Classic Choquequirao trek towards the last refuge of the Incas
Choquequirao was discovered many years after the last Incas left the city, taking with them the original name of the Inca city, as well as of the mountain. The original name of Choquequirao as well as the name of the Inca city of Machu Picchu were lost in time. In the Quechua language (spoken by the Incas), Choquequirao means Cradle of Gold. It was possibly named so because of the abundant presence of mica (mineral) whose shiny presence gives the impression that there is gold all over the mountain
Expand All
Overview
Doing the Choquequirao trek is like traveling back in time to visit one of the last refuges of the Incas after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors to the city of Cusco. The Inca city of Choquequirao was named by modern explorers who arrived there in search of land to settle. They named the city after the mountain on which it was built. It was discovered many years after the last Incas left the city, taking with them the original name of the Inca city, as well as of the mountain. The original name of Choquequirao as well as the name of the Inca city of Machu Picchu were lost in time. In the Quechua language (spoken by the Incas), Choquequirao means Cradle of Gold. It was possibly named so because of the mines that exist around Choquequirao, or possibly due to the abundant presence of mica (mineral) whose shiny presence gives the impression that there is gold all over the mountain.
The Inca city is surrounded by two rivers, the Rio Blanco and Apurímac. The Apurímac runs through one of the deepest canyons in the world, which shares its name. Apu Rimac in the Quechua language means God that Speaks. The Apurímac Canyon has depths in some parts that reach 9842ft/3000m. This canyon is home to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) which is frequently seen flying through it. Choquequirao is surrounded by snowcapped mountains such as Qiswar (Padreyuc) 18,933ft/5771m, Qoriwayrachina 17,729ft/5,404m, and the Vilcabamba mountain range that can be seen in the distance. The combination of ancient history with natural scenic attractions, a varied flora and fauna, the small presence of tourists, and the remote location of this place are some of the reasons why it has been recommended as one of the best destinations to visit and explore.
Day 01
Cusco - Tarawasi - Ramal - Cachora - Capuliyoc - Chiquiska
Leave Cusco early to meet the horseman, prepare your backpack enjoy your lunch and then get into the Apurimac canyon.
Day 02
Chiquiska - Playa Rosalinda - Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao
Enjoy the breakfast, feel the deepest of the canyon, climb high toward the Choquequirao campground to delight the sunset
Day 03
Visit to the archaeological Inca city of Choquequirao
Wake up next to Choquequirao, explore it with your guide, lunch, explore choquequirao on your own, free time at Choquequirao
Day 04
Choquequirao - Marampata - Santa Rosa - Playa Rosalinda - Chiquiska
Enjoy the landscape and coffee, then get ready your backpack to descent into the canyon one more time to spent the night in Chiquiska
Day 05
Chiquiska - Capuliyoc - Cahoral - Ramal - Cusco.
Wake up early, get your breakfast refil your water containers to climb and leave the canyon, enjoy the landscape in the way to Cusco city
Itinerary
Heading to the deepest canyon of the world "Apurimac canyon"
Cusco – Tarawasi – Ramal – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
The first day you will be collected at 5:00am from your hotel. Later we’ll head in our private car toward the town of Cachora (9350ft/2850m), which is a 4-hour drive from Cusco. Along the way to Cachora we’ll pass by many towns and we’ll enjoy a variety of very beautiful landscapes. Once in the town of Cachora we’ll meet our horseman and we’ll prepare our bags while we wait for the lunch our cook will prepare for us before we begin the hike. The first 2 hours are very smooth walking through a valley surrounded by gigantic mountains to arrive at the Capulichayoc lookout (9350ft/2850m). From this spot, you can observe one of the deepest and most beautiful valleys in Peru. After seeing this spectacular sight, some minutes of rest, and many pictures, we’ll prepare to descend the Valley of Apurímac toward our camp called Chiquiska (6332ft/1930m).
Our camping (Chiquiska) is hot. In the surroundings, you can see and enjoy from the trees the oranges, limes, and native fruits of the area like cherimoya. Once at the camp we’ll have a few hours before nightfall to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, popcorn, and cookies and later our dinner before going to bed.
- Walking time: 4 Hours
- Walking distance: 9.3mi / 15km
- Hiking level: Moderate
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Max Elevation: 9,350ft / 2,850m
Choquequirao in the distance and the endless Andes.
Chiquiska – Playa Rosalinda – Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao.
The second day we’ll enjoy our breakfast prepared by our cook. Today we’ll begin very early (6:00am) to take advantage of the shade and the cool morning air and descend to the bottom of the valley, which is the hottest part of the trail, to avoid the sun.
Once on the floor of the valley, we’ll cross the Apurímac River to ascend for 2 hours by a path through land surrounded by native plants, lichens, and native birds that live in the valley, after 3 hours of climbing, we’ll arrive at the town of Santa Rosa. This place is very popular for cane juice and liquor prepared here by hand.
After a rest and some pictures, we’ll prepare to climb for 3 hours toward the next resting spot which will be at the Marampata lookout (9350ft/2850m). Here we will have our lunch while we enjoy some spectacular views of the landscape and gigantic mountains.
After a rest, we’ll prepare to continue 2 more hours toward our destination at Choquequirao (9951ft/3033m). Today we’ll arrive at the camp between 4 and 5pm. Here we will receive a delicious cup of hot chocolate and crackers and later our dinner before we head off to bed to save energy for the following day, which is the most important.
- Walking time: 8 Hours
- Walking distance: 11.2mi / 18km
- Hiking level: Challenging
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Elevation: 9,951ft / 3,033m
A memorable day at Choquequirao
Explorer day to Choquequirao Inca town. (Inca terraces – Inca temple – Qolqas, residential zone – sacred square – more)
Today is the most important because we’ll head toward the archeological park of Choquequirao, which we’ll find 15 minutes from the camp. After a delicious breakfast, we’ll prepare our daypacks with our snacks and water.
Once in the park, you can enjoy an entire day exploring the park together with your guide. In the afternoon, you’ll have a delicious lunch and at dusk your dinner, all prepared by our chef. Later we’ll head to rest or have some free time.
- Attraction: Choquequirao Inca City
- Time to Explore: free
- Hiking level: Moderate
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Choquequirao Elev: 9,951ft / 3,033m
Heading toward one of the deepest canyon of South America
Choquequirao – Maranpata , Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinda, Chiquiska
Today we’ll prepare to return. The day will begin very early (6:30am). After breakfast, we’ll begin the descent toward the deep canyon (Apurimac), heading toward our lunch spot at Playa Rosalinda, passing by Marampata and Santa Rosa along the way.
Playa Rosalinda (4921ft/1500m) sits at the bottom of the canyon. After our lunch and a rest, we’ll continue with the 2-hour ascent toward our camp in the town of Chiquiska (6332ft/1930m) where we’ll spend the night.
- Walking time: 7 Hours
- Walking distance: 11,2mi / 18km
- Hiking level: Moderate
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Elevation: 9,951ft / 3.033m
Enjoying the Andean landscapes on you way back to Cusco.
Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco
Today we’ll return to Cusco. The day starts very early. After we prepare the bags, we’ll enjoy the last breakfast during trekking (6:00am). After this we’ll climb for 3:30 hours toward the Capulichayoc lookout (9350ft/2850m). From here we can again observe the beautiful canyon of the Apurímac and say goodbye to the valley.
After some pictures, we’ll continue the hike. Halfway we’ll receive lunch and we’ll have a rest. Later we’ll head toward Cachora, where we’ll say goodbye to our horseman and cook. Later we’ll prepare the bags to board our car and return to
- Walking time: 6 Hours
- Walking distance: 11,2mi / 18km
- Hiking level: Challenging
- Max Elevation: 9,951ft / 3.033m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Cusco city Elev: 11,200ft / 3,400m
What's Included
What is Included:
- Pick up from your hotel
- Transportation from Cusco to the start of the hike and return to Cusco.
- Private guide (English, Spanish, Quechua) along the hike and at Choquequirao.
- Tents (2-3 people per 4-person tent, for your comfort).
- Sleeping mats.
- Meals (vegetarian menu available on request).
- A cook and cooking equipment (dining tent, table, chairs).
- First aid kit and oxygen.
- 11lb/5 kg of your personal items (sleeping bag/extra clothes) to go on the horses.
- Horses or mules to transport equipment and horseman.
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao.
What is Not Included:
- First breakfast and last dinner.
- Snacks (Chocolate, crackers/cookies, dried fruits).
- Sleeping bag (you can rent a sleeping bag from us for $20 for the trip).
- Bottled drinks (water, sodas, beers, etc).
- Tips for guide, Cook, horseman.
Inca Trail Trekking Company recommends a tip of approximately $50 -$60 USD (S/180 soles) per staff member (split between your tour group). The staff receives a fair salary for their work. The tip is a voluntary gesture of thanks for their days of hard work and is greatly appreciated by the workers.
What to Pack
Packing List - Choquequirao 5D/4N
Important: The list given here is a suggested packing list, based on the experience of our guides and staff, and passengers that enjoyed the 5 Day hike to Choquequirao. Feel free to pack what you think you need to be comfortable along the hike.
- Passport (Original)
- Student ID (if applicable)
- Sleeping Bag
- Hiking Boots
- Socks (5-6 pairs)
- Sandals
- Swimsuit
- Thermal Underwear
- Hiking Pants (2-3)
- Shirts (5-6)
- Fleece/Polartec
- Rain Jacket.
- Headlamp/Flashlight (extra batteries)
- Sun Hat
- Wool Hat/Gloves
- Sun Glasses
- Water Bottle/Reservoir
- Hiking Poles (1 pair)
- Watch (water resistant, with light)
- Camera/GoPro
- Plastic Rain Poncho
- Sun Block (50+ SPF)
- Chapstick
- Insect Repellent
- Toiletries
- Toilet Paper (2 Rolls)
- Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
- Pocket knife, lighter, whistle
- First Aid Kit, sewing kit
- Personal Medication
- Snacks
- Money (local currency)
Price Trek
The ‘‘Choquequirao 5 Days / 4 Nights trek” itinerary can leave any day of the week, March through January. We do not schedule any treks in February due to heavy rain and cold.
Price: $650 USD
per person. (This trek requires of two people to start a new tour any date)
- Deposit required: $200 USD per person (Sent ahead of time)
- Balance to paid: $450 USD The remain balance it should be paid at the pre-trek briefing. (paid on arrival to Cusco).
The remaining balance should be paid in cash at the pre-trek briefing. This meeting will be arranged to take place a couple of days before the starting date of the trek. If you have any other questions about payment method please feel free to contact us at reservas@incatrekkingcompany.com
Camping & Hiking equipment you might need:
In case you want to travel light on your trip to Peru or don’t want to invest in gear for your trek, we have some items that you may choose to rent from us.
- Sleeping bag: USD $25
- Walking poles: USD $25
- Inflatable mattress: USD $25
If you would like to rent any these items, please request it at the time of your trek reservation.
Upgrade the adventure
There are some attractions and services you can add to your tour that can make this trip unique. In some of these services the numbers of permits are limited per day. The reservation of these services should be done at the time of your trek reservation.
- Huayna Picchu mountain: USD $30
- Machu Picchu mountain USD $30
- Vistadome train: USD $30
Offers & Tours before Choquequirao 5 Days trek
In the days leading up to the trek, we invite to you consider the following tours as part of your acclimatization in Cusco before the Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
- Cusco City Tour Half Day: USD $30 - USD $20
- Rainbow Mountain Day Tour: USD $100 – USD $80
- The Sacred Valley of the Inca Day Tour: USD $40 – USD $30
Doing the Choquequirao trek is like traveling back in time to visit one of the last refuges of the Incas after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors to the city of Cusco. The Inca city of Choquequirao was named by modern explorers who arrived there in search of land to settle. They named the city after the mountain on which it was built. It was discovered many years after the last Incas left the city, taking with them the original name of the Inca city, as well as of the mountain. The original name of Choquequirao as well as the name of the Inca city of Machu Picchu were lost in time. In the Quechua language (spoken by the Incas), Choquequirao means Cradle of Gold. It was possibly named so because of the mines that exist around Choquequirao, or possibly due to the abundant presence of mica (mineral) whose shiny presence gives the impression that there is gold all over the mountain.
The Inca city is surrounded by two rivers, the Rio Blanco and Apurímac. The Apurímac runs through one of the deepest canyons in the world, which shares its name. Apu Rimac in the Quechua language means God that Speaks. The Apurímac Canyon has depths in some parts that reach 9842ft/3000m. This canyon is home to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) which is frequently seen flying through it. Choquequirao is surrounded by snowcapped mountains such as Qiswar (Padreyuc) 18,933ft/5771m, Qoriwayrachina 17,729ft/5,404m, and the Vilcabamba mountain range that can be seen in the distance. The combination of ancient history with natural scenic attractions, a varied flora and fauna, the small presence of tourists, and the remote location of this place are some of the reasons why it has been recommended as one of the best destinations to visit and explore.
Day 01
Cusco - Tarawasi - Ramal - Cachora - Capuliyoc - Chiquiska
Leave Cusco early to meet the horseman, prepare your backpack enjoy your lunch and then get into the Apurimac canyon.
Day 02
Chiquiska - Playa Rosalinda - Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao
Enjoy the breakfast, feel the deepest of the canyon, climb high toward the Choquequirao campground to delight the sunset
Day 03
Visit to the archaeological Inca city of Choquequirao
Wake up next to Choquequirao, explore it with your guide, lunch, explore choquequirao on your own, free time at Choquequirao
Day 04
Choquequirao - Marampata - Santa Rosa - Playa Rosalinda - Chiquiska
Enjoy the landscape and coffee, then get ready your backpack to descent into the canyon one more time to spent the night in Chiquiska
Day 05
Chiquiska - Capuliyoc - Cahoral - Ramal - Cusco.
Wake up early, get your breakfast refil your water containers to climb and leave the canyon, enjoy the landscape in the way to Cusco city
Heading to the deepest canyon of the world "Apurimac canyon"
Cusco – Tarawasi – Ramal – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
The first day you will be collected at 5:00am from your hotel. Later we’ll head in our private car toward the town of Cachora (9350ft/2850m), which is a 4-hour drive from Cusco. Along the way to Cachora we’ll pass by many towns and we’ll enjoy a variety of very beautiful landscapes. Once in the town of Cachora we’ll meet our horseman and we’ll prepare our bags while we wait for the lunch our cook will prepare for us before we begin the hike. The first 2 hours are very smooth walking through a valley surrounded by gigantic mountains to arrive at the Capulichayoc lookout (9350ft/2850m). From this spot, you can observe one of the deepest and most beautiful valleys in Peru. After seeing this spectacular sight, some minutes of rest, and many pictures, we’ll prepare to descend the Valley of Apurímac toward our camp called Chiquiska (6332ft/1930m).
Our camping (Chiquiska) is hot. In the surroundings, you can see and enjoy from the trees the oranges, limes, and native fruits of the area like cherimoya. Once at the camp we’ll have a few hours before nightfall to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, popcorn, and cookies and later our dinner before going to bed.
- Walking time: 4 Hours
- Walking distance: 9.3mi / 15km
- Hiking level: Moderate
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Max Elevation: 9,350ft / 2,850m
Choquequirao in the distance and the endless Andes.
Chiquiska – Playa Rosalinda – Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao.
The second day we’ll enjoy our breakfast prepared by our cook. Today we’ll begin very early (6:00am) to take advantage of the shade and the cool morning air and descend to the bottom of the valley, which is the hottest part of the trail, to avoid the sun.
Once on the floor of the valley, we’ll cross the Apurímac River to ascend for 2 hours by a path through land surrounded by native plants, lichens, and native birds that live in the valley, after 3 hours of climbing, we’ll arrive at the town of Santa Rosa. This place is very popular for cane juice and liquor prepared here by hand.
After a rest and some pictures, we’ll prepare to climb for 3 hours toward the next resting spot which will be at the Marampata lookout (9350ft/2850m). Here we will have our lunch while we enjoy some spectacular views of the landscape and gigantic mountains.
After a rest, we’ll prepare to continue 2 more hours toward our destination at Choquequirao (9951ft/3033m). Today we’ll arrive at the camp between 4 and 5pm. Here we will receive a delicious cup of hot chocolate and crackers and later our dinner before we head off to bed to save energy for the following day, which is the most important.
- Walking time: 8 Hours
- Walking distance: 11.2mi / 18km
- Hiking level: Challenging
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Elevation: 9,951ft / 3,033m
A memorable day at Choquequirao
Explorer day to Choquequirao Inca town. (Inca terraces – Inca temple – Qolqas, residential zone – sacred square – more)
Today is the most important because we’ll head toward the archeological park of Choquequirao, which we’ll find 15 minutes from the camp. After a delicious breakfast, we’ll prepare our daypacks with our snacks and water.
Once in the park, you can enjoy an entire day exploring the park together with your guide. In the afternoon, you’ll have a delicious lunch and at dusk your dinner, all prepared by our chef. Later we’ll head to rest or have some free time.
- Attraction: Choquequirao Inca City
- Time to Explore: free
- Hiking level: Moderate
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Choquequirao Elev: 9,951ft / 3,033m
Heading toward one of the deepest canyon of South America
Choquequirao – Maranpata , Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinda, Chiquiska
Today we’ll prepare to return. The day will begin very early (6:30am). After breakfast, we’ll begin the descent toward the deep canyon (Apurimac), heading toward our lunch spot at Playa Rosalinda, passing by Marampata and Santa Rosa along the way.
Playa Rosalinda (4921ft/1500m) sits at the bottom of the canyon. After our lunch and a rest, we’ll continue with the 2-hour ascent toward our camp in the town of Chiquiska (6332ft/1930m) where we’ll spend the night.
- Walking time: 7 Hours
- Walking distance: 11,2mi / 18km
- Hiking level: Moderate
- Accomodation: Camping Tent
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Elevation: 9,951ft / 3.033m
Enjoying the Andean landscapes on you way back to Cusco.
Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cachora – Cusco
Today we’ll return to Cusco. The day starts very early. After we prepare the bags, we’ll enjoy the last breakfast during trekking (6:00am). After this we’ll climb for 3:30 hours toward the Capulichayoc lookout (9350ft/2850m). From here we can again observe the beautiful canyon of the Apurímac and say goodbye to the valley.
After some pictures, we’ll continue the hike. Halfway we’ll receive lunch and we’ll have a rest. Later we’ll head toward Cachora, where we’ll say goodbye to our horseman and cook. Later we’ll prepare the bags to board our car and return to
- Walking time: 6 Hours
- Walking distance: 11,2mi / 18km
- Hiking level: Challenging
- Max Elevation: 9,951ft / 3.033m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Cusco city Elev: 11,200ft / 3,400m
What is Included:
- Pick up from your hotel
- Transportation from Cusco to the start of the hike and return to Cusco.
- Private guide (English, Spanish, Quechua) along the hike and at Choquequirao.
- Tents (2-3 people per 4-person tent, for your comfort).
- Sleeping mats.
- Meals (vegetarian menu available on request).
- A cook and cooking equipment (dining tent, table, chairs).
- First aid kit and oxygen.
- 11lb/5 kg of your personal items (sleeping bag/extra clothes) to go on the horses.
- Horses or mules to transport equipment and horseman.
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao.
What is Not Included:
- First breakfast and last dinner.
- Snacks (Chocolate, crackers/cookies, dried fruits).
- Sleeping bag (you can rent a sleeping bag from us for $20 for the trip).
- Bottled drinks (water, sodas, beers, etc).
- Tips for guide, Cook, horseman.
Inca Trail Trekking Company recommends a tip of approximately $50 -$60 USD (S/180 soles) per staff member (split between your tour group). The staff receives a fair salary for their work. The tip is a voluntary gesture of thanks for their days of hard work and is greatly appreciated by the workers.
Packing List - Choquequirao 5D/4N
Important: The list given here is a suggested packing list, based on the experience of our guides and staff, and passengers that enjoyed the 5 Day hike to Choquequirao. Feel free to pack what you think you need to be comfortable along the hike.
- Passport (Original)
- Student ID (if applicable)
- Sleeping Bag
- Hiking Boots
- Socks (5-6 pairs)
- Sandals
- Swimsuit
- Thermal Underwear
- Hiking Pants (2-3)
- Shirts (5-6)
- Fleece/Polartec
- Rain Jacket.
- Headlamp/Flashlight (extra batteries)
- Sun Hat
- Wool Hat/Gloves
- Sun Glasses
- Water Bottle/Reservoir
- Hiking Poles (1 pair)
- Watch (water resistant, with light)
- Camera/GoPro
- Plastic Rain Poncho
- Sun Block (50+ SPF)
- Chapstick
- Insect Repellent
- Toiletries
- Toilet Paper (2 Rolls)
- Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
- Pocket knife, lighter, whistle
- First Aid Kit, sewing kit
- Personal Medication
- Snacks
- Money (local currency)
The ‘‘Choquequirao 5 Days / 4 Nights trek” itinerary can leave any day of the week, March through January. We do not schedule any treks in February due to heavy rain and cold.
Price: $650 USD
per person. (This trek requires of two people to start a new tour any date)
- Deposit required: $200 USD per person (Sent ahead of time)
- Balance to paid: $450 USD The remain balance it should be paid at the pre-trek briefing. (paid on arrival to Cusco).
The remaining balance should be paid in cash at the pre-trek briefing. This meeting will be arranged to take place a couple of days before the starting date of the trek. If you have any other questions about payment method please feel free to contact us at reservas@incatrekkingcompany.com
Camping & Hiking equipment you might need:
In case you want to travel light on your trip to Peru or don’t want to invest in gear for your trek, we have some items that you may choose to rent from us.
- Sleeping bag: USD $25
- Walking poles: USD $25
- Inflatable mattress: USD $25
If you would like to rent any these items, please request it at the time of your trek reservation.
Upgrade the adventure
There are some attractions and services you can add to your tour that can make this trip unique. In some of these services the numbers of permits are limited per day. The reservation of these services should be done at the time of your trek reservation.
- Huayna Picchu mountain: USD $30
- Machu Picchu mountain USD $30
- Vistadome train: USD $30
Offers & Tours before Choquequirao 5 Days trek
In the days leading up to the trek, we invite to you consider the following tours as part of your acclimatization in Cusco before the Lares trek to Machu Picchu.
- Cusco City Tour Half Day: USD $30 - USD $20
- Rainbow Mountain Day Tour: USD $100 – USD $80
- The Sacred Valley of the Inca Day Tour: USD $40 – USD $30
