Choquequirao Classic Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights

If you are looking for an exciting option to explore Peru, we recommend the Choquequirao Classic Trek. This trek will take you beyond the usual tourist routes and immerse you in nature through an off-the-beaten path that will lead you to the fascinating archaeological jewel of Choquequirao. This adventure, as an alternative to the famous Inca Trail, will allow you to visit the lesser-known ruins of Choquequirao, which feature architecture and design similar to Machu Picchu. The highlight is that, because it is only accessible on foot, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the site with very few tourists around. During the hike, you will have the chance to explore ancient Inca trails, cross impressive glaciers and deep canyons, where you can observe the majesty of condors in flight. In addition, you will be able to explore cloud forest ecosystems with great biological diversity and admire native animals such as the Andean condor, local birds and a variety of flora and fauna, including beautiful orchids and much more. You can join us either as a group or as a couple to live this unique adventure and take the opportunity to discover Choquequirao!

Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

Start your hike delighting yourself with the breathtaking views of the Apurimac River and the valley. You will have the opportunity to spend the night in Chiquisca and continue your tour the next day.

Day 02: Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa – Marampata

During the day, you will walk to Marampata and admire the impressive views of the place before arriving at the Inca citadel of Choquequirao.

Day 03: Marampata | Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata

After breakfast, you will have the whole day to thoroughly explore every part of the incredible Choquequirao archaeological complex.

Day 04: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chiquisca

After leaving Choquequirao behind, head to Santa Rosa to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you can take a walk to the Chiquisca camp, where you can interact with local families and take a well-deserved rest.

Day 05: Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco

Complete the last stretch to Capuliyoc and say goodbye to the trekking equipment. Then, visit the famous Saywite rock and enjoy a moment of relaxation in the hot springs of Conoc before returning to Cusco.

Day 01: Cusco | Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

On this day, you will live an exciting adventure that starts early in the morning, full of beautiful landscapes and fresh Andean air. You will depart in a private transport to Cachora, from where you will be able to contemplate the impressive glacier mountains of Salkantay and Humantay in the distance. Once there, you will explore the town, strolling through its streets to immerse yourself in its rich culture while enjoying a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Then, you will head to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), where you will meet the trekking team who will be in charge of carrying your belongings throughout the trek. After checking the last details, you will enter the Apurimac Canyon, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and appreciate the majestic flight of the condors. As you go deeper into the valley, you will feel the heat, be surrounded by lush vegetation and be captivated by the enchanting sounds of the Apurimac River. Finally, you will arrive at the hamlet of Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where you will have dinner and spend the night in a cozy camp surrounded by the arid mountains.

• Time: 6 Hours Approx. of walking.
• Distance:
• Climate: Temperate, Cold
• Maximum Altitude: between 2, 920 – 3, 800 masl.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overnight: Huacawasi
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa – Marampata

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin the zigzagging ascent to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where you will be able to capture magnificent photos of the canyon and snow-capped peaks. After descending for an hour and fifteen minutes, we will reach the valley known as Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). We will cross a footbridge and face the most challenging part of the hike. In the hamlet of Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft) we will stop for lunch and recover energy before ascending for approximately three hours to reach the Marampata camp. In the afternoon, you can take in the breathtaking surroundings and enjoy a beautiful sunset that tints the valleys and mountains with a soft orange light. As the sun sets, we will observe the celestial spectacle of a starry sky before dinner and rest.

• Time: Approx. 8 hours of hiking.
• Distance: 14 Km.
• Weather: Cold
• Maximum Altitude: 3, 800 masl.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Overnight: Qelcanca
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Marampata : Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata

Highlights of the day: Delve into the enigmas and wonders of the Choquequirao archaeological complex. Awaken your senses with a delicious breakfast and explore this impressive Inca site in the mountains, near the deepest canyon in South America. Discover majestic landscapes as you walk through plazas, temples and platforms, listening to the fascinating stories of the past. Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft), larger than Machu Picchu, is an incredible work of engineering with white stone llamas adorning its hillside platforms. Reflect on how the Incas built something so impressive here. After a picnic lunch, rest before exploring further. Although only 40% of the complex is visible, Choquequirao remains a mystery, but new discoveries are yet to come. We will return to camp at Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft.) to enjoy a delicious dinner and reflect on the day.

• Time: Approx. 7 Hrs. Hike
• Distance: 14 Km.
• Climate: Cold – Temperate
• Maximum Altitude: 3, 800 masl. – 2040 masl
• Difficulty: Moderate – Low
• Overnight stay: Aguas Calientes Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Marampata | Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chiquisca

Highlights of the day: Enjoy learning about the local culture in the Andean community and relax in the beautiful surrounding nature.

After breakfast, we will begin the return trip from Choquequirao. Along the hike, capture photos of the canyon from Marampata and enjoy the diversity of vegetation. We will stop at Santa Rosa (2,970 m/ 6,234 ft) for lunch and then continue to Playa Rosalinas, where you can cool off in the Apurimac River. We will ascend to Chiquisca camp (1,900 m/ / 6,234 ft), where you will live the experience of a local family, learning about their culture and traditions. After dinner, rest in our comfortable camp and reflect on your trip.

Day 05: Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco.

Highlights of the day: After several days of hiking, take some time to relax in the hot springs before returning to Cusco. We will start with breakfast and embark on a four-hour hike to Capuliyoc, enjoying the sound of the river. We will say goodbye to the trekking team and visit the famous Saywite monolith, which has more than 200 geometric and zoomorphic figures. Then, we will head to the Conoc hot springs to enjoy a moment of relaxation before having lunch and returning to Cusco. Contemplate the majestic mountains and we will arrive in Cusco around 6:00 p.m., where we will drop you off at your hotel to rest after an unforgettable day.