Choquequirao Trek 4D / 3N

• Hiking Distance: 12 km 

• Hiking Time: 6-7h 

• Minimum Altitude: 1520m (4986 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2970m (9744 ft) 

• Altitude of camp: 2095m (6973 ft) 

• Approx. Night temperature: 8°C 

It’s an early start on the first day of the classic 4 day Choquequirao trek after picking you up from your hotel early in the morning at 4:30 AM and Drive across the andes to Capuliyoq, 4 hours until Capuliyoc (2970m / 9744ft) where we’ll have our first breathtaking views of the Apurimac Valley below, as well as the impressive Padreyoc and Huayna Choquequirao peaks. 

We’ll meet our arrieros (muleteers) here and after a short 15 minute hike, we’ll stop to have our first sight at the Capuliyoc lookout point. we’re ready to start the steep 3 hours descent into the Apurimac Canyon until we reach Chiquisca lunch place (1950m / 6397ft), with incredible drop-offs at our sides. 

After Lunch We will have another hour of hiking, we reach the roaring Apurimac River (1520m / 4986ft) where we’ll begin the climb to the Santa Rosa campsite (2095m / 6873ft). This is a tough, 2-hour climb but you’ll be thankful for it the next day 

This day is flexible and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here. Hiking times depend on the time of departure and on the nature of the group. The guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. 

Please take note that there might be biting insects on the trail, thus repellent will be needed! It can get very hot on the trail (not just in the canyon!), going up to 30-35ºC (86ºF – 95ºF). It can get as hot as 40ºC (104ºF) in the canyon. 

• Hiking Distance: 16.2 km 

• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours  

• Minimum Altitude: 2095m (6873 ft) 

• Maximum Altitude: 3050m (10,007 ft) 

• Campsite Elevation: 2940m (9646 ft) 

• Approx. Night temperature: 5°C 

Choquequirao tour. After an early breakfast at around 5:30am, we head out at 6am and continue steeply upwards for 3 hours until we reach Marampata. 

After our break at Marampata (2940m / 9646 ft), we will have our first glimpses of spectacular Choquequirao. From this point, it’s another 2 hours of hiking up gentle, undulating terrain until we reach the ruins, a welcome respite compared to what we’ve just accomplished! 

Arriving at Choquequirao camp, we can enjoy a lunch on the grounds and have a well-deserved break. After lunch we will start to explore the ruins (3050m / 10,007 ft). Only about 30% of the Inca remains at Choquequirao have yet been excavated, the rest remains shrouded in mystery. As we explore, we will keep our fingers crossed for the chance to see some condors! 

After about 4 hours touring the site – including the religious sector and central part of the ruins – we start our  hike back to the campsite of Choquequirao. 

• Hiking Distance: 8.9km (12.3km if camping at Cocamasana) 

• Hiking Time: 4-5h (6-7h if camping at Cocamasana) 

• Minimum Altitude: 1520m (4986 ft) 

• Maximum Altitude: 2940m (9646 ft) 

• Altitude of camp: 1950m (6397 ft) (or 2450m (8038 ft), if camping at Cocamasana) 

• Approx. Night temperature: 5°C 

Today we will leave the beautiful Choquequirao campsite and start our hike to Marampata a then We will descent towards the Apurimac River and the so-called Rosalina Beach (1520 m/4986 ft). From there we will continue hiking upwards until we reach our campsite of Chiquisca lunch place and overnight (1950 m / 6397 ft). 

If you have a good pace, we may camp instead at Cocamasana (2450m / 8038ft). 

• Hiking Distance: 7km (or 3.6km, if you camped at Cocamasana on D3) 

• Hiking Time: 3-4h (or 2h, if you camped at Cocamasana on D3) 

• Minimum Altitude: 1950m (6397 ft) 

• Maximum Altitude: 2970m (9744 ft) 

This morning, we finish our Choquequirao trek with a 3 to 4-hour climb upwards to Capuliyoc. When we reach our destination, we’re once again rewarded with spectacular views. Our car will be waiting here to pick us up to start the 4.5-hour drive back to Cusco. 

On the way we have the option, to visit the Cconoc hot springs (1780m / 5840 ft). Its waters reach temperatures of 26°C and 35°C with a pH of 6.9, and are surrounded by carob trees, reed beds and cactus. It’s a wonderful place to relax. The medicinal properties of the thermal baths and their pleasant temperatures offer the perfect place to rest our muscles and feet after this amazing 4-day Choquequirao hike. After a quick dip, we can enjoy lunch surrounded by the beautiful views of the Apurimac River valley. 

Finally, we  take our private car to continue the journey back to the City of Cusco, where we will be arrive around 5pm.