Choquequirao Trek 4 Days /3 Nights
Overview
The Choquequirao Trek offers an exciting adventure for those who want to escape the crowds and discover a different side of Incan history. This trek takes you to the hidden Inca city of Choquequirao, or the "Cradle of Gold," perched high above the Apurimac Valley.
As you hike, you will immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, from high-altitude mountains to lush valleys. Along the way, you’ll experience a rich variety of flora and fauna, creating a perfect adventure for nature lovers and history buffs. Upon reaching Choquequirao, you’ll explore the partially-excavated Inca site, often called Machu Picchu's sister city. Here, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of this ancient city, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.
The Choquequirao Trek is an ideal choice for travelers who seek an alternative to Machu Picchu and want to explore a hidden gem of Peru's Incan past. Experience the beauty of Choquequirao, meet the locals and discover the rich history of this magnificent archaeological site.
Highlights
- Choquequirao trek
- Departures: Previous Booking
- Season: All Year Round
- Service: Private-shared
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa.
Our first day starts out from Capuliyoq, 4 hour drive from Cusco. Leaving Capuliyoq the path leads down into the Apurimac Valley where we will have fantastic views of snow-capped peaks in the distance and the Apurimac Valley spread out before us throughout the day, also after a few hours walking we’ll get to have our first views of Choquequirao sat on the far side of the valley. The area around Choquequirao is rich in life and we will see a wide variety of flora and fauna as we make our way down in to the valley.
Our campsite for the night is at Santa Rosa (2200m / 7215ft.) which is on the other side of the Apurimac River. As the campsite is a little further along the trail than most groups go it is one of the quietest places to camp on the whole trek so we can enjoy the beautiful scenery around us without distraction.
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao.
Today is probably the hardest day of the trek. To get to Choquequirao we need to make our way back up the opposite side of the Apurimac Valley which involves ascending about 800m / 2624ft. over a distance of 14km / 8.7 miles through hot and humid conditions. It’s quite tough going but the views we get today are mixed with the wide variety of flora and fauna you find on this side of the valley make it worth it.
Throughout the day we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids and stands of bamboo; we’ll also hopefully see birds such as Quetzals, Toucans and a variety of hummingbirds. After about a 5 hour walk we’ll arrive to our campsite close to Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005ft.) and settle in for the night, if the weather is clear the views of the sunset from here are amazing and we may be lucky enough to spot Condors soaring over the valley below.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquiska.
Today’s focus is on exploring Choquequirao. Waking up early you’ll head off on a guided tour of the site during which you’ll be shown the most important and interesting sections of the city and get to learn about the Inca culture and the close relation between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Compared to Machu Picchu little is known about Choquequirao even though it has been known about for much longer. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spanish it lay abandoned and forgotten until recent years when tourism raised the profile of the city and exploration began. Even with this increased interest only 25% of the city has been explored and many of its secrets still wait to be discovered.
After the tour is done you’ll begin the trek back to Capuliyoq along the route we did it . Our campsite for tonight is Chiquiska (1800m / 5905ft.) in the base of the valley by the Apurimac River.
Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco.
Today is the final stretch of the trek as we make our way back to Capuliyoc . Winding our way back up the side of the valley we’ll have our final views of Choquequirao in the distance, later on we will be arriving to our destination late in the mornig to finally travel by our private vehicle back to Cusco.
What is Included
Included
- Private Transportation to capuliyoq ( trailhead)
- Professional tour guide.
- entrance fee to choquequirao archeological site
- first aid kit
- Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners.
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
- pick up and drop off at the hotel
Not Included
- Services not specified in the program, extras and tips.
- Lunch and dinner the last day
- sleeping bag ( if you don't have yet, you can rent at the office )
- walking sticks
What to Bring
- Comfortable backpack for the hike, T- shirts, shorts, warm clothes and Raincoat
- Hiking boots
- Sweater or jacket
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Camera, with extra batteries.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent.
- Snacks: energy bars, chocolates etc.
- Walking sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
Choquequirao is an ancient Inca city, often called the "Cradle of Gold." It’s considered Machu Picchu’s sister city and offers an authentic glimpse into Inca history.
The trek presents a challenging hike with steep climbs and descents, but it’s suitable for trekkers with good fitness. You’ll need to be prepared for high altitudes and rugged terrain.
You’ll encounter magnificent views of the Apurimac Valley, diverse ecosystems, and a variety of local flora and fauna. You’ll also visit the stunning Choquequirao ruins, where you can explore Incan terraces, plazas and architecture.
The trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights, offering you the chance to explore Choquequirao in-depth and hike through diverse landscapes.
Yes! If you want to avoid crowds and explore a less-known, equally fascinating Inca site, the Choquequirao Trek is an excellent alternative. It combines adventure with the discovery of one of Peru’s most remarkable archaeological treasures.
