The Ultimate Andean Challenge: The Epic Route to Choquequirao – Choquequirao Trek
If you are passionate about challenging hikes, love nature, and are fascinated by the stories of ancient cultures, the Choquequirao Trek is the number one perfect experience for you.
Discover and explore Choquequirao, the archaeological gem of ancient Inca civilizations, with an off-the-beaten-path trek that will push your physical and mental limits, offering you one of the most epic and unforgettable adventures imaginable.
In the Quechua language, the language of the Incas, Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” This magnificent and incredible place is located in the Apurímac Andes, overlooking the Apurímac River, surrounded by sacred mountains and snow-capped peaks. Choquequirao is rarely visited or trekked, as it is not as “popular” as Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail. To reach Choquequirao, you must hike – but this site is three times larger than Machu Picchu and incredibly impressive, often referred to as Machu Picchu’s twin or sister.
Don’t hesitate to join us and uncover the secrets of this stunning place. Embark on the Choquequirao Trek with Tunqui Expeditions, specialists in treks and expeditions to sacred places few people ever reach.
We guarantee that, along with the Tunqui Expeditions team, this will be an epic excursion you won’t want to miss!
Experience a Unique Adventure Away from the Crowds – The Epic Choquequirao Trek
Do you want to experience a unique adventure, free from crowds, and embark on a highly recommended, thrilling, and impressive trek? The Choquequirao Trek is perfect for you, whether with a group of friends or family. We handle all the details so you can fully enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in Cusco – Peru.
The Choquequirao Trek is truly spectacular, with very few tourists visiting or exploring the area. We are pioneers in connecting this route to Machu Picchu, with expert guides who know the path like the back of their hand. Choquequirao is known as the legendary site or the last city inhabited by the Incas when the Spanish conquerors arrived in Peru. When you arrive at Choquequirao, you will be amazed by the immense site, which is even larger than Machu Picchu.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – a journey through time, leaving behind technology and worries as you wander through the Apurímac mountains and the stone-paved streets of Choquequirao. You’ll easily imagine the way of life during the time of the Incas, their wisdom, and their deep respect for Mother Nature.
During this epic adventure, we will walk the ancient sacred paths used by the Inca chaskis, the messengers who carried news from one place to another hundreds of years ago. You will ascend Andean mountains, admire the snow-capped peaks, and descend into deep canyons, where giant condors soar above the sacred Apurímac mountains – a one-of-a-kind landscape in this country of diverse natural wonders.
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINAS – SANTA ROSA
Enjoy and explore the breathtaking landscape of the Apurímac River and the sacred valleys from day one before arriving at Santa Rosa for an overnight stay.
DAY 02: SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE – MARAMPATA
We will begin the morning hike towards Marampata and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. From there, we will continue towards Choquequirao. Conserve your energy as you will return to Marampata in the afternoon to camp under the stars.
DAY 03: MARAMPATA – SANTA ROSA – PLAYA ROSALINAS – CHIQUISCA
This day features a hike through spectacular landscapes and valleys. We will take a dip in the cold waters of Playa Rosalinas before heading to the village of Chiquisca for the night.
DAY 04: CHIQUISCA – CAPULIYOC – SAYWITE – CONOC HOT SPRINGS – CUSCO
On the final day, we will hike early to Capuliyoc. There, you will bid farewell to the trekking team before visiting the Saywite monolith. Afterward, relax in the Conoc Hot Springs before returning to Cusco in the afternoon via private transportation.
Highlight of the Day: Hike through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Walk through the stunning Andean landscape and breathe in the fresh, pure air.
Your epic journey begins at 4:30 AM when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco for a 5-hour drive to Capuliyoc in our private Tunqui Expeditions transport. Along the way, you’ll enjoy and appreciate spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains.
Upon arrival at Capuliyoc, we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our Tunqui Expeditions chef. You’ll also meet the muleteer and assistants who will carry your trekking gear. They will ensure that your belongings, our equipment, and food arrive safely and intact at each campsite so you can fully enjoy the 4-day Choquequirao Trek.
Once we start hiking, we’ll walk through the beautiful Apurímac landscapes on a path leading to a massive valley in a 3-hour downhill trek. You’ll see two gigantic mountains, Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina, before reaching our lunch spot in Chiquisca, where our chef will prepare a delicious meal.
After recharging your energy, we’ll continue hiking for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the valley floor. Here, you’ll encounter the powerful Apurímac River, known as the “God that Speaks” in Quechua. The river features Class V rapids, perfect for rafting.
Finally, we’ll continue with the last 2-hour ascent to reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), our first campsite in the middle of the Apurímac Valley. Around 5:30 PM, after relaxing, you can head to the dining area for happy hour or tea time, with hot drinks, coffee, cookies, jam, butter, and more waiting for you. After tea, enjoy a delicious dinner before going to sleep for a well-deserved rest and sweet dreams.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Highest Altitude: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft
Campsite Altitude: 1,970 m / 6,463 ft
Highlight of the Day: Visit Choquequirao for the first time and marvel at this immense site that few tourists reach.
Arrive at the magnificent Choquequirao Archaeological Site, three times larger than Machu Picchu.
In the morning, energized and grateful to Mother Nature, we prepare for breakfast. You’ll enjoy a hearty meal to provide the energy needed for the day’s trek. Around 5:30 AM, we begin the hike along a zigzagging path that takes 3 hours to reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).
You’ll be amazed by the incredible Andean landscape, with photo opportunities of the Apurímac Canyon and snow-capped peaks. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our chef in Marampata before heading out to explore the impressive Choquequirao Complex.
After lunch and a short break, we’ll pack water, hiking poles, and cameras for the next 1.5-hour hike to Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft).
Today, you’ll have the chance to breathe fresh air and feel the energy of this ancient Inca site. Take your time exploring each section of the complex, situated deep in the Apurímac Canyon. Your Tunqui Expeditions guide will lead you through the site, explaining its history and interesting anecdotes.
Choquequirao is larger than Machu Picchu, though experts believe only 40% has been discovered. Much more awaits exploration and discovery. Visit plazas, temples, and terraces, and admire stone carvings of llamas, built to protect the sacred mountain Apu Qoriwayrachina.
In the afternoon, return to Marampata for dinner and rest under the stars. Appreciate the star-filled sky before sleeping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Walking Time: 6 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
Campsite Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highlight of the Day: Discover the secrets of Cambray, the traditional “Drink of the Andes.”
A memorable return amid magnificent landscapes.
Enjoy another hearty breakfast before starting the return trek after visiting Choquequirao.
Descend back to Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), where we’ll visit a local family farm that cultivates sugarcane, used to produce the Cambray liquor.
After a delicious lunch, continue descending to Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), where you can dip your feet in the cold waters of the Apurímac River.
From here, ascend for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the warm Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft) for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.82 miles
Walking Time: 7 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
Campsite Altitude: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft
Highlight of the Day: End the challenging trek with a relaxing dip in the Conoc Hot Springs.
Take it easy and unwind in Conoc’s thermal baths.
After breakfast, depart early to avoid walking under the sun. Return to Capuliyoc, where we’ll say goodbye to the trekking team.
Visit the Saywite Monolith, a religious Inca site. Then, head to the Conoc Hot Springs for a soothing soak.
Return to Cusco, arriving around 6 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
Walking Time: 4 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,483 ft
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The “Machu Picchu Circuit 2” ticket offers the most complete tour of the Machu Picchu citadel and is also the most requested. For this reason, we recommend booking it well in advance to secure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the Ausangate trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
All equipment will be carried by our horses.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for 4 people.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
Cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Choquequirao Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances.
Plastic-Free Choquequirao Trek
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Choquequirao Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Choquequirao trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Choquequirao Trek 4 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 550.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 350.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to info@tunquiexpeditions.com.
