Choquequirao Trek: 4 Days 3 Nights — The Adventure to Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister

Cusco 4 Days 3 Nights

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Quechua Women Traditional Dress Llamas Alpaca

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Availability Daily departures
Transport Hotel pickup
Languages Español, Inglés
Service type Not specified
Cancellation policy Not specified

Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
Recommendations
FAQs
Reviews
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About this activity

The Choquequirao Trek 4 Days is an adventurous hike to the remote Inca city of Choquequirao, offering stunning mountain views, rich history, and a less crowded alternative to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Day 01

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca

The day begins very early with hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to Cachora. At Capuliyoc, enjoy your first lunch with stunning views over the valley, before descending into the Apurimac Canyon. Camp is set up for the night at Chiquisca, at the bottom of the valley.

Day 02

Day 2: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao

Descend to Playa Rosalina, crossing the Apurimac River, followed by a steep climb to Marampata. In the afternoon, reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao, with time to explore its terraces, temples, and plazas before sunset. The night is spent camping near the citadel.

Day 03

Day 3: Choquequirao – Exploration – Marampata or Chiquisca

A day dedicated entirely to exploring the citadel of Choquequirao in depth: its architectural details, its strategic location above the canyon, and the sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Then begin the descent back toward the return campsite.

Day 04

Day 4: Camp – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Return to Cusco

The final climb back up to Capuliyoc, crossing mountains and valleys already familiar from the way in. Private transport takes you back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon or evening.

What's included

Inclusions

Included
- Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco, and to and from the trailhead.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- Camping equipment: tent, sleeping mat, and dining tent.
- Muleteer and mule support for carrying camping gear.
- Full meals throughout the trek (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as per itinerary).
- Entrance fee to the Choquequirao archaeological complex.
- First-aid kit and basic safety equipment.

What's Not Included

Not included
- Breakfast on Day 1 (depending on departure time).
- Dinner on the final day.
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available as optional rental).
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Transportation to Cusco from other cities in Peru.

Recommendations

Fitness level: this trek is moderate to challenging, with steep ascents and descents — arrive with 1–2 days of prior acclimatization in Cusco.
Layered clothing: temperatures vary considerably between the cold heights of Capuliyoc and the warm floor of the Apurimac Canyon.
Proper footwear: broken-in trekking boots (not brand new) are essential for the steep descents.
Sun protection: a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Trekking poles: although not included, strongly recommended, especially for the descents toward Playa Rosalina.
Hydration: reusable water bottle and purify additional water as needed.
Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses, tips, and optional equipment rental.
Book ahead: muleteer, porter, and permit availability can fill up quickly, especially during the dry season (April to October).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to do the Choquequirao Trek?

The dry season, roughly from April to October, is the most recommended, although the trek runs year-round.

What fitness level is required?

This is a moderate-to-challenging trek, with long ascents and descents, varying altitudes, and several kilometers of daily walking.

How many kilometers do you walk in total?

The total distance is approximately 40 to 65 km (25–40 miles), depending on the exact route and itinerary.

Can it be done in fewer or more days?

Yes, shorter 3-day/2-night versions exist, as well as extended 5-day/4-night itineraries.

Is mule support included for luggage?

Yes, muleteer and mule support is included; personal luggage typically has a weight limit of up to 7 kg (15 lbs).

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking several weeks ahead, especially during high season.

Is Choquequirao better than Machu Picchu?

It's not really a question of which is "better" — they're different experiences. Choquequirao offers an equally monumental citadel with far fewer visitors, while Machu Picchu has better accessibility and more developed tourist infrastructure.

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