Choquequirao trek machu picchu

Choquequirao Trek

Let’s explore another ancient wonder: Choquequirao, the Inca citadel! It’s a special place often called the sister of Machu Picchu.

Explore an ancient Inca citadel comparable to Machu Picchu, less crowded, and offering a sense of discovering unspoiled sites. Immerse yourself in breathtaking natural landscapes, right in the Andes Mountains. Discover Inca history and culture through terraces, plazas, and ceremonial spaces, offering glimpses into the ancient civilization.

We will explore:

Cusco Killarumiyoq
Capuliyoc
Playa Rosalina
Santa Rosa
Marampata
Choquequirao
Sayhuite Fundo Sauceda
Chonta Viewpoint

⏳ Duration
5 Days

💲 Price
USD 600

⛰ Maximum Altitude
3,500 m

🏔 Minimum Altitude
1,500 m

👥 Group Size
Minimum 2 People

📍 Start
Cusco

🏁 End
Cusco

🥾 Difficulty
Moderate – Challenging

🚐 Transportation
Tourist Vehicles

⛺ Accommodation
Camping

🥾 Activities
Hiking & Trekking

🌈 Highlight
Choquequirao Citadel

Yes! Let’s explore another ancient wonder: Choquequirao, also known as the Inca citadel! It’s a special place often called the sister of Machu Picchu. Located between the Salkantay and Qoriwayrachina mountains, it features enormous terraces, ceremonial areas, and irrigation canals, all connected by a fascinating network of trails. Don’t miss this incredible adventure! Are you ready?

Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas from the Apurímac Canyon, a perfect gift from Mother Nature formed thousands of years ago, while uncovering the mysteries of this deeply spiritual and historical trekking path.

Explore the massive and less-crowded ancient citadel of Choquequirao.
Marvel at the deep and majestic Apurímac Canyon.
Visit the Moon worship center of Killarumiyoq.
Witness the spectacular flight of the Andean Condor from Chonta.
Discover the intricate carvings of the Sayhuite Monolith.
Learn about traditional local production like Cambray sugarcane drink.
Explore a local family farm and avocado plantations in Sauceda Valley.
Camp under starlit Andean skies across historical campsites.

Twice the size of Machu Picchu but far away from the heavy tourist crowds.
Deep connection with ancient history, dynamic microclimates, and local families.
Challenging and deeply rewarding trekking experience through impressive canyons.
Stunning opportunities to view wildlife like condors in their natural habitat.
A pure sense of true exploration and outdoor adventure.

Full Description

DAY 1

Cusco – Killarumiyoq – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

We will depart early from the city of Cusco in our private transport towards the archaeological site of Killarumiyoq, a place of worship dedicated to the Moon, mother of the sky and representation of the feminine side of the universe.

We will continue by transport until we reach Capuliyoc, the starting point of our hike and where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, we will head to the Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,890 m / 9,482 ft) to enjoy the best views of the Apurímac Valley and experience the amazing sight of the condor in flight. As we descend, the temperature and vegetation increase. After a three-hour hike, we’ll reach Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), a small hamlet where we’ll spend the night under the shade of soursop trees.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 2

Conquering the summit to discover the mysteries (Chiquisca – Rosalina Beach – Marampata)

After a good breakfast, we’ll begin our journey, descending for an hour and a half to reach Rosalina Beach (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), the lowest point of the route. Later, we will visit a nearby hacienda belonging to one of the families that still maintains its traditional method of preparing Cambray, a drink made from sugarcane.

Then, we will cross the suspension bridge over the Apurímac River and ascend for three hours to reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we will spend the night. It’s worth mentioning that this is the closest town to Choquequirao.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3

Choquequirao, a hidden wonder beneath the mantle of Mother Earth

After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll depart from Marampata for the Choquequirao archaeological complex. We’ll hike for approximately an hour and a half, making short stops at each viewpoint to admire the breathtaking views of the valley. At Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft), twice the size of Machu Picchu, you’ll find a citadel nestled amidst rugged vegetation featuring stunning terraces, ceremonial plazas, temples, and water channels.

After enjoying the sunset at this impressive archaeological site, we will return to Marampata to savor lunch prepared by our professional chef. Then, we return to the Santa Rosa campsite to spend the night gazing at the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4

A happy and peaceful return through the great canyon

After hiking for approximately two hours discovering the natural beauty, we will reach the deepest part of the valley, Rosalina Beach (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), where you can refresh yourself with the cool waters of the Apurímac River.

Afterwards, we’ll prepare for a long, steep climb that winds up the mountainside until we reach the hamlet of Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) for a delicious lunch. After a well-deserved rest, we’ll continue ascending for another four hours until we finally reach the Capuliyoc campsite to enjoy a restorative dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 5

Enjoying the sunrise under Padreyoc and the great Sayhuite Monolith

After breakfast accompanied by an incredible sunrise at the foot of the Padreyoc snow-capped mountain, we’ll travel in our private transport towards Cachora, and arrive at the Sayhuite archaeological site (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) to admire the famous stone monolith. We will continue towards the Sauceda Valley (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) to visit a family farm and explore the avocado plantations.

After lunch, we will go to the town of Chonta (3,460 m / 11,352 ft). From here, we will hike for an hour and a half to the viewpoints to witness the famous flight of the Andean condor before our private transportation takes us back to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate