Choquequirao Trek

Located in the rugged Andes mountains of Peru, Choquequirao Trek offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure for tourists looking for a less crowded alternative to the more famous Machu Picchu. This hike takes intrepid travelers to the ancient Inca site of Choquequirao, also known as the “sister” of Machu Picchu. Discover the stunning beauty of the Apurímac Canyon, the diverse landscapes and the rich archaeological wonders on this challenging hike.

This guide will help you plan and prepare for your trip to the wonderful Choquequirao ruins, that way you will be fully informed before experiencing the difficult hike. The ruins include the famous llama terraces, ancient designs found nowhere else in Inca architecture.

It is not known why the Incas decided to do it only here, and experts suggest that it could be a tradition of previous civilizations such as the Chachapoyas who lived here before. By completing this walk you will be one of the few who will have witnessed these enigmatic terraces.

History

Choquequirao Hike Built in the 15th century by the Incas, Choquequirao is believed to have served as the administrative and military center of the region, as well as providing protection to many Inca cities. It is believed that it was a control point or entrance to Vilcabamba, considered the last area of resistance of the Incas and was a vital link between Cusco and the Amazon jungle.

The 16th century saw the Inca culture consumed by civil war, which was then exploited by the Spanish conquistadors when they arrived in the region in the early 1530s. Choquequirao was used as a refuge by the Incas after the destruction of Cusco. The Spanish never discovered me after the defeat of the Incas in 1572, which is why today we have a fairly intact site.

Best Time to go

The best time to embark on the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which spans from late April to early October. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

The dry season from April to October is the most popular time for trekking due to clear skies and minimal rainfall. Days are sunny, but nights can get cold, especially at higher elevations.
During the rainy season, from early November to March, it can be more challenging due to muddy trails and frequent rain.

However, the landscape is lush and vibrant, there are fewer hikers, offering a more solitary experience.

How difficult is the Choquequirao Trek?

The Choquequirao Trek is considered one of the more challenging treks in the Cusco region due to various factors. The Choquequirao trek can cover approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles), depending on the exact route taken.

This journey typically spans over 3 to 5 days, demanding endurance and stamina from trekkers. The trek traverses elevations ranging from 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) to around 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). The trail is characterized by steep climbs and sharp descents. The most challenging segment for many is the descent into, and the subsequent climb out of, the Apurímac Canyon.

Unlike the more popular Inca Trail, the Choquequirao Trek is less frequented the way. This means you need to be more self-reliant and prepared. Given these challenges, a good level of physical fitness is required. It’s recommended that you prepare well in advance by undertaking regular hikes, preferably in hilly terrains.

What to pack for Choquequirao Trek?

Trek to Choquequirao The Choquequirao Trek challenging nature demands careful packing. Here are some essentials:

Original passport.
Clothing: Layered clothing, including moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or down jacket, waterproof and windproof jacket, trekking pants, and thermal wear for the cold nights.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. Also, pack several pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks.
Backpack: A 40-60 liter backpack with rain cover.
Camping Gear: Lightweight tent, sleeping bag (rated for low temperatures), and an inflatable sleeping pad.
Navigation: Map, compass, and GPS (or a reliable trekking app).
Water and Purification: Water bottles or hydration bladders, and water purification tablets or filters.
Food: High-energy snacks like trail mix, protein bars, and electrolyte tablets or powder. If self-sufficient camping, bring lightweight cooking gear and dehydrated meals.
Health: First aid kit, blister treatments, personal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, and altitude sickness pills.
Accessories: Trekking poles, hat or cap, sunglasses, headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool or knife, and waterproof bags or pouches for essentials.
Personal Items: Identification, necessary permits, cash, and a camera.
Travel Insurence.

Travel Tips

The ruins of Choquequirao are most appealing for those that crave adventure and love pristine natural landscapes!.
The altitude of the ruins is also at 2600 meters, so the trek is only recommended for those that consider themselves relatively in shape.
Don’t forget to bring good waterproof gear since depending on the season weather can be quite unpredictable.

How long is the Choquequirao Trek?

Peru Treks The Choquequirao Trek can vary in duration depending on the specific route you want to take and the objectives of the trek.

If you are only trekking to Choquequirao and then returning without continuing on to Machu Picchu or other locations, the trek typically takes 4 to 5 days (Both are the most popular, but we recommend the 4-day Choquequirao hike, which is the most classic and perfect time).

If you’re doing the Choquequirao trek, this usually takes 7 to 8 days, depending on the exact route and pace.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalina.

We will pick up from hotel at 5:30 am to have 4-hour driving to Capuliyuc (2,900m/9,512 ft), the beginning of the trail. At this place we’ll meet up our muleteers, and horses, where we’ll get ready for the Choquequirao trek.

We’ll start with our adventure, hiking for about 2 hours on a downhill trail to get the lunch spot called Chiquisca located at (1,900 m/6,213 ft), with stunning views of the snowcapped mountains of the Vilcabamba mountain range, and the great Apurimac canyon. At Chiquisca, we’ll enjoy our just prepared the delicious lunch.

After having lunch, we’ll hike for 1 more hour to get the first camp site called La Playa Rosalina (1,500m / 4,920 ft), in which we’ll spend the first night. In the evening we have tea time, subsequently dinner.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner.
Accommodations: Camping at Chiquisca.
Lowest Elevation: 1,500m / 4,920 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,915 meters/9,564 feet.
Distance to walk: 8 km / 4.9 miles.
Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
Sights: Apurimac canyon, Padreyoc mountain.

Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao.

After our first nutritious breakfast, begin the 4-hour uphill hike to the next camp at Marampata (2,850 m/9,350 ft). As you ascend, you will enjoy the best panoramic views. This ascent is one of the most challenging parts of the Choquequirao Trek.

For this time, have lunch at 11:30 am. Then, we will continue to visit the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3,150 m/10,397 ft) for the rest of the day. From the Marampata camp, it will be an easy hike to the lost city of the Inca empire and this will be the most impressive section of your entire hike because you will have incredible views from the summit to the Apurimac canyon. You will also have a breathtaking view of the agricultural terraces perched on the cliff.

Arriving at the beautiful and lost city of the Inca, explore the main square, the houses, the workshops, go to the Qolqas (storehouses), descend to the llama sector and finally climb up to the Usno (ceremonial sector) and take the classic Choquequirao photos.

After recording all the nooks and crannies with your camera lens, set off back to the Marampata camp and enjoy your energetic dinner.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Accommodations: Camping.
Lowest Elevation: 1,500m / 4,920 ft.
Highest Elevation: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft.
Distance to walk: 14 km / 8 ¾ miles.
Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Demanding.
Sights: Apurimac river, Soray and Tuncarway mountains.

Day 3: Marampata – Santa Rosa – Chiquisca.

After an early breakfast, we will continue our return walk along the same way, we will make a steep descent to the Apurimac River (Playa Rosalina) for almost 2.5 hours, where we enjoy our lunch and after a break, in the afternoon we will have a 2 hours walk up approximately to arrive at the Chiquisca camp (1,900 m/6,213 ft).

There, we will have our last dinner prepare by our trekking cook of the Choquequirao trek and rest peacefully.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m/ 5,117 ft
Highest Elevation: 3,150 m/ 10,397 ft
Distance to walk: 14 km / 8 ¾ miles
Approximate walking time: 6 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Sights: Choquequirao Inca Site.

Day 4: Chiquisca – Cocamasana – Capuliyoc – Cusco.

After breakfast, we’ll start our last day of hiking and leave as early as possible to avoid the midday sun hindering our walk. It’ll be 3 to 4-hour climb upwards to Capuliyoc (2,900m/9,512 ft), a place where we’ll end our adventure.

At Capuliyoc, we’re once again rewarded with spectacular views then enjoy our last lunch. Then, we’ll have a farewell time to our muleteers, cook and other members who were part of our team for 4 days, and then we’ll board our private transport that will take us back to Cusco for about 4.5-hour with some stop offs on the way (we will drive through Curawasi, where the famous local tea Anis is farmed), We will arrive in Cusco at around 6 pm and drop you off at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch.
Lowest elevation: 1,900 m / 6,270 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,900m/9,512 ft.
Distance to walk: 8 km / 5 miles.
Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate.

Is Choquequirao Worth it?

In short, yes. Choquequirao offers some of the most incredible, undisturbed ruins in Peru. The views of the surrounding areas are unparalleled, and the hard work to get there is completely worth it. With so few visitors coming to the site, it’s the perfect place for travelers to really escape the crowds and experience the real Peru- hundreds of miles away from the crowds of Machu Picchu.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Choquequirao Trek, We are here to assist you in planning your perfect trip to this extraordinary destination. Our expert trip planners can tailor your adventure to match your interests, whether you’re seeking a challenging Andean trek, a deep dive into history and archaeology, or cultural immersion in remote Andean villages. Every step of the way, you’ll be accompanied by local guides who are not only knowledgeable about the region but also fluent in English.

Planning and reserving your trip with Cusco Journeys guarantees a seamless, once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Get in touch with us to start turning your Choquequirao adventure into a reality!

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