Choquequirao trek 4 days | Lala Peru Travel

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days: Peru’s Hidden Inca Wonder

Embark on an epic expedition to the legendary sister city of Machu Picchu. Hidden deep within the Vilcabamba mountain range and guarded by the dramatic Apurimac Canyon, Choquequirao stands as one of Peru’s most remote and breathtaking archaeological gems. This challenging 4-day trek will reward you with pristine Inca terraces, ancient plazas, and massive stone walls completely free from the crowds.

We will explore:

Cusco & Intermontane Valleys
Capuliyoc Panoramic Viewpoint
Apurimac River Canyon
Marampata High Andean Plateau
Choquequirao Archaeological Complex

⏳ Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights

💲 Price
USD 450

⛰ Maximum Altitude
3,100 m (10,170 ft)

🏔 Minimum Altitude
1,500 m (4,920 ft)

👥 Group Size
Max 12 people

📍 Start
Cusco (5:00 AM)

🏁 End
Cusco (6:00 PM approx.)

🥾 Difficulty
Challenging

🚐 Transportation
Private Tourist Vehicles

⛺ Accommodation
Private Campsites

🥾 Activities
High-Intensity Trekking

🌈 Highlight
Uncrowded Ancient Inca Citadel

The Choquequirao trek is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding wilderness backpacking routes in South America. Unlike other mainstream paths, this journey takes you through steep switchbacks, deep geographical canyons, and diverse microclimates—descending into warm semi-arid valleys before climbing up to the lush, misty cloud forests that guard the ancient citadel.

As you stand atop the sweeping stone terraces that look out over the Apurimac River thousands of meters below, you will experience the true, untouched mystery of the Incas. Accompanied by professional guides, camp cooks, and pack horses, this expedition ensures absolute safety and deep immersion into Peru’s finest hidden history.

Explore the spectacular temples, ritual plazas, and unique “Famous Llamas” stone terraces of Choquequirao.
Cross the immense Apurimac Canyon, enjoying some of the deepest geographic views in Peru.
Trek in absolute tranquility through paths completely untouched by mass tourism.
Camp beneath crisp, clear night skies in unique high-altitude mountain locations.
Spot incredible native wildlife, including the majestic Andean Condor soaring above the peaks.

A pure, authentic adventure designed specifically for trekking lovers seeking a physical challenge and rich rewards.
Full logistical support: pack horses carry your gear, allowing you to walk comfortably with just a light daypack.
Immersive expert guiding that brings the forgotten history of the last Inca refuge back to life.
Hearty, freshly cooked mountain meals prepared daily by a dedicated expedition chef.

Full Description

DAY 1

Cusco – Capuliyoc – Descent into the Canyon

We depart from Cusco early in the morning in our private tourist vehicle, traveling through beautiful intermontane landscapes until reaching the trailhead at Capuliyoc. Here, we meet our team of horsemen and cooks while enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped Padreyoc mountain.

From Capuliyoc, we begin a long, steep descent down into the heart of the Apurimac Canyon. The landscape transitions into a warm, semi-arid environment as we make our way toward the canyon floor. We finish our active day at a scenic campsite near the river valley, where a hot dinner and cozy tents await.

▪ Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

▪ Accommodation: Private Campsite

DAY 2

Canyon Floor – Marampata Ascent – Approaching Choquequirao

We wake up early to cross the river and begin the most challenging climb of the trek. Fuelled by a hearty mountain breakfast, we tackle a long series of steep switchbacks winding up the opposite side of the canyon wall.

As we gain elevation, the vegetation turns greener and fresher. We eventually reach the high-altitude plateau of Marampata, a welcoming settlement that offers magnificent views of the surrounding ridges. After resting and enjoying a warm lunch, we continue our trek toward the outer edge of the cloud forest, setting up camp very close to the archaeological complex of Choquequirao.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Accommodation: Private Campsite

DAY 3

Exploring the Choquequirao Citadel – Return to the Valley

Today is dedicated entirely to the magic of Choquequirao. We spend the morning exploring the main archaeological sectors, including the lower terraces adorned with white stone llama symbols, the central plaza, the ceremonial altars, and the royal rooms. Your expert guide will reveal the strategic importance of this fortress as a last bastion of Inca resistance.

Enjoying the quiet atmosphere, you will have plenty of time for photography and personal reflection. In the afternoon, we bid farewell to the hidden wonder and begin our steady descent back down into the depths of the Apurimac Canyon to spend our final night camping under the stars.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Accommodation: Private Campsite

DAY 4

Final Ascent to Capuliyoc – Transfer back to Cusco

On our final morning, we conquer our last physical milestone: climbing back up out of the deep canyon to Capuliyoc. We start early to avoid the midday heat, pacing ourselves up the trail. Reaching the viewpoint brings a massive sense of accomplishment as we look back at the immense valleys we conquered.

After enjoying our final lunch together with our expedition team, we say goodbye to our horsemen and pack our bags into our private transport. We relax on the drive back to the highlands, arriving at your hotel accommodation in Cusco by evening.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Includes

Private round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
Official entry tickets to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex
Professional, certified, and bilingual wilderness guide
High-quality, professional camping equipment (tents and mats)
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 hot Dinners prepared with fresh ingredients
Expedition cook and dedicated kitchen/dining tents
Pack horses to carry camping gear, food supplies, and up to 7kg of your personal belongings
Daily boiled water for your hydration packs or bottles
First aid kit including safety medical oxygen tank