Choquequirao Trek - 4D/3N
Expedition Overview
Embark on an epic and challenging expedition to Choquequirao, the majestic 'Sister City' of Machu Picchu. Tucked away deep in the Vilcabamba mountain range, this colossal Incan citadel is accessible only by foot, making it one of the most rewarding and uncrowded treks in Peru. The 4-day journey will take you across the dramatic Apurimac River canyon, through diverse ecosystems ranging from dry cactus forests to lush cloud forests. You'll spend a full day exploring the expansive ruins, discovering vast agricultural terraces, the mysterious 'llama sector', and the main plazas, all while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning and drive for about 4 hours to the Capuliyoc pass (2,900m). Here, we meet our horsemen, pack our gear, and enjoy our first views of the Apurimac canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoc peaks. The trek begins with a long, continuous descent into the canyon. We'll hike through dry, arid landscapes dotted with cacti and agave plants. After lunch, we continue descending until we reach our first campsite at Chiquiska, located in a warm, lower valley. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 5-6 hours • Starting Altitude: 2,900m / 9,514ft • Campsite Altitude: 1,930m / 6,332ft
Day 2: Chiquiska – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
We start early to avoid the midday heat. We descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550m) to cross the mighty Apurimac River. From here, the real challenge begins: a steep, relentless zigzag climb up the opposite canyon wall. We hike up to the hamlet of Santa Rosa and continue to Marampata, where we stop for a well-deserved lunch with incredible views. The final stretch to our Choquequirao campsite (2,950m) is relatively flat and takes us right to the edge of the archaeological park, where we will camp for the night. • Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 2,950m / 9,678ft • Campsite Altitude: 2,950m / 9,678ft
Day 3: Explore Choquequirao – Marampata – Chiquiska
Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Choquequirao ruins. We wake up early to catch the sunrise over the citadel. Your guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the site, exploring the main plaza, the ceremonial center, and the famous 'llama sector' where white stones were arranged into the shape of llamas on the terraces. Since Choquequirao receives very few visitors, you'll feel like a true explorer. After lunch, we pack up and begin our long descent back into the canyon, crossing the river once more and hiking up to our final camp at Chiquiska. • Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (plus exploring ruins) • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,050m / 10,006ft • Campsite Altitude: 1,930m / 6,332ft
Day 4: Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
On our final day, we wake up before dawn to tackle the steep ascent out of the canyon. Hiking early allows us to avoid the intense sun. The climb takes about 4 hours to reach the Capuliyoc pass, where we started our journey. We celebrate the completion of this demanding trek while enjoying a final lunch with our team. We then say goodbye to our horsemen and board our private transport for the drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 4-5 hours • Highest Altitude: 2,900m / 9,514ft
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Briefing before departure at your hotel
- ✓Private transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc (trailhead)
- ✓Professional bilingual guide specialized in Archaeology
- ✓Chef and Assistant Cook
- ✓Horsemen and mules to carry all camping equipment and food
- ✓Personal allowance of 7kg carried by mules
- ✓High-Quality 4-season tents and comfortable foam sleeping mats
- ✓All meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
- ✓Official entrance tickets to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park
- ✓Private transportation from Capuliyoc back to Cusco
- ✓First aid kit and emergency oxygen
✕ Not Included
- —Sleeping bags (Available for rent)
- —Trekking poles (Available for rent)
- —Last day dinner
- —Travel Insurance (Highly recommended for this trek)
- —Tips for the trekking team
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.