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FRIf you crave a physically demanding challenge, an unspoiled natural environment, and the deep mystery of ancient civilizations, the Choquequirao Trek (4 Days & 3 Nights) is your perfect match. This premier off-the-beaten-path adventure leads you deep into the heart of the Peruvian Andes, far from the crowded tourist trails, to the legendary "lost city" of the Incas.
Why Choose the "Cradle of Gold"?
Choquequirao, or “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua, is often called Machu Picchu’s sister city. Perched high above the roaring Apurímac River and framed by majestic snow-capped peaks, this archaeological site is estimated to be three times larger than Machu Picchu—yet only a fraction of it has been excavated.
- Authentic Exploration: With ancient terraces, sacred temples, and ceremonial plazas still being reclaimed from the jungle, visiting Choquequirao feels like stepping into a living laboratory of history.
- The Route: Starting from the village of Cachora, you will navigate steep switchbacks and descend into the dramatic Apurímac Canyon before the final ascent to the ruins.
- The Reward: This is a strenuous hike designed for those seeking a rugged alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Your effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas, silent pathways, and a profound connection to the Inca heritage.
Whether you are an experienced trekker or a soul searching for a unique spiritual journey through Peru’s holy landscapes, the Choquequirao 4-day route offers an authentic, crowd-free encounter with the greatness of the Andes.
A Remote Andean Expedition to a Hidden Inca City
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa
04:30 am – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to Capuliyoc (3,000 m) with panoramic views of the Andes.
08:30 am – Breakfast at Capuliyoc and meet your trekking team (cook & muleteer).
09:30 am – Begin the downhill trek into the Apurímac Canyon, passing Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina.
12:30 pm – Arrive at Chiquisca for a delicious lunch and short rest.
02:00 pm – Continue descending to the Apurímac River (1,500 m), known as “Speaking God.”
03:15 pm – Cross the river and begin an uphill climb to Santa Rosa.
05:15 pm – Arrive at Santa Rosa campsite (1,970 m), dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata
05:30 am – Early breakfast and begin a steep 3-hour ascent to Marampata (2,900 m).
08:30 am – Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the next stretch.
10:00 am – Hike to the Choquequirao archaeological complex (3,050 m).
11:30 am – 02:30 pm – Full guided tour of Choquequirao; visit terraces, temples, plazas, and the sacred white stone llamas.
12:30 pm – Picnic lunch at the ruins with breathtaking views.
02:30 pm – Begin return hike to Marampata.
04:00 pm – Arrive at camp, dinner, and stargazing in the remote Andes.
Day 3: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Rosalinas – Chiquisca
06:00 am – Breakfast and begin the descent back to Santa Rosa.
09:00 am – Short cultural stop at a local sugar cane farm; learn about Cambray liquor production.
11:00 am – Trek down to Rosalinas Beach (1,500 m); optional river foot soak.
12:30 pm – Lunch along the Apurímac River.
02:00 pm – Begin uphill hike to Chiquisca (1,900 m).
03:30 pm – Arrive at campsite, rest and dinner with scenic canyon views.
Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco
05:30 am – Light breakfast and early start to avoid the midday heat.
07:30 am – Arrive at Capuliyoc viewpoint; final photos and farewell to trekking team.
08:00 am – Private transport to Saywite Monolith, a spiritual Inca stone carving.
10:00 am – Visit and guided explanation of Inca water rituals and sacred sites.
11:30 am – Travel to Conoc Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
01:00 pm – Lunch by the hot springs.
02:30 pm – Begin return trip to Cusco.
06:00 pm – Arrival and hotel drop-off in Cusco.
Itinerary – Four Days Across Deep Canyons and High Trails
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa
Your memorable tour begins with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel.Settle in for a scenic five-hour drive to Capuliyoc, where majestic views of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks set the tone for your adventure.
After a hearty breakfast and introductions to your trekking crew your cook and horseman—you’ll hit the trail for a 3-hour downhill hike into the spectacular Apurímac Canyon. Marvel at towering peaks like Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina before stopping for lunch in Chiquisca.
In the afternoon, continue to the roaring Apurímac River, whose Quechua name means “Talking God,” then ascend for about two hours to reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m), your first campsite. Enjoy a nourishing dinner before resting under the Andean sky.
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata
Fuel up with breakfast before tackling a 3h zigzag climb to Marampata (2,900 m), where panoramic canyon views and snowy peaks reward your effort. After a short rest, trek another 90 minutes to the awe-inspiring Choquequirao ruins (3,050 m), often called the “sister city of Machu Picchu.”
You’ll explore vast stone terraces, ceremonial plazas, and temples that tell the story of a civilization still shrouded in mystery. Only 40% of this massive complex has been uncovered, making your visit a rare and sacred experience.
Discover highlights like the white stone llama carvings facing sacred mountain Apu Qoriwayrachina, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the ruins. In the afternoon, return to your camp at marampata for dinner and a peaceful night beneath a sky bursting with stars.
Day 3: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquisca
After breakfast, start your return via the canyon, retracing your travels to Santa Rosa. Along the way, stop at a local farm to learn about the production of Cambray, a traditional sugarcane liquor. Enjoy lunch and some well-earned rest before descending to Rosalinas Beach (1,500 m), where you can cool your feet in the river’s glacial waters.
From there, begin a steady uphill trek for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until you reach Chiquisca (1,900 m). Unwind over dinner and swap stories with your fellow trekkers after another rewarding day on the trail.
Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco
Start the day early to beat the sun on your final climb to Capuliyoc. After bidding farewell to your trekking team, hop aboard private transport and head to the Saywite Monolith, an ancient Inca ceremonial rock believed to represent the world in miniature and used for water rituals.
Then, relax your tired muscles in the soothing thermal pools at Conoc Hot Springs. After a final lunch with mountain views, you’ll return to Cusco, Arrive at 6:00 p.m. You will be physically exhausted but profoundly gratified after completing one of Peru’s most spectacular hikes.
Inclusions – Essential Support for a Demanding Adventure
Includes
- Private transportation from the hotel to the village of Capuliyoc
- High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents such as Doite, Himalaya Model, extra light / 4.5kgs and Doite, Cima 4 Model / 4.5kgs; both are spacious for 2 passengers. Mats, dining tent with table and chairs, toilet service tent)
- Meals during the excursion (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and snacks / Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free option)
- Professional guide English and Spanish (French/German with additional cost)
- Cook and kitchen equipment
- Muleteer and mules, for our camping equipment and personal equipment of the client (7Kgs, per person)
- Emergency horse
- Entrance to the archaeological site of Choquequirao
- Return transportation from Capuliyoc to Cusco
- First aid kit and oxygen.
Excludes
- Sleeping bag (If you do not have one, we offer one for USD 20)
- First breakfast and last lunch.
Packing List – What to Bring for a Remote Expedition
What Do I Need To Bring?
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag.
- Clothing for hot and cold weather.
- Waterproof jacket, fleece, pants and trekking shoes.
- Polo shirts, rain poncho, hat and scarf.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and disinfectant alcohol gel.
- Water bottle and purification tablet.
- Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag).
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Small snack selected such as a chocolate bar and dried fruit.
- Pajama pants (01)
- Original passport
- Extra money in soles
HOTELS – RESTFUL STAYS BEFORE AND AFTER THE TREK
To begin, we'd like to suggest some accommodation options in Cusco. Although it's a small city, there are increasingly more pedestrian streets where vehicular traffic is restricted. This situation makes transfers and pick-ups more difficult, so we recommend taking precautions.
Xtreme Tourbulencia has selected comfortable hotels that facilitate transfers and pick-ups for our tours. These are just suggestions.
Choquequirao Trek 4 days - Price
In order for us to embark on the sacred choquequirao trek 4 days, we have to review availability for your departure date and have a clear start date in order to enjoy our hike. At this moment, Xtreme Tourbulencia requires a minimum of two people in order to confirm a start date. If you are a solo traveler, please consult us for available departure dates.
REGULAR PROGRAMMING:
| REGULAR PROGRAMMING | WITH 3 STAR HOTEL |
| Price | $??? USD |
FAQs – Common Questions About the Choquequirao Route
What is the Choquequirao 4-Day Trek?
It is a 4-day, 3-night trekking adventure covering approximately 44 km (27 miles) through the dramatic Apurímac Canyon to reach the ancient Inca citadel of Choquequirao. Often called Machu Picchu’s "sister city," it offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with pristine ruins and no mass crowds.
What is the Choquequirao 4-Day Trek?
It is a 4-day, 3-night trekking adventure covering approximately 44 km (27 miles) through the dramatic Apurímac Canyon to reach the ancient Inca citadel of Choquequirao. Often called Machu Picchu’s "sister city," it offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with pristine ruins and no mass crowds.
How difficult is the trek, and what fitness level is required?
The trek is rated challenging to difficult. The challenge lies in the steep elevation changes rather than high altitude—you descend ~1,500 m into the canyon on Day 1 and climb ~1,800 m on Day 2. Excellent cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and endurance are required. It is not recommended for complete beginners.
Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?
While the maximum elevation is moderate (~3,050 m / 10,000 ft), acclimatization is still essential. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco 2 to 3 days prior to departure to adjust to the altitude before starting the trek.
What is the daily itinerary overview?
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Descent to Chiquisca / Chikiska camp (6–7 hrs).
Day 2: Chiquisca – River crossing – Steep ascent to Choquequirao camp via Marampata (7–8 hrs).
Day 3: Guided exploration of the Choquequirao ruins – Descent back to Chiquisca (6–7 hrs).
Day 4: Final morning ascent to Capuliyoc – Return drive to Cusco (5–6 hrs hike).
When is the best time of year to hike Choquequirao?
The optimal season is during the dry season from May to September, offering clear skies and minimal rainfall. The rainy season runs from November to March, when trails can be muddy and slippery.
What type of accommodation and facilities are available?
Accommodation is camping throughout the trek. High-quality tents and sleeping mats are set up at designated wilderness campsites (Chiquisca and Choquequirao). Facilities are rustic and basic, set amidst spectacular natural landscapes.
What type of accommodation and facilities are available?
Accommodation is camping throughout the trek. High-quality tents and sleeping mats are set up at designated wilderness campsites (Chiquisca and Choquequirao). Facilities are rustic and basic, set amidst spectacular natural landscapes.
What type of accommodation and facilities are available?
Accommodation is camping throughout the trek. High-quality tents and sleeping mats are set up at designated wilderness campsites (Chiquisca and Choquequirao). Facilities are rustic and basic, set amidst spectacular natural landscapes.
What are the meals and drinking water arrangements?
Nutritious, high-energy meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared by our camp chef are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs can easily be accommodated with advance notice. Boiled/purified drinking water is provided at camp; we also recommend bringing a reusable bottle and purification tablets.
What are the essential items to pack?
Key essentials include:
Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with ankle support
Trekking poles (strongly recommended for steep descents/ascents)
Layered clothing (moisture-wicking base, warm fleece/down jacket, waterproof shell)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen) & insect repellent
Headlamp with extra batteries
Warm sleeping bag (rated to 0°C / -5°C)
What is typically included in the tour package?
Standard packages include a professional bilingual guide, private transport (Cusco to trailhead and return), porters/mules for logistics and camp gear, all camping equipment (except personal sleeping bag/poles if renting), all meals on the trail, and entrance fees to Choquequirao.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering adventure hiking and emergency medical evacuation up to 4,000 meters is strongly recommended due to the remote nature of the canyon.
What happens in case of an emergency or if I cannot complete the trek?
Our guides are certified in wilderness first aid and carry emergency communication devices. In case of injury, illness, or extreme fatigue, evacuation protocols are initiated (mule transport back to the road access or emergency evacuation).
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance during peak season (June–August) to guarantee dates and logistics, and at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead during the shoulder months.
Travel Info – Key Details for a Challenging Route
Briefings
All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.
Pickups
Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.
Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.
They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.
Health Concerns
You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.
Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.
If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.
Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.
Strikes
Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.
Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.
Lost Items
You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.
Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.
Tips
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.
Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is $20 USD per person per trek.
For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.
Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.
Weather
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.
No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know
High altitude means less oxygen in the air, requiring your body time to adjust. To prevent altitude sickness (soroche), we recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before starting any trek.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms often feel like a mild hangover or flu: headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping. If symptoms become severe, notify your guide or our office immediately for medical assistance.
Key Prevention Tips
a) Go slow: Trekking is not a race; maintain a steady, relaxed pace.
b) Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and traditional coca tea, which naturally aids oxygen absorption.
c) Avoid stimulants and depressants: Limit alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and sleeping pills, as they promote dehydration or shallow breathing.
d) Consult your doctor: Consider preventative medications (such as acetazolamide) starting two days prior to arrival.
Remember to relax and enjoy your trip. If you start feeling unwell, inform your guide right away—our team is trained to assist you throughout the route.
Getting To Cusco
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any inclement weather will stop air traffic.
Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
