Visiting: Cusco · Cachora · Capuliyoc · Santa Rosa · Marampata · Chiquisca · Choquequirao
Overview
The Choquequirao Trek 4 Days leads you on foot to Choquequirao — the vast, half-excavated Inca city perched on a remote ridge above the Apurímac River, often called the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu.” Far from mass tourism, it offers a more intimate and spiritual connection to the legacy of the Incas, with a fraction of the crowds and a far wilder sense of discovery.
Over four days you descend deep into the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, cross the river at Playa Rosalina, climb to the Andean village of Marampata and spend a full day exploring Choquequirao's ceremonial plazas, stone temples, ritual platforms, farming terraces and the famous stone-carved llamas. There's no permit and no quota — just an unforgettable, demanding trek reached entirely on foot.
On the way out we also stop at the Saywite Archaeological Park to admire its intricately carved ceremonial stone. Entrance fees to both Choquequirao and Saywite are included, and you sleep each night in welcoming, family-run local guesthouses — so there's no need to carry a tent or sleeping bag.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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1
Cusco → Cachora → Capuliyoc Viewpoint → Chiquisca
We pick you up from your Cusco hotel between 5:30 and 6:00 AM and set off on a scenic 4-hour drive through the Pampa de Anta and Limatambo, crossing into the Apurímac region toward Curahuasi. About three and a half hours from Cusco we stop at the Saywite Archaeological Park to admire its ceremonial stone, intricately carved by the Incas with miniature models of various structures, and explore nearby ceremonial centres.
We continue to Cachora and on to Capuliyoc, where lunch is served with breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoc. In the afternoon the trek begins: a roughly 3-hour descent past the Cocamasana viewpoints down to Chiquisca, where dinner is waiting and we spend our first night at a rustic local guesthouse.
Good to know: The drive from Cusco to Capuliyoc takes about 4 hours, so we leave very early — enjoy the changing landscapes along the way before the afternoon descent to Chiquisca.
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2
Chiquisca → Playa Rosalina → Marampata
After an early breakfast we tackle one of the most demanding but rewarding sections of the trek. We descend for about an hour to the banks of the Apurímac River at Playa Rosalina (1,200 m), cross the hanging bridge and begin the challenging 1.5–2 hour climb on switchback trails to Santa Rosa. We aim to complete this stretch in the early morning, before the sun is at its peak, to make the ascent more comfortable.
After a rest at Santa Rosa, another 2–2.5 hour ascent leads to the picturesque village of Marampata (2,850 m), as the trail opens to stunning panoramas of the Apurímac Canyon. Lunch is freshly prepared on arrival, with a free afternoon to take in the high Andes — and, if skies are clear, one of the most breathtaking sunsets of the whole trek. After gaining close to 1,500 m of elevation, we settle in for the night at a local guesthouse run by a welcoming Andean family.
Good to know: This is one of the toughest days, with a steep descent to the river and a continuous climb of close to 1,500 m to Marampata — we start early to climb before the midday sun.
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3
Marampata → Guided Visit of Choquequirao → Back to Marampata
We wake early and, after a nourishing breakfast, hike about 1.5 hours toward Choquequirao, with breathtaking views as the morning light reveals the surrounding mountains. On arrival we begin an in-depth guided exploration of this vast archaeological complex — the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu” — perched on a remote ridge above the Apurímac River and still largely untouched by mass tourism.
Throughout the day we visit the most important areas of the site: ceremonial plazas, stone temples, ritual platforms, farming terraces and water channels. If time and energy allow, we descend to the famous lower sector to admire the extraordinary stone-carved llamas. Lunch is a packed snack so we can stay immersed in the site's magical atmosphere. In the late afternoon we hike back to Marampata, where a warm homemade dinner awaits, and spend another peaceful night at our family-run guesthouse.
Good to know: Lunch at the ruins is a packed snack so we can make the most of our time on site — if energy permits, we descend to the lower sector to see the famous stone-carved llamas.
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4
Marampata → Capuliyoc → Scenic Drive Back to Cusco
We start very early for the last and most physically demanding leg of the trek. Guided by headlamps or the first light of dawn, we begin a two-hour descent to Santa Rosa for a traditional highland breakfast, then continue descending for about another 1.5 hours to the banks of the Apurímac River, where we take a longer break to rest, hydrate and photograph the dramatic canyon scenery.
From here comes the most challenging climb of the day: an uphill trek to Chiquisca for a well-earned lunch, followed by a final ascent of about three hours to Capuliyoc (2,915 m), passing natural lookout points over the Apurímac Canyon. After final group photos we board our private transport for the return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 10:00 PM — tired but fulfilled.
Good to know: This is the most physically demanding day, with intense ascents and descents under the sun. Horses can be hired from local muleteers to assist on the uphill sections (subject to availability) — but not on steep descents, for the safety of both rider and animal.
Trek at a Glance
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Highest point | Capuliyoc — 2,915 m / 9,560 ft |
| Total distance | ~62 km / 39 mi |
| Difficulty | Challenging (steep canyon ascents & descents) |
| Accommodation | 3 nights in local guesthouses |
| Meals | 3 breakfasts · 3 lunches · 3 dinners |
| Group size | Max 8 travelers |
| Permit | Not required |
What's Included
Tap any item to see the full details.
Included
Not included
Prices — 2026 Season
Choquequirao is priced per group size, so the per-person rate drops as your group grows — the shared costs of the guide, cook, horses and transport are split between more travelers. The price below is per person.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $700 |
| 2 travelers | $450 |
| 3 travelers | $350 |
| 4 travelers | $310 |
| 5 travelers | $300 |
| 6+ travelers | $280 |
Per-person rates by group size. A $180 deposit per person confirms your booking (non-refundable). Travelling in a larger group? Message us for a tailored quote.
Optional Add-ons
- Trekking poles (pair, full trek)$10
- Horse to assist on uphill sections (subject to availability)On request
- Vegetarian, vegan or special dietFree
What to Pack
You'll get a duffel bag at the briefing for up to 7 kg (carried by horses). Everything for the day goes in your daypack — water, sunscreen and snacks. As the trail to Choquequirao has many steep ascents and descents, trekking poles are highly recommended.
- Always with you: original passport, 25–30 L daypack, 2 L of water (refill at trail shops), broken-in hiking boots, headlamp for the early starts.
- Clothing: moisture-wicking layers, warm fleece, waterproof jacket, sun hat and sunglasses, gloves for cold mornings.
- Extras: high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, personal medication, light snacks (chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, energy bars), trekking poles (or rent from us), water filter or purification tablets.
How to Book
Book online from anywhere or in person at our Cusco office (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). A $180 per person deposit confirms your spot; the balance is due no later than 48 h before departure.
- Choose your date and the number of travelers (the per-person price depends on group size).
- Fill in traveler details and accept the terms.
- Add any extras (trekking poles, special diet) and tell us about dietary needs.
- Pay the deposit or full amount — your booking is confirmed and our team contacts you by WhatsApp.
Deposit: $180 per person, non-refundable.
Balance: due no later than 48 h before departure, payable in cash (soles or USD) at our Cusco office, by card or online.
Cancellation: you may cancel up to 48 h before departure; the $180 deposit is non-refundable.
Force majeure: we may adjust the itinerary for weather, strikes or government restrictions, always seeking the best alternative.
Full terms are confirmed at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a challenging trek with steep ascents and descents in and out of the Apurímac Canyon. The hardest day is the final one, with intense climbs under the sun; days 1 and 2 are a good gauge of your endurance. Reasonable fitness and acclimatisation in Cusco beforehand are recommended. Horses can be hired locally to assist on the uphill sections (not on steep descents).
You spend 3 nights in rustic, family-run local guesthouses — at Chiquisca and twice at Marampata — with proper beds, warm blankets and basic amenities. There's no need to bring a tent or sleeping bag.
No. Unlike the classic Inca Trail, Choquequirao requires no permit or quota. The entrance fees to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex and the Saywite Archaeological Park are already included in your package.
The shared costs (guide, cook, horses and private transport) are split between your group, so the per-person price drops as the group grows — from $700 for a solo traveler down to $280 per person for groups of 6 or more. Message us for a tailored quote for larger groups.
Our cook prepares 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, fresh at each stop (on day 3, lunch at the ruins is a packed snack so we can stay on site). We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets at no extra charge — just let us know in advance.
The dry season (April–October) has the most stable weather and the clearest canyon views, and is the best time for the steep ascents and descents. The rainy season (November–March) is greener with fewer trekkers but wetter, more slippery trails.
