Private Hike to the Last Refuge of the Incas: Trekking to the Final Inca Fortress and Sanctuary
Are you planning a hike with your partner, friends, or family? This unforgettable adventure with Tunqui Expeditions takes you to a place as incredible as Machu Picchu – but far less visited by tourists. Our Private 5-Day Choquequirao Trek is perfect for friends or families. Join us on this epic private journey to one of the most astonishing Inca complexes in existence.
Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in the Quechua language. This spectacular archaeological site sits atop the roaring Apurímac River and is surrounded by towering glacial peaks – where, if we are lucky, we may spot condors. Very few tourists visit or trek to Choquequirao because it is not as famous as Machu Picchu, but it is three times larger than Machu Picchu! It is said to have been one of the last refuges of the Incas who resisted the Spanish invasion. Later, Choquequirao was abandoned, allowing the forest to reclaim the site.
Private Choquequirao Trek: An Epic Adventure for Families, Couples, and Friends
The Private Choquequirao Trek is an incredible option for true adventurers, history lovers, and nature enthusiasts. Escape the crowded tourist paths and venture through breathtaking landscapes along a less-traveled route to a hidden archaeological gem. Join Tunqui Expeditions as part of a group or with your partner.
The Private Choquequirao Trek is an exciting alternative to the Inca Trail. The lesser-known Choquequirao site showcases architecture and design similar to the famous Wonder of Machu Picchu. However, the fact that it is only accessible on foot means far fewer people visit this incredible site.
On this adventurous trek, you will walk through an ancient world, following Inca trails across Andean landscapes, passing by majestic glaciers, and descending into deep canyons where condors soar – if we’re lucky, we might spot them. You’ll pass through cloud forests full of biological diversity. Native wildlife like Andean condors, smaller local birds, and native flora such as orchids await – and much more!
This unforgettable experience will leave you with lasting memories and stories to share when you return home. Looking to escape the crowds and visit a hidden site? The classic Private Choquequirao Trek is for you.
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA
Begin the trek with stunning Andean scenery and panoramic views of the Apurímac River and its valley, rich in flora and fauna. Spend the night at Chiquisca, under the stars.
DAY 2: CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINAS – SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA
Start the day with coca tea and trek to Marampata, enjoying incredible panoramic views before reaching our camp. Relax in the afternoon and soak in the energy before resting for the night.
DAY 3: MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX – MARAMPATA
After a delicious breakfast to recharge, spend the entire day exploring Choquequirao, discovering every corner of this magnificent archaeological site with your private guide.
DAY 4: MARAMPATA – SANTA ROSA – PLAYA ROSALINAS – CHIQUISCA
Bid farewell to Choquequirao and head towards Santa Rosa for lunch. In the afternoon, trek to Chiquisca to spend time with local families and relax at camp.
DAY 5: CHIQUISCA – CAPULIYOC – SAYWITE MONOLITH – CONOC HOT SPRINGS – CUSCO
On the final day, hike to Capuliyoc and say goodbye to your trekking team. Visit the Saywite Monolith and then relax at Conoc Hot Springs before returning to Cusco in private transport.
Highlight of the Day: Enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounding you in the Andes.
A day full of stunning Andean landscapes and fresh, pure mountain air.
Your epic Private Choquequirao Trek journey will begin at 4:30 a.m. when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. We will travel for 4 to 5 hours to Capuliyoc in our private Tunqui Expeditions transport. Along the way, you will enjoy and appreciate spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay glaciers.
Upon arrival in Cachora, we will visit the small village and walk through its picturesque streets, full of rich culture, traditions, and local life. We’ll have a nutritious and delicious breakfast to fuel us for the journey ahead. Afterward, we will continue by private transport to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), where we will meet the rest of our Trekking Team – including cooks, porters, and muleteers – who will carefully carry our belongings, food, and camping equipment along the entire trek.
After reviewing the final details, we will begin our hike through the Apurímac Canyon, trekking downhill for approximately 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot at Coca Manzana. After lunch and a short break, we will descend for another 2 hours in a zigzag pattern to reach Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), a charming hamlet filled with fruit fields.
Along the scenic route, you will take in the lush cloud forest landscape of the Apurímac Valley. Keep your eyes open for condors soaring overhead and enjoy breathtaking views of the two towering glacier mountains, Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina. The warmth, abundant vegetation, and rhythmic sound of the rushing Apurímac River will energize you and motivate you to keep going, guided by the spirit of Mother Nature.
Later in the day, we will arrive at the tropical village of Chiquisca – a green and warm campsite in the middle of the arid mountain. Here, we will have dinner and spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 13 km / 8.08 miles
Highest Altitude: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft
Camp Altitude: 1,970 m / 6,463 ft
Highlight of the Day: Be amazed by the most spectacular views of the Andes.
Witness the stunning Andean sunset across panoramic landscapes.
We will wake you in your tent with coca tea and enjoy a delicious breakfast to recharge your energy. “Remember, each day, have faith in yourself to complete the journey.”
We’ll set out for the challenging ascent to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where incredible photos of the canyon and snow-capped peaks await.
The trek begins with a 1-hour and 15-minute descent to the deepest part of the valley – Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). We will cross a pedestrian bridge to start the most challenging part of the day. A quick stop at Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft) for lunch will help replenish our energy before the final three-hour climb to Marampata Camp.
Upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and positive energy from being so close to Choquequirao. Stretch your muscles, exercise, or simply relax and take in the incredible sunset bathing the valleys and glaciers in orange light.
As night falls, the sky will fill with stars, and the campfire will be the perfect setting for dinner before resting for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.82 miles
Highest Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Camp Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highlight of the Day: Discover the secrets of the magnificent Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
Explore every corner of the ancient wonder of Choquequirao.
Start the day with a delicious breakfast to fuel your exploration. Today is dedicated to fully exploring the Choquequirao site (3,050 m / 10,007 ft), three times larger than Machu Picchu.
Your guide will share fascinating stories and insights into Inca history. You’ll visit plazas, temples, and terraces, reflecting on how the Incas managed to build such wonders high in the mountains.
Don’t miss the famous white stone llamas, carved into the terraces to honor the nearby Apu Qoriwayrachina. Experts believe that only 40% of the site has been uncovered.
We’ll return to our camp in Marampata at the end of the day for dinner and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Distance: 6 km / 3.73 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
Camp Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highlight of the Day: Experience Andean community life and culture.
Enjoy nature’s beauty and relax at Chiquisca Camp.
Following breakfast, we’ll descend to Santa Rosa for lunch, before continuing to Playa Rosalinas for a refreshing dip in the river.
In the afternoon, ascend to Chiquisca Camp, where we will enjoy dinner and local hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.82 miles
Highlight of the Day: Relax in the hot springs before heading back to Cusco.
Following breakfast, trek to Capuliyoc and bid farewell to your trekking team.
Visit the Saywite Monolith and unwind in the Conoc Hot Springs before returning to Cusco by private transport.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
