Tour Details:
Step away from the crowds and into the heart of the Andes with our Choquequirao Expedition, a 4-day trek that’s as rewarding as it is breathtaking. Often called the sacred sister of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is one of Peru’s most fascinating — and least visited — Inca sites.
This adventure takes you deep into nature: across dramatic canyons, up rugged mountain trails, and through misty cloud forests. Along the way, you’ll experience the silence, beauty, and power of the Andes while exploring ancient ruins that feel almost untouched by time. If you’re someone who craves real connection with nature, culture, and history — this trek is for you.
Highlights:
- A physically challenging but deeply rewarding journey to a hidden treasure of the Inca world
- Explore Choquequirao, a majestic and lesser-known archaeological site
- Take in epic views of the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in the world
- Sleep under the stars in peaceful Andean campsites far from the modern world
- Perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, adventure, and a stronger connection with Peru’s rich past
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Capuliyoq – Chikiska – Santa Rosa Baja
We’ll pick you up early in the morning between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco to begin this unforgettable journey. After a scenic drive of about 4 hours through the Andes, we’ll arrive at Cachora, where you’ll have the option to enjoy breakfast (not included). Shortly after, we continue to Capuliyoq (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), a spectacular lookout point with panoramic views of the snow-capped Padreyoq Mountain (5,771 m / 18,930 ft) and the dramatic Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.
From Capuliyoq, we begin our descent along a winding trail, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. After approximately 2.5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Chikiska (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where we’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch prepared by our trekking chef.
After a short break, we continue descending for another hour until we reach Rosalina Beach (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), the lowest point of the trek, nestled next to the Apurímac River. From here, we begin a challenging 3-hour uphill hike toward our first campsite at Santa Rosa Baja. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by our team with hot drinks and a freshly prepared dinner under the stars.
- Total trekking time: 7–8 hours
- Elevation range: From 2,890 m to 1,550 m, then up to 2,000 m approx.
- Overnight: Santa Rosa Baja (camping)
DAY 2: Santa Rosa Baja – Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata
We’ll start the day early with a nutritious breakfast at 5:00 a.m., giving us the energy needed for one of the most challenging — and most rewarding — sections of the trek. By 6:00 a.m., we begin a steep uphill hike toward Marampata (2,870 m / 9,416 ft), a remote Andean village perched high above the Apurímac Canyon. The climb takes approximately 2.5 hours and rewards us with stunning views of the valley and distant mountain peaks.
Upon arriving in Marampata, we’ll take a short rest and enjoy some light refreshments while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. From there, the trail continues more gradually for about 2 additional hours along a ridge, bringing us to the mysterious and majestic Choquequirao, often called the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu.”
Once we reach the Choquequirao archaeological complex, we’ll have a guided tour of its main sectors, including temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, and administrative buildings — many of which are still covered by cloud forest vegetation. Because of its remote location, very few tourists visit this site, making it a unique opportunity to explore an ancient Inca city in almost complete solitude.
After lunch within the Choquequirao complex, we’ll have more time to explore its hidden corners and feel the spiritual energy that still lingers in this sacred place. As the sun begins to set, we’ll make our way back to Marampata, where our team will welcome us with a warm dinner. We’ll spend the night here in tents, surrounded by peace, nature, and history.
- Total trekking time: 7–8 hours
- Elevation gain: From 1,900 m to 2,870 m
- Overnight: Marampata (camping)
DAY 3: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chikiska – Cocamasana
After waking up in the serene highlands of Marampata, we’ll enjoy an early breakfast at 5:30 a.m. to fuel up for the long descent ahead. At 6:00 a.m., we begin retracing our steps along the same trail, leaving behind the mystical views of Choquequirao and descending back into the heart of the Apurímac Canyon.
Our first descent brings us to Santa Rosa Alta, then to Santa Rosa Baja, passing through rich vegetation and enjoying panoramic views of the rugged canyon walls. After a few hours, we arrive again at Rosalina Beach (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), the lowest point of the trek, located alongside the powerful Apurímac River. Here, we’ll take a short rest before beginning a steady uphill hike.
We continue climbing for about an hour and a half until we reach Chikiska (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where a freshly prepared lunch awaits us. This peaceful spot offers a chance to relax, hydrate, and regain energy while surrounded by native flora and bird calls from the canyon.
After lunch and a well-deserved break, we resume our final ascent of the day, trekking up to Cocamasana, our third campsite. This section, though demanding, offers rewarding views of the Apurímac Valley below. Upon arrival at Cocamasana, our team will have your tents set up and a hearty dinner ready to close the day. Enjoy a quiet evening under the stars, reflecting on the incredible journey so far.
- Total trekking time: 8–9 hours
- Elevation range: From 2,870 m down to 1,550 m, then up to approx. 2,300 m
- Overnight: Cocamasana (camping)
DAY 4: Cocamasana – Capuliyoq – Return to Cusco
We begin our final day of adventure with an early breakfast at 6:00 a.m., ready to take on the last physical challenge of the trek. From our campsite at Cocamasana, we start a gradual uphill hike of approximately 3 hours until we reach the Capuliyoq viewpoint (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), the same stunning lookout we passed on the first day.
Along this final stretch, enjoy sweeping views of the Apurímac Canyon and the majestic Padreyoq snow-capped mountain, offering one last chance to take in the beauty of the Andes. The path is demanding but deeply rewarding, as it brings closure to an unforgettable journey through one of Peru’s most scenic and remote landscapes.
Upon arrival at Capuliyoq, our team will welcome you with a farewell lunch. It’s the perfect moment to relax, reflect, and celebrate everything you’ve achieved during the Choquequirao trek.
After lunch, we board our private vehicle back to Cusco. The drive takes around 4.5 hours, passing through picturesque Andean villages and valleys. Upon arrival in Cusco, we’ll drop you off at San Francisco Square, conveniently located just two blocks from the main square (Plaza de Armas).
This marks the end of an epic 4-day Inca expedition, filled with adventure, breathtaking nature, and a deep connection to Peru’s ancestral heritage.
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Transportation to Cusco: Approx. 4.5 hours
- Drop-off point: San Francisco Square, Cusco
Included / Excluded
- High-quality 4-person tents provided for 2 people for enhanced space and comfort.
- Comfortable sleeping setup at each campsite.
- All meals as outlined in the itinerary: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Professional chef and full cooking equipment.
- Dining and kitchen tents for fresh meal preparation.
- Morning coca tea to start each day.
- Boiled water provided at campsites during meals (please note: water is not available during the hike but can be purchased en route with the guide’s help).
- Vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options available with prior notice.
- Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Capuliyoq on Day 1.
- Private return transport from Capuliyoq to Cusco on Day 4.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) certified trekking guide with a minimum of 3 years’ experience.
- Assistant guide for groups of 15 or more.
- Emergency first-aid kit and oxygen tank carried by the guide.
- Horses and skilled horsemen to carry all camping gear, food supplies, and cooking equipment.
- Duffel bag (up to 5 kg per person) provided for personal items.
- Orientation meeting held at our Cusco office the day before departure (available at 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 p.m.).
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Lunch and dinner on the final day.
- Trekking poles rental (available for $20.00 per person).
- Sleeping bag rental.
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao Archaeological Site.
- Tips or gratuities for the guide, cook, and support team.
- National and international airfare.
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended).
What to Bring:
- Original passport (required for trail checkpoints)
- Valid student ID (if applicable, for potential discounts)
- Warm sleeping bag (rated to at least -8°C / 17°F)
- Sturdy hiking boots (well broken-in and waterproof)
- Layered clothing for variable temperatures, especially at night
- Insulated jacket, thermal base layers, and trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Wool socks, gloves, scarf, and a warm hat for cold nights
- Rain poncho and/or waterproof rain jacket (especially important in rainy season)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
- Insect repellent (recommended for forested areas)
- Plastic bags to organize items and protect from moisture
- Garbage bags to line your backpack and keep items dry
- Toiletries, biodegradable soap, toilet paper, and a small towel
- Bathing suit (for optional hot springs visit)
- Reusable water bottle (optional: water purification tablets or filter)
- Personal first-aid kit and any prescribed medications
- Small whistle for emergency signaling
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Extra cash for snacks, souvenirs, and optional tips
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended; available for rent)
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
