CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
The Last Refuge of the Incas
Discover one of Peru’s most spectacular and least-visited archaeological treasures. The Choquequirao Trek is an unforgettable adventure that takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, deep canyons, cloud forests, and ancient Inca trails. Often called the “Sacred Sister” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains an untouched masterpiece, surrounded by pristine nature, and offers you an authentic trekking experience, completely away from the crowds and the tourist hustle.
3 Days
Treking
Moderate
Cusco
4:00 am
12 people
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Santa Rosa Alta
- Highest Altitude: 2,915 m / 9,563 ft (Capuliyoc)
- Lowest Altitude: 1,550 m / 5,085 ft (Apurímac River)
- Campsite Altitude: 2,095 m / 6,873 ft (Santa Rosa Alta)
- Approximate Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Your adventure begins first thing in the morning at 4:00 a.m., with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, you will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 4 hours, during which you will travel through picturesque Andean villages until you reach Capuliyoc, a spectacular viewpoint from which you will gaze upon the immensity of the Apurímac Canyon, recognized as one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Once at Capuliyoc, you will meet your trekking team and, after the initial briefing, you will begin a gradual descent along mountain trails that were originally laid out by the ancient Incas. Throughout the entire journey, you will be surrounded by incredible panoramic views that open up before you at every bend in the path. Along the route, you will pass through native vegetation, vividly colored landscapes, and, if weather conditions allow, you will have the opportunity to observe Andean condors soaring majestically through the sky.
After a morning of hiking, you will enjoy a relaxing lunch in the town of Chiquisca, where you will recharge your energy. Then, you will resume your ascent, now surrounded by increasingly lush vegetation, until you reach Santa Rosa Alta, where your comfortable campsite awaits you for this first night. There, we will serve you a freshly prepared dinner, which you can savor while admiring an impressive starry sky, all enveloped in the absolute tranquility that only the Andes can offer.
DAY 2: Santa Rosa Alta – Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata
DAY 3: Marampata – Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Inclusions
What's included
- Our Choquequirao Trek has been carefully designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure.
- Before the Trek
- Pre-departure briefing with your professional guide.
- Duffel bag for your personal belongings (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs).
- Transportation
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco.
- Private tourist transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc.
- Private transportation from Capuliyoc back to Cusco at the end of the trek.
- Professional Staff
- Experienced English-speaking professional trekking guide.
- Professional cook specialized in trekking meals.
- Muleteers and pack animals( horses) to transport camping equipment, food, and cooking gear.
- Camping Equipment
- Spacious 4-season camping tents (2 people per tent).
- sleeping bag (down)
- Trekking poles
- Comfortable foam sleeping mattress.
- Meals
- 3 Breakfasts.
- 3 Lunches.
- 2 Dinners.
- Morning snacks and afternoon tea.
- during the trek (after the first lunch).
- Vegetarian and vegan meal options available upon request.
- Entrance Fees:
- Entrance ticket to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
- Safety Equipment
- First aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen bottle.
- Radio or satellite communication (when available).
- Services Not Included
- mineral water
- Dinner on the last day after returning to Cusco.
- Personal snacks and additional beverages.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, cooks, muleteers, and drivers (optional but appreciated).
- Personal expenses.
- Horse for riding (available upon request at an additional cost).
- Recommended Packing List
- Original passport.
- Comfortable hiking boots.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for cool evenings.
- Sun hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
- Personal toiletries.
- Insect repellent.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Personal medications.
- Small daypack (25–35 liters).
- Extra cash for personal expenses.
What's not included
- Mineral water throughout the trek.
- Dinner on the last day after returning to Cusco.
- Personal snacks and additional beverages.
- Travel insurance (required for your own protection).
- Tips for guides, cooks, muleteers, and drivers (optional but appreciated).
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Horse for riding (available upon request at an additional cost).
Packing List
Recommended Packing List
- Original passport (valid and with copies).
- Comfortable hiking boots (broken in before the trek).
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for cool evenings at high altitudes.
- Sun hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
- Personal toiletries and biodegradable soap.
- Insect repellent (for lower, warmer areas).
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Camera or smartphone for photos.
- Personal medications (allergies, altitude sickness, etc.).
- Small daypack (25–35 liters) for daily essentials.
- Extra cash for personal expenses and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this trek suitable for beginners or people with no previous trekking experience?
This trek is considered moderate to challenging due to the steep ascents and descents, as well as the high altitudes reached during the journey. While previous trekking experience is not strictly required, we recommend that participants have a good physical fitness level and are accustomed to walking for several hours on uneven terrain. We also suggest spending at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco prior to the trek to properly acclimatize to the altitude.
2. What is the best time of year to do the Choquequirao Trek?
3. Can I store my luggage in Cusco while I am on the trek?
4. Is there phone signal or internet access along the route?
5. What happens if I get injured or cannot continue the trek?
Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.
- +51 970 409 091
- [email protected]
