Trek to the Last Refuge of the Incas: Exploring the Final Inca Fortress and Sanctuary
How about embarking on an unforgettable adventure to a place as incredible as Machu Picchu, but far less visited by tourists – Choquequirao? Our Classic 5-day Choquequirao Trek offers exactly that. Join us on this epic journey to one of the most astonishing Inca complexes that exists.
In the Quechua language – the language of the Incas – Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” This spectacular archaeological site sits atop the rushing Apurímac River and is surrounded by towering glacial peaks, where, if we’re lucky, we might spot condors.
Very few tourists visit Choquequirao or undertake the Choquequirao Trek because it’s not as famous as Machu Picchu. However, it is three times larger than Machu Picchu! It is believed to have been one of the last refuges of the Incas who sought to resist the Spanish invasion. Later, Choquequirao was abandoned, and the jungle reclaimed the site.
The Classic Choquequirao Trek: An Epic Adventure to the Last Refuge of the Incas
The Classic Choquequirao Trek is an incredible option for true adventurers, history lovers, and nature enthusiasts. You’ll escape the crowded tourist trails and venture into breathtaking landscapes along a less-traveled path to a true archaeological gem. Join us at Tunqui Expeditions, either as part of a group or as a couple.
The Choquequirao Trek is an exciting alternative to the Inca Trail.
The lesser-known areas of Choquequirao showcase architecture and design similar to the famous wonder of Machu Picchu. However, the fact that it can only be reached on foot means that far fewer people visit this incredible site.
On this adventurous trek, you will walk through an ancient world along Inca trails, crossing Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers. You’ll descend deep into canyons where condors soar – and if we’re lucky, we might spot them! You’ll pass through cloud forest ecosystems rich in biological diversity.
You’ll also encounter native wildlife, including Andean condors, smaller local birds, and native flora such as orchids – and much more!
This is a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever. When you return home, you’ll have countless stories to share with your family and friends. Are you looking for an adventure away from the crowds, exploring a hidden gem? The Classic Choquequirao Trek is for you!
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – CACHORA – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA
Begin the trek with a day of impressive Andean landscapes and panoramic views of the Apurímac River and its valley, rich in flora and fauna. Spend the night in the Chiquisca sector.
DAY 02: CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINAS – SANTA ROSA – MARAMPATA
Start the morning with coca tea and hike up to Marampata. Enjoy breathtaking views before arriving at the camp. In the afternoon, relax and soak in the energy before resting.
DAY 03: MARAMPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX – MARAMPATA
After a delicious breakfast to recharge, spend the entire day exploring every corner of the amazing Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
DAY 04: MARAMPATA – SANTA ROSA – PLAYA ROSALINAS – CHIQUISCA
Say goodbye to Choquequirao and head toward Santa Rosa for lunch. In the afternoon, hike to Chiquisca camp to spend time with local families and unwind.
DAY 05: CHIQUISCA – CAPULIYOC – SAYWITE MONOLITH – CONOC HOT SPRINGS – CUSCO
On the final day, hike up to Capuliyoc and say farewell to your trekking team before visiting the Saywite Monolith. Then, relax in the Conoc Hot Springs before returning to Cusco.
Highlight of the Day: Marvel at the stunning landscape that surrounds you.
A day filled with beautiful Andean landscapes and fresh mountain air.
Your epic journey will begin at 4:30 am when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and travel for 4 to 5 hours to Capuliyoc in our private Tunqui Expeditions transport. Along the way, enjoy and appreciate the spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Upon arrival in Cachora, we will visit the small town and stroll through its charming streets, which reveal its rich culture, traditions, and way of life. A nutritious and delicious breakfast will provide you with the positive energy needed for the trek. We will then continue by private transport to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), where we will meet the rest of our trekking team: cooks, porters, and muleteers, who will carefully carry our belongings, food, and camping equipment along the way.
After final preparations, we begin the trek through the Apurímac Canyon for approximately 2 hours, descending towards our lunch spot in Coca Manzana. After lunch and a short rest, we will continue down in a zigzag pattern for about 2 more hours until reaching Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), a beautiful hamlet surrounded by fruit fields.
During this beautiful hike, we will witness the impressive cloud forest landscape offered by the Apurímac Valley. We may also spot condors soaring majestically and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina glaciers. As we focus on the valley, the heat, lush vegetation, and rhythmic sounds of the rushing Apurímac River grow stronger, providing motivation to continue with the help of Mother Nature.
Later, we will arrive at the tropical town of Chiquisca, a warm, green camp in the middle of the arid mountains, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking 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 breathtaking sunset over the Andean sky.
Awaken with coca tea and enjoy a delicious breakfast to recharge your energy and spirit. “Believe in yourself each day to complete your mission.” With this mindset, we will continue toward our next camp.
A zigzag climb awaits us to reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where you can take stunning photos of the canyon and snow-capped peaks around you.
We will begin with a 1 hour and 15-minute climb to the deepest part of the valley, known as Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). We will cross the footbridge to start the toughest part of the trek.
On the way, we will make a short stop in Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft) for a delicious lunch prepared by our Tunqui Expeditions cook and team. Afterward, we continue our ascent for about three hours until reaching our Marampata camp.
In the afternoon, enjoy the incredible views and feel the positive energy. It is well worth reaching this spectacular place near the Choquequirao Citadel. Take time to stretch or exercise while soaking in the views, clean air, and the beautiful sunset over the valleys and white glacial peaks.
At nightfall, we will witness the brilliant Andean sunset with a sky full of thousands of stars, covering the landscape and vegetation. Enjoy dinner before heading to bed for a peaceful rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking 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 the ancient wonder of Choquequirao.
Start the day with a delicious breakfast to boost your energy. We will then explore every corner of this amazing Inca site nestled in the mountains, near the deepest canyon in South America.
Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) is much larger than Machu Picchu, featuring plazas, temples, and impressive terraces. Enjoy lunch at midday and relax and recharge.
Don’t miss the famous white stone llamas carved into terraces, facing the Apu Qoriwayrachina mountain. Experts believe that only 40% of the site is currently visible.
After the day’s exploration, we will return to our Marampata camp and have dinner. Rest and reflect on the incredible day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking 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: Uncover the secrets of the magnificent Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
Discover and Explore the ancient wonder of Choquequirao
We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast to give you an energy boost. Then, we’ll make the most of the day by exploring every corner of this incredible Inca site, located in the mountains near the deepest canyon in South America. You can already imagine the stunning landscapes around you. We will visit the most impressive spots in the area, and our guide will share fascinating stories of the past and the reasons why it was built.
Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) is much larger than Machu Picchu, with plazas, temples, and impressive terraces that will constantly make you wonder: How did the Incas manage to build this at the top of the mountains? You’ll enjoy lunch at noon and have time to rest and regain energy.
Don’t miss the famous white stone llamas carved into terraces on the mountainside, facing the peak known as Apu Qoriwayrachina, which protects the area. According to experts, only about 40% of the site is visible, and in many ways, Choquequirao remains a mystery. We are confident that in the coming years, we will learn even more about this amazing complex.
At the end of the day, we will return to our camp in Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) and enjoy a delicious dinner. Afterward, you can head to bed, reflect on the incredible day you just experienced, and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking 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 life in the Andean community and learn more about their culture.
Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this incredible part of the world.
After another delicious breakfast, we will begin our return from Choquequirao. Say your temporary goodbyes to this unique site – make sure to take one last look before heading back. First, we’ll have another chance to take photos of the grand canyon from Marampata; then, we will descend for 2 hours to Santa Rosa (2,970 m / 6,463 ft), our lunch spot. Along the way, you’ll witness the vast variety of vegetation in this part of the trail.
After lunch, we will continue to Playa Rosalinas to bathe and refresh ourselves in the cold waters of the Apurímac River in the middle of the canyon. Later, we will climb to our camp in Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), located in the backyard of a local family’s home. Take advantage of this time to make new friends and learn about Andean life, including their customs and traditions. You’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand the deep connection Andean communities have with Pachamama – known to you as Mother Nature.
After a delicious dinner, you can rest peacefully at our cozy camp and reflect on the experiences of the trek so far.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.82 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
Camp Altitude: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft
Highlight of the Day: Immerse yourself in the hot springs and let the heat relax your muscles after days of trekking.
Relax in the hot springs before returning to Cusco.
Enjoy your final breakfast of the journey while listening to the sounds of the Apurímac River, then depart early to avoid hiking under the sun. Take deep breaths and allow Mother Nature to guide you on your final stretch back to Capuliyoc.
Upon arrival in the town, you’ll say goodbye to your Tunqui Expeditions team, who have accompanied you throughout the trek. It will be time to board our private transport to visit the Saywite Monolith, an important religious rock for the Incas, located near a sacred water site. After a brief history lesson, we will continue to the Conoc hot springs to enjoy a relaxing soak, easing your muscles after the trek. You’ll have lunch here before heading back to Cusco.
Make the most of this final opportunity to soak in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and take a few more memorable photos of the incredible scenery. By this point, fatigue might have set in, but a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment will prevail. We will return to Cusco, and our team will drop you off at your accommodation around 6:00 pm, allowing you to relax and rest as needed.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
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
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
” Classic Choquequirao Trek 5 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$ 600.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (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.
