4-day Trek to the Choquequirao Ruins in Cusco, Peru
Join a guide from the South America Planet team on this 4-day trek to the beautiful Choquequirao ruins in Peru, starting from Cusco, and discover a very special site surrounded by stunning nature.
Private
Andes
4 Days
All year
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Discover the wonderful Inca ruins of Choquequirao!
- Enjoy the view of stunning mountains and landscapes along the way
- Explore a unique archaeological treasure in Peru!
Description
Join us on this 4-day challenging trek and discover the wonderful Inca ruins and impressive buildings of Choquequirao in southern Peru. This archaeological site is similar in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu.
Once we reach the site, you will be amazed by the view of Choquequirao. The place evokes a sense of awe because of the natural beauty of the surroundings and isolation. In this special site, condors can be seen frequently soaring the skies.
A complex network of trails, communicated Choquequirao and Machu Picchu during the Incan Empire time. Choquequirao is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley.
This Inca town is formed by small sites spread out in rubblework, that all together form what once was a complex metropolis, altough only about a 30% of the Choquequirao ruins have been excavated. However, what you can see today, is truly impressive and very much worth this challenging trek to get there!
Choquequirao is situated at 3035 m.a.s.l, surrounded by the majestic snow-covered mountains of Ampay, Yanama, Choquecarpu, Pumasillo and Panta. The site overlooks the right side of Apurimac River, in the Santa Teresa district.
We will meet in Cusco on the first day and from there we will travel to Capuliyoc, where our trekking adventure begins. You can check the day-by-day itinerary below! Bear in mind you need a very good fitness level to join this trek, as it involves some tough uphill stretches.
You will discover a unique archaeological treasure and stunning natural beauty along the way. During these days, we will be staying in tents, with horses and porters helping to carry our camping and cooking equipment.
So what are you waiting for? If you want to discover this magical archaelogical site in Peru, just contact us and book your trip! We will be happy to guide you to the beautiful Choquequirao Ruins.
Check out our profile page and discover many other great treks in Peru!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Porters
- Mules and horses
Price details
- A minimum of 2 people is required for departure // The price includes:
- Bilingual and local guides.
- Pre briefing in Cusco.
- Three (3) meals per day. Vegetarian food available on request.
- Tents and mattresses.
- Horses or mules for camping equipment and food.
- Horsemen.
- Transport (local or private transport) depending on the size of the group.
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- Entrance to Choquequirao.
- Pickup from hotel // The price does not include:
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
- Sleeping bag, these can be rented from us.
- Walking sticks.
- Tips for guide, cook & horseman.
- Extra drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Chiquisca – Santa Rosa (6 hours)
We will leave from Cusco at around 5.30 am, arriving at Cachora town around 9.30 am after a 4-hour drive (2850 mt). The town is situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon. We will stop in Cachora to purchase last minute supplies before continuing by car to Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet). We will meet our arrieros (muleteers and arrange the equipment on the mules or horses. From here we can also observe the majestic snow-capped Padrayoc (5482 m) and Wayn Cachora peaks. From here, we descend on a steep trail into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views as we descend for 3.5 to 4 hours to Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft), with breathtaking drops to our side. One hour after we pass Chiccisqa we arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet). We can see the Apurimac Valley, Huayhuacalle (2970m.a.s.l.), Tinajayoc (2630m.a.s.l.), Mirador (2370m.a.s.l.), Cocamasana (2330m.a.s.l.), Torowisqana (2285m.a.s.l.) & Chiquisqa (1950m.a.s.l.).
– LUNCH
From the river, we begin to climb to the Santa Rosa Campsite (2095m / 6873ft). This is a tough climb of 2 hours but makes the next day easier! As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can see the stars at night.
Accomodation: Camping at Santa Rosa (1950m). We will aim to be at our campsite by 6pm.
Total hiking time: around 6 to 7 hours / 16 km
Descending 1200m /4 hours
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao Ruins (5 hours)
We will depart early again today to get the best out of the day (around 6am). We continue upwards onto Maranpata where we will have a break. The climb from Santa Rosa to Maranpata (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) takes about 3 hours and it is a tough uphill stretch.
A little further on from our break site we will get our first view of the ruins of Choquequirao! From here we have 2 more hours of hiking to the ruins. After the rigors of the past two days, this is a gentle undulating hike. We take our lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) near the ruins, before we head to the Choquequirao ruins in the afternoon. We spend the afternoon exploring the ruins. We will watch the sunset and keep our fingers crossed for the chance of seeing condors.
Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite 3050m (10,000 ft)
Total hiking time today to campsite: around 4. 5 hours- 13 km / Elevation gain: 1600 m
Day 3: Choquequirao – Santa Rosa (5 hours)
Today we have a chance to continue exploring the ruins and have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we return along the edge of the Apurimac canyon, descending to our tropical campsite at Santa Rosa. (5 hours hiking).
Accommodation: Camping at Santa Rosa (2095m / 6873ft) Depending on the progress of the group, the guide may decide to camp at Chiccisqa (1836m / 6023ft).
Day 4: Santa Rosa -Cachora- Cusco
Early in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the canyon of the Apurimac, we descend to the raging river, and then begin an arduous climb that is rewarded with spectacular views. We climb for about four hours, and have lunch in Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet). The final two hours of our hike into the village of Cachora refreshingly flat through pretty farming countryside. Our private car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (4 hours drive). We will arrive in Cusco between 7and 8pm.
Details
More info
Altitude: 1500 – 3030 m. / 4921 – 9941 f. Duration: 4 days – 3 nights
You need to bring:
- Personal sleeping bag, We rent out sleeping bags if you don’t have one
- Day backpack
- Trekking shoes
- Water bottle or micropur in order to purify the water
- Flash light
- Sun Hat +sun-block
- Personal clothing for trek and clothes for rain
- Insect repellent
- Snacks
- Clothes for cold and warm weather
- Emergency money and money for tips
Meeting point
FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Day 1 - 8 hours, 16 km/ Day 2 - 5 hours, 13 km/ Day 3 - 7 hours
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
It is best to have some walking and hiking experience or exercise.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
We bring you from your hotel in Cusco.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
What is included is: 3 nights in 2-person tents, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
We recommend good travel insurance.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
From March till the end of November.
Can I join a group?
Most of the time this hike leaves on a private tour because not many tourists do this hike.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
We always leave, so be prepared for some rain.
About the guide
Southamericaplanet
5.0
(14)
Tour Operator
We “Southamerica planet” are a Belgian / Peruvian travel agency. Our main offices are located in the INCA capital “Cusco”+ Lima
Vicky (Peruvian who work many years for tourists in Cusco and Arequipa) and Dirk (Belgian who traveled many years around South America as tourist and tour leader) are the owners.
Southamerica planet have already 18 years experience in the travel industry. We started 18 years ago in cusco. We like to show you this amazing different continent. With our professional team we show you this adventure in individual tours or in a tour group with professional tour leader.Read our clients travel reports, all happy with our service!
Also this year 2021-2022 we are official Inca trail operator. With all good tents and material, good cooks and good English speaking guides.
Your good holiday is our best promotion!
Languages
English | Dutch
What people are saying about Southamericaplanet
I booked the 4 day Inca trail trek with this company. All round it was a pretty great experience. Food on the trip was simply amazing and our guide did everything he could to make our trip comfortable and enjoyable. Our group was 5, smaller than other companies, which was great on the trail. There were a couple of miscommunications between the office, but these were solved in the end and didn't create any major issues. I would book again with this company.
Amazing experience. They are respectful, responsible and reliable. It was our first time in Cusco and we were a bit hesitant but all the team gave us great satisfaction from day one. We had a great time! Ask for Edi and Carlos they are patient and seek to fit our whole group needs. Machu picchu at the end was just like a dream !
We had a lovely time in Peru and we enjoyed every moment of it! Everything was organised perfectly and we did not have to worry about anything! the Machu Picchu Inca trail was amazing and we are very happy and proud that we have done it. We would like to thank you all, especially Dirk. He has informed us well and was always available for our questions :) We also want to mention that Francesco, our trekking guide, was really good. He guided us well and provided with detailed information about Peru and machu picchu. The food on the trail was amazing, even better than any restaurant in our Peru trip. If everyone wants to travel to Peru, we would definitely recommend SAP :)
We cannot begin to express our thanks for organizing our trip to Salkantay and Machu Picchu. The trip was perfect. Every transfer and tour went without a problem. The hike was great and we even got perfect sunshine in Machu Picchu. We are extremely tired from our hike to Machu Picchu but were very happy we got the chance to do that rather than HP based on what we heard from others along the way. You not only gave me what I asked for but also what I didn't know to ask for - including a lovely spot for lunch on the Sacred Valley tour and seats on the correct side of the train, when we traveled during daylight. Thank you. And as for the trip, based on the famous words of our very enthusiastic tour guide at Machu Picchu. Incredible, Fantastic, Gorgeous!
We just returned home from a great holiday in Peru. The team of South America Planet has made this trip a big success. We have done the tour with 4 friends. Together with South America Planet we have set-up a tour where there was enough balance between visiting all the highlights in Peru and time to relax and visiting nice cities on our own pace. All agreed tours were delivered as planned with very experienced guides. On top of this we had a 24H emergency number from South America planet that we could call or reach via WhatsApp whenever it was needed. Thanks Warry for you support! Next to this we had regularly contact with Dirk who wanted to know if everything was OK. A dream holiday where we had the feeling there was really taken care about us. Our 2 Days incatrail trekking we never forget, amazing to see Machu Picchu from the sungate .We recommend South America Planet to everyone who wants to travel through South-America If there are people who wants to know more about this great trip, they can always contact us. Thanks Dirk and the team of South America Planet !!!!!
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.