The Choquequirao Ultimate Challenge
At first glance, Choquequirao is one of the most enigmatic Inca ruins in Cusco, located in the Andean highlands. The Choquequirao trek was listed on the National Geographic 2021 list of the best trips in the world, but not many people know about it. Locally, it is also called the sister of Machu Picchu due to its similarity. To get to Choquequirao, one has to have enough physical endurance, and even more if you are planning to complete the Choquequirao trek independently. This hiking tour is for anyone looking for an experience off the beaten path.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
The Choquequirao Trek 4 Days takes you through the high jungle of the Andean Mountains on a fascinating track. It is truly off-the-beaten-path hiking and camping because of how far away it is. With breath-taking views at every turn, this is a fantastic replacement for the Inca Trail. You’ll encounter a lot of snow-capped mountains, rivers, herds of alpacas and llamas, as well as the magnificent Choquequirao huge Inca Ruin site, during this walk! Even bigger than Machu Picchu, this ancient Inca city is so magnificent that only a select few are fortunate enough to see it.
Highlights: Choquequirao & Apurimac Canyon
Hike Distance: 10km/ 6.2milles each day aprox.
Considerations: Acclimatazation required
Season: April to November
Max. Altitude: 3033m/9950ft
Itinerary at a Glance
-
Day01
Cusco - Cachora - Capuliyoq - Chiquisca
-
Day02
Chiquisca - Playa Rosalinda - Maranpata - Choquequirao
-
Day03
Choquequirao - Santa Rosa - Playa Rosalinda
-
Day04
Playa Rosalinda - Cachora - Cusco
Cusco - Cachora - Capuliyoc - Santa Rosa.
Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles
Climate: Warm and sunny
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping, Santa Rosa 2100msnm
Distance Travelled: Approximately 12km
Before the first daylight we take our bus to start our adventure, pick you up in the Hotel around 5 am. Likewise, make sure you bring all your own equipment on the trek. Then we will start our journey to the village of Cachora from Cusco. 4 hours’ drive to the trailhead of Cachora, continuing thereafter towards the Cunyac Bridge between the departments of Cusco and Apurimac, arriving at Cachora, 2800 masl, and Capuliyoc, 2900 masl, at Here we will meet with our horseman (mules driver), here is the first view to the Choquequirao complex still further, we starting with gentleman downhill by serpent trail over the Apurimac canyon for 4 hours, crossing the small hamlet and hut called Cocamasana and Chiquisca on the lower part of the valley, the climate is warm and sunny on the dry season is dusty, we will have lunch before the start the ascent towards Santa Rosa hamlet, lunch spot called Playa Rosalinda 1500 masl, after nap the ascent is around 2 hours till Sta Rosa 2100 masl. The first base camp, Choquequirao Trek Classic.
Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping, Choquequirao 3000msnm.
Climate: Warm and windy
Distance Travelled: Approximately 8km/5.3miles
Hiking time: 5 hours
One day of complete adrenaline to climb up to the ancient city where there is the highest view of the wide landscape, after a light quake breakfast around 6:00 am, we will continue our hike up to Marampata, 2850 m.a.s.l., for around 3 hours at a slow pace. During our journey, we will observe the dense vegetation in the area. Then we will arrive in Maranpata, beside the Chunchumayo, for a refreshing and short rest. Along the way, you’ll observe many orchids and colorful flowers, as well as many birds and mammals; Marampata, the beautiful base camp; a lunch spot with a top view of much further into the mountains; and the great incacomplej, called “Choquequirao City,” at 3000 masl. From lunch is 2 hours hike along the Inca trail with impressive views to Choquequirao and surrounded the complex. On the afternoon recommended visit with less clouds and clear views to mountain ranges early darkness side down tents close to Choquequirao 2950 masl. Base camp.
Choquequirao - Marampata - Chiquisca.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping, Chiquiska 1950msnm.
Climate:warm and sunny
Distance Travelled: Approximately 13km/8.1miles
Hikingtime:7 hours
To wake up on the Andes it is delight to following Our instinct of path finders, quit breakfast will be on the wild life in Choquequirao is prize by sunrise and fill up of gladness, We will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the impressionist views of the deep canyons and maybe the opportunity to see a Condor flying near, we will walk towards of the Choquequirao archaeologicalcomplex, which is a one-hour walk to see the Choquequirao and where our guide and mystic knowledge you feel travel around the time, after 3 hours exploring the complex we start return way back to the begin by the same trail 2 hours down cross the Apurimac river and 1 hour up until Chiquisca. base camp.
Chiquisqa - Capuliyoc - Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Climate:Warm and sunny
DistanceTravelled: Approximately 9km/5.5miles
Hikingtime: 5 hours
Most of the day is hat and up back to the beginning, and we will return along the same route to Capuliyoc, 2800 masl., the slope back the way up, appreciate the condors and some Andean life on the route, and turn the head and share the experience on the trek. We descended on the first day, and it is a soft climb of two hours until the pass of Capuliyoc, 2915 m.During our journey, we will see exotic flora and fauna, as well as views of majestic snow-capped peaks and the Apurimac Canyon. After reaching Capuliyoc, where the climbing path ends, we will have lunch with the last views of the Apurimac valley and the Choquequirao Trek Classic; the total climbing time is about 4 hours. In the afternoon, we will drive a car back 5 hours to Cusco. Arriving around 6 p.m., passengers will be transferred to the hotel. end of the services.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.
WE INCLUDE
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
-
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Choquequirao trek. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will stay with our porter while you are hiking.
-
Professional Trekking Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Magical last refuge of the Incas Choquequirao.
-
Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for the tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek. These permits will be for a specific date and will be in your name.
-
Horses Team
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we include horses who will be carrying your personal belongings in a duffle bag that we provide during this tour. This duffle bag cannot exceed 7 kg/14lb. This weight includes the sleeping bag and mattress. You will be responsible to pack your duffle bag with your personal items (including sleeping bag and mattress) that you will not be using during the day before breakfast. Items that are packed will not be accessible till we reach the final camp for the evening.
Transportations
-
Private Transport
We include all the transportations during your trek. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, and take you to Cachora Trail head. At the end of the trek, the bus returning from Cachora to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.
Equipment
-
Camping equipment
Machu Picchu by Locals leads tours to Machu Picchu with a suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of the life time. Our tents are Eureka or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only for 2 people to ensure you comfort and enough place for your luggage. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal along this tour.
-
Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 4 days Choquequirao Trek. You will get this duffle bag at Machu Picchu by Locals office during your pre-departure briefing the night before of your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon you arrive to the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag and mattress but the maximum allowable weight is 7kg/17lb. The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
-
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
-
Meals
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. For your trek, we include 3 breakfast, 4 lunch and 3 dinner. We cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free and others – just let us know your dietary restrictions at the time of your booking. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.
-
Water
Machu Picchu by Locals will provide you water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled and cooled by our Chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
-
Snacks
Our team will provide snack every morning before leaving each campsite so you can enjoy it during your hike along the day. There will be many breaks where you can enjoy the delicious local fruits, biscuits, caramels
WE NOT INCLUDED
-
Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Choquequirao needs a proper sleeping bag which has to be for -15°C / 5° F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or you don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
-
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits – protect your knees while you are hiking downhill. Specially on ancient Inca trail which are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increase stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.
-
Breakfast on the First day
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Curawasi where you will be available to purchase a breakfast.
-
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
-
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
INFO
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Porters or horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility. Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
PREPARING FOR YOUR TREK
BOOKING SYSTEM
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we try to make the best of us to booking system works as easy as possible for you, once you decided to do this trek, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required detail which are important to book your tickets, we need a previous deposit of 50% per person. Once as soon as you paid it, we immediately book a spot for this tour once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation form that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.
IS MACHU PICCHU by LOCALS TEAM CONTACTING US BEFORE FLYING TO PERU?
Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after have confirmed the reservation, please you ask to check constantly your e-mail, also if you have some issue let us know to solve as soon as possible.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?
Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow especially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off also a night before your tour you will meet with your tour guide who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Machu Picchu by Locals sales team.
ALONG THE TREK
IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TREK?
Not, because this trek is located in remote place where there is not electricity some local village located along the trek has solar panels your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone, we recommend to bring your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK?
This trek is particularly challenging specially for people who does not has experience hiking on the mountains, we recommend to training with some exercises a few times per week to don’t have problem, also is recommendable to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segment along this trek are located over 4000m/13123ft
WHAT HAPPEN IF I GOT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
No worry, our guide and team are professional and they know how to solve any issue during your trek, your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these, also will be there an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recovery. Our team always has radio and they are trained for any emergency happen during our tours.
DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS?
Definitely, it is always recommendable to wear a light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, crossing some rivers especially the day 2 some of them are slippery, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.
SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?
Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.
WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?
In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the trail all the hotels in Cusco has storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek we have available our storage in Machu Picchu by Locals office, get more info with from our office team.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER
The weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in some part of the trail.
From: USD 360.00 per person
USD 340.00: from 4 people to more
* Additional single tent: $30USD
*Sleeping bag -5°C / 25°F for the entire trip: $20USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
4 Days / 3 Nights
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
What's it like!!
Map of Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
-
Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
-
Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
-
Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
-
Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
-
Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
Why Travel with us
Social Project
Everything from one source
There's a reason why so many people recommend our adventure holidays.
What Our Clients Say
We take great pride in taking care of our guests
Our travellers are our best advocates, and they frequently recommend our specialist travel services to friends, colleagues and family when planning a trip to our region.