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Choquequirao
The Choquequirao Trek 4 days is a challenging trek in the Andes of Peru to the archeological site Choquequirao, known as the sacred sister of Machu Picchu. Hidden in an isolated area of the Andes mountain range. The hike is challenging both physically and mentally in the mountains of the Apurímac River valley, requiring effort; it is worth doing and very rewarding to see the stunning views of the valley. The archeological site of Choquequirao is at 3,050 m (10,006 ft). The environment of Choquequirao is surrounded by enormous biodiversity; all species inhabit this geographical area at varying temperatures: scorching sun during the day and cold at night.
The Choquequirao trek is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and intrepid travelers. Discover this hike combining nature, culture, history, and adventure in a single experience. For this expedition, join the Ausangate Adventure team.
Our day begins early, picking you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am to travel by private transport to the village of Capuliyoc (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), where we will start the hike. The car ride takes approximately 4 hours and passes through Andean landscapes of mountains, deep valleys, and rural villages. We arrive at Capuliyoc, where we will enjoy a breakfast prepared by our chef while appreciating the first views of the Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru. From here, we will begin our hike to the legendary citadel of Choquequirao.
The first part is a descent of about 4 hours to Chikiska (1,950 m / 6,398 ft), where we will have lunch. Along the way, you will witness the change in landscape, from the Andean highlands to a warmer and more humid environment with cloud forest vegetation.
After lunch, we will continue the gentle ascent hike for another 2 hours to Santa Rosa (2,230 m / 7,300 ft), our first campsite. Here you can relax, have dinner, and sleep in the midst of nature with the canyon in the background.
Approximate distance: 12 km
Walking time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Maximum elevation: 2,950 m (9,678 ft)
Minimum altitude: 1,950 m (6,398 ft)
After breakfast at Santa Rosa camp, we will start one of the hardest yet most beautiful days of the trek. The route begins with a steep 4-hour climb to Marampata (2,940 m / 9,646 ft), where the geography changes and the Apurímac River can be seen winding at the bottom of the canyon. AlAlong the way, you can stop at small sugarcane farms where locals have been crafting "Cañazo," a characteristic liquor of the Andes for centuries.
In Marampata, we will have lunch with views of the mountains and the canyon. Then we will continue for 2 more hours of hiking on a gentler trail until we reach the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3,050 m/10,006 ft). This Inca site, the sacred sister of Machu Picchu, was one of the last Inca refuges and still holds an aura of mystery and authenticity. In the afternoon, you will have time for an initial exploration of its terraces and ceremonial spaces.
At At the end of the day, we will camp near the archaeological site in a privileged spot that offers views of the Apurímac Valley and allows us to enjoy a starry sky, perfectly capping off our day.
Distance: approximately 8 km Walking time: 6 hours in total
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Campground
Minimum altitude: 2,230 m (7,300 ft) – Santa Rosa
Maximum elevation: 3,050 m (10,006 ft) – Choquequirao
Difficulty: High / challenging
Start the day with a cup of Andean coffee or coca tea as you wake up among the mountains in Marampata, one of the most privileged points on the trail. After breakfast, we will begin the hike, descending for 3 hours until we reach Santa Rosa again, where we will rest and have lunch surrounded by nature.
After resting, we will continue descending for another hour to the bottom of the canyon, along paths through subtropical vegetation with the sound of the Apurímac River in the background.
The afternoon is a 2-hour climb that will make you sweat up to the Chikiska camp (1,950 m / 6,398 ft). Our last campsite will be in warmer weather to rest and contemplate a starry sky.
On the way, distant waterfalls, Andean flora, and colorful birds can be seen, making the hike an unforgettable experience for both the body and the eyes.
Distance: approximately 10 km Walking time: 6 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Campground
Minimum altitude: 1,950 m (6,398 ft) – Chikiska
Maximum altitude: 2,940 m (9,646 ft) – Marampata
Difficulty: High (challenging descent + moderate ascent)
Our last day of the expedition begins with an early breakfast in Chikiska, among green mountains and Andean birds. With our energy recharged, we will begin the final major ascent of 4 hours toward Capuliyoc (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), with views of the Apurímac Canyon at every step. This final effort is rewarded with an incomparable view of the Andes that seals the adventure with a golden touch.
In Capuliyoc, we will have lunch for the last time with the team of muleteers and cooks who have accompanied us throughout the journey. It will be the moment to thank them and say goodbye after the experience we have lived.
Then, we will head in our private transport to the enigmatic archeological site of Sayhuite, famous for its enormous sculpted rock that represents, according to scholars, an ancient Inca irrigation model and the Andean worldview of water. You will have free time to explore and discover this place full of symbolism.
Finally, we will begin our return to Cusco, arriving approximately at 18:00 hours, where this trip to Choquequirao will conclude, one of the most beautiful and demanding routes in the Peruvian Andes.
Distance: approximately 8 km Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Minimum altitude: 1,950 m (6,398 ft) – Chikiska
Maximum altitude: 2,950 m (9,678 ft) – Capuliyoc
Difficulty: High (steep climb, last part of the trek)
For the Choquequirao Trek, it's crucial to pack light and only bring the essentials. Additionally, it's important to include warm clothing and waterproof gear, as the weather in the Andes can be variable.
It's essential to pack lightly and bring only what is necessary, as you will need to carry your gear throughout the trek. We will provide a duffel bag for organizing your belongings. You can carry up to a maximum of 8 kilograms (17 pounds) of your personal items in it, including sleeping bags or inflatable mats.
It is crucial to be well-acclimated to the altitude before embarking on a strenuous trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek starts to help you acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness during the trek. If you have already been at a high altitude in Peru before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights.
Cusco’s airport currently only operates domestic flights. International passengers must land in Lima and clear customs there. It’s important to note that due to Cusco’s high altitude, flights may experience delays or cancellations. Additionally, any weather changes could affect air traffic. If you prefer an overland alternative, buses are a viable option. Although the journey may be long, especially from Lima, buses from Lima can take approximately 20 hours.
Ausangate Adventure can pick you up from your hotel as long as it is located in Cusco’s Historic Center. During the briefing, your guide will coordinate the meeting time, but please note that wait times may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to local traffic. Cusco has narrow, cobblestone streets which may make it difficult to access some hotels and Airbnbs. Some locations may be in areas without vehicular access or on steep hills, complicating luggage transportation. It is advisable to book accommodation with easy access to facilitate transportation.
You can safely leave any additional luggage in Cusco, either at your hotel or with us at Ausangate Adventure while you are on the trek. We will handle the storage of your luggage in the morning before your trek starts and return it to you once you return to Cusco. It’s important to ensure that your bags are clearly labeled to facilitate their retrieval.
To prevent altitude sickness at Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, acclimate by spending a few days in Cusco before the trek. Stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Eat lightly and frequently, focusing on carbohydrate-rich meals and avoiding heavy foods. Walk slowly, take frequent breaks, and avoid intense physical exertion initially. Consult your doctor about preventive medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox). Use natural remedies like chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, which are traditional practices in the Andes. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness; if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, seek help immediately. Carry a first aid kit and plan your itinerary with flexibility to allow for extra acclimatization time if needed. By following these tips, you'll improve your chances of having a safe and enjoyable trek.
The weather on the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu trek varies significantly due to altitude changes and the region’s diverse geography. Here’s an overview of typical weather conditions:
Dry Season (April to October):
Rainy Season (November to March):
Each Ausangate Adventure guide is trained in first aid. They will carry a first aid kit for basic medical situations and oxygen. They will take good care of you. If anything unexpected happens and you feel unable to complete the trek, they will determine the safest, quickest way to get you off the trail and to a clinic in Cusco.
We provide all meals and snacks during the trek, up to the last lunch on the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. We understand you may be concerned about the quality of our food. Each meal is prepared by a chef in a small tent with a portable stove. Our clients are consistently satisfied with the excellence of our dishes. Each chef is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. At the end of each trekking day, you can look forward to a delicious dinner cooked in the heart of the Andes, which will surely exceed your expectations regarding food on the Choquequirao trek.
We use fresh ingredients purchased at Cusco’s market and transported by horse packers. These ingredients are then prepared by our chefs to ensure that each meal is fresh, healthy, and delicious.
Do you have special dietary needs? Don’t worry, we are prepared to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with food allergies.
Ausangate Adventure will ensure water is available at each meal. The water will be boiled, purified, and cooled before being served to our clients, ensuring it is safe to drink. However, for the first morning of the trek, you should provide your own water due to the preparation process. It is recommended to start the trek with 2-3 liters of water, so make sure you have a sufficiently large bottle or hydration system.
At Ausangate Adventure, we use biodegradable soap and ensure we take all our waste back to Cusco. Our packers are trained to keep the trails clean and collect waste. Additionally, we are committed to environmental preservation and responsible waste management practices. We adopt practices that minimize our environmental impact.
Protests and strikes are common in Peru and may affect our travel plans. Roads may be blocked, and trains may be halted. However, we will do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if it means departing a night early. In some cases, trips may be canceled. If changes occur, our operations team will contact you. Your safety is our top priority, and we will take the best measures to protect you in any unforeseen situation.
Please take special care of your belongings and make sure to collect everything when leaving our vehicles, campsites, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal items during the trek.
Pricing:
Student Discount:
The student discount applies to anyone with a valid university student ID at the time of booking. We will need a copy of the ID with the reservation. For those booking for children 17 years old or younger, we require a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send all documentation to info@ausangateadventure.com.
The best time to undertake the trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather is more stable with less chance of rain, making the trek safer and more enjoyable.
This trek is of high difficulty, so it is advisable to be in good physical condition. You should be accustomed to long and challenging hikes, preferably at high altitudes.
The highest point of the trek is the Choquequirao Pass, which is approximately 3,150 meters (10,330 feet) above sea level. It is important to acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness.
The trek is quite demanding, with long hiking days, steep ascents and descents, and varied terrain. Physical and mental endurance is required to complete the route.
The starting point for the Choquequirao trek is in the village of Capuliyoc, located about 4 hours by car from Cusco. Most tour operators arrange transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek.
You only need an entry ticket to Choquequirao, which can be purchased upon arrival at the site.
Altitude sickness can be a concern on the Choquequirao Trek due to the high elevation. It is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco before starting the trek to acclimate to the altitude.
The weather on the Choquequirao trek can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and possible rain throughout the year. The best time to do the trek is during the dry season, from April to October.
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