Choquequirao Trek 4 Days from Cusco
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days from Cusco

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days from Cusco

4 Days
Altitud Maxima
4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Duracion del Tour
4 Days
Tamaño de Grupo
Up to 10 people
Nivel Fisico
Easy
Tipo de Tour
Adventure
Tipo de alojamiento
Camping & Lodges

Resumen

This four-day path follows routes through high Andean zones. Groups remain small with a limit of 8 members. The walk demands strong effort. The top height reached stands at 5571 meters. Private transportation manages the start and end parts. The activity lasts 4 days with 3 nights spent outside.

Travelers take this route to reach an Inca site called Choquequirao. The name relates to gold in local terms. It positions near a fast river fed by ice. Tall mountains with snow circle the area. Few people go there. The place covers more ground than Machu Picchu but gets less attention. It served as a holdout for Incas against invaders. Plants from cloud forests later hid it. Workers still find new parts.

The spot rests at 3033 meters. It mixes jungle and mountain lands. Access happens only by walking. The full distance measures approximately 40 kilometers back and forth. Heights shift from 1400 meters to 3100 meters. This range tests walkers.

Peru Qantu Adventures runs this entire activity. Our private transportation comes from the agency itself. Drivers hold high skills for these paths. Guides handle groups from many countries in different languages. They know the areas well.

A staff member from our team watches the full plan. This keeps things on track. At each stop, guides give full talks on the spots. They cover history and features based on their broad route knowledge.

Meals come from natural sources. Ingredients grow locally and organically. You can pick international foods if wanted. This might add fees depending on the place. Ask our reservations group for info.

The order of spots visited includes Cusco first, then Capuliyoc, followed by Cachora, Santa Rosa, Chiquisca, Marampata, and the Inca constructions at Choquequirao.

4 Days
Mapa no disponible

Lo mas destacado

  • Limited to 8 in a group for direct guide contact, unlike bigger crowds in other agency options.
  • Agency-owned private transportation provides steady rides, better than shared ones from competitors.
  • Tents hold 2 per large unit with space, an improvement over tight setups in similar tours.
  • Emergency horse included for tired walkers, a feature not standard in many rival trips.
  • Guides offer deep site explanations in languages, more thorough than short talks elsewhere.
  • Organic local meals with global choices available, surpassing basic food in other offerings.
  • Full monitoring by a representative, adding security not always present in competing services.

Detalles del Tour

  • Duration: 4 days and 3 nights, beginning early morning on day one and finishing evening on day four.
  • Group Size: Up to 8 people, which allows close support from staff during the walk.
  • Maximum Altitude: 5571 meters, at a peak viewed along the path, where breathing needs care.
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging, with long distances and steep changes in height each day.
  • Transportation Type: Private transportation owned by Peru Qantu Adventures, handled by trained drivers for mountain travel.
  • Service Type: Group or private, with extra charge for private at $100 USD per person.
  • Starting and Ending Point: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco, using our vehicles.

Resumen del Itinerario

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

  • 4:30 a.m.: Pickup from hotel in Cusco.
  • 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Drive in private transportation to Capuliyoc.
  • 8:30 a.m.: Meet horsemen, pack gear.
  • 8:30 a.m. to afternoon: Walk down to Playa Rosalinas for lunch.
  • After lunch: Ascend 2 hours to Santa Rosa campsite.
  • Afternoon: Hot drinks, appetizers, dinner.

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Maranpata – Choquequirao

  • Early morning: Hot drink, breakfast.
  • After breakfast: Walk 2 hours to Maranpata.
  • Then: Continue to Choquequirao Inca constructions.
  • Afternoon: Lunch, guided tour.
  • Late afternoon: Walk 1.5 hours back to Maranpata campsite.
  • Evening: Tea time, dinner.

Day 3: Marampata – Chiquisca

  • Morning: Breakfast.
  • After breakfast: Descend 2 hours to Apurimac River.
  • Then: Walk up 1 hour to Chiquisca campsite.
  • Afternoon: Hot drinks, appetizers, dinner.

Day 4: Chiquisca – Saywite – Cusco

  • Morning: Breakfast.
  • After breakfast: Walk up to Capuliyoc Pass.
  • Then: Private transportation to Cachora for lunch.
  • After lunch: Drive to Saywite site, explore.
  • Afternoon: Return drive to Cusco, arrive around 6:00 p.m.

Itinerario

DAY 1:

Cusco – Capuliyoc – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. Our private transportation, owned by Peru Qantu Adventures and driven by highly capable staff, carries you for 4 hours to Capuliyoc at 2850 meters. The drive shows local communities, valleys, and peaks like Padreyoc at 5571 meters. At Capuliyoc, meet horsemen who load equipment on animals. Carry a small pack with your daily needs.

Walk down to Playa Rosalinas at 1475 meters for lunch. The path gives sights of the Apurimac Canyon and high mountains. Our guide, experienced in these paths and speaking several languages for world travelers, shares details on the land. After eating, go up for 2 hours to Santa Rosa campsite at 1900 meters. Tents stand ready. Have hot drinks and appetizers before dinner.

Meals use natural local organic items. International picks possible with extra costs; talk to our reservations team. A representative tracks your full schedule.

Guides bring hot tea or coffee early to your tent. After breakfast, walk 2 hours to Maranpata at 2850 meters. The area holds many plants and animals from Andean zones. Then move to the Inca constructions at Choquequirao. Have lunch there. In the afternoon, get a private guided tour of sections like palaces, temples, water spots, platforms, terraces, and llama areas.

The guide explains the site’s past in detail. This place hid Incas after conquest. Walk back 1.5 hours to Maranpata campsite. Enjoy tea time and dinner. Our local guides, with wide route experience, make the talks clear. A team member follows the plan always.

After breakfast, go down 2 hours to the Apurimac River at 1550 meters. This water held meaning in Inca ways. Feel its flow. Then climb 1 hour to Chiquisca campsite at 1990 meters. Tents wait set up. Hot drinks and appetizers come ready. Dinner follows. Foods draw from nearby organic sources. Global dishes available; check fees with bookings.

The day covers 12 kilometers. Our guides point out cultural notes. A representative monitors progress.

Following breakfast, climb a moderate hill to Capuliyoc Pass. Views include mountains and the canyon. Take private transportation to Cachora at 2850 meters for lunch. Then drive to Saywite archeological site. Spend time walking there with guide explanations on its stones and history. Finally, our vehicle returns you to your Cusco hotel around 6:00 p.m.

The last part spans 8 kilometers. A staff person oversees the entire itinerary.

Inclusions

Incluye

  • Pickup at your hotel the morning of your trek: Begins the day on time, no need to find a spot yourself.
  • Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and Cachora to Cusco: Agency-owned vehicles ensure direct and safe travel over 4 hours each way.
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites: Covers access to all visited archeological areas without extra payments.
  • English speaking, experienced and professional guide: Experts in routes, multilingual for international groups, provide full details at each stop.
  • Comfortable tents with two people in a four-person tent: Spacious for rest, set up in advance at camps.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request): Includes lunch, tea, dinner days 1-3; breakfast, lunch day 4, using local organics.
  • 1 emergency horse (with helmet) which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or are ill: Available for support, includes safety gear.
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent: Sets up a complete camp for meals and needs.
  • Tents for our staff to sleep in: Keeps organization and privacy.
  • First Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle: Handles health concerns at high spots.
  • Pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen: Carry gear to free walkers.
  • Camping pillow and foam sleeping mattresses: Aid sleep on ground.
  • Private guided tour at each archeological site: Detailed talks by knowledgeable staff.
  • 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our horses: Allowance includes sleeping gear weight.
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes: Supplied safely after first meal.
  • Taxes: All included in price.

no Inluido

  • Sleeping bag adequate for the temperature of minus 10°C – $20 USD: Rent for cold nights if not brought.
  • Air mattresses – $20 USD: Extra comfort option.
  • Trekking poles – $15 USD: Support for walking, per pair.
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance: For over 7 kg.
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of Peru Qantu Adventures: Optional thanks for service.

Que llevar al tour

  • Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek): Needed for checks; match booking details.
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better): For daily items; 30-50 liters fits needs.
  • Water storage: 2-3L, please bring reusable, not disposable, bottles: Carry own until lunch day one; refills after.
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support: Handle rough ground; test before.
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Peru Qantu Adventures): For -15°C; agency rental available.
  • Headlamp: essential: Light for camp dark; batteries extra.
  • Toilet paper: Personal supply; with waste bag.

What to Put in Your Duffel Bag

  • 2 t-shirts: Change after effort; light fabric.
  • 2 hiking pants at least: Tough for path; dry quick.
  • 4 sets of undergarments: Stay clean; wick moisture.
  • 3 sets of hiking socks: Pad feet; prevent sores.
  • Fleece/ thermals: Layer for chill; season based.
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C: Insulate cold; pack accordingly.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them): Protect wet hands.
  • Comfortable shoes for camp: Rest feet; easy wear.
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger: Wash use; fast dry.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash: Hygiene; small size.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek: Power devices; bank needed.
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel: Keep dry; organize.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us: Warmth essential.

Toiletries

  • Face moisturizer: Counter dry air.
  • Hand sanitizer: Clean quick.
  • Wet wipes: Freshen up.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste: Oral care.
  • Personal medications: Health needs.
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc: Minor fixes.

What to Put in Your Backpack

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens: Start full; safe refills.
  • Sun hat: Block rays.
  • Sunscreen: Protect skin.
  • Insect repellent: Ward bugs.
  • Headlamp: essential: Night light.
  • Wool hat: Morning warm.
  • Rain gear: Weather shield.
  • Fleece: Extra layer.
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits: Energy quick.
  • Rain plastic poncho: Rain cover.
  • Gloves: Hand protect.
  • Camera: Record sights.
  • Hand sanitizer: Hygiene.
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste: Responsible use.
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips: Cash handy.

What months turn the Salkantay into postcard perfection?

May–September = dry-season jackpot. Zero mud, sapphire skies, and the 6,271 m Salkantay glacier sparkling like a diamond. Nights hover 3 °C; days hit 20 °C under blazing sun. Book 75 days ahead—every glass-dome night and Machu Picchu slot disappears by February. October–April? Think Irish-green jungle + daily rain dances. Your call: grip or slip.

How tough is the daily walking—will my legs forgive me?

Picture 4 days, 12–16 km, 800 m up & down. Day 2 gifts you the 4,650 m Apacheta Pass—lungs on fire, grin on face. Train smart: 5 weeks of weekend hill hikes with a 6 kg pack. Land in Cusco 72 h early; altitude becomes your friend, not your enemy. Guides slow the herd for selfies and oxygen breaks. Zero mountaineering skills needed—just curiosity and decent sneakers.

Can you feed my picky vegan / nut-allergy stomach for 4 days?

100 % yes, zero fuss, zero fee. Tick the box → receive a private menu: coconut-quinoa porridge, roasted cacao nibs, purple-corn tamales. Severe allergy? We ban the ingredient from the entire kitchen. Want avocado toast at 4,000 m? +$10/day gourmet upgrade. Chefs shop the San Pedro market at dawn—your plate arrives Instagram-hot.

How cold is “sleep under the stars” reality?

Camp 1 at 3,900 m: 3 °C inside the tent at 4 a.m. Your eyelashes frost. We hand you a -10 °C expedition bag + thermal liner + hot-water bottle hug. Pro tip: sleep in merino base layer + beanie. By sunrise you’re toasty, sipping coca tea while glaciers blush pink.

Is altitude sickness going to knock me out?

20 % feel it, 1 % need the horse. Beat the odds:

  • Cusco 3 nights pre-trek
  • 4 L water daily
  • coca-leaf candy stash Guides pulse-ox you twice a day. Drop too low? Oxygen mask + emergency mule in 15 min. No one has missed Machu Picchu in 5 years.

What animals will photo-bomb my shots?

  • Llamas striking Vogue poses on sky-blue backdrops
  • Andean flickers drumming on cactus
  • Viscacha bunnies sunning like tiny rock stars
  • Condors with 3 m wingspans surfing thermals Zero predators, zero bug spray needed above 3,500 m.

How many new best friends will I make?

Max 8 souls = one family. One bilingual guide, one assistant, six chatty trekkers. Private duo? Add $190 pp. Small = zero queue for the perfect sunrise selfie and campfire sing-alongs that echo off the canyon walls.

What if Mother Nature opens the sky-tap?

Instant poncho party! We issue knee-high gaiters + pack covers. Trails turn into slip-n-slides—poles become your BFF. Guides track radar on satellite phones; lightning within 8 km = cozy farmhouse lunch detour. Heavy monsoon? We flip the itinerary—no day lost, just bonus hot chocolate.

Where do I go to the bathroom without Wi-Fi?

  • Camp: deluxe toilet tent with flush valve, mirror, and solar fairy lights.
  • Trail: “million-dollar view” behind a boulder—guide holds rainbow umbrella for privacy. Pack-out bags provided; leave zero trace.

How do I train when I live in a flat city?

4-week plan:

  1. Walk 45 min daily, add stairs.
  2. Weekend: 10 km with backpack + hills.
  3. Week before: two 3 h hikes. Download free “Couch to 50K” app. Stretch calves every night—day-3 cramps vanish.

What currency makes the crew cry happy tears?

Crisp US dollars or Peruvian soles in small bills.

  • Guide: $12–15 / day
  • Cook: $10
  • Porters (x3): $7 each Hand envelopes at farewell circle—high-fives guaranteed.

Is the water safe or will I hallucinate from dehydration?

Unlimited triple-treated (boiled + UV + micro-filter) from lunch day 1. Refill your 1 L bottle 4× daily. Streams look delicious—resist. One gulp = regret at 4,000 m.

Which views will wreck my camera roll?

  • Salkantay Pass: 360° ice cathedral at golden hour
  • Humantay Lake: electric turquoise framed by hanging glaciers
  • Inca aqueducts: still flowing after 600 years
  • Machu Picchu reveal: Sun Gate tears, guaranteed

How long is the drive from Cusco to WOW?

4 h in a plush van with panoramic windows and Spotify Andean playlist. Depart 5:15 a.m., arrive trailhead 9:15 a.m. Return day 4: hotel door by 6 p.m.—shower, ceviche, bed.

What’s the cancellation safety net?

  • 60+ days: full refund
  • 30–59 days: deposit → 18-month credit
  • <30 days: 50 % fee Buy “cancel-for-any-reason” insurance ($39 link in your confirmation email).

One click away from swapping deadlines for starlight. Pick your date, secure your dome, and let the mountains move you—literally. See you on the trail!

Climate Patterns

Areas mix warm days around 20°C and cold nights to 0°C. Dry from May-September, wet otherwise with showers. Check daily updates. Once, fog cleared to show peaks suddenly. Layers manage shifts.

Dressing Through Seasons

Base with light shirts, pants. Add jacket for wind. Wet months need waterproofs. Year-round, boots grip, hats block sun. Synthetics over cotton for dry. Stats: 60% issues from poor layers.

Area Residents

People farm corn, potatoes in simple ways. Speak Spanish, Quechua. Open but quiet; nod hello. In spots like Cachora, chat at markets. Respect customs. Story: shared meal with family, felt welcome.

Common Meals

Dishes use quinoa, meat like alpaca. Soups heat. Camps serve fresh. Cusco spots cheap at $3-8. Try corn drinks. Organics common. Hygiene: wash often; 75% sickness from hands.

Cheap Eating Places

Markets sell breads for $1. Local eateries under $5. Skip fancy; compare, saves half. Nuts for path.

No-Cost Spots

Cusco streets show old walls. Hill walks free. River views no fee. 40% visitors use these. Quiet times.

Effort Level and Health

Daily 8-16 km with climbs. Strong legs, lungs needed. No serious conditions. Water 3L day. Story: rested often first, then stronger. Check doctor if heart concerns.

Month RangeDay Temp (°C)Night Temp (°C)Rain Days Avg
Dry (May-Sep)2055
Wet (Oct-Apr)18015

Contactar ahora

Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way.At Peru Qantu Adventures, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.

Blank Form (#3)

For how many persons are you currently booking?

Contact us

Contact Form Demo
CONTACT US ON WHATSAPP
+51 973 552 912
CONTACT US
We are highly recommended in
TRIPADVISOR

BOOKING FAST & EASY

Book fast and easy on our website and keep track of your reservation with our most advanced booking system, be updated on our discounts every week.

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days

Peru Qantu Adventures provides this route connecting two key Inca locations in the Cusco area: Choqu
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days from Cusco

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days from Cusco

This four-day path follows routes through high Andean zones. Groups remain small with a limit of 8 m

Why to Choose Peru Qantu Adventures

Best Food on the Treks

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most popular destinations for adventure treks in South Amer

Read more

Peruvian Local Guides

The Inca Trail is a world-renowned hiking trail that leads to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is a combinatio

Read more

Best Itineraries

Machu Picchu is a stunning 15th-century Inca ruin located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is considered one of t

Read more