Choquequirao is renowned for its magnificent terraces, plazas, ceremonial platforms, and remarkably preserved stone structures. This remarkable archaeological site comprises diverse sectors, including residential areas, agricultural terraces, temples, and intricate water channels. Explorers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the encompassing valleys and majestic snow-capped mountains, such as the awe-inspiring Salkantay and Vilcabamba ranges.
In contrast to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains a hidden gem, relatively unexplored and attracting fewer visitors. Its remote location and the challenging hike required to reach it contribute to its undiscovered allure. Trekking to Choquequirao entails embarking on a multi-day expedition along steep and rugged trails, adding an extra layer of adventure and a profound sense of isolation for intrepid adventurers.
The Choquequirao treks transport you to the picturesque Apurímac Valley, where snow-capped peaks harmoniously meet the lush expanse of the high jungle. Nestled atop the cloud forest-covered mountains lies “La Hermana de Machupicchu,” or Choquequirao, boasting extraordinary architectural marvels such as Llamayoc, also known as “the walls of Llama,” and Pacchayoc, aptly named the “sector of the waterfall.” Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through these remarkable structures as you immerse yourself in the wealth of flora and fauna. From Peruvian bamboos and majestic ferns to enchanting orchids, vibrant butterflies, elusive spectacled bears, and soaring eagles, the natural wonders abound. Keep your eyes peeled for the awe-inspiring Caracara Mountain and, of course, the majestic Condor, the revered King of Heaven. This trekking experience not only offers an encounter with nature’s cultural tapestry but also presents the most exhilarating and challenging adventure of your lifetime. Throughout your journey, you will be treated to comfortable accommodations, delightful cuisine, and expert guidance.
Get ready to embark on this unparalleled adventure that awaits you
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
Day 2: Chiquisca – Maranpata – Choquequirao
Day 3: Full Day Choquequirao Exploration
Day 4: Choquequirao – Santa Rosa- Chiquisca
Day 5: Chiquisca-Capuliyoc- Cusco
We will pick you up early from your hotel and drive for 4 ½ hours in our transport to Capuliyoc (2,915 meters/9,564 feet). Along the way there are spectacular views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Capuliyoc, we will have brunch and then meet our horsemen and horses and pack all our equipment onto the horses.
After brunch, we descend for three to four hours to our first campsite at Chiquisca (1,900m/6,270ft), where we will spend the night.
After a tasty breakfast we go down to the Apurimac River (1,550 m/5,117 ft) for 1 hour. From the bottom valley We will cross the bridge above the Apurimac river and then walk uphill in switchbacks for 5 hours to the village of Maranpata (2,850 m/9,350 ft) where we have lunch facing the archaeological site of Choquequirao (3,150 m/10,397 ft).
After lunch we hike for 1 hour, undulating terrain to Choquequirao. We will arrive at the camp around 4 PM. We will relax, have happy hour and then dinner.
Full day of Exploration at the incredible Inca Site of Choquequirao. We will have a guided walking tour. During the tour we will explore all the important sections, such as: palaces, temple, ritual water fountains, amazing Usno (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama´s section and much more. Everything with nice views of valleys, snow mountains from the upper jungle.
After a full day, we head back to our second evening’s campsite located just 45 minutes from the Choquequirao ruins, where we will have our dinner.
After having Breakfast we will go back to our first evening’s campsite where the vegetation will become abundant and the weather hotter so then. We will continue to the sector of Chiquisca for camping.
After breakfast in Capuliyoc we climb up for 3 to 4 hours through dry forest to the Capuliyoq viewpoint. This ascent takes you from an altitude of 6,270 feet to 9,564 feet! We’ll take a short rest here and admire the last view of the Apurimac canyon. We will then board the van to Cusco.
× Emergency horse in case we need it.
× Heaters every night (bags filled with hot water).
× Emergency oxygen bottle.
× Sleeping Bag.
× Trekking Stick
× Sleeping bag (can be rented from us $20)
× First breakfast and last meals
× Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide) fell free to tip
× Hiking poles (can be rented from us $20)
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
Friendly Payment
Get a Question?
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
Lito is a great guide and has setup quite a great company with Satu his cook (amazing food!) and best friend. He is incredibly knowledgable about anything Peru and beyond including history and culture, flora and fauna, local hot spots and secrets. He loves Cusco and it shows. It’s very easy to engage with his enthusiasm and spirit. Just being around him for a short bit for the planning stage the night before our trek it was like we were good friends instantly. He loves life and where he lives, he is very genuine and always in great spirits. There is no shortage of information that he provides and is always willing to share. We knew instantly that we needed to keep a journal of all of the knowledge he inparted upon us, it was great to learn. We trekked to Choquequirao with Lito, Satu and Franklin for 5 days / 4 nights then did Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu for another night and day. If you can, do Choquequirao now. Do it now before it turns into what Machu Picchu is now or what it will shortly be. Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu is very touristy and great for sure. If you would like to see a larger, more impressive, up close and less regulated Machu Picchu? Go to Choquequirao now. Obviously go with Andes Peru Expeditions for a great experience! You get the unfiltered and indepth knowledge that greatly enhances the experience with Andes Peru Expeditions. And I can’t believe it took this long to mention the food… Some of the best food I’ve eaten in quite a while and I’ve certainly not eaten like that for 5 days straight was Satu’s amazing creations. It’s local and fresh and absolutely delishous. We ate like kings! They definitely treated us very well, all we had to carry was our camera and our days worth of water for hiking. They took care of carrying and setting up our tents, sleeping pads and bags, meals, our extra clothes and gear not needed during the hike and planning. This was definitely the best guided trip I have been on and by far the most engaging.