Choquequirao Trek from Cusco 4 Days 3 Nig…

Sobre el tour

A trekking adventure to Choquequirao: the hidden Inca citadel deep in the Andes.

Cusco, Cachora, Capuliyoc, Chiquisca, Playa Rosalina, Maranpata, Choquequirao

This thrilling 4-day trek from Cusco takes you to one of Peru’s most breathtaking and least-visited archaeological sites: Choquequirao, known as the «sacred sister of Machu Picchu». The adventure begins with a transfer to Cachora and the start of the trail at Capuliyoc, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the deep Apurimac Canyon.

Along the way, you’ll cross diverse Andean ecosystems, descending to Playa Rosalina and climbing through mountain communities lush with vegetation. The highlight is a guided tour of the majestic Choquequirao citadel, perched above 10,728 ft and surrounded by the Vilcabamba mountain range. This is bucket-list trekking for adventurers seeking one of the great hidden treasures of the Inca Empire.

Cusco Tour

Step by step

Itinerary – Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

📍

Day 1 · Cusco (10,991 ft) → Chiquisca (6,332 ft)

Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

Hotel pick-up at 7:00 a.m. Transfer to Cachora (rest stop at approx. 10:00 a.m.) then on to Capuliyoc for panoramic views of the Apurimac Valley. Begin descending trail to Chiquisca, where we set up camp for the night.

⏱ 11.2 mi · 9 hrs · Descent: −2,411 ft · Meals: Lunch & Dinner

🏕️

Day 2 · Chiquisca (6,332 ft) → Maranpata (9,350 ft)

Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Maranpata

Early breakfast at 5:00 a.m. Descend to Playa Rosalina (4,921 ft), the lowest point of the trek. Challenging climb to Santa Rosa (6,890 ft) for lunch. Continue to Maranpata (9,350 ft) for dinner and camping — just 1 hour from Choquequirao.

⏱ 8.7 mi · 8 hrs · Ascent: +3,018 ft / Descent: −1,411 ft · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

🏛️

Day 3 · Choquequirao (10,728 ft) → Chiquisca (6,332 ft)

Choquequirao Visit – Return to Chiquisca

Depart at 5:00 a.m. to catch sunrise over Choquequirao. 3-hour guided tour of the citadel: agricultural terraces, temples, ceremonial structures, and sweeping views of the Apurimac Canyon and Vilcabamba Range. Descend back to Chiquisca for camping.

⏱ 8.7 mi · 8 hrs · Ascent: +3,215 ft / Descent: −5,807 ft · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

🏁

Day 4 · Chiquisca (6,332 ft) → Cusco (10,991 ft)

Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco

Breakfast at 6:00 a.m. Ascend back via the same trail to Capuliyoc, then down to Cachora (arrival approx. 12:00 p.m.). Transfer back to Cusco. Hotel arrival in the afternoon. End of services.

⏱ 4.4 mi · 6 hrs · Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

✅

Included

Professional bilingual guide for the entire trek.
Round-trip transport Cusco – Cachora – Cusco.
Hotel pick-up in Cusco on day 1.
All meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and 1 snack.
2- or 4-person camping tents with inflatable sleeping pads.
Pack horses or mules for personal gear (11 lbs standard / 15 lbs private). Duffel bag provided at briefing.
Emergency saddle horse (groups from 5 pax; private from 1 pax).
Arriero (muleteer) to manage pack animals.
First aid kit.
Full cooking equipment and kitchen crew.
Choquequirao archaeological site entrance tickets.

❌

Not Included

Extra nights due to extreme weather conditions.
Personal hygiene and care items.
Riding horse rental (optional, at extra cost).
Tips (optional).

Tour duration

4 days / 3 nights camping.

Start time

Day 1: hotel pick-up at 7:00 a.m.

Max altitude

10,991 ft / 3,350 m (Cusco / Capuliyoc).

Difficulty

Difficult. Steep elevation changes and long daily distances. Good physical fitness required.

Tour type

Trekking Tours

Total distance

Approx. 33 miles / 53 km (round trip).

Key altitudes

Cusco / Capuliyoc: 10,991 ft / 3,350 m
Choquequirao: 10,728 ft / 3,270 m
Playa Rosalina (lowest point): 4,921 ft / 1,500 m

Accommodation

Organized camps at Chiquisca (nights 1 & 3) and Maranpata (night 2).

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

It’s a challenging trek with steep elevation changes and long daily distances. Previous trekking experience or solid physical preparation is recommended.

Yes. We recommend spending at least 1–2 days in Cusco before starting the trek to help your body adjust to the altitude.

No. All three nights are spent in organized campsites along the trail (Chiquisca and Maranpata).

It’s a remote Inca citadel larger than Machu Picchu, surrounded by pristine nature and accessible only on foot — one of Peru’s best-kept secrets.

Yes, riding horses can be arranged at an additional cost. Please request this at the time of booking.

Signal is very limited or nonexistent for most of the trek. We recommend downloading offline maps before departure.

The dry season (April to October) offers less rain, clearer skies, and the best trail conditions.

Recommendations

Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime

🥾

Essential Trekking Gear

Sturdy trekking boots, trekking poles, light daytime clothing (the canyon gets hot), warm layers for cold nights, a rain poncho or jacket, and a headlamp.

🎒

What to Pack

Original passport, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, energy snacks, and personal hygiene items.

🏃

Get Physically Ready

Train with long hikes before your trip, build cardiovascular endurance, and spend 1–2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before day one of the trek.

🌿

Travel Responsibly

Pack out all trash, do not remove plants or disturb wildlife, follow your guide’s instructions, and keep archaeological sites intact.

Choquequirao
Trek

A trekking adventure to Choquequirao: the hidden Inca citadel deep in the Andes.

Itinerary – Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

Any questions?

Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime

Tours que te pueden interesar

Palomino Islands Full Day Lima

Machu Picchu & Humantay

Cusco, Machu & Vinicunca

ChoquequiraoTrek

A trekking adventure to Choquequirao: the hidden Inca citadel deep in the Andes.

Itinerary – Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

Any questions?

Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime

Tours que te pueden interesar

Palomino Islands Full Day Lima

Machu Picchu & Humantay

Cusco, Machu & Vinicunca

Choquequirao
Trek