging
We wake you up at around 6:00am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then have a healthy energetic breakfast. After that we will start climbing up for 4 hours until reach – Capuliyoc pass final of or hiking, where you will enjoy the last organic buffet lunch. This point will be the last moment to see our master chef, porters and horsemen. This point will be the moment to say “Hasta la vista baby – goodbye, and then take our van to return to Cusco together with our guide. arriving time to Cusco will be around 5 to 6 pm depending of traffic on the way, finally our driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – nature – canon
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your Cusco hotel at 5 to 6 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2,330 m / 7545 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek.
- Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead in Capuliyoc and return to Cusco at the end of the trek.
- Professional trekking chef (Master Chef) during the entire trek.
- Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry trekking and camping equipment.
- Official Choquequirao Trail permit.
- Choquequirao archaeological site entrance ticket.
- Breakfast at a tourist restaurant in Cachora on the first day.
- Healthy and energetic breakfasts during the trek.
- Organic buffet lunches prepared by our professional chef.
- Organic buffet dinners prepared by our professional chef.
- Snacks and drinking water during all hiking days.
- Full trekking support and assistance throughout the route.
- First-aid kit and emergency support during the trek.
Not Included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Personal expenses and extra drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before the trek to acclimatize properly.
- Bring your original passport, as it may be required at checkpoints.
- Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
- Dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather conditions.
- Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
- Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
- Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
- Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and daily essentials.
- Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and personal expenses.
- Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on steep sections.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
- Respect nature, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
The Choquequirao Trek is considered moderate to challenging due to long hiking days, steep ascents and descents, and altitude changes. It is recommended for travelers in good physical condition, ideally with some previous trekking experience. The trail does not require technical climbing skills, but endurance and preparation are important. Our guides set a steady pace, include regular breaks, and provide full support throughout the trek.
The best time to hike the Choquequirao Trek is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, weather conditions are more stable and trail conditions are better. June, July, and August are the most popular months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options, while February is not recommended due to heavy rains.
Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main equipment, allowing you to hike with a light daypack. This full-service setup ensures comfort, proper nutrition, and energy throughout the entire trek.
You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented if needed. A small backpack for daily essentials such as water, snacks, and personal items is also recommended.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical assistance, and emergency evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, insurance offers additional peace of mind when trekking in remote Andean areas.
Prices
Payment Methods
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All Included:
Tours with hotel pick-up, transportation, professional guide, and entrance tickets.
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We’re here for you before, during, and after your journey.
Flexible Cancellation:
Cancel up to 30 days before your tour in case of emergency. (For Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours, please check specific conditions.)
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