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Tour Details

Choquequirao Trek is one of the unmissable treks in Peru, especially if you are inquisitive about Incan history. Often referred to as Machu Picchu’s sister city, Choquequirao is truly a hidden treasure of Incas. In Quechua the name Choquequirao means – Cradle of Gold.

Both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu were built in the same era by Inca Sapa (Inca Emperor) Pachacutec. However due to its remote location, even the Spanish conquistadors could not invade it.

This is one of the unique treks in South America. It takes you off the beaten path. The archaeological complex can only be reached by trekking. Due to its remote location and somewhat physically challenging hike, it is visited by a handful of travellers.

The Choquequirao complex is massive. Infact, only a half of the complex has been excavated and is open for tourism. It sits at 3050 metres (10010 feet) above sea level high up the Apurimac Canyon.

Machu Picchu attracts over 5000 visitors daily, wherein Choquequirao receives barely 6-7 visitors a day. Local authorities are planning on installing a cable car from the nearby village to facilitate tourism.

If you did not manage to get the Inca Trail Permit and are eager to discover the history of Inca civilization, we highly recommend the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu. It is a 9 day trek full of history, culture and tradition.

This is a high altitude trek, we highly recommend you to spend at least 4 days in Cusco before the trek to avoid altitude sickness. The best time to experience your trek to Choquequirao is during the dry season – Between March and November. During monsoon, the trek gets slippery.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0600 AM

Price Includes

All the transport mentioned in the itinerary (tourist bus, etc.)
Hotel accommodation with breakfast
Entrance to parks and places of cultural and tourist interest
Guided visits and excursions mentioned
All transportation in destination location
All transfers
Food as indicated in the itinerary
Vistadome Class train tickets

Price Excludes

International flights
Domestic flights
Airport departures taxes or fees
Visas
Additional nights during the trip due to cancellations of flights
Alcoholic beverages or bottled water
Snacks
Insurance of any kind
Laundry
Phone calls
Messages
Flight reconfirmation
Mandatory personal travel insurance
Meals that are not mentioned

Recommended To Carry

Umbrella
Sunscreen
T-Shirt
Entrance Fees

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisqa

We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0500 AM and embark on a four hour drive in our private transport to Cachora (2850m / 9348ft.) Here we will be serving breakfast. So while you relish our traditional meal, we will organise your belongings on horses.

We will begin our trek to Choquequirao with a sight of the iconic snow capped Padreyoc Peak in sight. In total we will be hiking for 16 kilometres for around six hours.

We will have a brief stop at a viewpoint in Capuliyoc. From here you will get to see the Andean condors. We will then descend down to Apurímac Canyon. For lunch, we will stop at Cocamasana campsite.

After lunch, we will hike to Chiquisqa (1950m/6398ft). After a full day hike we will be reaching Chiquisqa. We will be camping here for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 2Chiquisqa - Choquequirao

We will be serving breakfast early in the morning. Then we will start hiking La Playa Rosalina where you will be able to see the Apurimac River snaking through the canyons. Here we will be crossing a wooden bridge.

We will then hike up to Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. The first 2-3 hours are steep up to Santa Rosa. Then you will be hiking the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with various varieties of orchids.

For lunch we will be stopping at Maranpata (2850m / 9348ft). We will then continue to Choquequirao (3033m / 9948ft). After hiking for two hours we will be reaching at our campsite. We will set up our tents near the Choquequirao Archaeological complex.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3Choquequirao - Maranpata - Chiquisqa

Early in the morning, we will be hiking to Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. We will give you a guided tour and you will then have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. At around 0900 AM, we will be hiking back to the campsite for breakfast.

We will then hike to Chiquisqa. On our way back, you will get another view of Apurimac Canyon. You will also get to see the flight of the Condors. We will continue the rest of the hike through exuberant vegetation and a variety of flowers and orchids.

We will be camping for the night in Chiquisqa.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Chiquisca - Cachora - Cusco

Early in the morning, at 0500 we will be serving breakfast. We will then hike to Cachora town. On this section of the trek, you will once again get to see the Padreyoc peak. It will be a six hours hike back to Cachora.

Once in Cachora, we will be meeting our driver for our journey back to Cusco City.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Photos

FAQs

Do i need to book Choquequirao in advance?

Although you don’t need to book Choquequirao Trek way in advance as Inca Trail, it is recommended to book your trek at-least weeks before. This would allow us to have enough time to organise and prepare for the trek.

Do you need to hike Choquequirao?

Yes, as of 2021, the only option to reach Choquequirao archaeological site is by hiking. The shortest is a four day hike (two days to the complex and two days to return).

How hard is the Choquequirao trek?

Choquequirao Trek is one of the challenging treks in Cusco. It involves plenty of uphill hikes. On the first day you will be hiking down the hill and climb up, on the second day you will be hiking down the hill and hiking up to Choquequirao complex. You need to be reasonably fit and well acclimated for the trek.

Choquequirao Trek – Trek to Choquequirao

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