Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
A 4-day camping trek from Cachora into the Apurímac Canyon to the Inca site of Choquequirao (3,150 m / 10,335 ft), with a private guided tour of the ruins, views of snow-capped peaks and a stop at Saywite on the way back to Cusco.
About this Expedition
Pristine Biodiversity
Immersion in primary forest trails and macaw or tapir clay licks with privileged viewing.
Native Guides
Bilingual guides from the native communities of Manu and Tambopata, with spotting scopes and binoculars.
Logistics and Lodges
Private transport and boats, a cook on the trip and nights in rainforest lodges.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Choquequirao, whose name means “Cradle of Gold,” is an Inca site on a high ridge above the Apurímac River canyon, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It was one of the last refuges of the Incas who resisted the Spanish after the conquest, and part of the site is still being excavated and restored.
On this 4-day camping trek from Cachora you hike down into the Apurímac Canyon and up the other side to the ruins, through high Andean landscapes and cloud forest. It is a strenuous trek that requires good physical fitness.
Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
We pick you up at your hotel at 5:00 a.m. and drive about 3 hours in our private van to Cachora (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), with views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. In Cachora we meet our horsemen and load the gear onto the horses.
We hike uphill for about 3 hours to the Capuliyoc viewpoint, where we have lunch with views of the Apurímac Canyon, the snow-capped Padreyoc (5,571 m / 18,278 ft) and, in the distance, Choquequirao. After lunch we descend for about 2 hours to our first campsite at Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft).
Meals: lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Overnight: camping in Chiquisca. Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi), about 9 hours. Difficulty: moderate.
Day 02: Chiquisca – Apurímac River – Maranpata – Choquequirao
After an early breakfast we descend for about 1 hour to the Apurímac River (1,550 m / 5,085 ft). From there we climb the opposite side of the canyon for about 4 hours, passing Santa Rosa, to the village of Maranpata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), where we have lunch with the first views of Choquequirao.
In the afternoon we hike about 2 more hours to the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3,150 m / 10,335 ft). Your guide leads a private tour of the main sectors: palaces, temples, ceremonial water fountains, the usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces and the llama section. With luck, you may see an Andean condor.
We then walk 20 minutes to our second campsite near the ruins for tea and dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Overnight: camping near Choquequirao. Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi), about 7 hours. Difficulty: moderate to difficult.
Day 03: Choquequirao – Maranpata – Chiquisca
After breakfast you have time to explore more sectors of Choquequirao. We then return to Maranpata for lunch and in the afternoon descend for about 3 hours to the Apurímac River (1,550 m / 5,085 ft). A 1-hour moderate climb takes us to our campsite at Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft).
Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Overnight: camping in Chiquisca. Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi), about 7 hours. Difficulty: moderate to difficult.
Day 04: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco
Early in the morning we start a 3-hour climb to the Capuliyoc pass, with views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurímac Canyon. From there an easy, flat trail takes about 2 hours to Cachora, where we have lunch.
In the afternoon our private van takes us to the archaeological site of Saywite, with time to explore it, and then back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 8:00 p.m.
Meals: breakfast and lunch. Distance: 16 km (9.9 mi), about 9 hours. Difficulty: moderate.
Included & Not Included Services
What this trip includes
- Briefing with your guide before the trek
- Hotel pickup in Cusco on the morning of the trek
- Private transportation Cusco – Cachora – Cusco
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao and the other archaeological sites on the route
- Professional, experienced English-speaking guide
- Private guided tour at each archaeological site
- Tents: 2 people per 4-person tent
- Foam sleeping mats
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (vegetarian option on request, at no extra cost)
- Camping equipment: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Tent for the crew
- Horses and horsemen for the camping gear, food and up to 5 kg (11 lb) of your personal items, such as extra clothes and sleeping bag
- Emergency horse you can ride if you are exhausted or ill
- First-aid kit with emergency oxygen
- Boiled water for drinking and washing
Not included in the price
- Sleeping bag rated to -10 °C (14 °F) (rental available; ask when booking)
- Air mattress (rental available; ask when booking)
- Trekking poles (rental available; ask when booking)
- Extra horses for personal luggage above the allowance
- Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4
- Tips for the guide, cook and crew
What to Bring / Packing Tips
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Camera with extra batteries
- Warm clothes for misty mornings by the river
- Water bottle or canteen
- Sandals, swimsuit, towel and daypack
- Rain gear and a hat or cap
- Insect repellent with 30–50% DEET
- Sunscreen and insect bite relief cream
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Extra money
- This program is general information: the day before departure, our guide gives you a detailed briefing at your hotel or at our office.
- Minimum of 4 people per departure.
Questions about this tour
Where does the Choquequirao trek start?
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. and drive about 3 hours in a private van to Cachora (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), where the hike begins.
How hard is the Choquequirao trek?
It is a strenuous trek that requires good physical fitness. You hike 14 to 18 km (8.7 to 11.2 mi) a day, 7 to 9 hours, with long descents to the Apurímac River (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) and long climbs back up.
Is the Choquequirao entrance fee included?
Yes. Entrance fees to Choquequirao and the other archaeological sites on the route are included, as well as a private guided tour at each site.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
Yes, the sleeping bag is not included; it should be rated to -10 °C (14 °F). Tents and foam sleeping mats are included, and you can ask about renting a sleeping bag when you book.
What happens if I get too tired to walk?
An emergency horse travels with the group, and you can ride it if you are exhausted or ill. The crew also carries a first-aid kit with emergency oxygen.
