Choquequirao Trek

Choquequirao is a “Lost City of the Incas” – in similar vein as Machu Picchu – officially rediscovered late in the 20th century. It is located high on a ridge spur almost 1750m above the raging, glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by the towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. During this spectacular 4 day, 60km trek, you will hike through various ecosystems and enjoy beautiful views. Hiking starts in the village of Cachora, goes down to the bottom of the deep and impressive Apurimac River Canyon, and up again on the opposite side to reach the incredible archaeological complex of Choquequirao.

As you can only trek to reach the site, it is far quieter than Machu Picchu and offers unparalled, undisturbed beauty and history.

Trek Day 1: Cusco / Cachora / Rosalina

Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and head towards Cachora located at 3,400 masl. Here we will find the full team who will accompany us on the way to Choquequirao. We being our trek surrounded by Andean landscapes and continue until the Mirador de Capuliyoq (2,900 masl), from this viewpoint we will see a somewhat distant Inca city of Choquequirao and a striking view of the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. We will continue our tour by descending to our first camp at Playa Rosalina (1,500 masl).

Climate: Warm

Hiking time: 7 hours

Hiking distance: 18 kilometers (11 miles)

Trek Day 2: Rosalina / Santa Rosa / Marampata / Choquequirao

After breakfast we will continue our adventure, this time by ascending to Santa Rosa (2,100 masl), and after a short rest will follow the path until reaching Marampata (2,800 masl). Here we will have lunch and then continue on to our second camp in Choquequirao (3,035 masl). The second day hike is considered the most difficult, because we spend a lot of time hiking uphill.

Climate: Mixed – both cold and warm

Hiking time: 7 hours

Hiking distance: 13 kilometers (8 miles)

Trek Day 3: Choquequirao / Chiquisca

After an early breakfast, we will be able to enjoy the main event: Our guided Choquequirao, ancient Inca refuge tour. After an extensive tour of the main sectors of this impressive Inca city and a change to explore and take all the photos you’d like, we will head back to the town of Chiquisca. The journey on the third day is easier, as we travel the same route as the previous day but this time downhill.

Climate: Moderate climate likely with mosquitoes (don’t forget mosquito spray)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Hiking distance: 14 kilometers (8.6 miles)

Trek Day 4: Chiquisca / Cachora / Cuzco

Today we begin our journey early and head to return to Cachora, where we began our walk the first day. Here our transport will be waiting to return to Cusco.

Approximate hiking time: 5-6 hours

• Hotel pick-up and drop off
• Information about the trek
• Transport from hotel to the town of Cachora
• Entrance to Choquequirao
• Bilingual tour guide
• Food during the trek (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
• Mules to carry the camping equipment
• A cook
• First aid kit
• Oxygen tank
• Transport from Cachora town to Cusco city
• Hotel – Airport or bus station transportion

What’s not included:

• Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the second day.
• Sleeping bag

Options to rent:

• A horse: $ 115.00 US Dollars
• Feather sleeping bag: $ 30.00 US Dollars
• Normal sleeping: $ 25.00 US Dollars
• Backpack: $ 30.00 US Dollars
• Vegan and vegetarian options available upon request, please let us know when booking