Tour Details
Choquequirao Trek (4 Days)—known as the “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua—sits at 3,085 m. This spectacular Inca site, carved in stone and protected by the Apurímac River, is surrounded by snowy peaks like Yanama, Ampay, Choquetakarpu and Pumasillo. Its layout features sacred areas, ritual temples, astronomical centers, urban and agricultural sectors. Only about 30% has been excavated so far, but ongoing restoration plans aim to reveal much more of this Andean jewel.
What’s Included?
- ✅ Hotel pickup and bus transfer to Cachora (trailhead)
- ✅ Professional bilingual guide
- ✅ Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
- ✅ Full kitchen equipment
- ✅ Muleteers and pack horses (to carry tents, food, and kitchen gear)
- ✅ Return transport Cachora – Cusco
- ✅ 3 nights camping (2 people per tent)
- ✅ Dining tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs
- ✅ Oxygen bottle
- ✅ First-aid kit
What’s Not Included
- ⛔ Extra riding/duffel horse for personal items (US$25 per day)
- ⛔ Sleeping bag (US$25 rental)
- ⛔ Tips
Important Recommendations
It’s best to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize. Bring comfortable hiking clothes, sunscreen, hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- ➡️ Small backpack with trail clothing
- ➡️ Personal toiletries
- ➡️ Trekking shoes (broken-in)
- ➡️ Personal meds and original passport
- ➡️ Water bottle + purification tablets
- ➡️ Rain gear (Oct–Mar)
- ➡️ Headlamp, camera, spare batteries
- ➡️ Warm layers for cold mornings/nights
- ➡️ Swimsuit (if visiting hot springs en route, optional)
- ➡️ Insect repellent
- ➡️ Sunscreen
- ➡️ Sun cap/hat
- ➡️ TP and small towel
- ➡️ Snacks (cookies, chocolate, etc.)
- ➡️ Trekking poles
- ➡️ Sleeping bag
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel or a coordinated spot in Cusco’s historic center.
Route overview: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoq – Chikiska – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa Baja – Marampata – Choquequirao – Chikiska – Cocamasana – Capuliyoq – Cusco.
Important: A demanding 4-day trek with long ascents/descents. Prior acclimatization and good fitness required.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa Baja
Pick-up between 5:30–6:00 a.m.. After ~4 h we reach Cachora and continue to Capuliyoq (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), a superb lookout over Padreyoq (5,771 m / 18,930 ft) and the Apurímac Canyon. Descend ~2.5 h to Chikiska (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) for lunch, then continue down to Playa Rosalina—the trek’s lowest point (1,550 m / 5,085 ft). From here, start a 3 h ascent to our first camp at Santa Rosa Baja for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Santa Rosa Baja – Marampata – Choquequirao
Breakfast at 5:00 a.m. and start hiking at 6:00 a.m.. After ~2 h 30 min reach Marampata (2,870 m / 9,416 ft), then continue ~2 h to the Choquequirao complex. Explore the main sectors with your guide and enjoy a boxed lunch at the site. Late afternoon, return to Marampata for dinner and camping.
Day 3: Marampata – Chikiska – Cocamasana
After breakfast, begin the descent past Santa Rosa Alta and Santa Rosa Baja to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 ft). Ascend to Chikiska (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) for lunch, then continue uphill to camp at Cocamasana.
Day 4: Cocamasana – Capuliyoq – Cusco
After breakfast (~6:00 a.m.), tackle the final climb of ~3 h to the Capuliyoq pass. Private transport back to Cusco. Drop-off at Plaza San Francisco, two blocks from the main square.
Photo Gallery
Discover the beauty of the Apurímac Canyon and Choquequirao through these images.
Practical Information
Tour Facts
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Hiking distance: ~58–62 km round trip
- Max altitude: ~3,050 m (Choquequirao)
- Difficulty: High – long ascents/descents; excellent fitness & acclimatization required
- Minimum age: 12+
- Group size: Up to 16 travelers
What to Bring
- Passport or ID
- Layered clothing: thermal, fleece, windproof/rain shell
- Hat/cap, sunglasses, buff/scarf
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Hydration system or bottles (2–3 L) + purification tablets/filter
- Broken-in trekking boots and spare socks
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended)
- Sleeping bag (≈ –5 °C) and headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal first-aid kit (anti-inflammatories, tape, rehydration salts, altitude meds as advised)
- Cash (PEN) for local purchases
- Dry bags and trash bag
Health & Safety
- Arrive in Cusco 2–3 days early to acclimatize
- Hydrate and eat light during hiking days
- Use poles to protect knees on long descents
- Keep a steady pace; rest as needed
- Not recommended for travelers with severe heart/respiratory conditions without medical clearance
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation 7+ days before: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund