Hike the stunning Choquequirao Trek 4 Days and explore the hidden Inca city, often called the “sister of Machu Picchu.” A challenging yet rewarding adventure through breathtaking Andean landscapes!
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.
4 day itinerary for the Choquequirao Trek
Day 1: Cusco - Capuliyoc - Marampata
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then we will embark on a four hours drive to a small Andean town called Capuliyoc. This is the starting point of Choquequirao Trek. Our crew will be serving you breakfast here.
After breakfast, we will start hiking up the hill to a viewpoint. From here, you will get a pristine view of the Snow capped Padereyoc peak and Apurimac River snaking through the valley. Padereyoc is a part of the Andes Mountain range, the largest in South America.
From the viewpoint, we will hike down the hill for three hours. We will be hiking through different distinct plantations. Our local expert will be sharing some information about these distinct plants.
Often on this section of trek, trekkers get a chance to spot the flight of the Andean Condors too.
We will then reach Chiquisqa. Here we will be stopping for lunch.
After lunch, we will be descending for 45 minutes to La Playa Rosalinas. We will be crossing a traditional bridge that links the department of Cusco and Apurimac.
We will then hike up the hill to Marampata. It is at 3500 metres above sea level. We will be crossing many highland farms and communities. You will get an insight to the life of Andean farmers here.
Once at our campsite, we will be serving a hot cup of tea followed by a local meal for dinner.
- Distance: 15 kilometres (9.3 miles)
- Duration: 7-8 Hours
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Marampata - Choquequirao
After a nutritious Andean breakfast, we will be hiking to the archaeological complex of Choquequirao. Our local tour guide will be giving you a detailed tour of the complex. We will be visiting some of the prominent sites like the main plaza, farming terraces, ceremonial centres and more.
Once you have had your fill of this site, we will be returning to our campsite for lunch. After lunch, you have some free time to rest. Later in the evening, we will be visiting a lesser known waterfall amidst the cloud forests.
- Distance: 8 kilometres (4.9 miles)
- Duration: 6-7 Hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Choquequirao - Marampata - Santa Rosa - Chiquisqa
This is the longest day of the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days. We will leave the campsite early in the morning for a 10 hours hike.
Most of the trek is through lush tropical vegetation. We will also be passing through some remote settlements. Once at Playa Rosalinas, we will be stopping for lunch. After lunch, we will be hiking to Chiquisqa where we will be spending the night camping.
- Distance: 7 kilometres (4.3 miles)
- Duration: 6-7 Hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Chiquisqa - Cachora - Cusco
Another early day of the trek. After an early morning breakfast, we will be hiking three hours up the hill to Cachora. Here we will be serving you lunch. After lunch, along with the tour guide, you will be embarking on a three hours drive back to Cusco through Sacred Valley of Incas.
- Distance: 7 kilometres (4.3 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 Hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Inclusions
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:00 a.m.
Price Includes
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Round Trip Transport
- Professional Chef
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- All Camping Equipments
- Mattress
- Mules and Muleteers
- Entrance Fees
Price Excludes
- Sleeping Bag
- Any Private Expenses
Packing list
- Hiking Boots
- Snacks and Water Bottle
- Toilet Papaer
- Peruvian Soles in cash
Pricing
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 590US$ Per person
4+ People – 570US$ Per person
Children/students 540US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 740US$ Per person
4+ People – 710US$ Per person
Children/students 690US$ Per person
