Descend into the Apurimac Canyon, climb through remote Andean landscapes, and uncover the extraordinary ruins of Choquequirao.

Choquequirao 4 Day Trek

Book on WhatsApp

4 Days / 3 Nights

Duration

Small Group

Group Size

3,050 m.a.s.l

Max Altitude

Challenging

Difficulty

Overview - Choquequirao 4 Day Trek

Discover one of Peru’s most remote archaeological adventures on our Choquequirao 4 Day Trek, a demanding journey across the Apurimac Canyon to an extraordinary Inca complex hidden among the mountains of southern Peru.

Choquequirao sits at approximately 3,050 meters above sea level and is reached only after crossing a dramatic sequence of mountain slopes, warm canyon valleys, the Apurimac River, and demanding uphill trails.

The route provides a completely different experience from Peru’s busiest tourist attractions. Instead of arriving by train or road, travelers reach Choquequirao through several days of hiking supported by a professional guide, cook, local muleteer team, and pack animals.

A full day is dedicated to exploring the archaeological complex, where extensive terraces, plazas, ceremonial areas, residential structures, water channels, and the famous llama terraces demonstrate the remarkable scale and engineering of the Inca settlement.

The Choquequirao hiking tour is particularly suited to active travelers looking for physical challenge, dramatic scenery, archaeology, and a remote mountain environment far removed from conventional sightseeing routes.

Transportation, local accommodation, scheduled meals, mule-supported luggage transport, and Choquequirao admission are coordinated throughout the four-day experience.

River flowing through the steep mountain valley along the Choquequirao Trek.
Choquequirao stone ruins and green lawns beneath a dramatic mountain sky.
Panoramic view of Choquequirao ruins surrounded by cloud-covered mountains.
Information map showing the trekking route to Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
Two travelers celebrating with a panoramic view of Choquequirao behind them.
Female hiker using trekking poles on the mountain trail to Choquequirao.
Travelers resting above the Apurimac Canyon during the Choquequirao Trek.
Detailed stone masonry wall preserved at the Choquequirao archaeological site.
Stone doorway leading through the archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
Red bromeliad overlooking the steep agricultural terraces of Choquequirao.
Traveler walking through a narrow stone corridor in the Choquequirao ruins.
Travel group posing above the terraces and ruins of Choquequirao.
Trekkers taking a break with pack mules beside the Choquequirao mountain trail.
Apurimac River winding through the deep canyon below the Choquequirao trail.
Arrival at Choquequirao Archaeological Park

Choquequirao 4 Day Trek Itinerary

DAY 01

Cusco – Capuliyoc – Apurimac Canyon – Marampata

3:00 a.m. Departure from Cusco

The Choquequirao 4 Day Trek begins with an early pickup from your hotel or coordinated accommodation in Cusco.

Travel for approximately four hours through Curahuasi and the surrounding Andean countryside toward Capuliyoc.

Breakfast Overlooking the Canyon

Reach Capuliyoc around 7:00 a.m. and enjoy time for breakfast before starting the trek. Breakfast is paid separately.

The viewpoint provides your first impressive perspective across the Apurimac Canyon and the mountain landscape that you will cross over the following days.

Long Descent to Chiquisca

Begin trekking at approximately 8:00 a.m. and descend for around three hours toward Chiquisca.

The terrain becomes progressively warmer as you lose elevation and move deeper into the canyon.

Lunch & Continue to the River

Enjoy lunch in Chiquisca at approximately 11:30 a.m. before continuing downhill toward Playa Rosalina and the Apurimac River.

Cross the Apurimac River

Cross the bridge at Playa Rosalina and begin the main uphill challenge of the day.

Santa Rosa to Marampata

Climb for approximately five hours through Santa Rosa Baja and Santa Rosa Alta toward Marampata.

Optional horse assistance may be arranged locally for this demanding ascent when available.

First Night in Marampata

Arrive around 6:00 p.m., settle into your accommodation, and enjoy dinner at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Day 1
Approx. 17–18 km / 10.5–11.2 mi
Approx. 9–10 hours hiking
Overnight: Marampata
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 02

Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata Early Start

Early Start

Enjoy breakfast at approximately 4:30 a.m. and leave Marampata around 5:00 a.m.

Hike to the Hidden Inca City

Walk approximately 4 km over about two hours toward the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.

Explore Choquequirao

Spend the day discovering the enormous archaeological landscape with your professional guide.

Explore accessible terraces, plazas, ceremonial spaces, water systems, residential areas, stairways, and other important sectors while learning about Choquequirao’s history and role within the Inca world.

Llama Terraces

One of the most memorable features is the sector where stylized llama figures were incorporated into agricultural terrace walls using contrasting stone.

Lunch at Choquequirao

Enjoy lunch around 1:30 p.m. and additional time to appreciate the archaeological landscape.

Return to Marampata

At approximately 4:00 p.m., begin the return hike and arrive in Marampata at around 6:00 p.m.

Dinner follows at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Day 2
Approx. 8 km / 5 mi round trip
Approx. 4 hours hiking plus archaeological exploration
Highest point: approx. 3,050 m
Overnight: Marampata
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 03

Marampata – Playa Rosalina – Chiquisca – Capuliyoc

Return Through the Canyon

Enjoy breakfast at approximately 6:00 a.m. and begin hiking around 7:00 a.m.

Descend from Marampata through Santa Rosa toward the Apurimac River, retracing the spectacular route followed on Day 1.

Cross Playa Rosalina

Cross the Apurimac River and continue uphill toward Chiquisca.

Lunch in Chiquisca

Reach Chiquisca at approximately 11:00 a.m. and enjoy lunch followed by time to recover.

Final Canyon Climb

At approximately 1:30 p.m., begin the sustained climb from Chiquisca toward Capuliyoc.

Optional horse assistance can be coordinated when available for travelers who need help with the uphill section.

Final Overnight

Arrive in Capuliyoc at approximately 4:30 p.m. and settle into your accommodation.

Enjoy the final dinner with the trekking team and take time to reflect on the journey before returning to Cusco the following day.

Day 3
Approx. 16–17 km / 10–10.5 mi
Approx. 7–8 hours hiking
Overnight: Capuliyoc area
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 04

Capuliyoc – Optional Cachora Walk – Cusco

A Relaxed Final Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast around 7:00 a.m. after completing the demanding canyon trekking stages.

Optional Walk to Cachora

At approximately 8:00 a.m., travelers may join an optional scenic walk from Capuliyoc toward Cachora.

The walk normally requires around two hours and provides a relaxed final section through rural Andean scenery.

Journey Back to Cusco

Continue by vehicle at approximately 10:00 a.m. and travel back toward Cusco.

Arrival is expected at approximately 2:00 p.m..

Day 4
Optional walk: approx. 2 hours
Return to Cusco: approx. 2:00 p.m.
Difficulty: Easy

What Is Included?

Tour Organization

✓
Pre-Departure Briefing Final trek orientation, luggage information, accommodation details, and route coordination.

Ground Transportation

✓
Early Hotel Pickup Pickup in Cusco from approximately 3:00 a.m.
✓
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Cusco Ground transportation at the beginning and end of the expedition.

Trekking Staff & Logistics

✓
Professional Trekking Guide English- or Spanish-speaking guide throughout the four-day journey.
✓
Trekking Cook Professional preparation of the scheduled meals.
✓
Local Muleteer & Pack Animals Support for food, shared trekking logistics, and authorized personal belongings.
✓
5 kg Personal Luggage Allowance Up to approximately 5 kg per traveler can be transported by mule, including your sleeping bag.

Local Accommodation

✓
3 Overnight Stays Local accommodation along the route, normally in double or triple rooms according to availability.

Trekking Meals

✓
3 Breakfasts Included on Days 2–4.
✓
3 Lunches Included on Days 1–3.
✓
3 Dinners Included on Days 1–3.

Choquequirao Experience

✓
Official Entrance Ticket Admission to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
✓
Guided Archaeological Visit Extensive professional interpretation during the Day 2 exploration.

What Is Not Included?

Food & Drinks Outside the Program

×
Breakfast – Day 1 Breakfast at Capuliyoc is paid separately.
×
Lunch – Day 4 The final lunch is not included.
×
Water & Personal Snacks Bring or purchase your own drinking water and additional snacks along the route.

Personal Trekking Gear

×
Sleeping Bag Bring your own or arrange rental before departure.
×
Trekking Poles Strongly recommended and available separately.
×
Daypack Bring a comfortable backpack for your daily trekking essentials.

Optional Trail Support

×
Riding Horse Optional assistance for selected uphill sections is available locally at an additional cost.

Personal Costs

×
Travel Insurance Personal medical, trekking, cancellation, and emergency coverage is separate.
×
Tips & Personal Purchases Gratuities, beverages, souvenirs, and other personal expenses are not included.

Choquequirao 4 Day Trek Pricing

Take on our Choquequirao 4 Day Trek from US$350 per person, a remote four-day expedition supported by professional trekking staff, mule logistics, meals, accommodation, transportation, and Choquequirao admission.

2026 Rate

SMALL GROUP TREK
Starting from US$ 350 per person

Departure remains subject to trekking logistics, trail access, and operating conditions.

Private Choquequirao Experience

PRIVATE TREK
Individual Quote

Pricing depends on number of travelers, travel date, local accommodation, and required expedition logistics.

Optional Equipment & Trail Assistance

Sleeping Bag Price on Request
Trekking Poles Price on Request
Horse Assistance Price on Request

Available locally on selected major ascents subject to availability.

Personal Luggage Transport

Up to 5 kg Included

The allowance includes the weight of your sleeping bag.

Reservation & Payment

A 50% deposit is required to begin organizing your trekking reservation.

The remaining balance can be paid in Cusco according to the conditions of your confirmed booking.

Secure online card payment is available. Applicable processing fees will be shown before payment.

Booking Details We Need

  • Full name exactly as shown on passport
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Preferred trekking date
  • Number of travelers
  • Accommodation in Cusco
  • WhatsApp number with country code

Confirmed Tour Price

Once the reservation and agreed trekking services have been confirmed, your confirmed package price will remain unchanged.

Additional charges apply only when you request extra equipment, optional horse assistance, accommodation changes, or other services outside the original booking.

Changes, Cancellations & Refunds

More Than 7 Days Before Departure

A partial refund may be possible when cancellation is requested more than 7 days before departure.

Any entrance tickets, transportation, accommodation, staff, mule logistics, transaction fees, or other services already committed or considered non-refundable will be deducted.

7 Days or Less Before Departure

Reservations cancelled 7 days or less before departure are non-refundable because the main expedition services will already have been coordinated.

Travel insurance is recommended. Choquequirao is a remote trekking route and access can be affected by weather, trail conditions, or official safety measures.

Choquequirao 4 Day Trek Packing List

Pack for long descents, sustained climbs, warm canyon conditions, cool mountain evenings, and several consecutive hiking days on the Choquequirao 4 Day Trek.

Travel Essentials

✓
Original Passport or ID Carry the document associated with your reservation.
✓
Cash in Soles Useful for food not included, water, snacks, horse assistance, and gratuities.

Clothing for the Canyon

✓
Breathable Trekking Shirts Lightweight clothing works best during the warm canyon sections.
✓
Comfortable Hiking Pants Choose flexible clothing suitable for steep trails.
✓
Warm Evening Layer Carry a fleece or light insulated jacket for cooler periods.
✓
Rain Protection A waterproof jacket or poncho should remain easily accessible.

Footwear & Hiking Support

✓
Broken-In Hiking Boots Reliable grip is important on steep descents and long uphill trails.
✓
Extra Hiking Socks Bring enough pairs to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
✓
Trekking Poles Highly recommended for stability and to reduce impact during long descents.

Your Daypack

✓
20–30 L Daypack Keep water, clothing layers, documents, medication, snacks, and electronics with you.
✓
Water Capacity Carry reusable bottles or a hydration reservoir because personal water is not included along the route.
✓
Headlamp Useful during very early mornings and evenings.

Protection & Personal Care

✓
High-SPF Sunscreen Much of the trail is exposed.
✓
Sun Hat & Sunglasses Essential protection during canyon crossings.
✓
Insect Repellent Recommended for the warm lower-elevation areas.
✓
Personal Medication Keep essential medication in your personal daypack.
✓
Power Bank Charging opportunities can be limited.

Pack Only 5 kg for Mule Transport

The mule-supported personal luggage allowance is approximately 5 kg per traveler, including your sleeping bag. Keep the items needed during each hiking day in your own daypack.

Contact us by email to check availability, request detailed information, and receive your secure payment link. Our team will reply within a short time to assist you with your booking.

Booking

Choquequirao 4 Day Trek

Starting from

$ 350.00 USD

per person

Group & private options available

BOOK VIA WHATSAPP

Contact us on WhatsApp to check availability, private options, and confirm your booking.

BRIEF CONDITIONS

• 50% deposit required
• Secure payment link provided (+7%)
• Balance paid in Cusco

Travel group posing above the terraces and ruins of Choquequirao.
Two travelers celebrating with a panoramic view of Choquequirao behind them.
Detailed stone masonry wall preserved at the Choquequirao archaeological site.

Why Choose Our Choquequirao 4 Day Trek?

Our Choquequirao 4 Day Trek combines remote archaeology with a demanding canyon journey for travelers looking for something very different from Peru’s conventional tourist routes.

A Remote Inca Destination

Reach Choquequirao through a genuine multi-day trekking route rather than conventional road or rail transportation.

A Full Archaeological Day

Spend most of Day 2 discovering the archaeological park instead of making only a brief visit before turning back.

Experience the Apurimac Canyon

Descend from panoramic mountain viewpoints to the river and climb back through changing elevations and ecosystems.

Supported Personal Luggage

Approximately 5 kg of personal belongings per traveler can be transported by mule during the expedition.

Local Trekking Team

Professional guiding, cooking, muleteer support, accommodation, meals, and transportation are organized throughout the journey.

Built for Adventure Travelers

The route provides the long climbs, demanding descents, remote scenery, and archaeological discovery that experienced hikers look for in Peru.

Choquequirao 4 Day Trek – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Choquequirao 4 Day Trek?
It is a four-day mountain journey from the Capuliyoc area across the Apurimac Canyon to the remote Choquequirao archaeological complex and back.
How difficult is the Choquequirao hike?
It is considered challenging because the route repeatedly descends and climbs the steep sides of the Apurimac Canyon.
How many kilometers do we hike?
Expect approximately 44–45 km across the principal trekking stages, with some variation depending on the exact route and optional Day 4 walk.
What is the maximum altitude?
Choquequirao reaches approximately 3,050 meters (10,007 ft).
How low do we descend?
The route descends to approximately 1,500 meters around Playa Rosalina and the Apurimac River.
What time is pickup on Day 1?
Pickup begins at approximately 3:00 a.m. from your accommodation in Cusco.
What accommodation is used?
The standard itinerary includes three nights of local accommodation, normally using double or triple rooms according to availability.
Is this a camping tour?
The standard service described here uses local accommodation along the route rather than requiring three nights in trekking tents.
Are mules included?
Yes. Pack animals transport shared logistics and up to approximately 5 kg of approved personal belongings per traveler.
Does the 5 kg allowance include my sleeping bag?
Yes. The sleeping bag forms part of your personal 5 kg mule allowance.
Is a sleeping bag provided?
No. Bring your own or arrange a rental before departure.
Can I rent a horse if the trail becomes too difficult?
Horse assistance may be available locally for certain major uphill sections. It has an additional cost and remains subject to local availability.
Which meals are included?
Three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners are included. The first breakfast and final lunch are excluded.
Are snacks and drinking water included?
No. Personal snacks and drinking water along the trekking route are not included in the standard package.
Is the Choquequirao entrance included?
Yes. Official admission to the archaeological park is part of the tour package.
How much time do we have at Choquequirao?
Day 2 is designed around the archaeological visit. You arrive during the morning and remain in the area until approximately 4:00 p.m.
What are the llama terraces?
They are a distinctive series of terraces where stylized llama figures were created using contrasting stones incorporated into the retaining walls.
What are the official visiting hours?
Current official information lists Choquequirao visiting hours from approximately 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m..
Is Choquequirao currently accessible?
The Capuliyoc–Cachora access route reopened in April 2026 after a temporary safety closure. Access remains subject to weather, maintenance, and official safety decisions, so conditions should always be verified before departure.
What is the best time of year for the trek?
The drier months generally offer more stable walking conditions. Heavy rainfall can make canyon trails muddy and may occasionally affect access.
Is Choquequirao suitable for children?
Because of the long distances and steep elevation changes, this itinerary is better suited to physically active travelers. Families should evaluate each child’s trekking experience and fitness before booking.
Can someone with limited mobility do the trek?
The standard route is not suitable for travelers with significant mobility limitations because it involves steep mountain trails, uneven terrain, and long walking days.
When do we return to Cusco?
The standard itinerary returns to Cusco at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Day 4.
Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes. Medical, trekking, cancellation, interruption, and emergency coverage are strongly recommended for this remote mountain itinerary.
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