Choquequirao Trek Short Route 4 Days 3 Nights

5.0 (2 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration4 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This is more than a hike, it’s a true expedition to one of the last great hidden Inca cities. Unlike more crowded routes, this 4-day trek to Choquequirao follows a less-traveled path, offering a deeper connection with the Andes.

You’ll walk ancient trails through dramatic canyons and forests, with spectacular views of the Apurímac Valley. Known as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao remains far less visited, allowing for a more immersive and authentic experience.

Physically demanding yet incredibly rewarding, this journey combines nature, archaeology, and mountain camping. With expert guides, professional logistics, and a strong focus on safety, you can fully embrace the challenge and achievement of completing one of Peru’s most remarkable treks.

What's included

  • Satellite phone
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Water, tea time, and daily snacks during the hike
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Entrance to the Choquequirao archaeological site
  • Portable travel toilet
  • Experienced guide
  • Duffel bag for (5kg/11 lb) of personal belongings (carried by horses)
  • Safety: first aid kit, oxygen supply, and emergency satellite phones
  • Camping equipment (dining and kitchen tents, sleeping tents, tables, and chairs)
  • 4 nights of camping accommodation
  • Inflatable mattress
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
  • Private transportation and transfers during the tour
  • Gear: Sleeping Bag & Trekking Poles
  • Personal hiking clothing and equipment
  • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Day 4 dinner in Cusco
  • Gratuities

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Rosalinas Beach – Santa Rosa
  1. Cusco
    4h
    Your adventure begins with pickup at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m.
  2. 3h
    You will travel by private transport to Capuliyoc, where you will get your first views of the impressive Apurímac Canyon and meet the team.
    From Capuliyoc, you will begin your hike down well-marked trails, enjoying spectacular views and noticing how the vegetation and climate change as you descend into the valley.
  3. 14h · Admission ticket included
    After lunch en route, you will continue to the Santa Rosa camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night after a demanding and rewarding day of hiking.
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata
  1. 1h · Admission ticket included
    After a hearty breakfast, you will face the most demanding climb of the day: the ascent from Santa Rosa to Marampata.
  2. 3h
    This intense stretch offers breathtaking views of the valley, the Apurímac River, and the mountain range. Upon reaching Marampata, the vegetation becomes greener and the climate cooler, signaling the proximity of the archaeological sanctuary.
  3. 3h · Admission ticket included
    After a rest, you will continue on to the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, where you will spend several hours exploring its terraces, temples, ceremonial enclosures, and agricultural areas. This site, built on top of a mountain, remains one of the most impressive and least visited in the Inca world. With luck, you will be able to see condors flying over the canyon at sunset.
  4. 11h
    After completing the visit, you will return to Marampata to enjoy dinner and rest for the night with breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
Day 3: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chiquisca
  1. 3h
    You will wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the canyon before beginning the descent from Marampata to Santa Rosa. This section offers unique views of the majestic Apurímac River.
  2. 1h
    After a break in Santa Rosa, you will continue down to Playa Rosalinas
  3. Pass by
    Where you can cool off by the river and enjoy a delicious lunch.
  4. 10h
    Afterwards, you will begin the climb to Chiquisca, a gradual but steady ascent that will take you back to warmer areas of the valley.
    You will arrive in Chiquisca in the afternoon, where you will set up camp, surrounded by vegetation and mild weather. Here you will have dinner and rest.
Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco
  1. 4h
    After breakfast, you will begin the ascent to Capuliyoc, the final stretch of the trek. This trail offers you the last panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon and the mountains you crossed during the previous days.
  2. 2h
    Upon arrival in Capuliyoc, you will say goodbye to the team of muleteers and board private transportation to Cusco.
  3. Saywite
    2h · Admission ticket included
    On the return route, you will visit the Saywite monolith, a fascinating archaeological piece carved in stone that represents Inca water and agricultural models.
  4. 1h
    You will then continue to the Conoc hot springs, where you can relax and soothe your muscles after the hike.
  5. Cusco
    2h
    Finally, you will return to your hotel in Cusco in the afternoon, marking the perfect end to an unforgettable journey.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
The pickup time is between 04.30 and 05:00 am.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  • If traveling with children, they must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
  • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
  • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (2)
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