Peru
Peru – Choquequirao Trek (5 days)
Peru – Choquequirao Trek (5 days)
Duration
5 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Demanding
Overview
This trek takes you off the beaten track to one of Peru's most mysterious Inca sites. Only a few travellers make it here: impressive ruins, spectacular views over the Apurímac Canyon, changing vegetation zones and, with a little luck, soaring Andean condors await you.
Choquequirao is one of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru – and one of the least visited. Perched on a ridge high above the Apurímac Canyon, the “sister city” of Machu Picchu can only be reached on foot. This five-day version gives you a whole day at Choquequirao: with your guide, you explore its temples, palaces, astronomical observatories, water channels and vast terraces, including the famous llama terraces. On the way in and out, you cross the deep canyon of the Apurímac, the “talking god” of the Quechua, through changing vegetation with orchids, rich birdlife and a good chance of seeing Andean condors. Horses carry the equipment, our chef cooks fresh meals and you sleep in comfortable tents. We travel in small groups of up to 12 people with experienced local guides.
Tour Code
Tour language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
Campsite Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft)
6–7 km / 3.7–4.3 mi · 3–4 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am for a scenic drive of about five hours. On the way, you see Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), cross the Cunyac bridge between the regions of Cusco and Apurímac and stop briefly in Curahuasi for last supplies. In Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), you meet our horsemen and enjoy lunch with views of the Apurímac Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. In the afternoon, a descent of three to four hours leads to our first campsite at Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft), with changing weather, flora and fauna along the way. Today you cover 6–7 km (3.7–4.3 mi) in 3–4 hours of hiking.
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
Day 1
Campsite Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft)
6–7 km / 3.7–4.3 mi · 3–4 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am for a scenic drive of about five hours. On the way, you see Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), cross the Cunyac bridge between the regions of Cusco and Apurímac and stop briefly in Curahuasi for last supplies. In Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), you meet our horsemen and enjoy lunch with views of the Apurímac Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. In the afternoon, a descent of three to four hours leads to our first campsite at Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft), with changing weather, flora and fauna along the way. Today you cover 6–7 km (3.7–4.3 mi) in 3–4 hours of hiking.
Day 2
Chiquiska – Playa Rosalinas – Marampata – Choquequirao
Campsite Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
13–14 km / 8.1–8.7 mi · 7–8 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After breakfast, we descend for about an hour to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) on the Apurímac River. Crossing the bridge, we begin the climb of about three hours to Santa Rosa (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) and continue for another two hours to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we have lunch with views of Choquequirao. In the afternoon, a two-hour walk brings us to our campsite near the Inca site of Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). Keep an eye out for Andean condors and the many orchids along the way. Today you cover 13–14 km (8.1–8.7 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking.
Chiquiska – Playa Rosalinas – Marampata – Choquequirao
Day 2
Campsite Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
13–14 km / 8.1–8.7 mi · 7–8 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After breakfast, we descend for about an hour to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) on the Apurímac River. Crossing the bridge, we begin the climb of about three hours to Santa Rosa (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) and continue for another two hours to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we have lunch with views of Choquequirao. In the afternoon, a two-hour walk brings us to our campsite near the Inca site of Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). Keep an eye out for Andean condors and the many orchids along the way. Today you cover 13–14 km (8.1–8.7 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking.
Day 3
Full day at Choquequirao
Campsite Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
5–6 km / 3.1–3.7 mi · 5–6 h · 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
Today is dedicated to Choquequirao. On a guided tour of about four hours, you explore its different sectors: temples for ancient rituals, astronomical observatories, palaces of the ruling elite, ingenious water channels, vast terraces and the famous terraces decorated with llama figures. After lunch at the campsite, the afternoon is yours – relax at camp or return to the ruins to explore further at your own pace. Today you cover 5–6 km (3.1–3.7 mi) in 5–6 hours.
Full day at Choquequirao
Day 3
Campsite Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
5–6 km / 3.1–3.7 mi · 5–6 h · 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
Today is dedicated to Choquequirao. On a guided tour of about four hours, you explore its different sectors: temples for ancient rituals, astronomical observatories, palaces of the ruling elite, ingenious water channels, vast terraces and the famous terraces decorated with llama figures. After lunch at the campsite, the afternoon is yours – relax at camp or return to the ruins to explore further at your own pace. Today you cover 5–6 km (3.1–3.7 mi) in 5–6 hours.
Day 4
Choquequirao – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquiska
Campsite Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft)
13–14 km / 8.1–8.7 mi · 7–8 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After an early breakfast, we walk back to Marampata in about two hours and then descend for about four hours with wonderful views of the Apurímac Canyon to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), where we have lunch. In the afternoon, a climb of about two hours leads back to our campsite at Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft). Today you cover 13–14 km (8.1–8.7 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking.
Choquequirao – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquiska
Day 4
Campsite Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft)
13–14 km / 8.1–8.7 mi · 7–8 h · max. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
After an early breakfast, we walk back to Marampata in about two hours and then descend for about four hours with wonderful views of the Apurímac Canyon to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), where we have lunch. In the afternoon, a climb of about two hours leads back to our campsite at Chiquiska (1,850 m / 6,070 ft). Today you cover 13–14 km (8.1–8.7 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking.
Day 5
Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
6–7 km / 3.7–4.3 mi · 4–5 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
After breakfast, a rewarding climb of about four hours brings us back to Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), where we say goodbye to our horsemen and have lunch. Our private transport then takes you back to your hotel in Cusco. Today you cover 6–7 km (3.7–4.3 mi) in 4–5 hours of hiking.
Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Day 5
6–7 km / 3.7–4.3 mi · 4–5 h · max. 2,945 m / 9,662 ft
After breakfast, a rewarding climb of about four hours brings us back to Capuliyoc (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), where we say goodbye to our horsemen and have lunch. Our private transport then takes you back to your hotel in Cusco. Today you cover 6–7 km (3.7–4.3 mi) in 4–5 hours of hiking.
Price from
€720.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Entrance Fee: Choquequirao.
Horses & Horsemen: Horses carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 8 kg including sleeping bag); an emergency horse is available.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5, prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Capuliyoc and back.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 5.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Medium (up to 3,100 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – challenging: Up to 14 km (8.7 mi) and 7–8 hours of hiking per day, including very long descents and climbs of more than 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in and out of the Apurímac Canyon. Very good fitness, endurance and sure-footedness are required; it can be very hot in the canyon.
Altitude – moderate: The route lies between 1,550 m / 5,085 ft at the Apurímac River and 3,100 m / 10,171 ft at Choquequirao. We still recommend spending two days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) before the trek.
Culture & nature – balanced: A full day at the Inca city of Choquequirao, the deep Apurímac Canyon, orchids, birdlife and Andean condors.
Camping & horses: Four nights in tents. Horses carry your duffel bag (max. 8 kg / 17 lb including sleeping bag); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
€25.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€25.00
per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Good to know
Climate: The bottom of the Apurímac Canyon is hot – bring sun protection and enough water.
Small groups: Departures with 4 to 12 people; private treks on request.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.