The Choquequirao Hike is one of the most rewarding and lesser-known trekking adventures in the Peruvian Andes. Over 4 unforgettable days, you’ll traverse deep canyons, ancient Inca trails, and dramatic landscapes to reach Choquequirao, a remote citadel often called the “sister of Machu Picchu.”
Hidden at over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) in the Vilcabamba mountain range, Choquequirao is an archaeological treasure that remains untouched by mass tourism. Its location, only accessible on foot, makes this hike a truly immersive and personal experience. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse ecosystems, ranging from arid valleys to lush cloud forests, with spectacular viewpoints at every turn.
Once an important ceremonial and political center of the Inca Empire, Choquequirao features vast agricultural terraces, temples, and plazas still being reclaimed from the jungle. The hike is physically demanding, but the reward is a journey through living history, silence, and stunning natural beauty.
The Choquequirao Hike 4 Day is ideal for adventurous travelers looking to escape the crowds and explore one of Peru’s last hidden gems. It’s not just a trek. It’s a connection to the heart of the Andes and the legacy of the Inca civilization.
Day 1: Cusco-Capuliyoc- Chiquisca.
Day 2: Chiquisca- Marampata – Choquequirao.
Day 3: Choquequirao-Chiquisca.
Day 4: Chiquisca- Capuliyoc- Cusco.
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
Your journey begins early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From the city, we drive for approximately 4 hours in private transportation, passing through traditional Andean villages and scenic mountain valleys until we reach the starting point of the trek at Capuliyoc, located at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level.
Capuliyoc is a stunning viewpoint overlooking the majestic Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in South America. From here, you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the snowcapped peaks of Padreyoc and Pumasillo. After meeting our trekking team, including muleteers and the camp cook, we begin our descent along a well-marked trail that winds down into the canyon.
The path passes through dry Andean forest, where you may spot native plants like agave and orchids, along with colorful birds such as hummingbirds. With a bit of luck, you might even see the iconic Andean condor soaring above. After approximately 3 to 4 hours of hiking, we arrive at Chiquisca, a small village located at 1,900 meters (6,234 feet) in a warm, semi-tropical environment near the Apurímac River.
We will set up camp in this peaceful spot, far from the crowded tourist routes. After enjoying a nutritious dinner prepared by our camp chef, you’ll relax under a crystal-clear sky filled with stars. It is the perfect ending to your first day on the Choquequirao Hike and a beautiful introduction to the natural and cultural wonders that lie ahead.
Tips for the day:
We start the day early with a light breakfast, then continue descending for a short distance until we reach the Apurímac River at Playa Rosalina. After crossing a suspension bridge, we begin one of the most challenging sections of the trek — a steady uphill climb lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours.
As the morning sun begins to rise over the canyon, the trail takes us through a series of switchbacks along steep, dusty paths. Despite the intensity of the ascent, the effort is rewarded with increasingly stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Along the way, we pass local farming plots and small waterfalls that bring a refreshing touch to the landscape.
Around midday, we reach the remote Andean village of Maranpata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), where we take a well-deserved rest and enjoy lunch. From here, the trail becomes gentler and more scenic as we approach the first glimpses of the Choquequirao archaeological complex, nestled in the high forest and surrounded by mist-covered peaks.
In the afternoon, we explore a portion of the vast Inca site, visiting agricultural terraces, ceremonial platforms, and carefully crafted stone structures. As you walk among these ruins, you’ll begin to understand the spiritual and strategic significance of Choquequirao, and how it remained hidden for centuries even after the Spanish conquest.
Tonight, we set up camp just 20 minutes away from the main ruins. Here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars, with the mysterious energy of this ancient citadel close by, setting the tone for tomorrow’s full exploration.
Tips for the day:
After an early breakfast surrounded by the sounds of the high Andean forest, we dedicate the morning to further explore the mysterious ruins of Choquequirao. With fewer tourists than any other major Inca site, you’ll enjoy an intimate and immersive experience as your guide explains the significance of key sectors, including temples, plazas, water channels, and ceremonial platforms.
You’ll also have time to visit the lower terraces where recently uncovered stonework reveals a sophisticated agricultural system. If the weather is clear, you might spot the Vilcabamba mountain range peeking through the clouds, adding to the majesty of the site. This is a moment to reflect on the engineering and spiritual brilliance of the Inca civilization, surrounded by pure mountain silence.
By late morning, we begin our return hike. We retrace the trail down to Maranpata, where we pause to rest and have lunch, then continue the descent along the winding path toward the Apurímac River. The views on the way back offer a different perspective, especially as the afternoon light casts golden hues over the canyon walls.
Just before reaching the river, we set up our final camp near Chiquisca, in a warmer, lower-altitude zone. After a well-deserved dinner, you can relax and reflect on the journey, knowing you’ve walked through one of the most sacred and remote Inca landscapes in the Andes.
Tips for the day:
Our final day begins early as we prepare for the last challenge of the trek — the steep ascent from Chiquisca back to the Capuliyoc pass. This uphill section takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon, with the rising sun illuminating the rugged landscape.
As we reach Capuliyoc once again, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic scenery and reflect on your incredible journey through the Andes and the remote Inca citadel of Choquequirao. After a short rest, we continue along a gentler path that winds through farmland and rural communities, eventually arriving at the village of Cachora.
Here, our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. On the way, we make a stop to visit a lesser-known but fascinating archaeological site, offering one final opportunity to explore the legacy of the Incas before returning to the city. We expect to arrive in Cusco by early evening, with drop-off at your hotel around dinnertime.
This marks the end of your unforgettable adventure on the Choquequirao Hike, one of the most sacred and off-the-beaten-path treks in Peru.
Tips for the day:
This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, strikes, road blockages, or other events beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the planned itinerary as closely as possible.
Interested in extending your adventure to Machu Picchu? Let us know and we’ll be happy to customize your journey.
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
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