▷ Choquequirao Trek Peru – 4-Day Adventure
Private Camps
Acomodation
From 10°C to 22°C
Temperature
3,033 m | 9,950 ft
Max. Altitude
All year around
Availability Dates
Overview – Choquequirao Trek
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders. Experience a 4-day trek to Choquequirao, the hidden Inca city of Peru. A scenic adventure through the Andes awaits!
Choquequirao, which means “Cradle of Gold”, is located to the northeast of Cuzco and surrounded by sacred mountains, the glacier-fed Apurimac River and seated on a high ridge within the Southern Andes. Located at 3,100m.a.s.l Choquequirao is isolated deep within the mystical Vilcambamba mountain range. This trek is also known as the “Sister of Machu Picchu” and is considered the other “Lost City of the Incas”.
The Choquequirao Trek is for those serious hikers who want to enjoy an “off the beaten path” adventure. This long trek is for those who are in excellent physical shape/fit and have strong endurance. On this adventurous trek you will walk on Inca highways, hike through contrasting Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, see unspoiled Incan sites and behold the elusive Condor in flight. You will also see several other species of birds, insects and cactus covered cliffs and lush rainforest vegetation. Your journey is supported by horses, equipped with premium camping gear, and complemented by a well-balanced, energy-rich diet.
Hiking Details – Choquequirao
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 4 Days/3 Nights
Group Size: 2-8 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 50 km
Itinerary – Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
Day 1: Cuzco – Cachora-Capuliyoc – Chiquisca –Santa Rosa Baja
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Cuzco at approx. 4:15 A.M. You will then begin the 4-hour drive to the trail head in Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). You’ll pass through the small town of Cachora and continue to Capuliyoc for breakfast, also, you will meet your horsemen here. After breakfast, your trek will start by descending all the way down to Chikisca where you will have lunch. Along the way, you will enjoy great views of Apurimac Canyon, snow-capped mountains such as Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). After lunch, you will hike down for one hour more to get to Playa Rosalinas and then continue hiking up for two hours to our first campsite at Santa Rosa baja, where you will spend the night.
Note: Our campsite could be in Chikisca if the group is really tired.
Hiking Distance: 14 Km /8.5 miles (8 to 9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 2,850 m (9,400 ft)
Day 2: Santa Rosa Baja-Maranpata-Choquequirao
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition, because today you will hike uphill for around 2 hours to the Maranpata village (2,850m/9,350ft), taking time to appreciate the myriad of flora and fauna along the valley and the magnificent Inkan site of Choquequirao. You will have lunch here and then your guide will lead you to explore to some important parts of Choquequirao ruins that is located just 25 minutes away from Campsite. Finally, you will head back to your campsite where you will enjoy your dinner.
Note: Our campsite could be around Sunchupata or just in Maranpata if the group is really tired.
Hiking Distance: 8.5 km/5 miles (5-6 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 3,033 m (9,950 ft)
Day 3: Choquequirao-Maranpata- Chiquisca
After a healthy breakfast, you will complete exploring at the stunning sections of Choquequirao ruins, and then you will come back towards Maranpata village and Aramñaga for lunch. Afterwards, you will descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft) for three hours. Finally, you will walk up a moderate hill for 1.5 hour to your third campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft).
Note: there will be an option to have lunch to go to Choquequirao.
Hiking Distance: 17 km/ 11 miles (8-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3: 2,100 m (6,889 ft)
Day 4: Chiquisca-Capuliyoc-Cuzco
Like previous mornings, after your delicious breakfast you will being ascending towards Capuliyoc (2,800 m.a.s.l.) which will take approximately 3 hours, then you will have lunch in nearby Capuliyoc area. Following, you will catch your bus to back to Cusco and will pass Cachora town. The trip will be approximately between 4-5 hours until we reach your hotel. We hope you enjoy this adventure of a lifetime.
Hiking Distance: 7km /4.3 miles (3-4 hours)
Inclusion for Choquequirao trek 4 Days
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 3 nights camping on the Choquequirao trek.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, 2-person tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress: Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick and add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Inflatable mattress or foam sleeping pad: Air mattresses which add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Rain ponchos and duffel bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4:15 A.M, and brought to the trail head. When you arrive back to the end of your trek, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cuzco.
- Professional Guides:English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage.
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Horseman and his assistant which is in charge of leading horses and taking care all the camping equipment.
- Cargo Mules:On day 1, 2, 3 and 4, cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On day 4 your duffel bags will be carried by car to your destination.
- Baggage Allowance: Mules will carry up to 7 kg of your gear, including your sleeping bag and pad, so you can hike light.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), daily snacks, hot drinks (coffee, coca tea and herbal infusions). All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Boiled drinking water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene:You will be provided with a towel paper, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- We provide hot water buckets every morning and evening so you can wash your face and feel refreshed.
- Entry ticket to Choquequirao Archeological Site.
- First-Aid Kit:Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
- Free Storage: Leave your extra belongings safely at our Cusco office while you’re on the trek.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from low temperatures.
- Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
- Last Day: Dinner in Cusco
- Tips for our staff: Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Personal riding horse available; extra horses can be rented as needed. This service will only be available the first 2 days of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
Aditional Upgrades
- Rentals: Sleeping bag: $ 20 USD
- Rentals:Walking Sticks (pair): $ 15 USD
- Extra horses: $ 30 USD ( per Day)
Trip Highlights – Choquequirao Trek
Choquequirao recognized worldwide – Named by Lonely Planet Magazine as one of the best year-round travel destinations in the world.
Peaceful alternative to Machu Picchu – Experience the uncrowded Inca city of Choquequirao, often called the sister city of Machu Picchu, offering an immersive historical and cultural journey.
Stunning Andean scenery – Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and the cloud forest as you hike the breathtaking Choquequirao trail.
Explore the Lost City of the Incas – Visit Choquequirao’s extraordinary ruins, a hidden gem of Inca history and the last stronghold of the Inca Kingdom.
Wildlife encounters – Be welcomed by soaring condors above the mountains and experience nature at its purest.
Authentic Peruvian cuisine – Relish delicious, organic meals prepared daily by our professional chef during the trek.
Why Hike the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days With Us?
Ethical & Responsible – Fair treatment of horsemen and mules, sustainable travel practices, and eco-friendly equipments.
100% Local Operator – Fully licensed, locally owned, and committed to authentic Peruvian experiences.
Small Groups – Max 8 travelers for a personalized, high-quality trek.
Premium Equipment & Safety – Top-quality tents, sleeping pads, and first aid kit for emergencies.
All-Inclusive Service – Hotel-to-hotel pick-up/drop-off, effortless Organization, and guaranteed departures.
Expert Guides – Professional, knowledgeable, and experienced tour leaders.
Trusted & Reliable – Highly rated on TripAdvisor and Google, with fair and timely staff payments.
Price for Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
To book the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, an initial payment of $ 200 USD per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or in person at our office in Cusco. The deposit can be made via We Travel, Western Union or MoneyGram. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For Group Tour (Shared Service) Choquequirao trek 4 Days
Price per Person:
Adults: From $550 USD Students and Children: From $530 USD
Note.
- We need a minimum of 3 people to run the tour
- 4+ People, please contact us for a special price
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour. “This condition applies only if you are part of a single group (For 3 + people booking at the same time) and does not apply to groups organized by the travel agency.”
- Children 17 years old or less, the discount is $20 USD (To receive the child discount you must send us a copy of the child’s passport).
- For a private tour, please request a quote by emailing incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com.
Student Discount:
To qualify for the student discount, one must be 25 years old or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu and you must submit a valid university ID with your booking. The ID must include your name, photo, and expiration date. Cards without an expiration date will not be accepted. Please bring the original student ID with you on the tour to pass the checkpoint.
Payment method
Pay via We Travel
Please note that We Travel charges a fee ranging from 1.5% to 3.9 % (depending on the type of currency used) for online deposits. For payment made via bank transfer a 2% fee will be applied which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of We travel’s secure payment gateway. Please, notify incavisiontours@gmail.com or info@incavisiontours.com after payment has made through, We Travel.
Pay via Western Union
Please note that Western Union charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. Western union payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Pay via MoneyGram
Please note that MoneyGram charges a variable fee for online deposits, depending on your nationality and location. MoneyGram payments should be addressed to the following receiver:
- Full Name: Jaime Cusi Huaman
- Address: APV. Jardines Del Inca C-10, Cusco – Perú
Please remember to send us the tracking code (MTCN) in order to pick up the deposit and confirm your booking. Once your payment is made via Western Union or MoneyGram, please notify ours sales team.
In the event you need to cancel your trip, cancellation fees will be assessed as outlined in our cancellation policy. If canceling, you may not transfer your deposit to another person’s trek/tour. See Inca Vision Tours ‘Terms and Cancellation Policy
Optional Upgrades (Need to book in Advance):
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Walking Stick: One pair for $15 USD.
Sleeping bag: $ 20 USD
Extra horses: $ 30 USD ( per Day)
Extra Single Tent: $40 USD
What to Bring for Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
Gear List
Important Reminder: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student).
- Good daypack (25-30Lt): The smaller, the more confortable.(very important)
- 2L Camelbaks or reusable water bottles
- At least 1 liter of water for the first day until lunch, and after that we will supply you with boiled water for the rest of the hike.
- One pair of comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and a pair of sandals. (very important)
- Wicking/Hiking Breathable T-shirts (2 Short Sleeve T-shirts and 1-2 Long Sleeve T-shirts) and 2- Hiking Pants & Leggings– remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 3 pairs of socks
- Small travel towel & Bathing suits for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Conoc)
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank (very important)
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra Snacks (Energy bars, energy drinks, fruits, electrolytes, etc.).
- Extra Money in Cash & Cards for souvenirs, drinks, meals, tips, and emergency situations (can be in Soles or USD).
Other items
- Sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us)
- Sleeping bag liner and inflatable pillow (optional)
- Large plastic bags to organize your items and keep them clean and dry during your tour.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (or you can rent a pair from us)
Toiletries
- Face moisturizer, toilet paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications prescribed by your doctor (to prevent headaches, stomach issues, heart problems, etc.).
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
