Looking for an authentic, challenging experience deeply connected with the living history of the Andes? The Choquequirao Trek is one of the most impressive and least crowded hikes in Peru, taking you to the legendary Inca city known as the "lost sister of Machu Picchu".
Over 4 days you will cover approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) along ancient Inca trails, crossing the impressive Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in the Americas, cloud forests, Andean mountains, and landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Accompanied by a professional team, you will enjoy campsites in the heart of nature and a unique cultural and spiritual immersion experience, ideal for travelers wishing to discover one of the best trekking routes in South America.
The beginning of a great expedition through the Andes
Very early, between 04:30 and 05:00 a.m., we will pick you up at your hotel to begin an approximately 4-hour panoramic journey to Capuliyoc, passing through the traditional town of Cachora, the gateway to the Choquequirao Trek. After a brief informational talk we will begin the hike descending toward the impressive Apurímac Canyon, enjoying spectacular views of mountains, deep valleys, and ancient trails used since the time of the Inca Empire.
Today's hike covers approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) and lasts 6 to 7 hours, with a gradual descent from 2,915 m down to 1,500 m a.s.l., where our campsite in Chiquisca is located. Upon arrival we will enjoy a dinner prepared by our team and rest surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes under one of the most impressive skies in southern Peru.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included; breakfast according to hotel in Cusco | Lodging: Campsite near the Apurímac river
After breakfast we will start one of the most demanding and rewarding sections of the trek: the continuous ascent to Choquequirao. The trail winds between mountains with increasingly wide views of the Apurímac canyon and the river in the distance.
Today's stage covers approximately 16 km (10 miles) and a 7 to 8-hour hike, until reaching the impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3,050 m a.s.l.). In the afternoon we will make a first exploration of its agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and temples, enjoying a unique atmosphere surrounded by nature and silence before resting at our campsite near the archaeological site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included | Lodging: Campsite near the Choquequirao archaeological complex
During the morning you will continue exploring Choquequirao in depth: agricultural, residential, and ceremonial sectors that reveal the magnitude and complexity of this Inca city, considered the sacred sister of Machu Picchu.
After the visit we will begin the descent to our next campsite, once again following the spectacular Apurímac Canyon. The day's hike covers approximately 16 km (10 miles) over 6 to 7 hours, crossing ancestral trails, Andean forests, and natural viewpoints that offer some of the most impressive views of the entire route.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included | Lodging: Second campsite in the Apurímac valley
On our last day we will make the final ascent back to Cachora, the most physically demanding section of the trek, but also one of the most rewarding. The final views of the valley and the Apurímac canyon accompany each step.
Today's hike covers approximately 16 km (10 miles) and lasts 6 to 7 hours. After lunch we will begin the return trip to Cusco, where we will arrive between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., culminating an unforgettable expedition along one of the most spectacular trekking routes in South America, ideal for travelers seeking an authentic adventure away from traditional routes.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included; free dinner in Cusco | Lodging: Hotel in Cusco at passenger's expense (or according to contracted package)