Chaquicocha: The Campsite With Views of Sayacmarca and Salkantay
Shortly after leaving the ruins of Sayacmarca behind, the Inca Trail 4 days reaches Chaquicocha: a campsite at 3,600 meters that serves as an alternative to Pacaymayo and offers one of the most talked-about views on the entire trek, with the Sayacmarca fortress on one side and the striking Salkantay peak on the other.
What Is Chaquicocha?
Chaquicocha is one of the campsites on the classic Inca Trail, located immediately after the Sayacmarca archaeological site. The name comes from Quechua and is often interpreted as "dry lagoon," referring to a seasonal body of water nearby that dries up during certain times of the year — though, as with many Quechua place names, there are different possible readings of its exact meaning.
Unlike Wayllabamba and Ayapata, which are alternatives for the first night, Chaquicocha plays a similar role but for the second: some agencies choose to extend Day 2 past Pacaymayo, crossing Runkurakay and Sayacmarca before camping here, which shortens the third day's walk. Other operators instead use Chaquicocha simply as a lunch stop during Day 3, after leaving Pacaymayo in the morning.
A Campsite Between Two Archaeological Landmarks
What sets Chaquicocha apart is its location: from here it's possible to take in both the ruins of Sayacmarca, the cliffside citadel just visited, and the striking Salkantay, the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range at 6,271 meters. Watching the sunset fall over the mountain range from this spot is, for many trekkers, one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Shortly past Chaquicocha, the trail passes through a tunnel the Incas themselves carved directly into the mountain rock — a short but memorable stretch that blends ancient engineering with a landscape alternating between dense subtropical forest and cliffside sections.
Nights Under an Exceptional Sky
Chaquicocha sits far from any source of artificial light, making its clear nights one of the best opportunities on the Inca Trail for stargazing. Many guides take advantage of this after dinner, pointing out Andean constellations and sharing how the Incas read the night sky as part of their worldview.
Wayllabamba and Ayapata, Pacaymayo and Chaquicocha: the Same Pattern
Just as with the first-night campsites, operators running the classic Inca Trail often alternate between Pacaymayo and Chaquicocha for the second night, splitting the physical effort differently between Day 2 and Day 3. Camping at Chaquicocha means a longer second day but a shorter, more relaxed third day; camping at Pacaymayo does the opposite. Neither option is better than the other — they simply distribute the challenge differently.
Location and How to Get There
Chaquicocha sits along the classic Inca Trail route, immediately after the Sayacmarca archaeological site and before Phuyupatamarca, within the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. There's no vehicle access: it can only be reached on foot, as part of Day 2 or Day 3 of the trek, depending on each operator's itinerary.
Reference location of Chaquicocha, classic Inca Trail, Cusco.
Other Stops Near Chaquicocha
Sayacmarca
The cliffside citadel visited right before reaching Chaquicocha.
Pacaymayo
The alternate second-night campsite, located before crossing Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
Phuyupatamarca
The "town above the clouds," the next major landmark on the route after leaving Chaquicocha.
Take In Sayacmarca and Salkantay From Chaquicocha
Chaquicocha offers one of the most memorable views on the entire Inca Trail. Check out the full itinerary, available dates, and everything included in our classic Inca Trail tour.
