Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N
Journey to the "Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu", an incredible, remote Inca city hidden deep in the Apurimac canyon.
Tour Type
Group Tour | Adventure
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Elevation
Up to 3,050 m / 10,010 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Departure
Hotel
Destination
Andes Trekking
Latitude
-13.3942
Longitude
-72.8727
Tour Overview
The Choquequirao Trek is one of Peru's most challenging and rewarding hikes. Often called the "Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu," Choquequirao is a massive Inca archaeological site perched high on a ridge overlooking the deepest canyon in the Americas, the Apurimac Canyon. Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao receives only a fraction of the visitors, offering an incredibly authentic and peaceful experience.
This 4-day trek involves steep descents into the sweltering canyon and equally steep, grueling ascents up to the ruins. However, the physical effort is rewarded by the chance to camp right next to the ruins, explore uncrowded terraces decorated with white stone llamas, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the Andes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska – Playa Rosalina
04:30 AM
Pick up from Cusco and a 4-hour drive to the Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,900m).
09:00 AM
Meet the muleteers and begin the steep descent into the Apurimac Canyon.
01:00 PM
Stop at Chiquiska for lunch in the warm canyon climate.
04:00 PM
Arrive at Playa Rosalina (1,550m) at the bottom of the canyon. Set up camp and rest.
Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
05:00 AM
Early start to cross the Apurimac River and begin the tough, steep zigzag ascent.
11:00 AM
Reach Marampata (2,850m) for an early lunch and a well-deserved rest.
02:00 PM
Continue a gentler hike towards the Choquequirao campsite (2,950m).
04:00 PM
Visit the lower terraces of Choquequirao to watch the sunset.
Day 3: Choquequirao Tour – Marampata – Chiquiska
06:00 AM
Spend the entire morning exploring the vast Choquequirao complex with your guide, including the main plaza and the famous llama terraces.
11:30 AM
Return to camp for lunch and begin the hike back.
03:00 PM
Descend back down into the canyon, crossing the river again.
05:30 PM
Arrive at Chiquiska campsite for the night.
Day 4: Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
05:00 AM
Start hiking early to avoid the intense canyon sun during the final ascent.
10:00 AM
Reach the Capuliyoc viewpoint, completing the trek.
11:30 AM
Enjoy a final lunch with the trekking crew.
04:30 PM
Arrive back at your hotel in Cusco.
Includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Private transportation to/from the trailhead
- Professional bilingual guide
- Choquequirao entrance fee
- Camping equipment, chef, and mules for carrying gear/food
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
Excludes
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles
- First breakfast and last dinner
- Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers
What to bring
- Passport
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for the steep descents)
- Strong insect repellent (the canyon has many midges)
- Sun protection and wide-brimmed hat
Pro Travel Tips
- This is considered tougher than the Inca Trail due to the steep, hot canyon walls. Train well before coming.
- Protect yourself from the sun and bugs in the canyon.
Private Experience
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