Are you ready to embark on a legendary expedition to the true lost city of the Incas. The choquequirao trek 4 days is an awe inspiring journey strictly designed for passionate adventurers seeking to explore magnificent ruins long before they become crowded by mass tourism. Hidden deep within the Vilcabamba mountain range and completely surrounded by the roaring Apurimac river this remote archaeological masterpiece is widely known as the sacred sister of Machu Picchu.
Choosing our exclusive choquequirao tour guarantees an intimate and highly immersive cultural experience. We provide top tier camping equipment expert local guides and masterful mountain chefs to ensure your journey is flawless. Whether you join a friendly small group or book a premium private choquequirao trek 4 days you will conquer the staggering Andean mountains safely while enjoying absolute comfort in the wilderness.
Overview
4 day and 3 night tour of Chocquirao
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days is an off the beaten path trekking experience. In Quechua, Choquequirao Peru signifies “Cradle of Gold”. To Incas this was Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister city.
The lost city of Choquequirao Peru sits high up in Quriwayrchina Mountain Range at 3033 metres above sea level. The only way to get there is by trekking for two days from the nearest town through the Apurimac Canyon.
Both Machu Picchu and Choquequirao have more or less similar styles of architecture—you can discover it by going on our 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour. This is because both were built during the rule of Inca emperor Pachacutec in the same era. However due to its remote location, Choquequirao attracts a handful of visitors a day while Machu Picchu gets over 5000 visitors a day.
When the Spaniards invaded the Inca Empire, the Incas left Choquequirao and took refuge in the jungle. As the Spanish could not find its location, it was left abandoned for years. Only a third of the complex has been cleared from the jungle and is open for tourism.
Choquequirao Trail is somewhat a challenging experience as you will be hiking down the hill the first day and will be hiking up the hill to reach the complex. You will be experiencing different weather conditions as the altitude and topography changes.
Most hikers categorise the Nine Days Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu as one of the best alternative routes to the Inca trail hike, including our 4 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
Local authorities are planning on installing a cable car to enhance the tourism to Choquequirao. They estimate that this would see a rapid boom in tourism here and will attract around 5000 travellers a day.
Our guides are trained in first aid.
Please note that Choquequirao Trek 4 Days is a high altitude trek. We highly recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Itinerary
Detailed Choquequirao Trek 4 Days Itinerary
We start your adventure early picking you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We travel in our comfortable private transport to the starting point at Capuliyoc where our expert trekking crew prepares a powerful breakfast.
We then begin our massive descent into the magnificent Apurimac canyon spotting majestic Andean condors soaring above. After a revitalizing lunch at Chiquisqa we cross the roaring river and ascend the steep canyon walls to our premium campsite at Marampata where a hot dinner awaits.
- Walking Distance 15 kilometers or 9.3 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time 7 to 8 hours
- Geographic Highlight Crossing the Apurimac canyon
- Accommodation Premium mountain camping at Marampata
Following a highly nutritious Andean breakfast we hike directly into the massive archaeological complex of Choquequirao. Your professional historian guide will lead a comprehensive exploration through the main plaza ceremonial centers and the famous agricultural terraces adorned with white stone llamas. You will have plenty of time to absorb the magical energy of this pristine site before returning to our camp for a spectacular lunch and an afternoon visit to a hidden cloud forest waterfall.
- Walking Distance 8 kilometers or 4.9 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time 6 to 7 hours
- Cultural Highlight Extensive guided tour of the Choquequirao ruins
- Accommodation Premium mountain camping at Marampata
We leave our campsite early to begin the longest hiking day of our choquequirao tours. We descend completely through lush tropical vegetation filled with exotic flora and vibrant birdlife until we reach the valley floor at Playa Rosalinas.
Following a masterful lunch prepared by our chef we begin a steady and demanding climb back up the canyon walls arriving at our beautiful Chiquisqa campsite to rest under the starry Andean sky.
- Walking Distance 7 kilometers or 4.3 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time 6 to 7 hours
- Geographic Highlight Hiking through lush tropical microclimates
- Accommodation Premium mountain camping at Chiquisqa
On our final morning we enjoy an energizing breakfast before conquering the last uphill section toward the town of Cachora. We celebrate the successful completion of our massive expedition with a final outdoor lunch thanking our dedicated muleteers and mountain crew. We then board our private transport for a highly scenic drive back through the mountains dropping you off safely at your hotel in Cusco.
- Walking Distance 7 kilometers or 4.3 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time 4 to 5 hours
- Return Journey Private tourist transport through the Sacred Valley
- Arrival Time Safe drop off in Cusco around early evening
Inclusions
Everything Included in Your Choquequirao Tour
We take absolute pride in offering a flawless and highly safe trekking experience. When you book with our specialized team you receive a premium expedition meaning you only need to focus on walking and enjoying the majestic canyon scenery.
- Professional Mountain Guides fluent in English and Spanish possessing rigorous certifications in high altitude mountain rescue and deep archaeological knowledge
- Premium Camping Equipment featuring highly durable four season tents designed for extreme mountain weather along with thick comfortable sleeping mattresses
- Masterful Mountain Gastronomy prepared by professional trekking chefs delivering powerful breakfasts nutritious lunches and massive dinners using fresh ingredients
- Logistics and Pack Animals provided by strong healthy horses and professional muleteers who will carry all the heavy camping equipment and food supplies
- Private Tourist Transportation picking you up directly from your hotel in Cusco and dropping you off safely after the epic hike is completed
- All Required Permits completely covering the official entrance fees to access the Choquequirao archaeological complex
What Is Not Included in Your Trek Package
We believe in absolute transparency regarding your choquequirao trek 4 days cost. Below are the specific items and services that are not covered in your trekking budget so you can plan properly.
- Extreme Weather Sleeping Bags which you must bring yourself or easily rent a high quality winter bag directly from our office before departure
- Personal Trekking Poles requiring a separate rental fee if you wish to use our professional adjustable poles to protect your knees during the massive descents
- Gratuities and Tips functioning as an entirely optional but highly encouraged tradition in the Andes to reward your hard working mountain crew
Packing List
Crucial Packing List for the Choquequirao Trail
To ensure a comfortable and highly successful expedition please review this comprehensive packing list carefully. The canyon weather shifts rapidly from freezing winds to intense tropical heat making proper gear absolutely vital.
- High Quality Trekking Boots providing waterproof ankle support to prevent severe blisters and protect your feet on the relentless steep switchbacks
- Thermal Base Layers featuring moisture wicking materials to keep your body heat trapped during the freezing nights at the mountain campsites
- Insect Repellent containing strong DEET protection since the lower sections of the Apurimac canyon have aggressive sandflies
- Sun Protection Gear such as a wide brimmed hat polarized sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen to combat the aggressive high altitude ultraviolet radiation
- Waterproof Outerwear including a durable rain jacket or a lightweight rain poncho to survive sudden mountain showers comfortably
- Extra Cash in Soles allowing you to purchase extra water snacks or tip the crew during the remote segments of the trail
Price
Pricing for the Choquequirao Expedition
We provide clear and highly competitive pricing for your choquequirao trek 4 days cost ensuring you receive absolute premium service expert guides and top tier safety equipment throughout the entire demanding journey.
Small Group Tour Personalized Experience
- 2 to 3 People 590 USD Per person
- 4 or more People 570 USD Per person
- Children and students 540 USD Per person
Our shared group service is ideal for enthusiastic hikers wanting to share the immense challenge and beauty of the Apurimac canyon with fellow adventurers. We guarantee small group sizes to ensure the guide provides dedicated attention to every single trekker.
Exclusive Private Tour
- 2 to 3 People 740 USD Per person
- 4 or more People 710 USD Per person
- Children and students 690 USD Per person
If you prefer hiking at your absolute own pace booking a private choquequirao trek 4 days is the ultimate choice. This premium option guarantees a dedicated guide chef and muleteer team exclusively for your group allowing for complete flexibility regarding photo stops and resting times.
FAQs
Information and Choquequirao Trek FAQs
We know that undertaking a massive remote expedition requires serious planning. Below we answer the most vital questions regarding the route to guarantee you arrive fully prepared for your mountain adventure.
How demanding is the choquequirao trek 4 days difficulty
The choquequirao trek 4 days difficulty is officially rated as highly challenging and strenuous. You will be hiking deep into the roaring Apurimac canyon and climbing relentless steep switchbacks under the intense Andean sun.
You must possess strong cardiovascular endurance and excellent physical stamina to conquer the massive elevation changes. We highly recommend spending at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco before attempting this epic physical challenge.
What is included in the choquequirao trek 4 days cost
Your choquequirao trek 4 days cost provides exceptional value by covering all essential mountain logistics. This includes private tourist transportation official archaeological entrance tickets premium camping equipment powerful daily meals prepared by a chef and the dedicated service of our professional mountain guides and muleteers. You only need to bring your personal hiking gear and a strong spirit of adventure.
Why should I book a private choquequirao trek 4 days
Choosing a private choquequirao trek 4 days is the ultimate way to experience this remote wilderness. A private expedition allows you to hike at your absolute own pace spend extra time photographing the ancient ruins without feeling rushed and enjoy a highly personalized service from our mountain chefs and expert guides without worrying about keeping up with a larger group.
Are choquequirao tours safe for passionate hikers
Absolutely. While the terrain is undeniably demanding our choquequirao tours are meticulously planned to ensure your complete safety. Our certified guides carry comprehensive first aid kits and emergency oxygen at all times. We provide sturdy pack horses to carry all the heavy camping equipment ensuring you hike comfortably carrying only a lightweight daypack.
