Tour Details:
Experience the majestic beauty of the Andes on a Private Choquequirao Trek – 5 Days, designed exclusively for you or your group. Discover the ancient Inca city of Choquequirao, often called the sister of Machu Picchu, in a more intimate and personalized way. This private adventure allows for a flexible pace, added comfort, and direct connection with nature and history, far from the crowds.
Highlights:
- Explore Choquequirao on a fully private trekking experience
- Exceptional views of the Apurímac Canyon and snow-capped peaks
- Personalized service from your guide, chef, and support team
- Extended time to connect with the ruins and nature at your own rhythm
- Ideal for couples, families, or friends seeking a customized trek
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Capuliyoq – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina
Your private adventure begins early in the morning with hotel pickup at 4:30 am from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll drive for approximately 3 hours to the charming town of Cachora, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek (not included). From there, we continue to the Capuliyoq Pass (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), a stunning lookout offering breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon and the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Veronica.
Our descent begins here with a scenic 4-hour hike down the trail that winds through diverse landscapes and warm Andean air. Around midday, we arrive at Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by our trekking chef.
After a well-deserved break, we continue for about 1 more hour to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), a peaceful campsite by the Apurímac River. Here, you’ll unwind with a warm coca tea, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night in tents under the clear Andean sky.
- Approximate distance: 12 km
- Minimum altitude: 1,550 m / 5,085 ft
- Maximum altitude: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
DAY 2: Rosalina Beach – Santa Rosa – Marampata
Wake up to the sound of nature and a warm cup of coca tea served by our team. After breakfast, we begin the day with a challenging 3-hour uphill hike from Rosalina Beach (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) to the rural area of Santa Rosa, and then continue ascending toward Marampata (2,870 m / 9,416 ft). Along the way, the trail offers dramatic views of the canyon and the lush vegetation that surrounds it.
As we gain altitude, the climate begins to change, and you’ll feel the cooler mountain air. After a rewarding climb, we arrive at Marampata, a tranquil plateau with panoramic views of the majestic Choquequirao ruins in the distance. From here, you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpses of the ancient Inca city hidden deep in the Andes.
We set up camp near Marampata and enjoy a hot lunch. The afternoon is free for rest and relaxation with spectacular views. Dinner will be served at camp, and you’ll spend the night surrounded by peace and mountain silence.
- Approximate distance: 8 km
- Minimum altitude: 1,550 m / 5,085 ft
- Maximum altitude: 2,870 m / 9,416 ft
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 3: Marampata - Choquequirao – Marampata
After a hearty breakfast surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, we begin a 2-hour hike to reach the majestic Choquequirao archaeological complex (3,050 m / 10,006 ft). Known as the “Cradle of Gold”, this ancient citadel was once a ceremonial and administrative hub of the Inca Empire, serving as a strategic connection between the Andes and the Amazon.
Upon arrival, your professional guide will lead a thorough exploration of the main sectors of Choquequirao, including its temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, and impressive water systems. Built on a mountaintop surrounded by steep cliffs, the site offers a magical atmosphere and spectacular panoramic views of the Apurímac Canyon.
Following the guided tour, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch near the archaeological site, allowing you to soak in the scenery and reflect on the site’s grandeur. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins on your own—walk at your own pace, take photos, or simply relax in this incredibly serene and uncrowded setting.
Later in the afternoon, we will begin our return to Marampata, where a warm dinner and our peaceful campsite await.
- Approximate distance: 5 km
- Minimum altitude: 2,870 m / 9,416 ft
- Maximum altitude: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 4: Marampata – Rosalina Beach – Chiquisca
After an early breakfast with panoramic mountain views, we begin our descent from Marampata (2,870 m / 9,416 ft), following the same trail down toward the powerful Apurímac River. The descent takes about 3 hours and leads us to Rosalina Beach (1,520 m / 4,986 ft)—the lowest point of the trek—where the sound of the river reverberates through the dramatic canyon.
From Rosalina Beach, we’ll begin a moderate uphill hike of approximately 1 hour to reach Chiquisca (1,950 m / 6,397 ft). Here, a freshly prepared lunch will be waiting for you. Afterward, enjoy a restful afternoon at the campsite. Chiquisca’s warmer climate and serene setting make it the perfect place to relax before the final stretch of your adventure.
- Approximate distance: 10 km
- Minimum altitude: 1,520 m / 4,986 ft
- Maximum altitude: 2,870 m / 9,416 ft
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 5: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco
On our final day, we’ll wake up early at 5:00 a.m. to begin the last stretch of our trek. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll ascend the winding trail that climbs the canyon wall toward the Capuliyoc Pass (2,890 m / 9,482 ft). This portion of the hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and offers sweeping views of the Apurímac Canyon, snow-capped mountains, and the stunning Andean landscapes we’ve come to know and love.
Once we reach Capuliyoc, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch while soaking in the final panoramic views of the region. After lunch, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We expect to arrive in the late afternoon and will drop you off at your hotel.
If you’re interested in extending your journey to include Machu Picchu, let us know! We’d be happy to help you customize your Private Choquequirao 5-Day Trek with an unforgettable visit to the legendary Inca citadel.
- Approximate distance: 8 km
- Minimum altitude: 1,950 m / 6,397 ft
- Maximum altitude: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft
- Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Included / Excluded
- Comfortable camping setup: Spacious 4-person tents provided for only 2 people to ensure extra comfort and space during the trek.
- Sleeping bag included for your convenience.
- All meals as per the itinerary: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners, freshly prepared by our trekking chef.
- Separate dining and kitchen tents provided.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and special diets available upon request (please inform us in advance).
- Wake-up service with a hot cup of coca tea each morning.
- Boiled drinking water provided at campsites (please bring your own reusable water bottle).
- Day 1: Hotel pickup and private transfer from Cusco to Capuliyoc.
- Day 5: Private return transportation from Capuliyoc to Cusco.
- Bilingual professional trekking guide (English/Spanish) and assistant guide for groups over 12.
- Horses and experienced horsemen to carry all camping gear, food, and cooking equipment.
- Guides with at least 3 years of experience, equipped with first aid kits and emergency oxygen.
- Duffel bag provided during pre-departure briefing (maximum 5 kg per person).
- Pre-trek briefing at our Cusco office the day before departure (options at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 7:00 p.m.).
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao Archaeological Site included.
- Breakfast on Day 1.
- Dinner on Day 5.
- Sleeping bag rental.
- Walking stick
- Trekking poles (available for rent: $25 per person).
- Tips for guide, cook, and support staff.
- National or international flights.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Any additional activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
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.
