Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Activities: Trekking and History
Average Group Size: 12 people
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Camping
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Hiking Distance: 55 km / 34 miles
Starts/Ends: Cusco / Cusco
The Choquequirao trail is one of Peru’s best kept secrets. It is a beautiful trek that takes you through breathtaking landscapes and unspoilt Inca ruins. Choquequirao has been dubbed the “twin sister of Machu Picchu”, and it’s easy to understand why. It is the perfect trek for those who prefer to explore untouched terrain and are looking for an adventure off the beaten track.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco city at 4:30 am and drive for about 4 hours to Capuliyoc, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. The Choquequirao EsPeru begins with a 4 hour hike from Capuliyoc (2950 m / 9678 ft) to Chikiska at 1950 m (6398 ft). Along the way, there are breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Peru, and of the many landscapes, from the Peruvian highlands to the lush foliage of the cloud forest.
Distance: 10 km
Walking time: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, afternoon snack, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
You will wake up around 5:00 am in your tent with a steaming cup of coffee or coca tea and start packing for the most difficult part of the Choquequirao trek. After breakfast at the campsite, we will begin a moderate hike up to Playa Rosalina (1500 m – 4921 ft), passing through some breathtaking scenery. We will arrive at Playa Rosalina after approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, and cross the Apurimac River via a suspension bridge and walk for 2 hours uphill to Santa Rosa, where we will stop for lunch with stunning views of the mountains and river.
After lunch, we will maintain another 2.5 hours of ascent to the village of Marampata (2940 m / 9646 ft), where we will camp for the night with spectacular views. This is the most beautiful camp on the route; you will have incredible views and a clear night sky perfect for stargazing.
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Approximate walking time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, afternoon snack, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
We will wake you up early with a nice cup of hot coca tea or coffee to witness the fantastic sunrise over the mountains. After breakfast, you will hike up and down for about 2 hours and have the whole day to explore the magnificent Choquequirao. Your guide will take you to see the most beautiful places and teach you about the history of Choquequirao and the Incas. Choquequirao (cradle of gold) is nicknamed the twin sister of Machu Picchu, but is almost twice the size. For this reason, it is expected that this largely unknown site will soon become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. After taking as much time as you need to discover Choquequirao, we will return to the same campsite for dinner and overnight.
Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles
Hiking hours: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, afternoon snack, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
We will wake up for the second morning in this magical place and enjoy the fantastic sunrise. After a delicious breakfast, we will start a 4 hour descent to Playa Rosalina (1500 m – 4921 ft). The trail is mostly downhill, with breathtaking views of the mountains. The second part of the day starts with a 2 hour hike to Coca Masana camp (2330 m – 7545 ft). This is a perfect day to enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature. We will pass a variety of flowers and birds along the way, and waterfalls can be heard in the distance.
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Hiking time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, afternoon snack, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
On our last day, we will wake up for the last time with coca tea in our tent, have breakfast and prepare for our last 3 hour hike uphill to Capuliyoc. We will have lunch and say goodbye to our team of cooks and porters accompanying us on this expedition. We will then take our private transport to the Saywite archaeological site, a beautifully carved rock that remains a mystery to archaeologists. You will have plenty of time to explore before returning to Cusco and being dropped off at your hotel around 5 pm.
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
US$ 690 – Adults
US$ 40 off per person
All travellers under 17 years of age receive a discount of $40. If you are 25 years old or younger at the time of travel, you can get the discount with your student ID. Email us to receive a discount code.
The Choquequirao trek is a challenging hike involving steep ascents and descents, high altitudes and long distances. Hikers should be in good physical condition and have some previous trekking experience.
The best time to do the Choquequirao Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is generally clear and dry during this time, and the trails are in good condition.
Although it is possible to do the Choquequirao Trek without a guide, it is highly recommended to hire one. A guide can provide valuable information about the history and culture of the region, as well as ensure your safety along the way.
You should bring light, breathable clothing for hiking and warm layers for cool nights. Other essential items include sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent and a head torch.
I had the pleasure of being guided by Rosel during my trip to Peru, and I must say, the experience was exceptional. Rosel’s depth of knowledge about the country’s history, culture, and landmarks was truly impressive. Not only was Rosel informative, but his sense of humor and easy-going nature made the tour thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend Rosel as a guide for anyone seeking an insightful, entertaining, and memorable journey through the Cusco region.
We had an amazing experience doing the Inca trail with Rossel. Everything was perfectly organized. He knows a lot about the Inca culture and shared all his knowledge with a lot of passion. He was also very attentive of all the group always willing to help.
We originally trekked to Machu Picchu 4d/3n with Rosel and had such an outstanding experience, we went back and booked a private tour to Humantay with him. He is not only an amazing guide, but a wonderful person! Blessed to call him a friend! His experience, knowledge and history
