Trekking To Choquequirao

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Rosalina - Santa Rosa

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the starting point in the village of San Pedro de Cachora, located 4 hours from Cusco at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level.

The Choquequirao trek begins at Capuliyoq, where you can admire breathtaking views of distant snow-capped mountains. This day features a 4-hour hike with stunning landscapes, varying climates, and unique flora and fauna.

Along the way, you will see the impressive Apurimac River flowing through the depths of the Apurimac canyon and enjoy your first glimpse of the Choquequirao ruins. Descending, we will arrive at Chiquisca for lunch and a short break. Afterwards, the hike continues downhill for another 2 hours to reach Playa Rosalina at 1,800 meters above sea level.

The journey goes on to the campsite in Santa Rosa, situated at 1,950 meters above sea level. Distance covered: 10.56 miles – Approximate hiking time: 7 hours.

Day 2: Rosalina - Santa Rosa - Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, the trek continues uphill for 3.5 hours along the opposite side of the Apurimac Valley until reaching Marampata, a perfect spot to rest and take in the beautiful valley views.

The Choquequirao hike proceeds to the campsite near the Choquequirao archaeological site at a high altitude of 2,800 meters. Here, you will enjoy lunch, have a guided tour of the ruins, and witness a spectacular sunset from the religious area of Choquequirao. Experience an informative tour and learn about the site's connection to Machu Picchu.

The complex features plazas, temples, and terraces. The region has rich biodiversity, with wildlife such as condors, foxes, vizcachas, spectacled bears, and pumas. The Andean flora is equally impressive, including ichu grass and a variety of orchids. Discover Choquequirao, a true Andean gem with stunning Inca architecture.

In the evening, enjoy stargazing and spot the Milky Way with your guide. Distance covered: 5.59 miles – Approximate hiking time: 8 hours, with the highest point at 3,400 meters.

Day 3: Choquequirao - Marampata - Chiquisca

After a hearty breakfast, we begin a 5-hour trek downhill to Playa Rosalina, located at 1,500 meters above sea level. We say farewell to the Inca ruins of Choquequirao, also known as the Cradle of Gold.

On the way, we pass through Marampata (2,870 meters), a small village with campsites and local stores. We continue to Santa Rosa, which sits at 1,914 meters.

Arriving at Playa Rosalina, we take a short rest before an uphill hike of about an hour and a half to reach Chiquisca. Here, you will have lunch and spend the night.

Enjoy a well-deserved rest in the afternoon. This area offers a warm, dry climate, ideal for relaxation before an early start the following day. Take time to explore and observe the local flora and fauna.

Distance covered: 11.18 miles – Approximate hiking time: 6 hours.

Day 4: Chiquisca - Capuliyoc - Cachora - Cusco

Early in the morning, we depart Chiquisca, enjoying the final views of the canyon. The trail goes uphill for a 4-hour hike to reach Capuliyoc, where you may have lunch at 2,885 meters (optional).

Capuliyoc offers a fantastic viewpoint, boasting panoramic views of the Choquequirao trek, snow-capped peaks, and the impressive canyon. Choquequirao, constructed in 1536 during the Inca Empire, has been declared a National Cultural Heritage site.

Afterwards, our transportation will bring you back to Cusco, passing through the Andean town of Cachora. The journey takes about 3 hours before arriving in Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.