Choquequirao ruins among steep green mountains
Trekking & Hiking

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

Cusco

Duration
4 days
Physical level
Demanding
Max. altitude
3,200 m
Group size
Group (private on request)
Accommodation
3 nights camping
From
US$480

The "sacred sister" of Machu Picchu, above the Apurímac canyon

The Choquequirao Trek in 4 days from Cusco: down into the Apurímac canyon, up to the Inca city of Choquequirao (3,033 m) — with its condors in the afternoon — and back along the same trail. Camping, meals, horses, cook and entrance included.

Choquequirao is known as the "sacred sister" of Machu Picchu for the architectural and cultural likeness between the two sites. This 4-day trek is a different way to discover Inca culture.

Along the way you take in the deep canyon of the Apurímac River, the snow-capped peaks around it and a rich biodiversity, as the route lies between the high jungle and the cloud forest ("ceja de selva"). Nature becomes a refuge from the everyday rush.

Who is it for

The trek is designed for people in good health and good physical shape, ready for long, steep days. You can do it on your own and meet other travellers, as a couple, with friends or as a family looking for an unforgettable adventure together.

The trek at a glance

Distance: 12 km on day 1, 9 km on day 2, 17 km on day 3 and 4 km on day 4. Highest point: Capuliyoc, 3,200 m; lowest: Playa Rosalina on the Apurímac, 1,550 m. Accommodation: 3 nights camping in four-season tents. Your duffel bag (up to 8 kg) travels on horses or mules.

Private tour

This trek can also be done privately: you choose the date and walk at your own pace. Ask us for availability and prices.

  • Choquequirao, the "sacred sister" of Machu Picchu, step by step with your guide
  • Condors flying over the site in the afternoon
  • The Apurímac canyon, from the river at 1,550 m to Capuliyoc at 3,200 m
  • The snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora (5,482 m)

Choquequirao trek 4 days route map

NRÍO APURIMACCUSCO3,399 m · 11,152 ftDAY 1 · 4 · START · ENDCURAHUASI2,691 m · 8,829 ftDAY 1CACHORA2,893 m · 9,491 ftDAY 1CAPULIYOC3,200 m · 10,499 ftDAY 1 · 4COCAMASANA2,330 m · 7,644 ftDAY 1 · 3 · 1 NIGHTCHIQUISCA1,750 m · 5,741 ftDAY 1 · 3PLAYA ROSALINA1,550 m · 5,085 ftDAY 1 · 3SANTA ROSA1,800 m · 5,906 ftDAY 1 · 1 NIGHTMARAMPATA2,918 m · 9,573 ftDAY 2 · 1 NIGHTCHOQUEQUIRAO3,033 m · 9,951 ftDAY 2RoadTrekRiverCamp / lodgeHighlight
← Swipe →© OpenStreetMap
01

Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa

Drive to Capuliyoc and a long descent into the Apurímac canyon to camp at Santa Rosa.

Overnight: Santa Rosa (camping)Lunch, dinner12 km · 8–9 h

Choquequirao trek 4 days itinerary

  1. Santa Rosa (camping) — Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa

    Santa Rosa (camping)

    Lunch, dinner12 km · 8–9 h3,200 m

    Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa

    We leave Cusco early in the morning by private transport, around 05:30. After 2 hours we reach the town of Curahuasi, where you can buy breakfast (not included), and after 2 more hours we arrive at Capuliyoc (3,200 m), the trailhead, where we meet the rest of the team: the horsemen and their horses. We descend the eastern slopes of the Andes to Cocamasana (2,330 m) for a rest. On the way we get our first views of the Apurímac valley below and of the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora (5,482 m). It gets warmer, and the plants and wildlife begin to change. Two more hours downhill take us to Chiquisca (1,750 m), and we keep walking down to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), on the Apurímac River, for a delicious lunch. After lunch we cross the river and walk uphill to our first campsite, Santa Rosa (1,800 m). Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles). Walking time: 8 to 9 hours.

  2. Marampata (camping) — Santa Rosa – Choquequirao – Marampata

    Marampata (camping)

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner9 km · 8–9 h3,033 m

    Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao – Marampata

    An early start again: after breakfast we walk up to reach Choquequirao after midday. We get to know the archaeological site step by step, and the skill and intelligence of the people who built it bring back the glorious days of the Inca empire. Around 15:00, condors usually appear over Choquequirao as they fly up to higher ground. We then walk to the Marampata campsite, where we have dinner and spend the night. Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles). Walking time: 8 to 9 hours.

  3. Cocamasana (camping) — Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca – Cocamasana

    Cocamasana (camping)

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner17 km · 9 h2,918 m

    Day 3: Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca – Cocamasana

    After breakfast we head back along the same trail, past Santa Rosa, down to the banks of the Apurímac River at Playa Rosalina (1,550 m). We climb to Chiquisca for lunch and, after lunch, keep walking uphill to Cocamasana, where we spend the night. Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles). Walking time: 9 hours.

  4. Cusco — Cocamasana – Capuliyoc – Cusco

    Cusco

    Breakfast4 km · 3 h3,200 m

    Day 4: Cocamasana – Capuliyoc – Cusco

    Early in the morning, after breakfast, we climb for about 3 more hours to the Capuliyoc viewpoint, with one last look at the majestic snow-capped Padreyoc above the Apurímac canyon. Here in Capuliyoc we have our last lunch, and then our private transport takes us back to Cusco, arriving before 17:00 or 18:00. Distance: 4 km (2.4 miles). Walking time: 3 hours.

Customize this journey

Change the pace, upgrade hotels, add days — this itinerary is yours to shape.

Customize this journey

What's included

Included

  • Certified guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese
  • A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
  • Pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco
  • Private transport Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc (trailhead) and back to Cusco
  • Entrance to Choquequirao
  • A duffel bag for up to 8 kg of your belongings, carried by horses or mules
  • Horses or mules and horseman to carry the camping and cooking equipment
  • Four-season tents (2 trekkers per tent, with room for your things)
  • Camping equipment: kitchen tent, folding chairs and table
  • Mattresses
  • 3 meals a day during the trek, served buffet style
  • Meals adapted to your diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian, etc.)
  • Professional cook
  • A snack for each day of trekking
  • Boiled water to drink along the trail
  • First-aid kit with oxygen
  • A "Survivor" T-shirt for each member of the group

Not included

  • Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
  • Extra expenses for anything you buy along the trail
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra cost of US$70 per person)
  • Sleeping bag: rent a professional one from us for US$20 (rated down to -15 °C / 5 °F)
  • Trekking poles: rent a professional Black Diamond pair from us for US$15
  • Bottled water (you can buy it in Curahuasi, at the breakfast stop, and at the small shops along the trail)
  • Tips for the team (not compulsory, but always welcome)

Choquequirao trek 4 days prices

Group tour – Standard

FromUS$480per person

  • 3 nights camping in four-season tents
  • Horses, cook and entrance to Choquequirao
Check availability

Before you go

Physical condition

The trek is designed for people in good health and good physical shape: there is no transport on the trail and some sections are steep, with long descents and climbs every day.

Backpacks

Your duffel bag (up to 8 kg) goes on the horses; carry a small backpack for the day with water, snacks, camera, sunblock and your poncho.

Clothing

Warm clothes, a beanie, gloves and a scarf for the cool nights, light clothes for days 3 and 4, a waterproof jacket and trousers or raincoat, a hat, hiking shoes, flip-flops or sandals and swimwear.

Protection

Sunblock, sunglasses, mosquito repellent (40% DEET or more), coca leaves and your personal medication.

Useful items

Torch with batteries, water bottle, towel, toiletries, a plastic bag, snacks and extra cash for souvenirs and drinks.

Choquequirao trek 4 days FAQs

G

Giovanni

Founder & Travel Advisor · replies within 24 hours

Message on WhatsApp

The site is at 3,033 m and the climate is temperate, with cool nights (visitors do not stay inside the Inca city after sunset). The trail up from the Apurímac canyon can be hot. Temperatures at the site range between 5 °C and 25 °C.

It is not recommended. Because of the difficulty of the route and the supplies you need for four days, the most comfortable option is a formal, authorised agency like Vacations in Peru, with a guide who explains the history and traditions of Choquequirao along the way.

There is no transport on the trail and some sections are steep, so you need to be in good physical shape. To avoid complications with rain, the dry season (April to October) is the best time to go.

From Cusco (or Abancay) you drive to Cachora and on to Capuliyoc, where the trail starts. From there you walk down to the Apurímac River and climb the other side of the canyon to the site; on this trek you arrive on day 2. The way back follows the same trail.

Choquequirao is at 3,033 m above sea level. The highest point of this trek is Capuliyoc (3,200 m) and the lowest, the Apurímac River at Playa Rosalina (1,550 m).

Inca buildings as impressive as those of Machu Picchu: the main plaza, colcas (storehouses), the Inca cemetery, kallankas, the ushnu, agricultural terraces and more. Choquequirao is still being excavated: only about 30% of the original Inca city has been restored so far.

What our travelers say

  • ★★★★★
    “Fast, honest answers on WhatsApp before we booked and real support during the trip. When a train was delayed, everything was rearranged before we even noticed.”
    Laura & James P., United KingdomPeru Essentials in Style
  • ★★★★★
    “Walking the Inca Trail had been on my list for twenty years. The team handled the permits, the porters were incredible and arriving through the Sun Gate was pure emotion.”
    Michael K., AustraliaClassic Inca TrailGoogle
  • ★★★★★
    “Travelling with three kids could have been stressful, but the pace was just right. The llama trek and the chocolate workshop were the highlights for our children.”
    The Harrison family, United StatesFamily Adventure in the AndesTripadvisor
  • ★★★★★
    “The perfect honeymoon. The Hiram Bingham train, a private sunrise at Machu Picchu and three nights in the Amazon — Giovanni designed something that felt completely ours.”
    Emma T., United KingdomRomantic Peru HoneymoonGoogle
  • ★★★★★
    “Our guide on the Salkantay trek knew every plant, every story and exactly when we needed a break. Crossing the pass at sunrise is a memory we will keep forever.”
    David & Claire R., CanadaSalkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTripadvisor
  • ★★★★★
    “Every single detail was taken care of, from the airport pick-up in Lima to a quiet table overlooking the Sacred Valley. We never once had to think about logistics — we just enjoyed Peru.”
    Sarah M., United StatesPeru Essentials in Style

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