Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

4 Days / 3 Nights from US $ 550.00
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
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Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
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Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
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Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

Cusco I Cachora I Capuliyoc I Santa Rosa I Marampata I Chiquisca I Choquequirao ruins
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Physical Level
Moderate
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Trip Style
Hike, Camping, Culture Adventure
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Max Altitude
3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Group Size
08pp Average.16ppl Max

The term Choquequirao translates to “Cradle of Gold.” Perched above the tumultuous, glacier-fed Apurimac River and encircled by towering snow-capped peaks, Choquequirao is an isolated and infrequently visited “Lost City of the Incas.” This Inca archaeological site is often regarded as Machu Picchu’s sister. Although less famous and visited, it is three times larger than Machu Picchu. Choquequirao served as one of the final bastions for Incas resisting Spanish domination following the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became enveloped by dense cloud forest vegetation, with archaeologists still uncovering new parts of the city.

Situated between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 3033m/9,951ft, Choquequirao’s seclusion helps it avoid large crowds, adding to its allure. The trek to reach it is a demanding 40km/25 miles roundtrip, with elevations ranging from 1400m/4,593ft to 3100m/10,170ft.

Highlights

Classic Choquequirao Trek 4 Days Highlights:

  • Challenging and Scenic Trek: Experience a challenging yet rewarding trek, with steep ascents and descents that lead you through diverse landscapes, from cloud forests to high-altitude grasslands.
  • Suspension Bridge Over the Apurímac River: Cross the dramatic Apurímac River on a suspension bridge, adding a thrilling element to the journey while taking in the river’s deep gorge below.
  • Vibrant Flora and Fauna: Hike through lush, biodiverse environments, spotting native plants and wildlife such as orchids, hummingbirds, and possibly the endangered spectacled bear.
  • Traditional Andean Villages: Pass through remote Andean villages like Cachora, where you can interact with locals, learn about their culture, and experience authentic Andean hospitality.
  • High-Altitude Landscapes: Hike through varied terrains, from cloud forests and subtropical vegetation to the barren, high-altitude sections that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Historical Significance: Learn about the history and significance of Choquequirao, an ancient Inca city thought to have been a major religious and administrative center during the Inca Empire.
  • Remote Adventure: Enjoy the tranquility of trekking in a less-crowded, remote area compared to more popular treks like the Inca Trail, providing a more intimate and peaceful hiking experience.
  • Sunset and Sunrise Views: Witness the magical moments of sunset and sunrise at Choquequirao, where the changing light over the ruins and surrounding mountains is nothing short of spectacular.

 

Trip Details

Classic Choquequirao Trek 4 Days detailed Trip:

Tour Name: Classic Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
100% LOCAL COMPANY: A fully licensed, trusted Choquequirao Trek Tour Operator. We are highly recommended by past travelers! Be sure to check out our reviews on TripAdvisor & YouTube to see firsthand accounts of our clients’ experiences.
Group Size: Typically 2 – 10 people (average), with a maximum group size of 16 people
Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Available upon request, with no additional charges
Starting Point: We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in the morning
Ending Point: Drop-off at your hotel or the airport at the end of the trek
Departure: Daily departures, available upon request. If you’re a group of 2, we’ll depart even if you’ve paid for a smaller group service—no need to worry about larger group options. Unlike many other agencies, we NEVER transfer our guests to another operator, ensuring you get the full experience with us.
Transportation: We provide transportation via Bus, Hike depending on the segment of the trek
Accommodations: 3 Nights of camping in spacious tents (2 people per tent)
High Season: From March through January
Choquequirao Permits & Tickets: All entrance fees and permits are included in the tour cost

Trip Summary

Classic Choquequirao Trek 4 Days Short Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinda – Santa Rosa
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Maranpata – Choquequirao
Day 3: Maranpata – Chiquisca
Day 4: Chiquisca – Saywite – Cusco

Itinerary

DAY 1:

CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – PLAYA ROSALINAS – SANTA ROSA

Our remarkable journey begins at 4:30 am, with the guide picking you up from your hotel for a 4-hour drive in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft). The route offers picturesque views of villages, stunning valleys, and snow-capped peaks. At Capuliyoc, we will meet our horsemen and load all our gear onto the horses. You will carry a small daypack with essentials for the hike.
Begin your trek down to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m/4,840ft) where we’ll have lunch. Enjoy spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon and mountain peaks such as Padreyoc at 5,571m/18,387ft. After lunch, ascend for two hours to our first campsite at Santa Rosa (1,900m/6,234ft), where hot drinks and appetizers will be ready. Settle into your pre-set tents before dinner.

Meals included: Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 16.5 km / 10 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

The guide will start your day with a hot cup of tea or coffee before breakfast. After an early meal, we’ll embark on a 2-hour walk to the village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft). Enjoy diverse flora and fauna along the way to the impressive Choquequirao site! After lunch, we’ll have a private guided tour of the remarkable ruins in the afternoon.

Explore key sections of the site including palaces, temples, ritual water fountains, the Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama section, and more. Your guide will share the fascinating history of this extraordinary place! We’ll then return to our second campsite at Maranpata, 1.5 hours from Choquequirao ruins, where tea time and dinner await.

Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

After breakfast, descend to the striking Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft), a journey of about two hours. This river is highly revered in Inca culture, and its power is truly awe-inspiring. Then, trek uphill for one hour to reach our third campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft). Your tents will be ready with hot drinks and appetizers upon arrival.

Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
Maximum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

After a hearty breakfast, hike up a moderately challenging incline toward the Capuliyoc Pass. Once there, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. We’ll then drive to Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft) for lunch. Following that, we’ll visit the Saywite archaeological site, giving you ample time to explore. Finally, we’ll return to Cusco by van, arriving at your hotel around 6 pm.

Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch
Minimum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft
Distance: 8 km / 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Inclusions

Included:

  • Pick-up from your hotel on the morning of the trek
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc (the trek’s starting point) and from Cachora to Cusco
  • Entry fees to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
  • Experienced and professional English-speaking guide
  • Comfortable tents, with two people sharing a four-person tent
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary (vegetarian options available upon request)
  • 1 emergency horse (with helmet) available if you feel exhausted or unwell
  • All necessary camping equipment including dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen, and toilet tent
  • Tents for our staff
  • First Aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle
  • Pack horses for carrying equipment and personal items, with horsemen
  • Camping pillow and foam sleeping mattresses
  • Private guided tours at each archaeological site
  • 7 kg of personal items (such as extra clothes and sleeping bag) carried by our horses
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing
  • Taxes

Not Included:

  • Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of minus 10°C – $20
  • Air mattresses – $20
  • Trekking poles – $15
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage beyond the allowance
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and horsemen of INCA EXPEDITIONS

What to Bring

PACKING LIST FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Original Passport: Must match the one used for booking.
  • Daypack: A small backpack (30-40L) for daily hiking.
  • Water Storage: 2-3L reusable bottles.
  • Comfortable Hiking Boots: With ankle support.
  • Sleeping Bag: Suitable for at least -15ºC (can be rented from us).
  • Headlamp: Essential.
  • Toilet Paper.

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG:

  • 2 T-Shirts
  • 2 Hiking Pants
  • 4 Sets of Undergarments
  • 3 Sets of Hiking Socks
  • Fleece/Thermals
  • Warm Clothes: Down jacket (2nd campsite temperature around 3ºC).
  • Waterproof Gloves: Even ski gloves are suitable.
  • Comfortable Shoes for Camp.
  • Quick-Dry Towel: We provide small ones; a larger one might be preferable.
  • Small Bottle of Soap: We provide warm water for washing.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek.
  • Large Plastic Bags: Provided at the office to line your duffel.
  • Extra Gear: Include your sleeping bag and mattress in the 7kg/14lb limit.

TOILETRIES:

  • Face Moisturizer
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wet Wipes
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Personal Medications
  • First Aid Kit: Band-aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO CARRY IN YOUR BACKPACK:

  • Water: Bring your own until the first lunch spot; cold boiled water is provided afterward.
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent
  • Headlamp: Essential.
  • Wool Hat
  • Rain Gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks: Chocolate bars, cereal bars, dry fruits.
  • Rain Poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Toilet Paper and Plastic Bag for Waste
  • Extra Money: For souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
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Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Pricing

PRICE: The 4-day Choquequirao Trek is available on any date that suits you, provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers.

  • Price: $540USD per person
  • Note: We use large Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers.
  • Private Trek: An additional $100 per person

DISCOUNTS:

  • Group Discount: $30 USD off per person for groups of 5 or more booking together.

EXTRAS:

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (clean and warm)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (adjustable professional poles)
  • Personal Tent: $30 USD (single tent for individual trekkers)

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE:

  • Airport Transfer: From Cusco Airport to the hotel
  • Duffle Bag and Liner Bags: Included in the trekking price
  • Extra Pack Horse: Included for carrying up to 7 kg / 14 lbs of your belongings (such as sleeping bag, mattress, clothes, etc.)
  • Boiled Water: Provided along the Inca Trail
  • Oxygen Tank: Available throughout the trek
  • Emergency Horse: Included if you become tired or ill
  • Camping Pillow and Foam Mattress: Provided

Aditional information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO: Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS board at the exit from the arrival terminal.

THE BRIEFING: The briefing will be held the night before the trek at 6pm in our office

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE? Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the trek.

HOW TO BOOK THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK:

  1. Booking Form: Fill out our booking form by clicking on “BOOK NOW” on our homepage or click here for the link.
  2. Required Information: Provide personal details for each participant, including full name, gender, passport number, date of birth, and nationality.
  3. Deposit: A deposit of $211.00 USD per person is required to purchase a permit. You can pay by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our homepage or booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE? To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. ATMs are available in the historical center for withdrawals. Alternatively, you can pay online via VISA or PAYPAL with a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL payments, use our email address incasexpeditions@gmail.com.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER TICKETS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED? Yes, but with some restrictions. Contact our office as soon as possible to request a date change. Note that the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE TREK? Yes, bring your original passport, which must match the passport number used for booking. If you renew or change your passport, send us the details of your old passport, and we can update the information for a $25 USD fee. Alternatively, bring both old and new passports to Peru.

HIKING THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK: You will receive a SMALL DUFFEL BAG the evening before the trek, with a 7kg/14lb weight limit. Your duffel bag will be carried by pack horses, so you will not have access to it until the end of each day. Carry a daypack (30-50L) for personal items like a jacket, rain gear, camera, snacks, and water.

IS THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 4-DAY TREK DIFFICULT? The trek is challenging but manageable with moderate fitness. While not requiring expert-level trekking skills, being in good physical condition will enhance your experience. If you don’t exercise regularly, consider doing extra walking or hiking before your trip.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK? If you can’t complete the trek due to health issues, INCA EXPEDITIONS will assist with transportation to the nearest town. We carry oxygen for respiratory issues and can arrange a helicopter pick-up at your expense in extreme cases (travel insurance required). There are no refunds if you cannot finish the trek.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK? Yes, we will drop you at your hotel or, if you are staying in the Sacred Valley, at your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. If you spend the night in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there.

TIPPING: Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. It is a way to reward excellent service and is a common practice in the tourism industry. Tip according to your perception of the service quality and the length of your trip.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, INCA EXPEDITIONS is a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator. We adhere to principles that protect the environment and benefit local communities, respecting their culture and traditions. Our local staff is trained to understand and respect the areas we visit.

Incas Expeditions

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