CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK Itinerary

• A challenging trek to the hugely-significant Inca site of Choquequirao.

• Jaw-dropping Andean scenery & multiple eco-systems on the way.

• English-speaking guide & full support crew. 

• Can be done as alternative to - or in combination with - Machu Picchu.

Known as The Cradle of Gold, Choquequirao is a huge archaeological complex built by the Incas in the saddle of a high Andean ridge at 3,103m / 10,178ft above sea level.

It is thought to have been one of the last refuges from the Spanish conquistadors. As you walk the trail that leads there, you will understand why the Incas would have felt safe there, protected by the high mountains that they worshipped - such as Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,569 ft) - and the roaring waters of the Apurimac River 1,500 m / 5,000 ft below.

On the way, enjoy stunning and varied mountain scenery, as well as lots of Andean flora and fauna.

The trek can be done in four days, beginning and ending in Cachora; but there are various longer options: a more leisurely round trip of five days; a six-day trek ending in Yanama; or continuing on to Machu Picchu which takes from seven to 10 days.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Archaeology: Mysterious Inca ruins, still giving up their secrets.  

• Culture: Living Quechua communities.

• Scenery: Andean landscapes at their most dramatic.

• Flora & fauna: Changing elevations means multiple eco-systems.

4-Day Trek to Choquequirao: Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Bus from Cusco to Cachora; Begin hiking over Capulilloq & Cocamasama passes; Overnight at Rosalina Beach Campsite.
Day 2: Hike via Santa Rosa to Choquequirao. Overnight at Choquequirao Campsite.
Day 3: Visit Choquequirao. Hike back to Rosalina Beach. Overnight at Rosalina Beach Campsite.
Day 4: Hike to Cachora; bus to Cusco.

5-Day Trek to Choquequirao: Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Bus from Cusco to Cachora; Begin hiking over Capulilloq Pass. Overnight at Chiquisca Campsite.
Day 2: Hike via Apurimac Valley to Marampata. Overnight at Marampata Campsite.
Day 3: Full-day visit to Choquequirao. Overnight at Marampata Campsite.
Day 4: Hike back down to Apurimac River and up to Chiquisca. Overnight at Chiquisca Campsite.
Day 5: Hike to Cachora; bus to Cusco with stops at Saywite Monolith & Conoc Hot Springs.

6-Day Trek to Choquequirao & Yanama: Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Bus from Cusco to Cachora; Begin hiking over Capulilloq Pass. Overnight at Playa Rosalina Campsite.
Day 2: Hike via Apurimac Valley to Marampata. Overnight at Marampata Campsite.
Day 3: Full-day visit to Choquequirao. Overnight at Choquequirao Campsite.
Day 4: Hike over Choquequirao Pass, via Pinchaunuyuq Terraces & Rio Blanco. Overnight at Maizal Campsite.
Day 5: Hike over San Juan Pass. Overnight at Yanama Campsite.
Day 6: Drive from Yanama to Cusco.

Ask us for more details of this or longer Choquequirao treks.

NB. Most place names have alternative spellings, reflecting the influence of both Spanish & Quechua linguistic norms.

Prices below are per person, based on sharing a two-person tent, in a ‘group’ service of up to 12 people, with all meals, entrance fees & sleeping bag.

If you would like a private trek, this can be arranged. Ask us for prices.

4-day CHOQUEQUIRAO Trek

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora – Rosalina Beach (Pasarela Bridge)   

We will begin the day early as it is a roughly four hour drive to the town of Cachora. Here we begin walking, up to Capulilloq Pass (9 Km from Cachora, approx. 2,800 m / 9,186 ft). 

The path ascends at the beginning and eventually slopes downward to the old highway. 

From there, we will have our first view of Choquequirao in the distance. with the help of some binoculars. 

We will also see huge mountains, frightening cliffs, perfect snow peaks and the Apurimac River.

We will then continue to descend and ascend in zigzag form until we arrive at the second pass, Cocamasama (2,100 m / 6,890 ft). 

From there we will continue descending towards our camp site (Pasarela Bridge 1,750 m / 5,741 ft)  

Maximum Altitude: 2,800 masl / 9,514 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 1,860 masl / 6,102 ft.
Distance Travelled: 19 km / 11.80 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs.

Day 2: Rosalina Beach - Choquequirao  

We will begin our trek early in the morning in order to avoid the sun during the ascent.

Our next destination will be Santa Rosa, a small site at 2,100 m / 6,890 ft. 

Once there we will have time for a break and will be able to taste some cane juice. 

Afterwards, we will continue ascending until we reach Marampata. If we are lucky we will see the Spectacled Bear, as well as the White Neck Condor, along with local flora and fauna.  

From this point we can appreciate a series of huge platforms, probably used for agricultural purposes. After 2 hours we will arrive at the main complex. 

You will have some time to take a rest and walk around the surroundings.

We will set up camp close to the archaeological complex. (3,085 m / 10,121 ft)  

Maximum Altitude: 3,100 masl / 10,170 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1,600 masl / 5,249 ft
Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 3: Choquequirao – Rosalina Beach  

In the morning, you will be free to visit the Complex and explore the citadel on our own.  

At 11:00 AM we will start our hike down towards Rosalina beach. 

We will descend for approximately 4 hours.  

Maximum Altitude: 3,100 masl / 10,170 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1,600 masl / 5,249 ft
Distance Travelled: 20 km / 12.42 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 4:  Rosalina Beach - Cachora - Cusco  

We will leave early on this last day (5:00 AM again), because we will have to ascend the total distance that we descended on the first day (19 Km.). 

It will take us 6 or 7 hours to arrive at Cachora, the end of our trip. 

Once there, we will catch the bus back to Cusco.

Maximum Altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1,860 masl / 6,102 ft
Distance Travelled: 19 km / 11.80 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 7 hrs

5-Day Trek to Choquequirao

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora – Capulilloc - Chiquisca

We will begin the day early as it is a roughly four-hour drive to the town of Cachora.

Once in Cachora, we will stop to stretch our legs and have a welcome breakfast, before continue the drive to Capulilloq.

Here we meet our trek team, make final adjustments, and then begin walking, up to Capulilloq Pass (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), from where we will have our first view of Choquequirao in the distance. with the help of some binoculars. 

We will also see huge mountains, frightening cliffs, perfect snow peaks and the Apurimac River.

From here it is about 1,000 m (3,000 ft) of descent in total on a switchback trail to the agricultural village of Chiquisca, where our first campsite is located. There is a second pass, Cocamasama (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) on the way, so it is not all downhill! 

Dinner & overnight at Chiquisca campsite.

Maximum Altitude: 2,890 masl / 9,482 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 1,900 masl / 6,463 ft.
Distance Travelled: 13 km / 8 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs.

Day 2: Chiquisca - Rosalina Beach - Santa Rosa - Marampata  

This is the toughest day’s trekking. We will begin early in order to avoid the sun during the ascent. But we start the day descending for just over an hour to Playa Rosalinas where a bridge crosses the Apurímac River at 1,500 m (4,921 ft).   

This is the lowest point of the trek, and from here we start the steady climb to Marampata at 2,900m (9,514 ft).

We stop for lunch at Santa Rosa, a small hamlet located at 1,970 m / 6,463 ft. There should also be time for a rest and perhaps the chance to taste some local cane juice. 

Afterwards, we will continue ascending for another three hours or so, until we reach Marampata, where our campsite is located and from where parts of the huge Choquequirao complex are visible.

Here we can rest after a long day’s hiking and there is a good chance of seeing a spectacular sunset and night sky.

Dinner and overnight at Marampata campsite.

Maximum Altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1,500 masl / 4,921 ft
Distance Travelled: 11 km / 7 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 9 hrs

Day 3: Marampata - Choquequirao - Marampata

The campsite at Marampata is about 3km (2 miles) from Choquequirao (3,085 m / 10,121 ft), so we have most of the day to explore the site, firstly in the company of the guide and then on our own.

It is much larger than Machu Picchu, so there is plenty to explore and ponder, including the famous white, stone llamas that adorn the platforms.

We will have a picnic lunch that you can enjoy at the site.

Once we have enjoyed Choquequirao sufficiently, we will make the hike back to our campsite.

Dinner and overnight at Marampata campsite.  

Maximum Altitude: 3,100 masl / 10,170 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
Distance Travelled: 6 km / 4 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 4 hrs

Day 4: Marampata – Rosalina Beach - Chiquisca

Today we being the trek back to the start point. But the views as we go in the opposite direction are ever-changing and awe-inspiring.

We will descend for two hours to Santa Rosa, where we will have our lunch again.

Then, it is another couple of hours decent to Playa Rosalinas. Here we might dip our feet in the waters of the mighty Apurimac River, before beginning to ascend again to our campsite back at Chiquisca.

Dinner and overnight at Chiquisca campsite.

Maximum Altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1,500 masl / 4,921 ft
Distance Travelled: 11 km / 7 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 6 hrs

Day 5:  Chiquisca - Capulilloq - Cachora - Conoc Hot Springs - Cusco  

We will leave early on this last day, because we will have make the ascent to Capulilloq Pass which takes about three hours and is best done before the day gets too hot.

Once in the village of Capulilloq, we bid farewell to the trek team and then board our private vehicle for the drive to Cusco.

On the way, we will make a couple of stops: first, at the remarkable Saywite Monolith, a huge rock that Inca craftsmen inscribed with over 200 geometric and zoomorphic figures; then at Conoc Hot Springs, where we can enjoy the restorative powers of the waters and enjoy our picnic lunch.

We aim to arrive back in Cusco at about 6pm.

Maximum Altitude: 2,900 masl / 9,514 ft
Minimum Altitude: 1,970 masl / 6,436 ft
Distance Travelled: 8 km / 5 miles
Approximate Walking Time: 4 hrs

Included in the Choquequirao programme: 

• Transport from Cusco to start of trek & vice versa.

• English & Spanish-speaking trek guide.

• Entrance permits.

• All meals during the trek, including hot wake-up drink, snacks & afternoon tea:

  • Chef & supporting cooking staff.

  • Dining tent & cooking tent

  • Kitchenware

• Drinking Water

• Horses / Mules and wranglers for passenger’s luggage and camping equipment.

• Camping equipment:

  • Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hardwear 2-person tent

  • Inflatable mattress: Therm-a-rest

• Personal duffle bag: 7 kg / 15 lbs

• Bathroom tent.

• First aid kit.

• Satellite Phone

Not included in the Choquequirao programme:

• Tips

• Sleeping bag: NB. Can be rented for $5 per day (suitable up to -18ºC / 0ºF)

• Trekking poles: NB. Can be rented for $5 per day

• Alcoholic beverages

• Dinner in Cusco on last day.

• Other items not mentioned in the service.

Suggested Choquequirao Equipment List:

• Hiking boots (Preferably ones that you have worn before)  

• Long pants / trousers

• T- shirt, 1 per day.

• Rain jacket (poncho), warm jacket, wool gloves, bandana, cotton socks, hat, wool cap,

• Camera, flashlight.

• Walking stick with rubber tip.

• Day pack.

• Water bottle.

• Insect repellent, Sun block, Sun glasses. 

• Medicines (in case you have a special requirement) 

• Snacks (if you prefer one that is not included )