Choquequirao 3 days

Explore one of Peru's hidden gems on a unique journey through the Andes. The 3-day Choquequirao Trek invites you to discover a destination steeped in history, nature and ancestral energy. Regarded as the sister city of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a sanctuary that inspires awe with every step. On this journey you will experience the grandeur of the Inca Empire, walk trails surrounded by snow-capped mountains and witness the majesty of the Apurímac canyon, one of the deepest in the world.

If you dream of an authentic experience far from mass tourism, this trek will connect you with the soul of Cusco and with the grandeur of a past that is still alive among the clouds.

Your adventure to Choquequirao begins very early. At 4:00 a.m. we leave Cusco for the picturesque village of San Pedro de Cachora (2,800 m a.s.l.), where you can pick up any last supplies before starting the trek. From there, we head to the Kapuliyoc viewpoint, the starting point of the hike.

Along the way, nature will surround you completely: you will see the imposing Padriyoc snow peak, the Andean flora and the majestic canyon of the Apurímac River, which marks the route to one of the most spectacular destinations in Peru. Throughout the day, we cross patches of forest, natural terraces and panoramic trails.

After a well-earned lunch in Santa Rosa, we resume the climb to Marampata, where our campsite awaits. At sunset the landscape turns golden and the mountains seem to tell stories. We enjoy a hot dinner and rest beneath the starry Andean sky.

After an energizing breakfast, we set off on the walk to the Inca citadel of Choquequirao, a hike of about 2 hours. Here you will enjoy a full guided tour of the main archaeological sectors: the Llamas sector, the ceremonial Usno, the agricultural platforms and the religious area.

Choquequirao, whose name means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua, was one of the last refuges of the Inca Empire. Its architecture, strategic location and mystical energy make it an incomparable archaeological site. Only a third of the complex has been uncovered, yet every exploration reveals new secrets.

After the tour, we return to Marampata for lunch, and in the afternoon we descend to the Chikiska campsite, where the warmth of the surroundings and a comforting dinner bring an unforgettable day to a close.

Our last day begins with a revitalizing breakfast. We take on the final climb to Kapuliyoc, enjoying the panoramic views of the Apurímac canyon one last time. On reaching the viewpoint, you will feel the satisfaction of having conquered one of the most challenging and thrilling treks in southern Peru.

In Kapuliyoc we have a snack before boarding our private transport to Cusco, where this experience comes to an end. A journey that not only challenges the body but also enriches the spirit.

What is Choquequirao

Choquequirao is a spectacular Inca archaeological complex located in the Cusco region (Peru), on the western slope of the Vilcabamba mountain range, at the edge of the Apurímac River canyon. Its name comes from the Quechua “chuqi” (gold) and “k’ira(o)” (cradle), making it the “cradle of gold”, a symbolic name that refers less to the metal than to the precious and sacred character this place held during the Inca expansion. Only 30 % to 40 % of its area has been excavated, which still preserves its air of mystery and ancestral energy today.

At the height of the Inca Empire, Choquequirao served as a ceremonial, administrative and strategic control center between the Andean and jungle regions, acting as a link between Cuzco, Vilcabamba and the Amazon. After the arrival of the Spanish, this enclave also became a refuge for the Inca resistance, remaining largely hidden until its modern rediscovery by explorers. Its geographical isolation, difficult access and monumental scale have made it a magnificent alternative today for those seeking a more intimate archaeological experience, far from mass tourism.

This tour is designed for travelers passionate about adventure, nature and history. It is not just a hike but a journey back in time to the last vestiges of the Inca Empire, where every stone holds an ancestral tale.

Our travel agency, with over 10 years of experience in the tourism sector, guarantees you a safe, personalized and high-quality service. We have professional guides, certified equipment and a deep commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.

One of the most eagerly awaited projects is the Choquequirao cable car, which will make it possible to reach this sanctuary more quickly and safely, promoting sustainable tourism and bringing its legacy closer to the world. Today, however, those who reach it on foot experience a unique connection with history and nature — a journey that only true adventurers manage to complete.

Dare to discover Choquequirao Cusco, a hidden gem in the Andes that awaits you with unexplored landscapes, living history and the promise of a transformative experience.

With our agency, you will enjoy every step with safety, knowledge and a passion for travel.

Book your Choquequirao Trek today and let yourself be guided by experts who love this destination as much as you will.

Before the trip

• 🏋️‍♂️ Train with endurance hikes for at least 2 or 3 weeks before the trek.
• 🌄 Spend 1 or 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude.
• 🧾 Book with a licensed agency with certified guides to ensure safety and professional service.
• 💊 Bring a basic personal first-aid kit with your regular medication and altitude sickness pills (check with your doctor).

Gear and clothing

• 👟 Wear comfortable, waterproof hiking boots or trekking shoes.
• 🧥 Bring layered clothing: thermal, fleece and windbreaker.
• ☔ Include a poncho or waterproof jacket for the rain.
• 🎒 Pack a light daypack to carry water, snacks and personal items.
• 🧢 Add a hat, sunglasses and high-protection sunscreen.
• 🪶 Don't forget insect repellent, a headlamp and spare batteries.

During the trek

• 💧 Stay well hydrated; bring your reusable bottle or filtration system.
• 🕐 Walk at your own pace; don't rush on the climbs.
• 📸 Enjoy the scenery, take breaks and save energy for the most demanding stretches.
• 🧘 Follow the advice of the guide and the support team.

Respect and sustainability

• 🌱 Do not leave litter or organic waste along the route.
• 🏛️ Do not touch or climb on the archaeological structures.
• 🛍️ Support local tourism by buying products or food from local residents.
• 🦙 Practice responsible tourism: every action counts in preserving Choquequirao.

• Hotel pickup in Cusco.
• Private round-trip transport (Kapuliyoq).
• Professional bilingual guide.
• 3 breakfasts, 3 snacks, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
• All meals are prepared by our chef.
• Cooking equipment.
• Boiled water after breakfast to refill your water bottles.
• All equipment, including tents for the staff.
• Horsemen and horses to carry all the equipment (tents, food, cooking gear, passengers' gear).
• Entrance tickets to Choquequirao.
• Permits and entrance tickets for our team of cooks and muleteers.
• Tents and sleeping mats.
• Trekking poles.
• First-aid kit.
• Oxygen.
• Vegetarian meals and special diets on request.

• Travel insurance.
• Food and drinks not mentioned in the program.
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at the office).
• Photos and videos (optional)
• Extra activities and tips for the staff (optional).

• Passport or ID card
• Change of clothes
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Smartphone with a charged battery
• Binoculars
• Biodegradable insect repellent

• Alcohol or drugs
• Explosive materials