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
