Choquequirao Trek (5 Days)
Tour Details
The Choquequirao Hike of 5 days takes you to one of the most beautiful Inca citadels of Peru. The Choquequirao ruins are located between the Cusco and Apurimac regions, at an altitude of 3104 m.a.s.l. (10183 f.a.s.l.). Choquequirao is considered as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu.
It is believed that Choquequirao was built during the XV and XVI centuries, under the government of Tupac Inca Yupanqui and Huayna Capac. The excavations of the site have revealed that Choquequirao was a sanctuary dedicated to the sun and water gods.
Choquequirao was one of the last Inca strongholds after the Spanish conquest of Peru in the early XVI century. The last rulers of the Inca Empire continued to inhabit Choquequirao and the Vilcabamba region until the capture and execution of Tupac Amaru I in 1572.
The exact location of Choquequirao was hidden during the colonial period. In 1909, Choquequirao was rediscovered by the American expedition led by Hiram Bingham. During this expedition, a detailed description of the citadel was elaborated.
Nowadays, only 30% of Choquequirao has been restored. Visitors to the citadel can explore the qolqas (Inca warehouses), the stone terraces, the Huaqaypata square, the Hurin square, among other structures. The only way to visit Choquequirao is by doing a trek. The local government is building a cable car to the citadel, but it is still not in service.
The Choquequirao Trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail. It is less crowded than the Inca Trail, and it does not require a special permit to enter. It ends at an Inca citadel that is equally magnificent to Machu Picchu. Choquequirao is an excellent destination during the high season to Machu Picchu.
If you want to visit both Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, check our exclusive trek of 8 days. This trek consists of 7 days of trekking, followed by a tour to Machu Picchu, after spending one night in Aguas Calientes town. However, the 8 days trek to Choquequirao does not include direct treks to Machu Picchu citadel.
It is recommended to take the Choquequirao trek of 5 days during the dry season in Cusco. This season goes from April to October. These months are perfect for exploring the region, due to the lack of rain.
Why Inkanto Travel?
We are a local travel agency which offers tours to the region of Cusco, in Perú. Our guides are experts in the history of the Inca sites of the region. We also offer the Salkantay trek and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore Choquequirao, also known as “the cradle of gold”, with us.
| Departure & Return Location | Cusco Hotel Transfer |
| Departure Time | 04:00 am |
| Price Includes | |
| Price Excludes | |
| Recommended to carry |
Day 1
Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am. Then, we will drive in our private vehicle to Capuliyoc, located at 2800 m.a.s.l. (9186 f.a.s.l.). Once there, we will start our high altitude trek to Choquequirao.
We will walk for around 3 hours to Chiquisca, where we will stop to have lunch and drink coca tea. Along the way, we will spot the incredible snow capped peaks of Padreyoc, Qoriwayrachina, and Pumasillo. After having lunch, we will descend for around 2 hours to our campsite located in Playa Rosalina.
Day 2
Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
After having breakfast, we will walk to Santa Rosa. After having a short break there, we will hike for around 3 hours to Marampata, located at 2900 m.a.s.l. (9514 f.a.s.l.). We will have lunch once we arrive in Marampata.
Afterwards, we will trek for around 2 hours to our campsite, which is located near the Choquequirao ruins. We will spend the night there.
Day 3
Choquequirao
On this day, you will have a guided tour of the Inca citadel of Choquequirao. You will explore the stone terraces and the numerous buildings of the archeological site. Afterwards, we will return to our campsite to have lunch. We will spend the night at the campsite.
Day 4
Choquequirao – Marampata – Chiquisca
On the 4th day, we will begin our return trip to Cusco. After having breakfast, we will trek to Marampata, and then to Santa Rosa. We will stop near the Apurimac river banks to have lunch. Afterwards, we will hike to Chiquisca, where we will spend the night.
Day 5
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco
We will leave our campsite early in the morning. Then, we will hike to Capuliyoc mountain pass, located at 2800 m.a.s.l. (9186 f.a.s.l.). We will stop there to appreciate the incredible Apurimac Canyon. Afterwards, we will have lunch.
Finally, we will board our private transport to return to Cusco city. We will be arriving there around 9:00 pm.
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