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
