Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
From US$308 per person
Trip Summary
Total time
4 days / 3 nights
Meals included
4 Breakfasts - 4 Lunches - 3 Dinners
Group size
Up to 10 people
Transportation
Bus
Why Pick This Tour
If you’re looking for a real Inca adventure and want to discover a lost city that’s only accessible on foot, this is your trek. Choquequirao — the «Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu» — is waiting for you high above the stunning Apurímac Canyon, far from the crowds.
The best part of the tour: Guided tour of Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
Over View — Choquequirao 4 Days
Choquequirao (Quechua for «Cradle of Gold») is a majestic Inca complex set in a dramatic, strategic location. This 4-day trek is a moderate physical challenge that rewards you with the chance to explore an Inca city still partially hidden under vegetation.
The route starts at the spectacular Capuliyoc Lookout, where you can take in the vastness of the deepest canyon in the Americas. During the hike, you’ll discover the rich history of the Saywite Archaeological Park and stay in authentic rural guesthouses. Day 3 is entirely dedicated to exploring the main sectors of Choquequirao, including the famous Llama Terraces — a unique testament to Inca engineering and spirituality.
Ideal for travelers in good physical shape who appreciate solitude, challenge, and authentic culture in the mountains of Cusco.
Day 1 : Cusco – Saywite – Capuliyoc Lookout – Chiquisca
We’ll start our adventure early, picking you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. for a scenic drive through the Anta and Limatambo valleys to the Curahuasi district. Along the way, we’ll visit the Saywite Archaeological Park, where you’ll see the famous ceremonial stone carved by the Incas — a miniature representation of the Andean world. Then we’ll continue to the Capuliyoc Lookout (9,564 ft / 2,915 m) for a spectacular view of the Apurímac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow peak. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with this incredible backdrop.
In the afternoon, we’ll start our descent along a trail with natural lookout points like Cocamasana, arriving at Chiquisca (6,562 ft / 2,000 m) for the night in a local rural guesthouse, with a homemade dinner and the warmth of the area.
Day 2 : Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata
After a good breakfast, we’ll start the day descending for about an hour to the bottom of the Apurímac Canyon at Playa Rosalina (3,937 ft / 1,200 m), where we’ll cross a hanging bridge. From there, it’s a tough but impressive climb to Santa Rosa (about 1.5–2 hours). After a quick break, we’ll keep climbing toward Marampata (9,350 ft / 2,850 m) — about 2.5 hours along paths with jaw-dropping canyon views.
Once at Marampata, we’ll enjoy a lunch prepared by our chefs and have the afternoon free to rest or watch the magical Andean sunset. At night, a comforting dinner and a sky full of stars.
Day 3 : Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Return to Marampata
This entire day is dedicated to exploring one of the most important and least-visited sites in the Inca legacy: Choquequirao. After breakfast, we’ll hike about 1.5 hours to the archaeological complex, set between towering mountains above the Apurímac River. Our specialized guide will take you through the main sectors: ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, water channels, and temples. If conditions allow, we’ll head down to the famous Llama Terraces carved in stone — the site’s most iconic feature.
After the visit, we’ll have a box lunch to make the most of our time at the site. In the afternoon, we’ll head back to Marampata for a hot dinner and well-deserved rest.
Day 4 : Marampata – Capuliyoc – Return to Cusco
Our last day starts early, descending for two hours to Santa Rosa for an energizing breakfast prepared by our local team. Then we’ll continue descending for another hour and a half to Playa Rosalina for a rest stop and photos. Next comes the toughest climb of the day toward Chiquisca, where lunch will be waiting at the midpoint. After refueling, we’ll push through a final 3-hour climb back up to Capuliyoc.
Here we’ll wrap up the hike, celebrate the group’s accomplishment, and hop on our shared transport back to Cusco. We’ll arrive in the city around 10:00 p.m. with hearts full of unforgettable memories.
What’s Included
- Pre-Trek Briefing: Info session the night before to meet the guide, get detailed instructions, and your 15-lb duffel bag.
- Hotel Pickup & Drop-off in Cusco: Door-to-door service from your Cusco hotel at the start and end of the trek.
- Bilingual Professional Guide (Spanish – English)
- Round-Trip Shared Transport: All transport included in comfortable shared vehicles to and from Capuliyoc.
- Archaeological Site Entrances: Includes entry to the Choquequirao complex and the Saywite Archaeological Park.
- Duffel Bag & Gear Transport: We provide a bag for your personal gear (up to 11 lbs), carried by pack horses.
- All Meals During the Trek: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners prepared by a camp chef. Special diets accommodated at no extra cost.
- Lodging in Local Guesthouses: 3 nights in rustic, comfortable stays with an authentically Andean vibe.
- Safety Gear & First Aid Kit: Guide carries emergency oxygen, full first aid kit, and communication equipment for your safety.
- Free Luggage Storage in Cusco: Store your extra bags at our office at no charge during the tour.
- Personalized Service & Support: Professional support at all times for a safe, organized, and memorable experience.
- Hot showers available.
What’s Not Included
- Trekking Poles: Not included but highly recommended for the demanding terrain. You can rent a professional pair for $10 USD for the whole trek.
- Personal Snacks: We suggest bringing trail mix, energy bars, chocolate, or other snacks to keep your energy up during the hike.
- Travel Insurance: Not included. This is really important in case anything unexpected comes up during the trip.
Packing List & Tips
I. Prep & Documents
- Reservations & Docs: We recommend booking your tour early to ensure availability. Bring your original national ID or passport — required for group registration and entry to archaeological sites.
- Travel Insurance: Get basic travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuations, or accidents. You’ll be in a remote area without immediate access to medical facilities.
II. Essential Gear
- Small Backpack: 25–30 liters for personal items.
- Layered Clothing: Comfortable layers (cold mornings, warm afternoons, cold nights).
- Basic Gear: Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (especially November through March), hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip.
- Cash (Soles): For tips, purchases at small shops along the route, and any unexpected expenses.
III. Tour Rules & Safety
- Punctuality & Guide: Be on time at all times. Always follow your guide’s instructions — they know the route and safety measures well.
- Restrictions: No drones, large tripods, or extendable selfie sticks — not allowed in archaeological zones. No eating inside archaeological sites.
- Conservation: Stay on the marked trail, don’t touch archaeological elements, and respect the environment — carry your trash with you.
- Safety: Don’t backtrack on narrow trails and don’t stop in dangerous areas.
2026 Rates — Choquequirao 4 Days
In 2026, we invite you to experience one of Peru’s most impressive expeditions: Choquequirao — the majestic Inca citadel known as the Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu. This trek is ideal for travelers seeking authentic adventure, extreme nature, and Inca archaeology, far from overcrowded tourist routes.
The Choquequirao 4-Day tour is designed to meet the standards of the modern international traveler, combining professional logistics, safety, camp comfort, and personalized service — all framed by the spectacular scenery of the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.
Our service includes full meals throughout the expedition, high-quality camping gear, specialized professional guides, support staff, and ongoing assistance — guaranteeing a safe, responsible, and unforgettable experience.
2026 Prices
- Adult: USD 308 per person
- Student: USD 298 per person
📌 Prices in US dollars (USD). Rates subject to availability, season, and group size.
Cancellation Policies — Choquequirao 4 Days
A $100 USD per person deposit is required to confirm the Choquequirao 4-Day tour booking, covering administrative and logistic organization costs.
Cancellations
- If you cancel, 50% of the $100 USD deposit will be refunded.
- The remaining 50% is non-refundable, covering operational and administrative costs already incurred.
- If you paid in full, the amount paid minus 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
Force Majeure Cancellations
In cases of strikes, road blockages, natural disasters, or extreme weather, the same policy applies: 50% deposit refund, 50% retained for administrative costs.
Date Changes
- Allowed, subject to availability.
- The refundable 50% of the deposit can be used as credit toward a new date, as long as it’s requested in advance.
No-Show
If you don’t show up on tour day without prior notice, no refund will be issued.
📧 For cancellations or changes, write to: viajesperureservas@gmail.com
Where is Choquequirao?
In southern Peru, in the Cusco region, above the Apurímac River canyon. It’s one of the largest and least-visited Inca cities in the country.
How hard is the Choquequirao trek?
Moderate to challenging. Good physical fitness and basic experience with long hikes is recommended.
What's the difference between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu?
Choquequirao is bigger and way less touristy than Machu Picchu. It offers a more authentic experience — perfect for travelers who want adventure, nature, and archaeology without the crowds.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. While Choquequirao doesn’t have limited permits like the Inca Trail, booking ahead is recommended to ensure guide, camp, and logistics availability.
What's included in the 4-day tour?
Transport, professional guide, full meals, camping gear, cook, support staff, and entrance to the archaeological complex.
What should I bring?
Trekking clothes, hiking boots, backpack, sunscreen, hat, rain gear, water bottle, and personal items.
Is the Choquequirao trek safe?
Yes. With Viajes Perú, the tour is done with certified guides, proper gear, and safety protocols throughout the route.
Best time to visit Choquequirao?
April through October (dry season). November through March is rainy season.
Is there cell service or internet?
No. The trek goes through remote areas with no signal. It’s ideal for disconnecting and living a 100% nature experience.
Is this tour popular with American and European travelers?
Yes. It’s especially popular with European and North American travelers looking for trekking in Peru, adventure, Inca culture, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
