Trekking to Choquequirao 4 Days 3 Nights from Cusco
Overview
Discover the majesty of the Andes with our challenging trek to Choquequirao, a magical Inca city located southeast of Cusco. Strategically situated between the deep canyon of the Apurímac River and the imposing Vilcabamba mountain range (dominated by the majestic Salkantay peak), this astonishing citadel is one of Cusco's most enigmatic and unexplored tourist attractions.
Over four days, you'll experience an expedition that traverses different altitudinal zones, allowing you to appreciate a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the flight of the Andean condor and the possibility of spotting the spectacled bear or the elusive puma. Beyond its natural beauty, Choquequirao holds immense historical value: it served as a refuge and natural stronghold for the Inca resistance movement in the 16th century. In fact, local oral tradition maintains that "El Dorado" is still hidden here, a mystery that modern archaeology continues to investigate.
If you love adventure and are looking for the best tours in Cusco, this hike will push you to your limits. Book today and discover one of the hidden gems of tourism in Cusco, Peru!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco, Capulichayoc and Descent to Chiquishca
Start of the Journey to Cachora
Our expedition begins at 6:00 AM with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel by vehicle to the town of Cachora, where we will prepare our camping equipment and the food each of us should bring.
Hike and First Camp
We will begin our hike towards the Capulichayoc area. Here, we will stop for lunch and rest while enjoying the scenery. Afterward, we will hike for approximately 5 more hours until we reach the Chiquishca area, where we will set up camp for the first night.
Day 2 – Chiquishca, Apurimac River, Santa Rosa and Choquequirao
Descent to the River and Challenging Ascent
After a hearty breakfast at 6:30 a.m., we begin our trek with an approximately one-hour descent to the Apurímac River, specifically to the area known as Playa Rosalias (1500 m.a.s.l.), where we can rest briefly. Then, we will face the most challenging part of the trek: a four-hour ascent up a steep slope to reach Santa Rosa (2100 m.a.s.l.), where we will stop for lunch and to regain our strength.
Arrival at the Archaeological Complex
We will continue our uphill hike for approximately three more hours until we finally reach the majestic archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We will set up camp on the terraces of the site, allowing you to freely appreciate the complex during sunset.
Day 3 – Exploration of Choquequirao and Return to Chiquisca
Guided Tour of the Inca Refuge
We will begin the day with breakfast at the campsite at 6:30 a.m. Following breakfast, we will enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours at the Choquequirao archaeological complex. Our professional guide will explain in detail the history, architecture, and great strategic importance of this Inca refuge during the resistance.
Descent and Third Campsite
At the designated time, we will begin our return to campsite to pack up our gear and start the descent back to Santa Rosa, where we will have lunch. Afterward, we will continue our downhill hike for two hours until we cross the Apurímac River again at Playa Rosalina. From there, we will head to Chiquisca, where we will set up camp for our third and final night.
Day 4 – Hike to Cachora and Return to Cusco
Final Leg of the Hike
After enjoying our last breakfast at camp at 7:00 a.m., we will begin the fourth day of our hike, starting the final ascent back to the village of Cachora.
Lunch and Trip to Cusco
We will arrive in Cachora at approximately 1:00 p.m. In this village, we will have time for lunch (not included). Once we are ready and feeling a sense of accomplishment, we will board our transport (bus) that will take us back to the city of Cusco, thus concluding this great expedition.
What's Included?
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation and transfer.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- Pack horses for transporting camping equipment (5 kg limit per passenger).
- Entrance tickets to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
- Expert trekking cook.
- Meals during the trek (towards Cachora, local).
- Camping equipment: Overnight tents, sleeping mats, kitchen tent, and toilet tent.
- Tables, chairs, and cooking utensils.
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- First breakfast (Day 1)
- Last lunch (Day 4, in Cachora)
- Extra horse (if you wish to bring more than the 5 kg limit)
- Extra accommodation due to early or late arrival
- Tips
Recommendations
- Bring your original passport or valid ID.
- Bring cash to cover meals not included, tips, or emergencies.
- Bring your own sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for trekking (hiking pants, windproof jacket, thermal underwear).
- Wear comfortable and very sturdy footwear (hiking boots with good grip).
- Bring mandatory sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
- Bring plenty of water in a canteen and water purification tablets.
- Bring a camera with spare batteries.
- Due to the demanding physical level of the hike, it is recommended to be in good physical shape and acclimatize beforehand in the city.
FAQs
The tour consists of a complete 4-day, 3-night expedition, combining travel by transport and intense days of hiking in the Andean mountain range.
The trek is rated as High/Difficult. The section from the Apurímac River to Santa Rosa is particularly demanding due to its steep slopes and several hours of ascent.
No, the tour includes pack horses that will transport all the general camping equipment and up to a maximum of 5 kilos of your personal belongings.
Yes, the package includes overnight tents, sleeping mats, a kitchen tent, a toilet tent, tables, and chairs. The only thing you need to bring is a sleeping bag.
The area is very rich in biodiversity. During the hike, it's possible to spot the majestic flight of the Andean condor, and with a lot of luck, pumas or spectacled bears that inhabit the mountains.
Yes, all entrance tickets required to enter and explore the Choquequirao archaeological complex are covered by the tour.