Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 4 DAYS
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA
Heading for the Apurímac Canyon.
We travel to Cachora and Capuliyoc, have lunch facing the Apurímac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow peak, and hike down to Chiquisca.
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Drive to San Pedro de Cachora
By tourist transport, approx. 4 hours · Cusco → San Pedro de Cachora
We leave Cusco early, heading for the village of San Pedro de Cachora.
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Lunch in Capuliyoc
By tourist transport · Cachora → Capuliyoc
We continue to Capuliyoc, where we have lunch with stunning views of the Apurímac Canyon and the Padreyoc snow peak.
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Descent to Chiquisca
On foot, downhill, 3 to 4 hours · Capuliyoc → Chiquisca
The hike starts in Capuliyoc. We descend along a marked trail to Chiquisca, where we have dinner and spend the night in a family-run lodge. This first day is a preview of the scenery that will stay with us along the whole route.
Day details
- Transport: Approx. 4 hours from Cusco to Cachora
- Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours, downhill
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Family-run lodge in Chiquisca
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: CHIKISKA - PLAYA ROSALINA - SANTA ROSA - MARAMPATA
From the Apurímac River to Marampata.
We cross the Apurímac River and climb to Marampata, a village where rural life and Quechua customs are still alive.
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Descent to the Apurímac River
On foot, downhill, approx. 1 hour · Chiquisca → Playa Rosalina
After breakfast we hike down to the Apurímac River and cross it on the Playa Rosalina bridge.
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Climb to Santa Rosa
On foot, uphill, approx. 2 hours · Playa Rosalina → Santa Rosa
The climb to Santa Rosa begins, a challenging stretch because of the steep terrain. There we take a well-earned rest.
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Arrival in Marampata
On foot, uphill, approx. 2.5 hours · Santa Rosa → Marampata
We keep climbing to Marampata, where we have lunch. In the afternoon there is free time to learn about Andean rural life, its traditional farming and its Quechua customs. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse with spectacular views of the canyon.
Day details
- Hiking time: Approx. 1 hour downhill and 4.5 hours uphill
- Minimum altitude: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft (Apurímac River)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Marampata
What is this day like? check our photos
day 3
DAY 3: MARAMPATA - CHOQUEQUIRAO - MARAMPATA
The big day! Choquequirao.
We hike to the Choquequirao archaeological complex and explore its terraces, including the famous llama terraces.
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Hike to Choquequirao
On foot, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes · Marampata → Choquequirao
After breakfast we hike to the impressive archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
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Choquequirao Highlight
Guided tour · Choquequirao archaeological complex
With our specialized guide we explore its main sectors: the main plaza, the agricultural terrace systems and the famous llama terraces, unique in the world. We have lunch here, surrounded by the majesty and energy of the place.
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Return to Marampata
On foot, in the afternoon · Choquequirao → Marampata
In the afternoon we head back to Marampata for dinner and rest.
Day details
- Hiking time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes each way, plus the visit
- Maximum altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft (Choquequirao)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Marampata
What is this day like? check our photos
day 4
DAY 4: MARAMPATA - SANTA ROSA - PLAYA ROSALINA - CHIQUISCA - CAPULIYOC - CUSCO
Back through the canyon.
We descend once more to the Apurímac River, climb to Capuliyoc and return to Cusco after one of the most impressive trekking routes in Peru.
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Descent to Playa Rosalina
On foot, downhill · Marampata → Santa Rosa → Playa Rosalina
We have an early breakfast in Marampata and start the way back, descending to Playa Rosalina.
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Climb to Chiquisca
On foot, uphill · Playa Rosalina → Chiquisca
The demanding climb to Chiquisca begins, where we have lunch.
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Capuliyoc and return to Cusco
On foot and by tourist transport · Chiquisca → Capuliyoc → Cusco
We continue to Capuliyoc, the end point of the trek, where our transport is waiting to take us back to Cusco. We arrive at nightfall.
Day details
- Minimum altitude: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft (Apurímac River)
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Arrival in Cusco: At nightfall
The Apurímac Canyon, Quechua communities and the llama terraces of Choquequirao, far from the busiest routes. Want one more day on the trail? Discover the Choquequirao Trek 5 Days.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide, assistance and safety
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish or English.
- Pack horses: They carry up to 6 kg of luggage per person.
- First aid kit.
Transport
- Outbound: From Cusco to Capuliyoc.
- Return: From Capuliyoc to Cusco.
Permits and entrance fees
- Entrance to the Choquequirao archaeological complex.
Accommodation and meals
- 3 nights of accommodation: Lodge and family house.
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners: With vegetarian and vegan options.
Not include
Meals
- Day 1: Breakfast.
- Day 4: Dinner.
- Extra drinks.
Gear, insurance and personal expenses
- Trekking poles and personal gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Medical emergency expenses.
- Personal expenses.
Prices CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK – 4 DAYS
Rates per person
Traveling solo? You can join a shared group, subject to availability. Message us to check your date.
Additional services
- US$ 65 · Riding horse: Per horse, per day. Recommended for the climbs on days 2 and 4. Request it in advance or at the briefing, subject to availability.
- US$ 30 · Private accommodation: For all 3 nights.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Clothing: Light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the nights (thermal layers), waterproof poncho or rain jacket (December to March), hat and sunglasses.
- Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes.
- Protection and hygiene: Sunscreen, insect and mosquito repellent, towel, personal medication and cream for sore muscles.
- Gear: Small daypack for the hike, waterproof bag to protect your things and a reusable water bottle.
- Other: Healthy snacks, camera with spare batteries and cash, preferably in soles.
Recomendations
- Book in advance: Ideally 2 to 3 months ahead, especially in high season (April to October), so you can join an already confirmed group.
- Acclimatization in Cusco: Arrive at least 1 or 2 days early to adjust to the altitude. We suggest a City Tour or a Sacred Valley excursion.
- Physical preparation: This is a demanding route, with steep climbs and descents in the Apurímac Canyon. Prepare before your trip with long hikes.
- Trekking poles: Highly recommended to protect your knees on the descents to the river. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips; if not, you can rent them from us.
- Riding horse: If the first day feels too hard, you can rent a horse for the climbs on days 2 and 4 (US$ 65 per day, subject to availability).
- Pack light: The horses carry up to 6 kg per person. Leave the rest free of charge at our office or at your hotel in Cusco.
- Canyon weather: It is very hot during the day and cold at night. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen and repellent.
- No signal or outlets: Along most of the route there is no phone signal and nowhere to charge devices. Bring a charged power bank and let your family know before you leave.
- Meals not included: Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4.
- Travel insurance: Recommended, with hiking and medical emergency coverage, and for unexpected events such as strikes or road blockades.
F.A.Qs
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible, ideally 2 to 3 months ahead, especially in high season (April to October), so you can join an already confirmed group.
How long is the Choquequirao Trek?
4 days and 3 nights, with about 52 km (32 miles) of hiking round trip from Capuliyoc. It is a demanding route, designed for travelers in good physical shape.
How difficult is it?
It is a demanding route, with steep climbs and descents in the Apurímac Canyon and several hours of hiking each day. We recommend it for well-prepared hikers.
What is the highest altitude on the route?
About 3,050 m (10,007 ft), at the Choquequirao archaeological complex. Although it never goes above 4,000 m, the hike is demanding because of the steep elevation changes from the Apurímac River, which lies at about 1,800 m (5,906 ft).
When is the best time to do the Choquequirao Trek?
The dry season, from April to October, and especially May, June and September: the weather is more stable, the days are sunny and the views are better, although the nights are cold.
Do I need a special permit?
No. You only pay the entrance fee to the Choquequirao archaeological park (about 60 soles), which is already included in your tour.
Is the Choquequirao Trek safe?
Yes. It is a quiet route with few hikers. However, it is physically demanding because of its steep elevation changes and the canyon climate, so we recommend preparing well and traveling in the dry season.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is one of the most spectacular routes in Cusco, ideal for couples, groups of friends and adventurous families looking for nature and stunning scenery. It requires good physical fitness and being ready to hike several hours a day on varied terrain. We recommend training beforehand and acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 1 or 2 days.
What is the recommended age?
Children from 8 years old who are used to hiking and outdoor activities. There is no maximum age for adults: many travelers aged 60 to 65 or older complete the route, always with good physical fitness, a prior medical check-up and travel insurance. For children and older adults we suggest the private service, with a more flexible pace.
What is the minimum number of travelers for a departure?
Departures are guaranteed from 2 people, in groups of 2 to 8 travelers. If you are traveling solo, you can join a shared group, subject to availability. For more information, ask your sales executive or write to info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Where do we sleep?
In family-run accommodation along the route: a family lodge in Chiquisca and a local guesthouse in Marampata, with shared, well-equipped rooms or rustic cabins for 2 to 4 people. If you prefer private accommodation, it costs an additional US$ 30 for all 3 nights.
Which meals are included?
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners, with vegetarian and vegan options. Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4 are not included.
How much luggage can I bring?
The pack horses carry up to 6 kg per person. The rest of your luggage can stay free of charge at our office or at your hotel in Cusco.
Can I rent a riding horse?
Yes. They are most useful on the hardest climbs on days 2 and 4. They cost US$ 65 per horse per day and must be requested in advance or at the briefing, subject to availability.
What happens if I feel unwell during the trek?
The guide will immediately assess any discomfort due to altitude, exhaustion or any other situation and give you the assistance you need, coordinating whatever is required according to your condition and where you are. If the first day was harder than expected, you can rent a horse for day 2, the toughest climb towards Choquequirao (US$ 65, subject to availability).
Are there toilets and showers on the route?
Some campsites have toilets and cold showers, and at certain points there are hot showers, usually for an extra fee. They are not available at every campsite, but every morning our staff provides hot water for personal hygiene.
Do I need trekking poles?
They are highly recommended: they ease the pressure on your knees on the steep descents to the Apurímac River and help on the long climbs. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips. If you don’t have any, you can rent them from us.
What should I bring?
Quick-dry clothing, hiking boots, a waterproof or windproof jacket, a light backpack, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunscreen and repellent. The weather varies a lot: intense heat during the day and cold at night. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Is there phone signal or internet?
Very little or none along most of the route, due to the geography of the Apurímac Canyon and the remote location of the campsites. At some high points there may be intermittent signal, with no guarantee. We recommend telling your family that you will be out of contact during the trek.
Can I charge my devices?
There are no charging points during the trek. Bring a fully charged power bank.
How do strikes or road blockades affect the itinerary?
External factors such as strikes, demonstrations or road blockades may force changes. Our team monitors them constantly and offers alternatives, such as schedule or route adjustments or rescheduling. That is why we recommend travel insurance that covers these events.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To arrange the entrance fees we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Deposit: Once we receive the forms, we ask for a deposit per person, non-refundable and non-transferable. We recommend booking early, as spaces sell out quickly.
4. Final confirmation: Once the entrance fees are secured, you will receive the official invoice and your booking will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Once the booking is confirmed, cancellations and refunds are not allowed, because services are arranged immediately to guarantee your space. Date changes are subject to availability and the conditions of the program. Please check the cancellation policy with your sales executive.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Yes. During the trip, your main luggage can stay free of charge at our office or at your hotel.
Are tips expected?
Tipping is part of the tradition of hiking in the Andes. Our whole team is well paid, but anything extra is always appreciated. It is not mandatory and you should never feel pressured.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
