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.
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
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
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.
Additional Information for Your Choquequirao Journey
To guarantee a completely seamless and highly enjoyable expedition we have compiled crucial details that every traveler must know before stepping onto the Apurimac canyon trails. Preparing properly will elevate your entire choquequirao tour ensuring you focus entirely on the breathtaking landscapes rather than worrying about mountain logistics.
Acclimatization and Extreme Physical Preparation
The unique geography of the Vilcabamba mountain range makes this route famously demanding. You will drop deep into a massive river canyon and climb right back out requiring healthy lungs and very strong legs.
- Smart Acclimatization Arriving in Cusco at least three days early allows your body to naturally generate more red blood cells adapting perfectly to the thin mountain air before your choquequirao trek 4 days begins
- Physical Conditioning We highly suggest doing rigorous cardiovascular exercises like running or stair climbing for several weeks prior to your arrival to build the necessary stamina for the relentless switchbacks
- Hydration Strategy We strongly advise drinking plenty of local coca tea and staying thoroughly hydrated during the intense heat of the valley floor to completely avoid exhaustion
Canyon Microclimates and Trail Terrain
The Apurimac canyon creates a fierce microclimate that shifts rapidly from freezing morning winds at the summit to intense tropical heat at the river base.
- Layered Clothing Dressing in breathable layers is the smartest way to stay comfortable allowing you to strip down quickly as you descend into the humid tropical zones of the valley
- Navigating the Terrain You will be walking across dusty zigzag paths and steep rocky descents making professional waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip absolutely mandatory
- Bug and Sun Protection The lower canyon is notorious for aggressive sandflies requiring a strong DEET insect repellent alongside polarized sunglasses and premium SPF 50 sunscreen
Safety Logistics and Expert Navigation
Many adventurous travelers underestimate the sheer scale of this remote wilderness. Booking our expert choquequirao tours guarantees absolute peace of mind and top tier comfort.
- Expert Local Guides Our certified professionals know every single stone and turn ensuring you never get lost in the sprawling isolated mountains of the Cusco region
- Effortless Hiking You will only hike carrying a lightweight daypack containing your daily essentials while our strong pack horses securely transport your heavy duffel bags and camping equipment
- Medical Emergency Readiness Our team always carries comprehensive first aid kits and emergency oxygen cylinders providing total safety throughout the entire private choquequirao trek 4 days
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
