Photo gallery
Choquequirao Trek photos
Tour overview
Choquequirao Trek at a glance
Choquequirao is often called Machu Picchu's sister: a large Inca city on a ridge above the Apurímac canyon, still only reachable on foot. You may share it with just a handful of other visitors. The reward is earned with one of the toughest descents and climbs in Peru.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Choquequirao Trek
- Choquequirao, the Inca city still only reachable on foot
- Terraces with stone llama figures
- The deep Apurímac canyon
- Very few visitors compared with Machu Picchu
Detailed itinerary
Choquequirao Trek itinerary: day by day
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Day 1 — Cusco to Capuliyoc and Chiquisca
We drive west from Cusco past Limatambo and the Inca site of Tarawasi to the village of Cachora (2,900 m), with views of the snow peaks of Salkantay and Padreyoc. After breakfast, the horsemen load the gear and you walk to the Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,915 m), where the Apurímac canyon opens 1,500 m below you and Choquequirao is visible on the far side. From here the trail zigzags down the dry, hot canyon wall to the camp at Chiquisca.
Day 2 — Across the Apurímac to Choquequirao
An early start avoids the heat. You walk down to Playa Rosalina, on the Apurímac River (about 1,550 m), and cross it on a suspension bridge. Then comes the long climb up the other side, through Santa Rosa, where local families sell fruit and drinks, to the farming hamlet of Marampata, with the first close views of Choquequirao. A last, gentler hour brings you to the campsite next to the ruins.
Day 3 — Choquequirao and back to Chiquisca
You spend the morning exploring Choquequirao with your guide: the main plaza and the houses of the upper and lower sectors, the ceremonial platform on the ridge, the water channels and the long terraces that fall toward the river. On the western slope are the famous terraces decorated with white stone llamas, unique in the Inca world. You may share the site with only a few other visitors and the condors that ride the thermals. After lunch you descend back across the river to Chiquisca.
Day 4 — Chiquisca to Cusco
The last effort is the climb out of the canyon to Capuliyoc, best done early while the trail is still in shade. From the viewpoint you take a last look at Choquequirao and walk on to Cachora, where the van waits for the drive back to Cusco.
What's included
What's included in the Choquequirao Trek
Included
- transport
- guide, cook and horsemen
- horses for camping gear
- camping gear
- meals
- Choquequirao entrance fee
- emergency oxygen and first-aid kit
Not included
- sleeping bag (rental)
- riding horse or mule
- travel insurance
- tips
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport
- Daypack of 25–30 liters and a refillable 2–3 liter bottle
- Sleeping bag rated to 0 °C (or rent one)
- Broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles (strongly recommended for the descents) and sandals
- Light clothes for the hot canyon floor, plus a fleece and rain jacket for the ridges
- Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent
- Headlamp, power bank, blister plasters and personal medication
- Cash in soles for drinks, fruit along the trail and tips
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Choquequirao Trek FAQs
Can I continue to Machu Picchu?
Yes. The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek takes about 7–8 days and is available by quote.
Is it harder than the Inca Trail?
Yes. The daily ascents and descents are longer and steeper, so you need very good fitness.
Why is the Choquequirao Trek so hard?
You walk down into the Apurímac canyon, cross the river at about 1,550 m and climb about 1,400 m up the other side to the ruins at about 3,050 m, then repeat it on the way back. The canyon floor is hot and the ridges are cool.
How much time do we spend at Choquequirao?
A 3–4 hour guided visit on Day 3, after camping next to the ruins the night before. There are very few other visitors.
What is the minimum age?
8 years, but we recommend 12 and over because of the long descents and climbs.
Can I hire a horse or mule?
Yes. Horses carry the camping gear, and a riding horse or mule can be hired locally for the climbs, paid separately.
What is included?
Transport, guide, cook and horsemen, camping gear, meals, the Choquequirao entrance fee, emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit. A sleeping bag can be rented.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Once in a lifetime experience, curated by kind professionals.
“All this mess of mine was treated with kind understanding, prompt replies, and genuine friendliness.”
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
Translated from Spanish
★★★★★
Highschool’s travel buddies to Machu Picchu
“Traveleez team are so helpful in assisting our needs with their prompt response.”
