Choquequirao Trek 4 Days from Cusco

We will pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and travel by private vehicle to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek. After breakfast and a short introduction from your guide, you will meet the trekking crew and begin the descent into the Apurimac Canyon.

The trail offers wide views across the canyon and surrounding mountains as it descends toward Chiquisqa. We will stop for lunch before continuing to the bottom of the valley.

After crossing the Apurimac River, the most demanding section of the day begins: a sustained uphill walk toward Marampata. Your guide will set a steady pace and schedule rest stops according to the group.

At Marampata, the crew will have the campsite ready. You will have time to rest before dinner.

Day 1 at a glance

• Route: Capuliyoc, Chiquisqa, Apurimac River, and Marampata
• Terrain: Long descent followed by a steep ascent
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Overnight: Marampata campsite
• Difficulty: Challenging

After breakfast, we walk from Marampata toward the Choquequirao archaeological complex, located at approximately 3,033 meters (9,951 feet).

Your guide will lead you through the principal areas accessible during the visit. Depending on conditions and the time available, the route may include the Main Plaza, ceremonial buildings, residential areas, agricultural terraces, and the distinctive white-stone llama figures built into the hillside.

The visit focuses on the history, construction, and strategic location of Choquequirao above the Apurimac Canyon. Because the complex covers a large mountain area, the exact order of the sectors may vary.

After the guided visit, we return to Marampata for lunch and a quieter afternoon at the campsite. Dinner is served in the evening.

Day 2 at a glance

• Route: Marampata and Choquequirao
• Main visit: Choquequirao archaeological complex
• Site elevation: Approximately 3,033 m (9,951 ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Overnight: Marampata campsite
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

After an early breakfast, we begin the return journey through the canyon. The trail descends from Marampata through warmer vegetation toward Playa Rosalinas and the Apurimac River.

Following lunch and a rest near the lower section of the canyon, we cross the river and begin the uphill walk toward Chiquisqa. Temperatures can be warmer along this part of the route, so the group will maintain a measured pace with hydration stops.

We arrive at Chiquisqa in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is available for resting before dinner at the campsite.

Day 3 at a glance

• Route: Marampata, Playa Rosalinas, and Chiquisqa
• Terrain: Extended descent followed by an uphill finish
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Overnight: Chiquisqa campsite
• Difficulty: Challenging

The final day begins early to complete the climb from Chiquisqa to Capuliyoc before the strongest afternoon heat.

This section follows a steady uphill trail with several switchbacks. Rest stops provide opportunities to look back across the Apurimac Canyon and review the route completed during the previous days.

At Capuliyoc, we meet our driver and trekking support team for lunch. We then travel by private vehicle back to Cusco.

Arrival at your hotel is expected in the early evening, although the exact time will depend on the group’s walking pace and road conditions.

Day 4 at a glance

• Route: Chiquisqa, Capuliyoc, and Cusco
• Terrain: Sustained uphill hike
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Return transportation: Private vehicle
• Difficulty: Challenging