The Choquequirao complex trek is very fascinating and one of the most popular trips in the Cusco area. And it’s no surprise as it´s surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an amazing variety of plants, birds and animals.
It is situated in the spur of the Salkantay Mountain range, at over 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was connected and in communication with Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails.
Choquequirao is considered "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". Visitors will have a chance to discover a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographic location of Choquequirao in reference to other religious centers of the same period tends to indicate that its function was that Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
At 4:30 am we will pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco in our private transport that takes us to the town of Capulliyoq, from Cachora (2,850 m). There we will have plenty of time to try a local breakfast (not included in the package, although the price is quite reasonable). We will meet with the rest of our team (cooks and muleteers) and begin our long day's hike, which will take between 6 and 7 hours in this mountainous region. Along the way we will observe diverse landscapes typical of the different climates of the area with views such as the snow-capped mountain of Pedroyoc or even the diversity of flora and fauna that enhance our experience.
From the Capulichayoc viewpoint where we can observe one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Apurímac, with the Apurímac River at the bottom. From this point we will descend through several important points like Cocamasana, one of the best viewpoints of the Apurimac canyon. After a good rest, we will descend a little more to Chiquisca, where we will have a delicious lunch. From here we will have our first views of Choquequirao, a better view of the Choquequirao mountain where we will spend the night and the route that leads us there. We continue descending to Playa Rosalina (1,500m) and after crossing the bridge over the Apurimac River, we will ascend to our campsite at Santa Rosa Baja (1,950 m / 6,397 ft), where we set up the tents, and after a delicious afternoon tea and dinner, we spend the night surrounded by wonderful landscapes.
After a good breakfast, we begin a strenuous 3.5-hour hike to our Choquequirao camp in Marampata, located at 2,918 m / 9,573 ft. After a rest we will ascend to the Choquequirao Archaeological Site at 3,050 m / 10,006 ft. During the hike you can enjoy the splendid Apurimac canyon, Choquequirao mountain and the beautiful rugged mountains around.
The guided visit to the "Golden Cradle", considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu due to the many similarities they share, while Machu Picchu is towards the Urubamba canyon, they have the same latitude, and both are large citadels of more than 8 hectares, and so far only one third of Choquequirao has been discovered, which would indicate that it is much more extensive. Archaeologists make new discoveries every day.
We will explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, the main citadel or main plaza of the Inca city, along with its incredible architecture and constructions on the mountain, we will descend to the area known as "Llamas Sector" where we will find the most beautiful terraces that feature iconography of llama figures made in the walls with different white stones and finally the most famous viewpoint from where we will appreciate the most classic image of Choquequirao known as "Ushnu Sector", place of sacrifices in the Inca era.
After the guided tour, we will return to our campsite, a comforting afternoon tea and dinner, we will camp and prepare to return by the same route.
After having a delicious breakfast, we begin our hike between 6 and 7 am heading to Chiquisca, located at 1,911 m / 6,269 ft. We will walk for approximately 5 hours downhill on the same trail we traveled days before, passing through the bridge at Playa Rosalina, where we will take a brief break.
Then we will continue walking uphill for approximately 1.5 hours to Chiquisca, where our Choquequirao trek camp is located. After a delicious lunch, we will have the afternoon free. The climate of this campsite is hot and dry, which makes it difficult to continue hiking, plus it is quite steep to Capulliyoq, our next destination back to Cusco, so we will take the opportunity to rest and share the day's experiences.
Finally, after afternoon tea and dinner, we will spend the night.
Due to the weather that is sometimes very hot, this day we start the hike very early, before the first rays of the sun. After a delicious breakfast, we will walk approximately 4 to 5 hours uphill, through the Cocamasana viewpoint and we will say goodbye to the heat of the canyon and guarantee magnificent views of the Apurímac River, finally the highest point on the Capulliyoc hike 2,885 m / 9,465 ft from where we say goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins and the surrounding peaks. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while we are surrounded by the special flora and fauna of this area. To finally be back in Cusco in our transport.
Optional: If we have time and the group conditions allow, we can make a stop at Conoc, thermal springs ideal for relaxing and resting before returning to Cusco.
Hotel in Lima, Cusco or other cities in Peru can be booked for the kind you prefer (Standard, Economy, First Class, Luxury). Ask us about this service! We have confidential rates of each hotel in Cusco to be able to get you a good deal.
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RobiWanKenobi
October 6, 2026
Non esistono parole sufficientemente potenti per descrivere quanto questo breve ma intensissimo trekking possa cambiare la prospettiva del Tutto. Portato con impressionante maestria da Percy, una guida di grande esperienza e profonda conoscenza del territorio, della sua cultura e dell’animo umano più in generale, affiancato da Fran e Isa ed un esercito di ottimi cuochi e portatori di grande livello, il nostro gruppo ha solcato il Cammino Inca senza timore, ritrovando forze ed energie troppo spesso chiuse nei cassetti delle nostre vite frenetiche. Il tempo non esiste: in quei pochi giorni si vive e si respira un’aria diversa, usando uno specchio interiore che ci porta ad avvicinarsi passo dopo passo alla Meraviglia di Machu Picchu che a quel punto è sì la meta finale, ma di fatto il coronamento di un’esperienza ben più complessa. Il mio consiglio è quello di scegliere (ove possibile) la Persona che ci accompagna in una simile esperienza. Per quanto riguarda le attrezzature, sarebbe forse indicabile di avere spazi più ampi affinché le tende possano essere montate correttamente. Bollino nero per i servizi igienici nelle diverse aree campeggio che (come le nostre guide ben sanno e segnalano regolarmente) meriterebbero una seria manutenzione, vista la notorietà del cammino.
Pernille L
October 6, 2026
I recommend this Inka Trail tour with Iza, Percy, and Frank if you really want to feel at home in a foreign country while experiencing the most amazing scenery. These 3 guides are absolute delights to be around. They are funny, friendly, and welcoming, and, most importantly, they CARE. They care about nature like no one I have ever met before, and they care about you too. By the end of the trail, they felt like friends, even though we only knew each other for 4 days. Furthermore, they have everything under control, yet everything feels so relaxed. They are knowledgeable and share stories and insights in ways that mesmerize you. Additionally, I can recommend using their porters. This group of men and women is absolutely extraordinary, and the work they put in must not go unnoticed. They make everything work behind the scenes, making sure you have a comfortable, dry place to sleep every night, fresh water, and that camp is set up for all 3 meals. Speaking about the meals… The cook, Julius Caesar, knows what’s good. He cooked 3 meals a day for us, making sure we got plenty of protein and carbohydrates to sustain us during the strenuous hikes, and at the same time, he managed to make everything taste wonderful with great attention to detail! I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of all the meals he provided for us, and these were not quick camping meals. They ranged from mango ceviche to lomo saltado and many other fresh, tasty Peruvian dishes. And there was plenty for everyone. I would do this again in a heartbeat (once my legs have recovered from this one!), and I hope to find this team again.
Flora W
October 6, 2026
Excellent experience of the short Inca Trail. I booked very last minute and they helped to get the permit and make it happen. The trek was very well organized. Lunch box and snacks were well prepared. The guide helped shooting great pictures for us.
BackPacker170509
October 6, 2026
A once in a lifetime trip! Best experience for solo women in her fourties! Yapa Explorers handled everything door to door from pre briefing at my hotel to private taxi drop off making for a seamless trip. The group size was small and intimate. Our guide yisus was informative, knowledgeable and made us feel safe and cared for over the challenging terrain. Our chef Vicente created delicious, fresh, locally sourced and inspired food at every meal and the 8 porters were hard working, fun, friendly and supportive offering a genuine family/team spirit vibe. The equipment such as tents and rented items such as sleeping bag and poles were clean and in excellent condition. Once arriving at Machu Picchu, we had full access to the site and a deeply informative tour. I can’t recommend this tour group any higher! Some tips are train and be fit for this hike, wear very good GTX hiking shoes/boots. Take layers, water proof clothes, toilet paper, head torch, battery charger, Sun block, coins for toilets and antibacterial hand wipes. Take money for tipping as they deserve every cent. Only complaint is toileting facilities which every person on the Inca trail has to put ups with.
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