Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking 5 Days
Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking is known for its awe-inspiring views; it’s one of the most popular routes on the Peruvian mountain. Its popularity reflects the history, culture and Scenic Mountains; it’s suitable for everyone
The Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking is a great option for customers interested in natural and cultural highlights in the region of Cusco; near Machu Picchu in Peru. The Inca settlement of Choquequirao; the wild and tranquil landscape of Apurimac Canyon has made it a superb tourist destination in Peru. This wonderful Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking takes you to the historical Inca site of Choquequirao; to experience the grandeur and beautiful scenario. A walk through pristine forests, through the canyon and pastures; witnessing the diverse flora and fauna all along the way is indeed a mind blowing experience.
The Inca site of Choquequirao is situated at an elevation of 3,050 meters above sea level on a southwest-facing spur of a glaciated peak above the Apurimac River. The region is characterized by mountain topography and covered with Amazonian flora and fauna. It is 100 km west of the city of Cusco, in the Vilcanota mountain range. The complex covers 6 km2. Architecturally, it is similar to Machu Picchu.
The five-day Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking starts and ends in the town of Cachora; located at about 4-hour drive from Cusco. The trail follows the Apurimac Canyon through which is running the Apurimac River the biggest in the region of Cusco; the trek is a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural and cultural highlights, complemented with the Incas History.
Our Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking also offers an opportunity to ascend to the highest part of this impressive Inca site. The view of 360 degrees mountain from the top is awe inspiring. The towering peaks of Vilcabamba range which includes Salkantay, Padreyoc, San Cristobal and many other snowcapped majestic peaks are the aspiration for Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking.
Important Details for 5-day Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking
Overview
TREKKING FACTS
- LOCATION: About 4 hours drive west of Cusco
- ALTITUDE: Min. 1,500 masl – Max. 3,300 masl
- TIMING: 5 days and 4 nights
- STARTING & ENDING POINT: Cusco hotel
- LEVEL: Modearte / Challenging due to steep ascents and descents.
- ADVENTURE RATING: The Choquequirao Imperial Trek is one of the better known adventure hikes around Cusco.
- DEPARTURE DATES: Any day with two people. Not available during the rainy season. (December through March)
- ACCLIMATIZATION: Minimum 2 days at altitude (recommended).
- ACTIVITIES: 5 days trekking, 4 nights in Camping tents and guided tour at Choquequirao Inca archaeological complex
- DAILY WALK: Approximately 6-8 hours
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
All departures for Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking, are guaranteed, so once you’ve booked you can be sure you’re going! This guarantee gives you the confidence to book all of your travel arrangements and simply look forward to your holiday.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Guided tour of Saiwity
- Guided trail to Choquequirao
- Viewpoint of Choquequirao
- Viewpoint of Apurimac Canyon
- Watch the soar of the condors over the Apurimac Canyon
- Visit picturesque villages
- Guided tour of Choquequirao an Inca ruins
- Free time at Choquequirao Inca ruins for further exploration
- a Moderate trekking since it is do it in four days
- Sunrise /sunset at Choquequirao
- Scenic walks and inspiring hikes
SHORT ITINERARY FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO OUTSTANDING TREKKING
Day 1: Cusco to Cachora by car and trek to Chikisqca Camp.
We’ll leave very early from Cusco and drive for 4-hours to the small village of Cachora from where we’ll hike for 6-7 hours to the Chikisqha camp.
Day 2: Trek from Chikisqha camp to Choquequirao
It’s considered the hardest day since we’ll climb from 1,500m to 3,050m and the weather provably will be very hot; but you’ll be rewarded by splendid views on the mountains and the natural environment.
Day 3: Explore Choquequirao
Full day we’ll explore the mysterious Inca archaeological site of Choquequirao; our tour guide will lead you through the most important sectors of the Inca monument; then you’ll have free time for further exploration or you can rest. In the afternoon we’ll hike for 1:30 hours to the Maranpata camp.
Day 4: Trek down to Chikisqha camp.
Trek full day from Maranpata camp to Chikisqha camp we’ll pass the traditional holding bridge over the Apurimac River; today you’ll enjoy the stunning views of the Apurimac canyon.
Day 5: Trek from Chikisqha to Capuliyoc and drive to Cusco
We’ll start the trek very early before the sun heats very hard; the trek will last for 4 hours up to capuliyoc; From where we’ll take our car to Cusco, on the way we’ll stop in the thermal baths of CConoc.
Day to Day
DETAILED ITINERARY FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO OUTSTANDING TREKKING
The Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking includes trekking and exploration of the Inca Archaeological Complex of Choquequirao. The trekking start and ends in the zone of Capuliyoc, near the town of Cachora. With a plenty of time to explore this mysterious Inca ruins of Choquequirao. It is the most recommendable if you are looking for less strenuous trekking in Peru.
Day 1: Drive from Cusco to Cachora and trek to Chikisqca Camp.
Our staff will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and we leave Cusco in our private transport toward the zone of Capuliyoc located at 30 minutes from the town of Cachora; the nearest town to Choquequirao. The car drive will be for approximately four hours and half, this time includes the stops along the way.
During the trip by car, we will make a stop to enjoy our breakfast admiring the wonderful views like the valley of Limatambo, the great Apu –Salkantay and Humantay a picturesque snow mountains in the Andes. We also will stop in the village of Curahuasi, where you’ll enjoy breakfast and you can purchase some items for the trek; after this we continue to the Inca archeological site of “Saiwity” where one can appreciate the model of the construction Inca Empire made on alive rock.
From “Saywite” we continue to the village of Cachora and then to Capuliyoc. After meeting our trekking crew knows as “arrieros” the horseman and the horses, we arrange our equipment on mules / horses, and then we will be ready to start a soft hike through this unknown mystery and very historically rich territory. After few minutes of walking we’ll arrive to the viewpoint of Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac canyon stretching below; also the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.
From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc the trail start to descents in a zigzag way to Coca Masana (2,330m) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change. Here we’ll stop for our lunch, after the lunch we’ll rest and continue the trek still down; it’s necessary to bring a high deet mosquito repellent. Finally we arrive at Chikisqha camp from where you’ll enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery. Walking poles or wooden sticks are very highly recommended.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping 2 people per tents
- Maximum Altitude: 3,000 masl Capulichayoc
- Minimum Altitude: 2,300 masl Chikisqha camp
- Distance Travelled: 14 Km
- Approximate Walking Time: 6 -7 Hours
Day 2: Trek from Chikisqha camp to Choquequirao.
Our second trekking day will start with an early breakfast; then we continue trekking down to the bottom of the canyon where we’ll find a big river called Apurimac (Means: The Speaker God) , it’s located at 1,500 m here is the lowest part of the Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking. We will cross a typical holding bridge then a forest of cactus, agaves and exotic local fruit trees. Here we start a gentle 3-4 hours gradual climb of 1,400 meters from the Apurimac River to Marampata at 2,900m. Here we stop for lunch surround by this beautiful landscape.
At Maranpata there is an option to take showers with the water of the mountains which will keep you nice and refresh; here is also where we can see for the first time, the archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
From Marapata 2 hours of easy hike will take us to the archaeological complex of Choquequirao located at 3,050 m. along the trekking we’ll see a variety of plants, orchids and different types of flowers. As soon as we arrive to this Inca complex we will visit the farming terraces of Paqchayoc and the house of the waterfall, then we will return to our camping set near Choquequirao Inca complex. Second camping here where you can taste “Kambry Aqha” a local cognac made from sugar cane.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping 2 people per tents
- Maximum Altitude: 3,050 masl Choquequirao
- Minimum Altitude: 1500 masl Playa Rosalina
- Distance Travelled: 17 km
- Approximate Walking Time: 7- 8 Hours
Day 3: Explore Choquequirao and in the afternoon trek to Maranpata camp.
Today is our third day of the trek and our destination is exploring the Inca archaeological of Choquequirao; full day will be dedicated to explore this magnificent Inca monument. We will have guided tour of the Choquequirao once inhabited by Incas; the tour includes the recently rediscovered Llama Sector.
You will be taken to the ceremonial water fountains – the best place in Choquequirao to see condors and snow covered peaks around. After enjoying lunch in this beautiful scenery you will have free time to explore by yourself; the lunch will be served here. At the scheduled time around 3pm we’ll walk down to Maranpata, dinner and beautiful sunset can be observed here; overnight in Maranpata camping.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping 2 people per tents
- Maximum Altitude: 3,300 masl Choquequirao
- Minimum Altitude: 3030 masl Maranpata
- Approximate Walking Time: 2 Hours
Day 4: Trek down to Chikisqha camp.
Our destination of to day is Chikisqha camp. Today, the trail takes us through the Apurimac canyon with presence of large quantity of flora and fauna; we also will cross over the traditional suspension bridge. The trail crosses several small streams. The hike of today is warm and provably dusty o slippery with some difficulties to cross. From the base of the valley, a steep rocky trail will take us to the camp of Chikisqha from where you can enjoy the splendorous nature including the Apurimac Canyon
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping 2 people per tents
- Maximum Altitude: 3,030 masl Cocamasana
- Minimum Altitude: 1500 masl Playa Rosalina
- Distance Travelled: 14 km
- Approximate Walking Time: 7- 8 Hours
Day 5: Trek from Chikisqha to Capuliyoc and drive to Cusco
Today is our final day of the trek and our destination is return to Cusco. After early breakfast we continue with 3 hours climb to the viewpoint of Capuliyoc. From then on it is a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our “arieros” horseman, cook and guides and take the bus back towards Cusco.
On the way to return to Cusco we’ll stop in the thermal baths of “CConoc”, wher you can relax you muscles after this had but wonderful trekking; “Cconoc” is a very nice thermal baths located in the bank of the Apurimac River; in “Cconoc” we spent a time of 30 minutes which is enough for a great time.
From Cconoc we continue the return to the city of Cusco, where we’ll arrive at 6:00 pm and then you’ll transferred to you hotel. Optional you can continue to Ollantaytambo for the night and the next day early train to the town of Aguas Calientes and explore the iconic Machupicchu. For this please let as to known at the time of booking.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: Cusco
- Maximum Altitude: 3,000 masl Capulichayo
- Minimum Altitude: 2,300 masl Chikisqha camp
- Distance Travelled: 14 km
- Approximate Walking Time: 3 – 4 Hours
ITINERARY NOTES:
The times cited in the Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
Included
CHOQUEQUIRAO OUTSTANDING TREKKING INCLUDES
- Pre-trek briefing one night before the trek
- Pick-up from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
- Transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc, the trailhead in private car and the returning way
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao Inca archaeological site
- English-Quechua-Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 8 people)
- Tents – 2 people in a 4-person capacity tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
- Air mattress for a greater comfort during the trek
- Chef and cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for large groups)
- Toilet tent
- Meals as specified in the program (optional vegetarian food). Our professional Chefs prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies (Please communicate with your guide/chef during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping gear, food and
- kitchen gears. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items and sleeping bag (up to 6 kg per person).
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill
- Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & kitchen tent for the chef to prepare meals
- Tents for our staff to sleep in
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
EXCLUDED
- Breakfast on the first morning in the town of Cachora
- Dinner on the last night upon your arrival to Cusco
- Sleeping bags – if you haven’t got a sleeping bag or you don’t want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
- Tips for the guide, chef and horseman
What to Bring
YOU SHOULD BRING
- A light daypack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperatures.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf.
- Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- It you get hot in the Apurimac Canyon; you should also be prepared for hot conditions on this trek.
- Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
- Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sunblock
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported.
- Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning
- We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters and more
Small towel or sarong - Cash – sufficient for tips and souvenirs, or any drinks or snacks you might want to buy along the way.
- Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one
- Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you).
- Binoculars (if you have them)
Terms & Condition
TERMS AND CONDITION
- This is basic terms and conditions to send inquiries to Sunrise Peru Trek
- It is not commitment that you have to book tours, trekking, expedition or any other service with Sunrise Peru Trek. There are not any service charges for inquiries.
- This is general inquiry. When you accept terms and condition of Sunrise Peru Trek, it means you accept to send inquires to Sunrise Peru Trek and you agree to receive information of tours, trekking and other services provided by Sunrise Peru Trek.
- Please kindly inform us, if you are inquiring information or quotation for promotion or business propose. Please inform us, if you are travel agency, tour leader or other organization to propose for group.
- You are permitted to send as many inquiries to finalize tailor-made itinerary as per your desired holiday (date, route, type services, standard of accommodation, etc). In case of fixed itinerary, you have to be convinced as per groups plan.
- You will be bounded terms and condition of cancelation charges, amendment charges once you make final decision to book services with Sunrise Peru Trek.
RESERVATION PROCESS AFTER FINAL DECISION TO BOOK SERVICES WITH US:
You need to provide us follow personal detail, information of flight (arrival at Cusco and departure from Cusco), Photocopy of passport and photographs.
PERSONAL DETAILS:
- First Name:
- Family Name:
- Nationality:
- Passport No.:
- Date of Birth:
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DETAIL:
- The Arrival Date and time:
- Flight No.:
- Departure Date:
- Departure Time:
- Flight No.
We will procedure for necessary booking of services required for your trip.
Send you information of availabilities of services.
We will send you final confirmation of tour.
BOOKING DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
We kindly request with all our client to make payment 40% total bill as booking deposit at the time of booking made. Once you decided to book the trip with us, we will give you our bank account. The balance invoice of your booking to be paid on your arrival at Cusco; You will pay us in cash
Photo Gallery
![]() Apurimac Canyon |
![]() Mountain of Padreyoc |
![]() Views of Choquequirao |
![]() The Camp |
![]() Inca Terraces |
|
Pre-trekking briefing
Your guide team will meet you at your hotel at 6pm the day before your 5-day Choquequirao Outstanding Trekking begins, where we’ll review the plans for the trekking with you, make sure you have all the right gear, arrange any equipment rental and answer any questions you may have. Please ensure that you bring your passport to the briefing, as your guide will need to collate the details required for registration at the park gate. If you are arriving on a late evening or have been on other tour, then the guide will arrange to brief you in the morning before you set off for the Trekking.