The Choquequirao Trek, Known as “the sister of Machu Picchu,” Choquequirao is one of the great archaeological treasures of the Andes and, in terms of its overall size, is almost twice as large as Machu Picchu.
Located deep within the Apurímac Canyon, surrounded by towering mountains and endless Andean landscapes, Choquequirao has something that makes it even more special: the only way to reach it is on foot.
This natural isolation means that Choquequirao receives far fewer visitors than the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, allowing you to experience a place that feels much more peaceful, remote, and authentic.
The adventure begins in Capuliyoc, where we start with an impressive descent of approximately 1,500 meters in elevation, while the landscape constantly changes and the majestic Padriyoc Mountains rise before you.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the immense beauty of the Andes and, with a little luck, witness the majestic Andean condor soaring freely above the Apurímac Canyon.
Choquequirao is not a destination you simply reach. It is a place you conquer, one step at a time.
Our adventure begins early with a 4:30 a.m. departure from your hotel in Cusco aboard our private minibus. We’ll travel for approximately four hours through the spectacular landscapes of the Andes until we reach Capuliyoc Viewpoint (2,885 m / 9,465 ft), the starting point of our trek.
Once we arrive at Capuliyoc, we’ll take approximately 40 minutes to rest, organize our gear, and prepare for the trek with our mountain team.
From here, we begin a three-hour descent toward Chikiska, following a scenic trail with impressive views of the Apurímac Canyon and the surrounding mountains. As we descend deeper into the canyon, the landscape gradually changes, revealing the dramatic beauty of this remote region.
At Chikiska, we’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch prepared by our mountain chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, we continue descending for approximately 30 minutes until reaching Playa Rosalina (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), the lowest point of the day.
From Playa Rosalina, the trail changes direction as we begin a two-hour ascent toward the Santa Rosa Baja campsite (1,914 m / 6,280 ft). By late afternoon, temperatures are generally cooler, making the ascent more comfortable and allowing us to settle into the rhythm of the trek.
Upon reaching Santa Rosa , we’ll have time to rest and recover after our first challenging day in the Apurímac Canyon, surrounded by the impressive Andean landscape and preparing for the adventure that awaits us on the way to Choquequirao.
Day 1 Statistics
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Maximum elevation: 2,885 m / 9,465 ft – Capuliyoc
Minimum elevation: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft – Playa Rosalina
Route: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Playa Rosalina – Santa Rosa
Difficulty: Moderate
We’ll start the day early at Santa Rosa, beginning one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the trek: a three-hour uphill climb toward Marampata (2,911 m / 9,550 ft).
As we make our way up the mountainside, the early morning light begins to illuminate the Apurímac Canyon. With a little luck, we may also spot delicate orchids growing among the bamboo and vegetation along the trail, adding a unique touch to this remote Andean landscape.
After reaching Marampata, we’ll take some time to rest, rehydrate, and recover before continuing toward our main destination.
From Marampata, we’ll hike for approximately two more hours toward Choquequirao (3,103 m / 10,180 ft). As the trail unfolds, the first views of the archaeological complex begin to appear, making every step of the climb worthwhile.
We’ll then spend at least four hours exploring Choquequirao, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Andes. We’ll discover its impressive terraces, temples, plazas, and ceremonial areas, while learning about the history and significance of this extraordinary Inca site.
For lunch, our mountain chef will prepare a special meal, allowing us to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of Choquequirao.
After exploring the citadel, we’ll retrace our steps back to Marampata, where we’ll spend the night. Here, surrounded by the cloud forest and spectacular views of the Apurímac Canyon, we’ll have time to rest and reflect on one of the most memorable days of our journey.
Day 2 Statistics
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Maximum elevation: 3,103 m / 10,180 ft – Choquequirao
Minimum elevation: 1,914 m / 6,280 ft – Santa Rosa
Route: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata
Difficulty: Challenging
We’ll wake up early at our Marampata camp and begin the morning with a warm cup of coca tea while enjoying the first light of sunrise over the Apurímac Canyon.
After breakfast, we’ll begin a three-hour descent toward Rosalina Beach (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), following a series of winding, zigzag trails down into the canyon. The descent can be demanding on the legs, but the spectacular views of the Apurímac Canyon and its surrounding mountains make every step worthwhile.
Once we reach Rosalina Beach, we’ll begin a one-hour ascent toward Chikiska, where we’ll stop for lunch. Our mountain chef will prepare a fresh meal using local ingredients, giving us time to replenish our energy after the morning’s trek.
After lunch, we’ll enjoy a short siesta and well-deserved rest before continuing our journey.
In the afternoon, we’ll hike for another two hours toward Coca Masana Camp (1,914 m / 6,280 ft). As we make our way along the trail, the landscape gradually changes, surrounding us with the vegetation and beauty of the Andean cloud forest.
At Coca Masana, we’ll settle into camp and enjoy our last night on the trail, taking in the peaceful surroundings and reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve made through the Apurímac Canyon and toward Choquequirao.
Day 3 Statistics
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Highest altitude: 2,911 m / 9,550 ft – Marampata
Lowest altitude: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft – Rosalina Beach
Route: Marampata – Rosalina Beach – Chikiska – Coca Masana
Difficulty: Moderate
We’ll begin our final morning on the trail with a warm cup of tea and breakfast at camp, preparing for the last hike of our Choquequirao adventure.
From Coca Masana, we’ll start a two-hour uphill hike toward Capuliyoc (2,885 m / 9,465 ft), following the trail back toward the starting point of our trek. As we climb, we’ll have the opportunity to look back and appreciate the landscapes of the Apurímac Canyon, knowing that we are completing an incredible journey through one of the most remote regions of the Andes.
Once we reach Capuliyoc, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back toward Cusco.
On the way, we’ll make a 30-minute stop at Saywite, an impressive Inca archaeological site known for its remarkable carved stone. Here, we’ll take some time to explore the site and enjoy our boxed lunch prepared by our master chef.
After our visit to Saywite, we’ll continue our journey by private transportation for approximately four more hours to Cusco. We expect to arrive around 5:00 p.m., bringing our Choquequirao Trek adventure in Peru to an end.
After four days of demanding trails, spectacular Andean landscapes, and the extraordinary experience of reaching Choquequirao, we’ll return to Cusco with memories of a journey far beyond the usual tourist routes.
Day 4 Details
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Maximum elevation: 2,885 m / 9,465 ft – Capuliyoc
Minimum elevation: 1,914 m / 6,280 ft – Coca Masana
Route: Coca Masana – Capuliyoc – Saywite – Cusco
Difficulty: Moderate – Easy
Discover what makes this experience unique and why travelers love it.
At Guiding Cusco, we believe the best journeys are personal, meaningful, and thoughtfully designed.
Personalized Small Groups
We keep our groups small so you receive genuine, attentive service throughout your journey. Every experience is designed with your comfort, interests, and pace in mind.
Supporting Our Local Community
We work closely with local guides, cooks, drivers, families, and small businesses, helping create employment and keeping the benefits of tourism within our communities. We also support people and families with limited resources, because we believe tourism can make a positive difference beyond travel.
Licensed & Trustworthy
Guiding Cusco is a formally established and authorized Peruvian tour operator, operating in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Peruvian authorities. Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind are an essential part of every journey we organize.
A More Meaningful Way to Travel
When you travel with Guiding Cusco, you experience Peru with a local team that genuinely cares about its people, culture, and landscapes.
Personal attention. Local connection. Meaningful experiences.
To make your trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing the following items:
Please read these recommendations carefully to prepare for your trip.
Enhance your trip with these optional upgrades available upon request.
The trek is considered challenging due to steep ascents and descents, as well as long hiking days. Good physical condition and prior trekking experience are highly recommended.
The best time to hike is from March to January, when the weather is dry and clear. The trek does not operate in February because of heavy rain and route maintenance.
No. Our horsemen and mules will carry your personal belongings and camping equipment (up to 7 kg per person). You only need to carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen.
There’s no strict age limit, but participants should be physically fit and able to handle demanding terrain and altitude. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
Yes. We offer vegetarian and special diet options upon request. Please inform us in advance to make the necessary arrangements.
You’ll stay in comfortable camping tents each night, set up by our team at scenic spots along the route.
You can bring your own gear or rent from us at an additional cost:
Sleeping bag – US$ 20.00
Trekking poles (pair) – US$ 20.00
Inflatable mattress – US$ 20.00
Altitude can affect anyone. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit for emergencies.
You can pay through Openpay (with a 5% fee) or directly in our Cusco office without additional charges.
Yes! You can add Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo, or Ausangate 7 Lakes for only US$ 50.00 each.
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