Tour Information
How would you like an adventure to a place as amazing as Machu Picchu, but with far fewer tourists? Our 4-day Choquequirao trek is exactly that. Join us on this journey to one of the most impressive Inca complexes in existence.
The name Choquequirao means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua. This archaeological site is located high above the Apurímac River canyon and is surrounded by towering mountains. Very few tourists visit because it isn't as well-known as Machu Picchu, yet it is estimated to be comparable in size or even larger. It is said to have been one of the last refuges of the Incas who resisted the Spanish invasion. Over time, Choquequirao was abandoned, and the dense vegetation of the cloud forest eventually covered it, hiding it from civilization for centuries.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa Baja
Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco (around 5:00–5:30 AM) and a scenic 3–4 hour drive to the trailhead at Capuliyoc (2,870 m / 9,430 ft).
Breakfast at Capuliyoc, then begin the trek with a long, steep descent into the Apurímac Canyon, passing through Chiquisca and Playa Rosalinas (river crossing).
Final climb up to the first campsite at Santa Rosa Baja (2,400 m / 6,700 ft), where you’ll enjoy lunch, dinner, and spend the night in comfortable tents with our Evolution Treks Peru team.
Day 2
Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Early start (around 5:30–6:00 AM) with coca tea and breakfast, then a very steep 3–4 hour climb to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,500 ft).
Continue hiking to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (3,050–3,080 m / 10,000–10,100 ft), arriving in the late morning or early afternoon.
Guided tour of the main ruins (plazas, temples, terraces, and the famous “Llamas” sector), followed by a delicious lunch near the site.
Short walk to the Choquequirao campsite (just below the ruins) for dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 3
Choquequirao – Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca
Breakfast at the Choquequirao campsite, then hike back up to Marampata and begin the long descent back into the Apurímac Canyon.
Retrace the route through Santa Rosa, Playa Rosalinas, and Chiquisca, with lunch at one of the lower campsites.
Final climb up to the Chiquisca campsite (1,950 m / 6,400 ft) for dinner and the last night on the trail with our Evolution Treks Peru crew.
Day 4
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Early breakfast at Chiquisca, then hike back up to the trailhead at Capuliyoc (about 3–4 hours).
Say goodbye to the trekking team, board private transport, and return to Cusco, usually arriving in the evening (around 6:00–7:00 PM).
Many of our groups enjoy a relaxing stop at the Saywite Monolith and/or the Conoc hot springs on the way back to Cusco.
Trek Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Route | Cusco → Capuliyoc → Santa Rosa → Choquequirao → back same way → Cusco |
| Distance | ~39 km (24 mi) round trip |
| Max altitude | ~3,080 m (10,100 ft) at Choquequirao |
| Min altitude | ~1,480–1,520 m (4,850–5,000 ft) in the Apurímac Canyon |
| Difficulty | Challenging (steep ascents/descents, long days) |
| Accommodation | Camping (tents at Santa Rosa, Choquequirao, and Chiquisca) |
| Best season | April–October (dry season) |
What's Included
- ✓ Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead (Capuliyoc) and back to Cusco at the end of the trek.
- ✓ Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) to lead the hike and provide a detailed tour of the Choquequirao ruins.
- ✓ Full meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (including coca tea, coffee, and hot drinks).
- ✓ Camping equipment: high‑quality tents, dining tent, tables, stools, and kitchen gear.
- ✓ Horse support to carry group gear (tents, food, cooking equipment) and reduce the load on the trail.
- ✓ Entrance fee to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
- ✓ Boiled drinking water is provided at each campsite (morning and afternoon) to refill your bottles.
- ✓ Basic first‑aid kit and emergency oxygen, carried by the guide.
- ✓ Pre‑trek briefing in Cusco to go over the itinerary, meet your guide, and answer any questions.
Not Included
- ✕ Personal porter to carry your overnight bag (up to 5–6 kg / 11–13 lbs) between campsites.
- ✕ Hotel accommodation in Cusco (before and after the trek).
- ✕ Walking poles / trekking poles (can be rented locally).
- ✕ Sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (can be rented if needed).
- ✕ Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips for the crew).
- ✕ Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Price per person
$850
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