Often referred to as Machu Picchu’s “sister,” the Choquequirao trek in Peru is a high-altitude hike through the rugged Vilcabamba Range above the Apurimac River Canyon. This remote Inca site, hidden under dense vegetation until its rediscovery in the early 1900s, was never found by the Spanish conquistadors Today, Choquequirao is one of the largest Inca ruins in the Andes, with terraces, ceremonial plazas, and…
Often referred to as Machu Picchu’s “sister,” the Choquequirao trek in Peru is a high-altitude hike through the rugged Vilcabamba Range above the Apurimac River Canyon. This remote Inca site, hidden under dense vegetation until its rediscovery in the early 1900s, was never found by the Spanish conquistadors
Today, Choquequirao is one of the largest Inca ruins in the Andes, with terraces, ceremonial plazas, and panoramic viewpoints. This choquequirao trek 5 days is challenging but rewarding, with uphill sections, stone paths, and changing altitudes. The trail starts near Cachora and passes Capuliyoc, Santa Rosa and Marampata, where the campsites look over the canyon. Trekkers hike through diverse ecosystems, spotting wildlife like condors, while enjoying true Andean solitude. Compared to Machu Picchu, the Choquequirao Inca ruins are larger and less crowded, making this hike ideal for adventurous hikers seeking an authentic Inca experience.
Our guides from Cusco, experts in Inca history, local culture, and mountain geography, enhance each day of the Choquequirao trek with insights into the spiritual significance of the landscapes. After long days of hiking, professional chefs prepare hearty Peruvian meals with fresh, local ingredients. Every detail of this Choquequirao tour, including a full packing list, is designed for safety, comfort, and a memorable experience.
Southern Peru Explorers, a certified local operator based in Cusco, brings experience since 2009 organizing treks in Peru, including the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and routes from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. Whether you do it in 4 or 5 days, the trek combines nature, history and Andean culture.
Choquequirao was one of the last refuges of the Inca resistance, and it can still only be reached on foot, so you share this great Inca site with very few people. Want to continue to Machu Picchu? See our Choquequirao…
Choquequirao was one of the last refuges of the Inca resistance, and it can still only be reached on foot, so you share this great Inca site with very few people.
Want to continue to Machu Picchu? See our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 7 Days and compare both routes in our Choquequirao Trek FAQ.
Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.
The Cradle of Gold: Choquequirao is the renowned sister of Machu Picchu – a glorious Inca site situated on top of the Vilcabamba Mountains range. The supreme 5-day trek will take us through the profound abyss of the Apurimac River Canyon and into the hidden sanctuary that was inaccessible to the Spanish conquerors for many centuries. Today Choquequirao is one of the biggest and most mysterious archaeological sites in the Andes; it provides an authentic experience that cannot be achieved anymore at its famous twin site.
Today is a demanding day. Alongside the physical challenges of hiking rocky trails at varying heights, we are to receive a priceless gift of solitude of the Andes. From flights of a condor to the glorious ceremonial plazas, each and every step of this walk is a true discovery. It is a good option for experienced hikers who want to avoid the crowds and see a major Inca site.
This is the hardest day on our Choquequirao trek, demanding both energy and patience. After breakfast, we start our uphill journey from Chikisca and hike to Marampata, situated over the Apurímac River.
After crossing the river, we start hiking uphill on the other side of the valley until we arrive to Santa Rosa, where we make a stop and take a rest.
From Santa Rosa, we will walk uphill during about 2.5 hours till Marampata (2,890 m/9,482 ft). From this place you will get amazing views of the Apurímac Valley and the surrounding mountains-probably this is the reason why this trek is the best choice and an alternative to the Inca Trail, free of tourists.
Our campsite will be ready in the afternoon and after having a rest, we will have hot drinks and will prepare ourselves for our visit to the official Choquequirao complex tomorrow.
On the third day of this adventure after breakfast, we continue with our trekking journey towards Choquequirao and in about two hours hike reach to the amazing Choquequirao ruins which are commonly referred to as the sister of Machu Picchu. The isolation of this route helps us discover this huge archeological site free from crowds.
During the day, we will be exploring terraces, ceremonial plazas, and temples during a guided tour and learning about the significance of this city and its relation with Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. If lucky, we may see condors flying above the canyon.
In the afternoon, have some time to discover Choquequirao on our own. We camp nearby this huge archeological complex when the sun sets behind the canyon which is one of the unique experiences of this incredible trekking journey.
Following breakfast amidst the remnants of Choquequirao, we make our way down the mountainside, retracing part of the famous Choquequirao trail all the way to Chikisca. The Choquequirao trek gives you yet another chance to view the magnificent canyon as well as the surrounding mountain ridges.
We revisit places like Marampata and Santa Rosa and descend down the trail, which features amazing views of the Apurímac Valley. It's going to be an easy hiking day after some exhausting ones and your guide will give you more details about the connections of this trail to other famous hikes in the Andes, such as the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek.
In the early evening, we make our way to the Chikisca campsite, where we have dinner and spend our last night in the canyon, surrounded by nature.
As the sun rises, we will head out to complete our trek to Capuliyoc, the final section of the Choquequirao trek in a 5 day and 4 night experience. From here, we will have one last chance to take in the view from the viewpoint of the Apurímac Canyon.
We descend down to Cachora to board transport back to Cusco. On the way, your guide will help you understand how this trek ties in with others around the Andes and about the trek to Machu Picchu and other treks after Choquequirao.
Today, you will see the real end to your trek experience, proving just how much Choquequirao can give you a memorable adventure, away from crowds and packed full of history, landscape and adventure.
Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.
Tour Guides
All tour guides are natives of the area and are passionate about the cultures, history, and Andean traditions. Tour guides can communicate fluently in English and many other languages. Being experienced in high-altitude treks like Choquequirao trek in Peru, Inca trail and treks connected to Machu Picchu treks our guides will accompany you all the way with safety and enjoyment in mind.
Tickets & Permits
All necessary entrance fees are included as part of the trek, campsites along the way, and protected areas on this multi-day route. This ensures a smooth experience while you visit Choquequirao and explore one of Peru’s most impressive archaeological complexes.
Meals
Our professional chefs prepare delicious, energy-rich meals designed specifically for long trekking days. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, they offer a blend of Peruvian and international cuisine, with dietary requirements accommodated upon request. Meals are served three times a day and are a key part of the trek, helping you stay strong during long hiking days, whether on a 4 day hike or an extended route.
Horses & Wranglers
Horses and wranglers are provided for transport of your duffel bag and make the trek to Choquequirao easier. Duffel bags are limited to 7 kg/14lbs (including sleeping bags). You can use your duffel bag once you arrive to the camp in the evening time.
Tents
Four season tents are provided for trekking in the high-altitude zones. Camp tents are spacious and comfortable with protection from various mountain weather conditions. If you require private tents for extra comfort in this trek you should inform us beforehand.
Water
Fresh water for the meals is provided daily. Fresh mountain spring water is treated before its consumption. Travelers need to provide their own refillable water bottles or Camelbaks. To preserve the environment we highly recommend to travelers to follow eco-friendly principles in the trekking.
Transportation
Transportation is provided from Cusco to the trail head and back to Cusco. Transportation includes pickup and transfer directly from the hotel to the starting point of the trek. Once you complete your trek transportation will take you to Cusco back.
First Aid & Safety
All guides are first-aid trained and have with them a full first-aid kit and oxygen for any problems related to altitude. In addition, each group is provided with a satellite phone for any possible evacuation. Your safety is our primary concern at high altitudes and remote locations like the Choquequirao pass.
Sleeping Bag
High quality down sleeping bags (North Face or Therm-a-Rest) suitable for –10°C are provided. The sleeping bags are suitable for cold nights in the Andes. Extra blankets and pillows are also provided.
Pre-Trek Briefing
There will be a comprehensive pre-trip briefing held the night prior to the start either at our office or at the hotel. This is the ideal time to get familiarized with the itinerary, get your duffel bag, check out the packing list and ask any questions. We recommend arriving in Cusco 2-3 days prior to the trip to allow for adequate acclimatization and to experience the city.
Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.
This trek has earned itself recognition as one of the most challenging but amazing journeys in Peru. The trek goes down into the Apurímac canyon, where it is hot by day, and back up to about 3,050 m, where the nights are cool. For such an adventure, physical stamina and mental toughness are needed. Therefore, light travel with excellent technical equipment is the most important thing for success. Preparation will help you endure sudden changes in microclimates from humid cloud forest to frozen air in the high peaks.
Southern Peru Explorers Note: Please remember that we provide the heavy camping equipment (tents, kitchen gear) and the pack horses to carry your main luggage (up to a 7kg limit per person). You only need to focus on your daypack and on enjoying the most epic adventure in the Andes
13 photos from this tour.
We care about your comfort during the journey. If you have any requirements or limitations on the food which you can eat (vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free food, for example), please tell us about it.
The best time to hike there is between April and October when it rarely rains. It is also a perfect time to spend 2-3 days before the trek in order to adapt to altitude in Cusco or nearby villages.
Booking information for this tour.
Making your booking for your trip with us is fast, convenient, and 100% secure. We kindly ask you to fill out all the necessary data which is mentioned below. We also recommend to fill out the following information exactly as it appears on your passport because according to the Peruvian laws, it is essential to issue the entrance tickets, train tickets, and transportation service.
Passenger Information
Full Name:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Copy of passport:
Date of Birth:
We kindly ask you to provide your accommodation information in Cusco. It is important for us to know your hotel in order to arrange the pickup point and drop-off point.
If you have dietary requirements, such as a vegetarian or vegan diet or a food allergy, tell us when you book and our cook will plan the menu for the trek.
Payment is made through a secure online procedure. In order to confirm your booking, please visit the link below to fill out the payment form using your credit or debit card:
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Upon successful completion of the payment, we will start securing all necessary services for your tour such as Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, bus transportations and all the services included in your chosen tour package.
Please note that Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets are limited and are available depending on their availability. Thus, we highly recommend you to complete the payment process as soon as possible in order to ensure your place in the tour.
In case of successful completion of your reservation, you will be sent a final confirmation email with all the details about your booking.
Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.
Choquequirao is the name of the archeological site that is situated in the Cusco region of Peru, La Convención province. It is an Incan city known for its amazing view of the Apurímac River Canyon. The name of the city means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua and is known as the sister city of Machu Picchu for its architecture. It is one of the largest Inca sites in the Andes and can only be reached on foot.
Usually, it takes 4 to 5 days, however, you have an option to extend or shorten your itinerary according to the chosen type of the tour. There is no road or cable car to the site, so you can only reach it on foot. If you have two more days, the 7-day trek continues to Machu Picchu.
It is also a perfect time to spend 2-3 days before the trek in order to adapt to altitude in Cusco or nearby villages.
There is no other way but to walk. From Cusco, you will travel by car until Cachora that is the starting point of the trek. From this place you will walk along Choquequirao route because there is no other kind of transport available for reaching Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.
This trek is classified as moderate or difficult one. There are many steep and rocky routes, changing weather conditions on the way. Therefore, trekkers need to prepare themselves for this trip. Also, November rainfall might make the trail very slippery. Guides are well-prepared for dealing with altitude sickness, injuries and other emergencies.
Of course. Local guides accompany all teams throughout the several day trek to Choquequirao and explain all interesting information about culture, history and nature of Choquequirao. Guides are also able to provide assistance in case of emergency situations such as altitude sickness and injuries.
It is really big. Choquequirao is considered to be as big as Machu Picchu and even bigger. Choquequirao measures around 1,800 hectares (18 km²). That is four times more area than Machu Picchu.
Yes. It is safe to travel to Choquequirao especially if you choose an experienced tour operator or local guide. Obeying security rules, you can enjoy the landscapes of this place safely.
It is possible, although not recommended since this route was designed to be used by hikers only. Parts of it have slopes and rocks that may require you to walk.
You can visit Choquequirao in one day; however, it is not recommended because this requires enormous physical effort and will not provide enough time to see all the beauty of the ruins. It is better to spend 2-3 days there for a comfortable 4-day trek to Choquequirao.
Good physical condition is necessary to travel to Choquequirao without any problems. Previous training will decrease the chance of exhaustion and injuries on your trek.
There is a varied climate in Choquequirao; it is warm at low altitudes in the dry season but cool at high altitudes, with temperatures falling as low as 0-5°C at night. It is humid and rainy in the rainy season, making it advisable to pack suitable clothes for both kinds of weather when visiting the site.
Yes. There is also Pinchaunuyoc Mountain, Inca Wasi ruins, and Abra de Choquequirao that can be accessed through trekking, which involves terraces and ceremonial platforms.
Yes. You may hire horses or mules to transport your bags. They can also take you for short distances in places where it is feasible to do so; however, at some steeper places, you will have to trek to ensure safety of the animals and the trail.
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Compare this tour with similar ones: duration, altitude, difficulty and price.
| Tour | Duration | Distance | Max altitude | Difficulty | Group | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choquequirao Trek: 5 DaysThis tour | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 64 km | About 3,050 m | Moderate/Challenging | – | $680 |
| Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek: 7 Days | 7 Days / 6 Nights | 97 km | 4,000 m | Moderate/Challenging | Minimum 2 travelers | $1,350 |
Travel guides from our team in Cusco to help you prepare.
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