
Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days to the Lost Inca City
4 Days

Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days to the Lost Inca City
4 Days
Overview
one of the most spectacular Inca treks in the Andes. This adventure takes you through remote Andean villages, high mountain passes, and pristine cloud forests, leading to the hidden Inca citadel of Choquequirao, often called the “sister city of Machu Picchu.”
Over 4 days of trekking, experience breathtaking mountain views, diverse wildlife, and authentic Peruvian culture. Explore ancient Inca ruins, terraced landscapes, and sacred sites, while enjoying the adventure of hiking the less-crowded trails of Choquequirao. Perfect for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and trekking lovers, this journey offers a unique and unforgettable Inca experience in Peru.
Highlights
- Spectacular Choquequirao Ruins – Explore the hidden Inca citadel high in the Andes
- Remote Andean Villages – Experience authentic Peruvian culture and local traditions
- Breathtaking Mountain Views – Hike through the Andes Mountains with panoramic vistas
- High-Altitude Passes – Conquer challenging trails with stunning landscapes
- Cloud Forest Trekking – Walk through lush Andean cloud forests and native flora
- Ancient Inca Terraces – Discover agricultural terraces and sacred sites
- Adventure Off the Beaten Path – Less crowded trails for a unique Inca trekking experience
- Wildlife Encounters – Spot llamas, Andean birds, and diverse mountain fauna
Trip Details
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Route: Cusco ,Cachora , Choquequirao , Maizal . Santa Teresa
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – suitable for experienced trekkers and adventure seekers
- Altitude: Up to 3,050 m at Choquequirao, trekking through high Andean passes
- Trek Type: Guided hiking tour with cultural, historical, and nature experiences
- Highlights: Choquequirao Ruins, Andes Mountains, remote villages, cloud forests, Inca terraces, breathtaking viewpoints
- Accommodation: Camping along the trail and hotel in Santa Teresa
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and allergies
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Capuliyoq - Chiquisca - Playa Rosalina - Santa Rosa
We’ll depart Cusco at approximately 5:30 AM and drive about 4.5 hours to Capuliyoc, passing through the Andean village of Cachora (2,850 m). Capuliyoc is our meeting point with the trekking team, professional cooks, and muleteers, along with the caravan of horses and mules that will carry our camping gear and personal belongings throughout the Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days to the Lost Inca City.
The trek begins along a scenic flat trail toward the Capuliyoc Pass (2,800 m). Along the way, you’ll witness the dramatic landscape transition from the depths of the Apurimac Canyon to the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range, with stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
We descend into the Apurimac Canyon, reaching the villages of Chiquisca (1,830 m), Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), or Santa Rosa (2,100 m), where we will set up camp for the night.
- Transportation Time: 4 hours
- Trekking Time: 6 hours
- Distance: 14 km
- Difficulty Level: Challenging – high-altitude trekking in the Andes
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight: Camping in tents
- Climate: Warm during the day (mosquitoes possible), moderate cold at night
- Elevation Profile: Cusco (3,400 m) Cachora (2,850 m) Capuliyoc (2,800 m) Chiquisca (1,830 m) Playa Rosalina (1,550 m) Santa Rosa (2,100 m)
Day 2: Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao
After breakfast, we begin our Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days to the Lost Inca City, trekking through the heart of the Andes Mountains and the dramatic Apurimac Canyon. Along the way, we’ll visit local Andean families in Santa Rosa (2,100 m) and taste fresh sugar cane, a traditional crop of the region.
The trail then climbs steadily to the village of Marampata (2,850 m), where we’ll enjoy a mountain-view lunch. From here, marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the Choquequirao archaeological complex (3,033 m), including part of the trail we are about to explore.
Arriving at the ancient Choquequirao ruins, we’ll have our first guided visit, taking in the sunset over the Andes and, if lucky, spotting majestic condors soaring above the canyon. Our camping site for the night is located in Marampata, surrounded by highland scenery and cloud forests.
- Walking Time: 7 hours
- Distance: 15 km
- Difficulty Level: Challenging – high-altitude trekking in the Andes Mountains
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Overnight: Camping in tents
- Climate: Warm during the day (mosquitoes possible), moderate cold at night
- Elevation Profile: Santa Rosa (2,100 m) Marampata (2,850 m) Choquequirao (3,033 m)
Day 3: Choquequirao - Marampata - Playa Rosalina - Chiquisca
At early morning, immerse yourself in the cloud forest of the Andes Mountains as our professional guide leads us through the remaining sectors of Choquequirao, one of the most spectacular and least-visited Inca citadels. Currently, only 30% of Choquequirao has been fully explored, preserving its mystery and ancient secrets.
During the guided visit, explore key Inca archaeological highlights: the houses of Andean priests, collcas (Inca storage buildings), terraces, llama sculptures, palaces, ritual water fountains, and observe the region’s native flora and fauna. Learn about Inca culture, history, and engineering, gaining a deeper understanding of this hidden Inca city.
After the Choquequirao archaeological tour, we hike back to Marampata (2,850 m), then descend into the Apurimac Canyon, passing through Playa Rosalina (1,550 m). Before sunset, we arrive at our last night campsite in Chiquisca (1,830 m), surrounded by Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and wildlife.
- Walking Time: 7 hours
- Distance: 16 km
- Difficulty Level: Challenging – high-altitude trekking in the Andes
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Overnight: Camping in tents
- Climate: Warm during the day (mosquitoes possible), moderate cold at night
- Elevation Profile: Choquequirao (3,033 m) Marampata (2,850 m) Playa Rosalina (1,550 m) Chiquisca (1,830 m)
Day 4: Chiquisca - Capuliyoq - Cusco
In the morning, we’ll hike to the Capuliyoq viewpoint (2,800 m), a spectacular vantage point offering breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon and the surrounding Andes Mountains. Keep your eyes open to spot majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon.
We’ll enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoc Mountain, a perfect way to soak in the beauty of the Vilcabamba mountain range. After this final Andean adventure, we’ll drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM, concluding your unforgettable Choquequirao Trek – 4 Days to the Lost Inca City.
- Transportation Time: 4 hours
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Distance: 11 km
- Difficulty Level: Moderate – high-altitude trekking in the Andes
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
- Overnight: On your own in Cusco
- Climate: Warm during the day (mosquitoes possible), moderate cold at night
- Elevation Profile: Chiquisca (1,830 m) Capuliyoq Viewpoint (2,800 m) Cusco (3,400 m)
Notes Itinerario
Included
- Pre-trek informative briefing at your accommodation in Cusco
- Private transportation: Cusco Capuliyoc (start/end of trek)
- Choquequirao entrance fee
- Professional bilingual guide (English-Spanish)
- Camping equipment: 2-person tents, mats, toilet, kitchen & dining tents, duffel bag
- Sleeping bag (-10°) and safety horse support
- Cook and meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner; includes vegetarian, vegan & allergy options, snacks, hot drinks, and beverages
- Muleteers and mules for camping gear and personal bags (up to 7 kg)
- Boiled water, hot water, biodegradable soap for personal & kitchen use
- First-aid kit, oxygen bottle, thermometer, oximeter
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1 or dinner on Day 4
- Sleeping bag (can be rented at our agency if needed)
- Tips for guides, cooks, and muleteers (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance – strongly recommended
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, snacks, drinks, or extra services
What To Bring
- Original passport
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Layered clothing: thermal, fleece, jacket
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Snacks or energy bars
- Camera or smartphone
- Personal items: toiletries, medications
- Small daypack
- Optional: trekking poles, gloves, warm hat, insect repellent
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