Choquequirao trek 4 days | A Classic Adventure

Your epic journey kicks off at 4:30 AM when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and set off on a five-hour scenic drive to Capuliyoc in our private transport. Along the way, you’ll be mesmerized by breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, an awe-inspiring start to your adventure.

Upon arrival in Capuliyoc, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast while meeting the cook and horseman, the dedicated team that will accompany you on this trek. They’ll ensure your belongings are safely transported between camps and keep you well-fed and energized throughout the journey.

With renewed energy, we’ll begin our trekking adventure, descending through the stunning landscapes of Apurímac Valley on a three-hour downhill hike. Along the way, you’ll catch sight of two towering peaks, Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina, before arriving at Chiquisca, our lunch spot, where you’ll savor a delicious meal in the heart of nature.

After lunch, feeling refreshed and recharged, we’ll continue our descent for another hour and fifteen minutes to the bottom of the valley, where the mighty Apurímac River awaits. Known as the “Speaking God” in Quechua, its powerful Class V rapids make it a prime spot for rafting and canoeing.

The final stretch of the day is a challenging two-hour ascent to Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), our first campsite. Here, you’ll be rewarded with a well-deserved, delicious dinner before settling into your tent for a restful night, recharging for the adventures ahead.

Summary:

• Meals: Brunch / Dinner
• Accommodations: Camp in Santa Rosa
• Lowest elevation: 1,970 m / 6,463 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,980 m / 9,482 ft
• Distance to walk: 15 km / 9.32 miles
• Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Sights: Apurimac canyon & Padreyoc mountain

Your adventure-filled day begins with a hearty breakfast, fueling you with the energy needed for the trek ahead. At 5:30 AM, you’ll embark on a challenging yet rewarding three-hour ascent along a zigzagging trail to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft.).

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding snow-capped peaks, the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photographs. After a brief rest and some time to adjust your gear, you’ll continue hiking for another hour and a half until you reach the magnificent Choquequirao complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft.).

Today, you’ll have ample time to fully immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of this ancient Incan site. As you explore, let the energy of this sacred place take hold of you. Your expert guide will lead you through the complex, unveiling fascinating stories and historical insights about its construction, purpose, and significance.

Did you know that Choquequirao is even larger than Machu Picchu? However, archaeologists estimate that only 40% of the site has been excavated, leaving much more to be uncovered in the future. As you wander through impressive plazas, ceremonial temples, and extensive agricultural terraces, you’ll marvel at the Incan ingenuity—how they managed to construct such an extraordinary city at the summit of these mountains.

One of the most intriguing highlights of the site is the collection of white stone llamas, meticulously carved into the terraces to honor and protect Apu Qoriwayrachina, the sacred mountain watching over the region. The mysteries of Choquequirao continue to captivate historians and explorers alike, and with future discoveries, we may uncover even more secrets hidden within its walls.

Around noon, you’ll pause at this awe-inspiring location for a well-deserved lunch, taking in the grandeur of your surroundings.

In the afternoon, you’ll make your way back to Marampata, where a delicious dinner awaits, followed by a well-earned rest. As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable celestial display—a sky filled with countless stars and constellations. Take a moment to reflect on their significance, just as the Incas once did, before settling into your tent for the night.

Summary:

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Accommodations: Camp in Marampata
• Lowest elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
• Distance to walk: 10 km / 6.21 miles
• Approximate walking time: 6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
• Sights: Choquequirao

Your day begins with a hearty breakfast, fueling you for the journey back after an unforgettable experience at Choquequirao.

Following the same trail, you’ll make your way down to Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft.), where you’ll pass by local agricultural estates. Here, families cultivate sugarcane and produce Cambray, a cherished regional liquor. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into local traditions and perhaps even sample this artisanal drink.

After savoring a delicious lunch and taking a well-deserved break, you’ll continue your descent to Rosalinas Beach (1,500 m / 4,921 ft.), where you can cool off in the refreshing waters of the Apurímac River before beginning the next ascent.

The return trek resumes with a gradual uphill climb of about an hour and fifteen minutes, leading to Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft.). This warm and inviting campsite is the perfect place to unwind. A hearty dinner awaits you, offering the chance to share stories and reflections with your fellow trekkers about the day’s incredible experiences. As night falls, you’ll be more than ready to settle into your tent and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Summary:

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Accommodations: Camp in Chiquisca
• Lowest elevation: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• Distance to walk: 11 km / 6,82 miles
• Approximate walking time: 7 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
• Sights: Apurimac River & Farmers

You’ll enjoy your last breakfast of the journey while listening to the mighty Apurímac River roaring in the distance. We’ll start early to avoid the intense sun and make the most of the final stretch of the trek, staying connected with nature.

Once you arrive at Capuliyoc, it will be time to bid farewell to the amazing trekking team that has accompanied you throughout this adventure. From there, we’ll board our private transport and head to the impressive Saywite rock, a colossal monolith of great religious significance to the Incas, closely linked to their worship of water. Here, you’ll learn about its meaning and why it was so highly revered.

Take advantage of this final stretch of the journey to admire the breathtaking snow-capped mountains one last time and capture some unforgettable photos of the stunning Andean landscape. By now, you might feel physically tired, but the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment will outweigh any fatigue.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Cusco around 5:00 p.m., where we’ll drop you off directly at your accommodation, allowing you to rest and recharge after this extraordinary experience.

Summary:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Lowest elevation: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft
• Highest Elevation: 3,500 m/ 11,483 ft
• Distance to walk: 8 km / 4,97 miles
• Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Sights: Saywite ruins