Choquequirao Trek 5 Days| Choquequirao

Pickup Information: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 5:00 AM.
Average Hiking Duration: 6 to 7 hours per day.
Maximum Elevation: 3,100 meters above sea level (10,170 feet)
Minimum Elevation: 1,500 meters above sea level (4,921 feet)
Location: Northwest of Cusco City
Walking Distance: Approximately 32 kilometers.
Visiting Season: Available year-round, with the best months being from March to November.
Hiking Difficulty: Medium to Difficult.
Return Information: We will return to Cusco on the fifth day, between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Choquequirao Trek 5 Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Saywite – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

This day marks the beginning of our adventure through the Andes, culminating in our journey to the jungle. We will pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and then head northwest of the city. Along the way, you'll see the stunning inter-Andean valleys, with snow-capped peaks in the distance, including Salkantay, part of the Vilcabamba Andes chain.

Our first stop will be the Saywite Monolith, a large rock carved during the Inca era. This fascinating site showcases the natural and cultural wealth of the Andean region through its various anthropomorphic, phytomorphic, and zoomorphic designs.

After visiting the monolith, we will continue our journey to Capuliyoc, where our hike begins. Here, our team—including muleteers and mules—will be waiting to assist us in carrying the equipment for our trip.

The stretch from Capuliyoc to Chiquisca is breathtaking. We will enjoy views of the snowy mountains Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina as we descend through the magnificent Apurimac Canyon, often accompanied by the majestic Andean condor.

We will set up camp in Chiquisca for the night.

Total distance: 10 km.
Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Maximum altitude: 2,885 m (9,465 ft).
Camp altitude: 1,910 m (6,266 ft).

Day 2: Chisquisca – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa – Marampata.

This Day, we will begin our hike very early to make the most of the weather. Our first destination is Playa Rosalina, where we'll descend to 1,500 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), the lowest point of the hike. From there, we will ascend through arid landscapes until we reach Santa Rosa, a small hamlet nestled in the mountains.

After a short rest, we will continue our ascent through stretches filled with typical forests of the region, showcasing diverse flora and fauna. Our goal for the day is to reach Marampata, one of the largest hamlets along the route, from where we can enjoy a stunning view of the great Inca citadel of Choquequirao.

We will set up camp in Marampata for the night.

Total distance: 11 km.
Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Maximum altitude: 2,870 m (9,470 ft).
Camp altitude: 2,870 m (9,470 ft).

Day 3: Choquequirao Full Day.

The most anticipated day of our 5-day Choquequirao trekking itinerary has arrived! We will spend the entire day exploring the most significant sites within this beautiful Inca city.

From Marampata to Choquequirao, it is a 2-hour walk. The route is stunning, taking us through jungle forests and along rivers that descend from the Andes. Along the way, we will enjoy unique views of archaeological features, including the Paqchayoc terraces, which are part of the Choquequirao archaeological park, as well as the Apurímac canyon.

Upon arriving at the main square, we will visit several key areas: the workshops sector, the Hanan sector, the Colcas, the Llamas del Sol sector, and the main Usnu. We aim to explore as much of this extensive Inca Llaqta, which is even larger than Machu Picchu.

After a rewarding and fulfilling day of exploration, we will return to the hamlet of Marampata where we will camp for the night.

Total distance: 9 km.
Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Maximum altitude: 3,100 m (10,170 ft).
Camp altitude: 2,870 m (9,470 ft).

Day 4: Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca – Cocamasana.

Today, we will begin our return journey after a pleasant and unforgettable visit to one of the last refuges of the Incas. We will leave Marampata and start our descent until we reach Playa Rosalina, where we can take a rest.

From Playa Rosalina, we will ascend to the hamlet of Chiquisca, where we will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved break. In the afternoon, we will continue our hike toward Cocamasana, which will be our final camping destination.

Day 5: Cocamasana – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco.

This day marks our last day exploring the Peruvian Andes and the Apurímac Canyon. We believe that the hike to Choquequirao offers a unique experience, with each step rewarded by the stunning beauty of this remarkable location.

We will arrive at Capuliyoc, where we will say farewell to the team that accompanied us on this incredible journey. From here, we will board our transportation that will take us back to the city of Cusco.

Thus, our wonderful adventure concludes at one of the most popular tourist attractions, visited by more travelers each year. Choquequirao stands as a symbol of the resilience of Inca culture and is truly a place worth visiting.