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 5:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco in our private van that takes us to the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2800m). There you have plenty of time to try a local breakfast (not included in the package, though the price is fairly reasonable). We will meet the rest of our team (cooks and horse handlers) and start our long trek for the day, which takes us between 7 and 8 hours in this mountainous region. Along the way we will observe diverse landscapes typical to the different climates in the area with views such as the Pedroyoc snow-capped mountain or even the diverse flora and fauna that enhance our experience.
We will finally arrive at the viewpoint of Capulichayoc from where we will be able to observe the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurimac, with the Apurimac River at the bottom. It is here we have our first lunch and our first sights of Choquequirao. Once we rest, we continue descending until Chiquisca (1800m) where we set up the tents and spend the night surrounded by the wonderful landscapes.
After a good breakfast, we start a 5 hour strenuous uphill hike until our lunch stop at Marcapata. Here we will have a guided tour of Chokequirao (the "Golden Cradle"), considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu for the many similarities they share. Chokequirao hangs 1500 meters above the Apurimac Canyon while Machu Picchu looks over the Urubamba canyon, they have the same latitude, and both are large citadels of more than 8 hectares with only one third having been uncovered so far.
Archeologists make new discoveries every day. We will explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, appreciating the various houses, terraces and other elements of this late Inca town. We will camp next to Marcapata.
Day 3 | Choquequirao
We can view the sunrise over the ruins at dawn and after a good breakfast, start going down using the same way we came, until we reach our camp at Chiquisca.
An early start today will help us to avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee us some magnificent views of the Apurimac and the surrounding peaks. On our journey we reach the lookout at Capuliyoc one final time where we say goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while surrounded by the flora & forna special to this area. We will then climb to our final destination of San Pedro de Cachora to return to Cusco by bus.
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.
Inca Trail Machu Picchu 4 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 2 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 1 days Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 3D Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 5D Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 2D Luxury Inca Trail 4 days
Short Inca Trail + Salkantay 6 days Classic Inca Trail + Salkantay 7 days
Salkantay Machu Picchu 5 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 4 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 3 days Salkantay & Humantay lake 2 days
Choquequirao 4 days Choquequirao 5 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 7 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 8 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 9 days
Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 3 days Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 4 days
Manu Cultural Area 3 days Manu Cultural Area 4 days Manu, Reserved Zone 5 days Manu Reserved Area 6 days Manu Reserved Area 7 days Manu Park, Pakitza 8 days
Inca Trail + Cachicata 5 days Lares Machu Picchu 4 days Cachicata Machu Picchu 4 days Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 3 days
Inti Raymi 2025 Machu Picchu Full Day Humantay Lake Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo Mountain 7 lakes of Ausangate Classic Sacred Valley Sacred Valley VIP Chonta, Condor Viewpoint Cusco City Tour Cusco - South Valley
David D
May 8, 2025
I really enjoy the hike on the 1st day. It wasn't too difficult and the arrival to the Sun gate was rewarding with the great view on Machu Picchu city. Then also moving closer into circuit 1. Our guide Henrry knew all the spots for perfect photos and also his interpretation of history was entertaining. This also applies for the 2nd day and exploring the circuit 3 of Machu Picchu. Could really recommend this trip!
Igi_TheTraveler
May 8, 2025
Our journey with Henrry from Chachabamba to Machu Picchu exceeded our expectations. He had amazing storytelling from the beginning of our hike and made sure that we had a walking pace that we preferred. He took plenty of photos of us along the way. He always informed us in time where we would go next, when our train left, how the buses worked, and showed us the perfect restaurant for lunch in Aguas Calientes. I was amazed by his knowledge of history. We definitely learned something new. As a bonus, we received an edited video with photos, videos, and music from our trip to keep the memory forever.
Autumn B
May 7, 2025
Iza and Luis Miguel were our guides and were absolutely wonderful. The whole experience was life changing. The porters are some of the toughest people…they would jog past us and set everything up!! The food prepared on the trail by the chef and staff was wonderful…I can’t believe they made that food for us each meal. We were greater with bowls of warm water to wash our body, face and feet after a long beautiful day of trekking. Everyone was so kind and encouraging the whole trip! This was a trip of a lifetime!
gary k
May 4, 2025
Just finished a tough but very rewarding inka trail 4 day hike with an amazing crew of Elio, our guide, Sergio, the chef, and great porters who really know how to provide an unforgettable experience. We had a small group of just three of us. Food was better than restaurants! Totally recommend this company and crew!
Demonstrating our commitment to quality, we hold ISO 9001 certification, ensuring excellence in our services.
With ISO 14001, we prioritize environmental sustainability, reducing our impact on the planet.
We're honored to be recognized with the Traveler's Choice Award in 2024, a testament to our dedication to exceptional travel experiences.
We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.
