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Choquequirao Trek 5 Days

Cusco 5 days / 4 nights Max 16 Code CHOQ-5D
Duration5 days / 4 nights
DifficultyChallenging
Max. altitude3,050 m
Group sizeMax 16
Tour type
Adventure and cultural
Languages
EN / ES
Starts in
Cusco
Ends in
Cusco
The journey

Overview

Choquequirao Trek 5 days is an unforgettable adventure for travelers who want to go beyond the traditional routes and discover one of Peru’s most remote and impressive Inca sites. This extraordinary journey takes you through dramatic mountain scenery, deep canyon landscapes, and ancient trails that lead to the magnificent archaeological complex of Choquequirao.

The Choquequirao Trek 5 days is known as one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Peru. Unlike more crowded destinations, this route offers a quieter and more immersive connection with the Andes. As you hike through the Apurímac Canyon, you will enjoy breathtaking views, changing landscapes, and the feeling of exploring a place that still feels wild, authentic, and untouched. The classic 5-day route is widely recognized as one of the best ways to fully experience Choquequirao and its surrounding scenery.

Along the way, the trail challenges and inspires you with steep descents, demanding climbs, and spectacular natural beauty. Every day reveals a new side of the Peruvian Andes, from sunlit valleys and high mountain paths to the powerful silence of one of the country’s least-visited archaeological wonders. This is the perfect trek for travelers seeking adventure, exclusivity, and a deeper experience far from the usual tourist circuit.

  • Full day at Choquequirao
  • Llama terraces and ceremonial platforms
  • Apurímac canyon and Andean condors
  • Camping with cook and mules
5 days, step by step

Day-by-day itinerary

2,950 m 2,940 m 3,050 m 2,940 m 2,950 m
Day 1Highest point of each dayDay 5
  1. Day01

    Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska

    We pick you up at 3.30 am from hotel and take you by minivan from Cusco to Capuliyoc. From here we will start our hike and gradually descend for two hours until we get to our lunch spot at Cocamasana. On the way down yo…

    10 km5 h2,950 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  2. Day02

    Chiquiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata

    We wake you up early in the morning with a cup of hot coca tea. Then you will have half an hour to organize your personal belongings and have a healthy energetic breakfast. After breakfast we will start hiking. Just 30…

    15 km7 h2,940 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  3. Day03

    Maranpata - Choquequiraw – Maranpata

    Today is a very important day! After two days of hard hiking we will visit the famous Inca citadel of Choquequiraw. We will wake you up with a cup of hot coca tea and you will have half an hour to organize your personal…

    7 km6 h3,050 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  4. Day04

    Maranpata – Chiquisca – Coca Masana

    We will wake you up at around 6 am and enjoy a healthy energetic breakfast. Then we start hiking downhill for 3 hours until we reach La Playa Rosalina. Along the way we can enjoy the Apurímac canyon and the flora and fa…

    17 km8 h2,940 m Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Campsite
  5. Day05

    Coca masana – Capuliyoc – Cusco

    We wake you up at around 6:00am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then have a healthy energetic breakfast. After that we will start climbing up for 4 hours until reach – Capuliyoc pass final of or hiking, where yo…

    6 km3 h + drive2,950 m Breakfast, Lunch
Clear prices

What's included

Included

  • Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek.
  • Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead in Capuliyoc and return to Cusco at the end of the trek.
  • Professional trekking chef (Master Chef) during the entire trek.
  • Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry trekking and camping equipment.
  • Official Choquequirao Trail permit.
  • Choquequirao archaeological site entrance ticket.
  • Breakfast at a tourist restaurant in Cachora on the first day.
  • Healthy and energetic breakfasts during the trek.
  • Organic buffet lunches prepared by our professional chef.
  • Organic buffet dinners prepared by our professional chef.

Not included

  • Trekking poles.
  • Sleeping bags.
  • Air mattresses.
  • Personal expenses and extra drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Get ready

Packing list and tips

  • Original passport (checked at checkpoints, trains and Machu Picchu)
  • Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
  • Daypack of 25 to 35 litres
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Warm layers: fleece, down jacket, hat and gloves
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Personal medication and toilet paper
  • Some Peruvian soles in cash
  • Swimsuit if hot springs are on the route

Recommendations

Arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before the trek to acclimatize properly.
Bring your original passport, as it may be required at checkpoints.
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
Dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather conditions.
Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and daily essentials.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and personal expenses.
Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on steep sections.
Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
Respect nature, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

Important information and precautions

  • This route goes above 4,000 m: spend at least two nights in Cusco before departure
  • Tell us about any medical condition when you book; consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems
  • Weather in the high Andes changes quickly: the guide may adapt the route for safety
  • Pickup is in the historic centre of Cusco; the exact time is confirmed at the briefing

Route map

  1. 1Cusco
  2. 2Cachora / Capuliyoc
  3. 3Chiquisca
  4. 4Marampata
  5. 5Choquequirao

Frequently asked questions

The Choquequirao Trek is considered moderate to challenging due to long hiking days, steep ascents and descents, and altitude changes. It is recommended for travelers in good physical condition, ideally with some previous trekking experience. The trail does not require technical climbing skills, but endurance and preparation are important. Our guides set a steady pace, include regular breaks, and provide full support throughout the trek.

The best time to hike the Choquequirao Trek is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, weather conditions are more stable and trail conditions are better. June, July, and August are the most popular months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options, while February is not recommended due to heavy rains.

Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main equipment, allowing you to hike with a light daypack. This full-service setup ensures comfort, proper nutrition, and energy throughout the entire trek.

You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented if needed. A small backpack for daily essentials such as water, snacks, and personal items is also recommended.

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical assistance, and emergency evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, insurance offers additional peace of mind when trekking in remote Andean areas.

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From, per personUS$ 680