Choquequirao Trek 5 Days | Remote Peru Adventure
Duration
5D/4N
Difficulty
Challenging
Language
Español / Ingles
Max. Altitude
4,200 msnm
Choquequirao Trek 5 days is an unforgettable adventure for travelers who want to go beyond the traditional routes and discover one of Peru’s most remote and impressive Inca sites. This extraordinary journey takes you through dramatic mountain scenery, deep canyon landscapes, and ancient trails that lead to the magnificent archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
The Choquequirao Trek 5 days is known as one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Peru. Unlike more crowded destinations, this route offers a quieter and more immersive connection with the Andes. As you hike through the Apurímac Canyon, you will enjoy breathtaking views, changing landscapes, and the feeling of exploring a place that still feels wild, authentic, and untouched. The classic 5-day route is widely recognized as one of the best ways to fully experience Choquequirao and its surrounding scenery.
Along the way, the trail challenges and inspires you with steep descents, demanding climbs, and spectacular natural beauty. Every day reveals a new side of the Peruvian Andes, from sunlit valleys and high mountain paths to the powerful silence of one of the country’s least-visited archaeological wonders. This is the perfect trek for travelers seeking adventure, exclusivity, and a deeper experience far from the usual tourist circuit. Competitor pages consistently frame Choquequirao as a remote, less-traveled, and physically demanding route, which makes it especially attractive to travelers looking for something more unique than standard Cusco hikes.
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
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All Included:
Tours with hotel pick-up, transportation, professional guide, and entrance tickets.
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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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Testimonials
OUR CUSTOMERS RECOMMEND US
Posted on Tripadvisor MelanieVerified Spectacular Inca Trail Experience The Inca Trail has been on my bucket list for 20 years, and to say I am grateful for this experience is a massive understatement. The Peruvian people are incredibly kind and selfless, and this team truly made the journey unforgettable. Our crew was nothing short of spectacular, and they deserve every bit of recognition: Our Guide, Sara (aka Sarita): Words cannot do justice to how incredible Sara is. She is knowledgeable, encouraging, and a beautiful soul: she is officially my Peruvian soul sister! Her passion and leadership kept us inspired every step of the way. Chefs Nicolas & Enrique: They performed actual culinary magic at every single camp. We are still dreaming about the food, and Nicolas - we still need that quinoa soup recipe! :) Rosalio, Maxwell (& so many others!): You attentiveness, warmth, and impeccable service elevated the entire "luxury" aspect of this trek. We loved seeing you peak over the corner of the tent to bring our next treat. The entire crew was incredible and the porters are absolute trail superheroes. Cannot thank our Sarita for such an experience of a lifetime. This will be a trip that we will never forget. Sulpayki!!!!Posted on Tripadvisor Hunter WVerified The Best Guide and Tour This tour was more than I could’ve hoped for. My guide David was incredible. So knowledgeable and kind. He truly made the experience unforgettable. When researching tours, I felt overwhelmed with options. I booked with Machulas, about two months in advance of my trip, not realizing how far in advance people usually look into planning trips to Machu Picchu. The Team reached out to me on What’s App, explained all my options and worked with me to not only get me a last minute ticket to Machu Picchu, but suggested a route that was in line with my experience as a hiker. In short, there is no way I could’ve done this without Machulas and David. If you’re like me and looking for a supportive, knowledgeable, kind Team to help you plan an unforgettable adventure, I could not recommend them more.Posted on Tripadvisor Patrick RVerified Je reviendrai Pays magnifique accompagné par un guide aux petits soins, je recommandePosted on Tripadvisor alwaysmoreoceanVerified Aaamazing We spent two days in late April with Sara, hiking the Short Inca Trail, visiting Machu Picchu, and climbing Machu Picchu mountain. I can't imagine how it could have been better. Sara is everything you would want in a guide... knowledgable, supportive, encouraging, responsive. She kept an eye on how we were doing during the strenuous parts and stopped for breaks when needed. But she also kept us going so we got to the various trail points at a reasonable time. Sara is insightful, listens well, and has a good sense of humor. She's been a guide on the trail many, many times, so she knows her stuff and can communicate it well at the right moment. We learned so much about the history, language, culture, plants, and animals of the area. In addition to being a great guide, we felt like we were in good hands throughout the trip and during out overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. For example, we left one of our phones on the bus, which can be a bit of a panic situation when you're far from home and so much of your life is stored on your phone, but Sara jumped through hoops to help track down the phone. All in all, Sara is a great trek leader and a pleasure to be around. It was an exceptional experience for us, and we would highly recommend Sara to anyone.Posted on Tripadvisor Tourist25487439531Verified Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour David, our staff, gives us wonderful experiences. He knows and explains the story so well and interesting. Inca civilization is the story I fall in love now. David also knows good restaurants and gave me best experiences with Peruvian foodPosted on Tripadvisor korkijVerified Peru trip with Machula’s journey Very good experience. My tour guide David, not only very attentive and informative. He also arranged everything from foods and and stay so I just traveled with breeze. Now next time in Peru I know who I want to contact and be having tour guide service. 5 stars.Posted on Tripadvisor Manya KVerified Excellent trip with Machulas team! Traveler from the USA here! Sarita, Cesar, Victor and Juan made an excellent team and gave me a memorable, once in a lifetime experience in Peru. The tour was easy to organize with WhatsApp and the communication was excellent. Although this trek was hard, I felt comfortable going at the pace I needed and Sara was able to adjust the plan if we needed. The team was prepared for any scenarios and the scenery was really breathtaking! The food was ALWAYS excellent and Victor even carried my bag when the summit got too hard. Thank you Machulas journey, I will never forget this experience and the exceptions you made for me!! Don’t be afraid to communicate with the team when you book. Thank you my friends!Posted on Tripadvisor alejo cVerified Camino inca 4 días 3 noches Junto con 5 amigos hicimos la experiencia del camino del inca. La misma fue excelente, la comida estuvo muy bien admistrada y el guía 10 puntosPosted on Tripadvisor Valentin GVerified Increible experiencia! Realizamos el camino del Inca con David y fue una experiencia excelente! Mostró gran predisposición hacia nosotros e hizo que el recorrido sea muy placentero.Posted on Tripadvisor Matheo SVerified Excelente experiencia! Excelente la experiencia a lo largo de todo el viaje! David es un guía super atento, informado y empático
Posted on Google Michael STrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a pleasure having David as our guide through Machu Picchu. He was very attentive and funny. There was a lot we learned from this once and a life time trip, and we were very fortunate to have David lead us.Posted on Google Logan HartrumTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The tour guide made this trip. I would say that Aydee is the best guide in all of Peru. Truly an incredible experience because of her and the poters. Machu Picchu would not have been the same. Ayden really gave us the energy to wake up everyday exited for the new journeys .Posted on Google Kainoa HartrumTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Aydee was the best!! Best tour guide EVER! I not only had a great time on the hike, but I learned a lot as well. Aydee was kind, helpful, and externally knowledgeable about everything along the trail. 1000% recommend.Posted on Google Aaron SpringerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beste tour wij ooit hebben gedaan dankzij Aydee!Posted on Google Jessica CalvanoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for a custom trip then look no further! We went with Machulas Journey for a truly customized trip and it was Epic! I will return soon to enjoy so much more of Peru!Posted on Google Diana PervanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David and his staff were AMAZING!!!Posted on Google Matt MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AMAZING. Thank you David for the best trip of my life. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to see this great place.Posted on Google Joey DeeganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was an amazing guide! We had a great time.