Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days / 3 Nights
Step into a route where every step reveals deeper mountains, quieter landscapes, and a history that still feels alive among the Andes. The 4-day Choquequirao Trek is an intense and authentic experience for travelers who want to discover one of Peru’s most impressive Inca cities, far from the crowded routes and surrounded by the raw power of the Apurímac Canyon.
During four days, you will hike along Andean trails, natural viewpoints, steep descents, demanding ascents, and landscapes that combine deep valleys, towering mountains, and paths full of history. The ultimate destination of this trek is Choquequirao, known as the "sacred sister of Machu Picchu," a remote, powerful, and still little-visited archaeological complex located high in the mountains.
This 4-day version is ideal for active travelers who want to experience Choquequirao in less time while still keeping the essence of the adventure. It is a challenging route, recommended for people with good physical condition, endurance for several hours of hiking per day, and a strong adventurous spirit.
Important Information
- Tour type: Trekking, nature, archaeology, adventure, Andean culture, and camping
- Ideal for: Active travelers, trekking lovers, couples, friends, and those seeking an authentic and less crowded route
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Start and end: Cusco / Cusco
- Difficulty level: Challenging
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 3,050 m / 10,007 ft at Choquequirao
- Accommodation: Campsites during the route
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Meals included: According to the confirmed program
- Recommended season: April to October (dry season)
- Main destination: Choquequirao Archaeological Complex
Tour Highlights
- Explore Choquequirao, one of Peru's most impressive Inca cities
- Hike a remote, authentic, and less crowded route
- Enjoy spectacular views of the Apurímac Canyon
- Experience a challenging Andean trekking adventure
- Discover Inca terraces, plazas, trails, and ceremonial sectors
- Enjoy camping nights surrounded by mountains and nature
- Travel with a professional guide and support team
- Connect with Andean history in a peaceful and powerful environment
- Ideal for travelers seeking adventure, archaeology, and unique landscapes
Why Travelers Enjoy This Tour
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, physically rewarding trek immersed in nature. The Choquequirao route combines spectacular mountain scenery, remote trails, and a true sense of adventure, making every day of the journey unique.
One of the greatest highlights of this trek is the solitude of the trail. Unlike more popular hiking routes in Peru, Choquequirao receives far fewer visitors, allowing you to experience the Andes in a quieter setting while enjoying breathtaking landscapes and a deeper connection with nature.
Every day presents new challenges and unforgettable rewards. You'll descend into the impressive Apurímac Canyon, climb toward the mountain village of Marampata, and enjoy panoramic views along the way. Reaching Choquequirao is the highlight of the adventure, where ancient terraces, plazas, ceremonial sectors, and remarkable Inca architecture emerge from the mountains, revealing one of Peru's most extraordinary archaeological sites.
What Makes This Experience Special
What makes the 4-day Choquequirao Trek truly special is that it offers a complete adventure through one of Peru's most remote and rewarding trekking routes. Reaching Choquequirao is not simply about visiting an archaeological site—it's about earning the experience through days of hiking, surrounded by untouched landscapes and immersed in the spirit of the Andes.
Throughout the trek, you'll cross the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, hike along high mountain trails, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views that change with every stage of the journey. Far from the crowds, this route offers a quieter, more authentic side of Peru, making it ideal for travelers seeking adventure, solitude, and a deeper connection with nature.
Exploring Choquequirao is the highlight of the expedition. Often called the "sister city of Machu Picchu," this remarkable Inca citadel remains largely undiscovered, with many sectors still hidden beneath the surrounding vegetation. Walking through its terraces, plazas, ceremonial areas, and ancient stone buildings provides a fascinating glimpse into the engineering, history, and legacy of the Inca civilization.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to hike the Choquequirao Trek is from April to October, during Peru's dry season. These months offer the most favorable trekking conditions, with less rainfall, more stable trails, and clear panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon and the surrounding Andes.
From November to March, the rainy season brings more frequent showers, making some sections of the trail muddy, slippery, and more physically demanding. However, the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, offering a different kind of beauty. If you plan to trek during this period, we strongly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho, waterproof hiking boots with good traction, and a rain cover for your backpack.
Weather conditions can vary significantly throughout the trek. The lower sections of the Apurímac Canyon are typically warm and sunny, while higher elevations and campsites can become quite cold, especially at night. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable and prepared for changing temperatures, sunshine, wind, and occasional rain.
Who This Tour Is For
This trek is ideal for travelers looking for a more authentic, challenging, and off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Peruvian Andes. It's perfect for those who enjoy long-distance hiking, breathtaking mountain scenery, and exploring remarkable archaeological sites with deep historical significance.
The Choquequirao Trek is an excellent alternative for travelers seeking an experience beyond the classic routes. Often referred to as the "sister city of Machu Picchu," Choquequirao remains one of Peru's least-visited Inca sites, offering a peaceful atmosphere, spectacular landscapes, and a genuine sense of exploration.
The 4-day itinerary is physically demanding because the entire route is completed in a shorter timeframe. While no technical climbing or mountaineering experience is required, participants should have good physical fitness, stamina, and be comfortable hiking for several hours each day over steep mountain terrain. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize properly and maximize your enjoyment of the experience.
Included
- Professional bilingual guide throughout the trek
- Pre-trek briefing before departure
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Private tourist transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc and back
- Entrance ticket to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex
- All meals during the trek as specified in the itinerary
- Professional trekking chef and kitchen equipment
- High-quality camping equipment (4-season tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs)
- Pack horses or mules for transporting camping equipment
- Duffel bag for personal belongings (within the allowed weight limit)
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Complete support team, including horsemen and camp staff
Not Included
- Dinner on the final day
- Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks
- Personal snacks
- Sleeping bag (available for rent if needed)
- Trekking poles (available for rent if needed)
- Single tent supplement (optional)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks, horsemen, and support staff
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Playa Rosalinas
Your adventure begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We then travel by tourist transport to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek. Along the way, we pass Andean villages, farmland, and mountain landscapes that gradually introduce us to the natural environment of this route.
At Capuliyoc, your guide will provide a brief explanation of the trek, the route, and key recommendations. From here, you will enjoy one of the first breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon.
The hike begins with a gradual descent along mountain trails. As we continue, the climate becomes warmer and the scenery changes. We walk at a steady pace, enjoying valley views and making stops to rest, hydrate, and observe the surroundings.
After passing through Chikiska, we continue descending until we reach Playa Rosalinas, near the Apurímac River. This is our first campsite. Upon arrival, the team will have everything ready for rest and dinner.
- Hiking distance: Approximately 10 to 12 km / 6.2 to 7.5 mi
- Starting altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Campsite altitude: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 2: Playa Rosalinas – Marampata – Choquequirao
After an early breakfast, we begin one of the most demanding days of the trek. From Playa Rosalinas, we start the ascent toward Marampata, a challenging but rewarding climb with increasingly impressive canyon views.
We walk at a comfortable pace, taking breaks to rest and hydrate. Each step brings us closer to Choquequirao. As we gain elevation, the landscape opens up and the mountains reveal a new perspective of the valley.
Upon reaching Marampata, we rest and enjoy the surroundings. From here, we already feel the proximity of the archaeological site. We then continue toward Choquequirao, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Later, we may visit parts of the archaeological complex or make an initial exploration depending on the group’s pace and conditions. We then continue to the assigned campsite near Choquequirao.
- Hiking distance: Approximately 12 to 15 km / 7.5 to 9.3 mi
- Maximum altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 3: Choquequirao – Marampata – Playa Rosalinas – Chikiska
After breakfast, we spend part of the morning exploring the impressive Choquequirao archaeological complex. With our guide, we visit important sectors and learn about its history, architecture, and possible purpose.
Choquequirao is vast, powerful, and full of mystery. You will see agricultural terraces, plazas, stairways, ceremonial paths, and natural viewpoints. Its location among mountains and the Apurímac Canyon makes the experience feel intimate, quiet, and authentic.
After the visit, we begin our return journey to Marampata and then descend to Playa Rosalinas. This section allows us to appreciate the route from a different perspective.
We continue later to Chikiska, where we spend our final night at camp. This is a long but meaningful day, combining reflection and achievement.
- Hiking distance: Approximately 14 to 16 km / 8.7 to 10 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 4: Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
The final day begins early with breakfast at camp. We then start the ascent toward Capuliyoc, the point where the adventure began. This section requires effort but offers beautiful canyon views.
As we walk, we reflect on the journey and recognize parts of the trail we already crossed. Reaching Capuliyoc feels like completing a meaningful cycle.
After a short rest, we say goodbye to the support team and continue by transport back to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco will be in the afternoon or evening depending on group pace and conditions.
- Hiking distance: Approximately 8 to 10 km / 5 to 6.2 mi
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: Not included (return to Cusco)
Packing List
Preparing properly will make your Choquequirao Trek much more comfortable. We recommend traveling light and bringing only what is necessary. During the day you will carry a small backpack, while your main luggage is transported according to the confirmed service.
Essentials
- Original passport
- Small day backpack
- Trekking shoes with good grip (already broken in)
- Comfortable hiking clothing
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Warm layered clothing
- Sun hat or cap
- Warm hat and gloves for cold nights
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle or hydration system
- Headlamp with batteries
- Personal medications
- Cash in Peruvian soles
Daypack Items
- Enough water for the hike
- Personal snacks
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Light warm layer
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Original passport
- Camera or phone with battery
- Power bank
- Toilet paper or tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Cash
- Trekking poles (if used)
- Backpack rain cover (especially in rainy season)
Price
Starting from: USD 470 per person
Price may vary depending on the travel date, group size, service type, availability, and optional add-ons.
Private service available upon request.
Yes, it is challenging due to steep canyon ascents and descents compressed into fewer days
No, but good physical fitness is required.
Day 2 is the most demanding due to the climb toward Marampata and Choquequirao.
In organized campsites along the route.
No, this tour focuses only on Choquequirao.
The trek operates in light or moderate rain. Proper gear is essential, and guides adjust for safety if needed.
