Phone: +51 974 323 730 | Email: reservas@minkaperuexpedition.com

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days – Choquequirao Peru

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days is an off the beaten path experience. It is and alternative route to Machu Picchu. It takes you to the lesser-known archaeological site – Choquequirao Peru. The complex nestles at 3200 meters above sea level (10498 feet) high up in the Corihuayrachina mountain range. 

The trek offers enchanting views of the Apurimac river snaking through the canyons. You will also get to see the flight of the Andean condors.

The name in Quechua means Cradle of Gold. Both Sacred Sisters Choquequirao and Machu Picchu were built in the same era by Inca emperor Pachacutec. Both Inca sites have more or less similar architecture.

When the Spanish invaded South America, the Incas left the city abandoned. Due to its remote location, they could not invade Choquequirao Peru.

Most of the complex is covered in dense vegetation. In fact, only half of the complex is now cleared and is open to tourism. 

Hiram Bingham, the American professor who rediscovered Machu Picchu was in search of Vilcabamba and Choquequirao but he accidentally reached Machu Picchu and claimed it to be the last refuge of the Incas. 

Machu Picchu gets over 5000 daily visitors. However, Choquequirao ruins get only a handful of visitors a day. This is because of its remote location. The only way to reach there is by going on a four-day hike. 

To enhance tourism, the Peruvian government is planning on installing cable cars. This will see a rapid boom in tourism in the region. 

The nine days Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek is one of the best alternatives to the classic Inca trail. You will be visiting Choquequirao and Vilcabamba. You will then visit Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.

The highest point of the Choquequirao Trail 4 Days is the Choquequirao ruins at 3106 meters above sea level. We highly recommend you to spend a few days in Cusco before the trek to acclimate. 

Why Minka Peru Expedition?

Minka Peru Expedition is a local tour operating company based in the city of Cusco. We have an excellent team of local tour guides who are from the region. They have plenty of knowledge of the Inca history and Andean culture. They are also mountaineering experts with knowledge of first aid.

Please note that the trek is quite challenging. Especially because of the high altitude. We highly recommend you to spend three to four days in Cusco acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness. 

Do take a moment to check our reviews on Trip Advisor.

FAQs

When was Choquequirao built?

The citadel of Choquequirao was built in the 15th century, during the height of the Inca Empire. Choquequirao and the Vilcabamba valley served as the last bastion of Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest of the region in the 16th century. After the defeat of the Inca Empire, Choquequirao was abandoned.

Why was Choquequirao built?

Initially, Choquequirao was built by the Incas as a checkpoint before entering the Vilcabamba Valley. However, during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Choquequirao was used as a base of the Inca resistance led by Tupac Amaru I.

Who discovered Choquequirao?

Choquequirao was discovered by the Spanish explorer Juan Arias Diaz Topete in 1710. However, public interest decreased over the years. Later, in the year 1909 Hiram Bingham and Clarence Hay visited the area and made a detailed study of Choquequirao. This expedition drew public attention, which caused a series of excavations followed by restoration works.

4 Days / 3 Nights
10+ Age
  • Destination

  • Departure

    Pick up from your Hotel
  • Departure Time

    5:00 AM.
  • Return Time

    Approximately 6:00 PM.
  • Dress Code

    Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk
  • Included

    Accommodation
    Entrances
    First aid kit and emergency oxigen
    Meals
    Pick up from your Hotel
    Professional Guide
    Transportation
  • Not Included

    Walking Stick
1

Day 1: CUSCO – CACHORA – CAPULIYOC – MMARAMPATA

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. by private transport. We will drive you for three and a half hours to the village of Cachora, elevation 2,700 meters / 8,856 feet. There, we will have breakfast. Then, we will continue by transport for another 30 minutes to the start of the hike to Capuliyoc (elevation 2,915 meters / 9,561 feet). There, we will meet our muleteers, mules, and horses. All trekking equipment and food will be transported by horseback. Our guide will give you a brief briefing and introduce you to the muleteers and cooks who will accompany you on the 4-day hike to Choquequirao. Afterward, you will begin the hike along a flat trail for about 20 minutes to the Capuliyoc viewpoint. From here, you will begin a three-hour descent to Rosalinas Beach, elevation 1,550 meters / 5,085 feet. Most of the hike will be through the Apurímac Canyon. At Playa Rosalina, we'll stop for lunch. Our local chef will showcase his culinary skills and prepare exotic Peruvian dishes for lunch. After lunch, we'll have time to relax and then resume our 4-hour downhill hike. We'll cross the Apu Rímac Bridge and hike to the community of Marampata, elevation 2,925 meters / 9,595 feet. There, we'll have dinner and spend the night. Here at the camp we already have internet access to use social media and communicate with our family and friends.
2

Day 2: MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO

In the morning you don't have to worry about waking up, we will wake you up with  coca tea, then we will have breakfast, then we will start the trek for 2 hours to Choquequirao elevation 3200 meters , we will visit all the places inside Choquequirao, sometimes Condor passes over the main square of Choquequirao, after visiting we will return by the same path to Marampata where we will have lunch and dinner and spend the night here,
3

Day 3: MARAMPATA – CHIQUISKA – COCA MASANA

You will wake up to the sound of birds singing. We will prepare breakfast for you as you leave your tent. After breakfast, we will begin the 3-hour return hike to Playa Rosa along the same path we came from. After arriving at Playa Rosalinas, we will begin the 1 hour and 30-minute ascent to Chiquiska. There we will have lunch. After a rest, we will continue the 3-hour ascent to Cocamasana camp, where the view is beautiful, overlooking the Apurimac canyon and the mountains. Here we will have dinner and spend the night.
4

Day 4: COCAMASANA – CAPULIYOS- CUSCO

We will prepare breakfast at our camp overlooking the Apurimac River. After breakfast, we will begin the 2-hour hike to Capuliyoc. Here we will conclude the hike and thank the muleteer and cook, then board our transport for a 4-hour tour through the Inca villages of Saywite and Taray to Cusco.

Tour Location

Reviews

10.0
Superb

Overall 0

Comments

  • Igov
    January 7, 2022 at 18:13

    I booked a private tour of the Choquequirao ruins and Freddy was my guide. His knowledge is exceptional. The price was economic and the service was amazing. I highly appreciate Freddy´s patience and willing ness to help.

    Overall
  • Justin S
    January 10, 2022 at 13:39

    Choquequirao is a wonder that many people who visit Peru still do not know. An entire Inca complex where you can also appreciate the flight of the condors. More attention should be paid to its proper care and preservation.

    Overall

Leave a Reply:

Overall

Choquequirao Trek Includes:

  • Pre trek briefing we will have a meeting at your hotel .
  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in a private car.
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao.
  • Trilingual tour guide Quechua, Spanish and Englesh
  • Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
  • Basic foam mattress and sleeping bag.
  • 4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch and 3 Dinner.
  • personal hand soaps.
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen utensils.
  • We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items. up to 5 per person to carry horses
  • 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill.
  • First-aid kit & emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Every morning we give you cooled boiled water in your bottle for you to drink on the way.

Choquequirao Trek Does Not Include:

  • Dinner on the last night.

Recommended Things To Carry:

  • A light day pack.
  • Original passport.
  • Warm clothes and warm jacket,.
  • Rain jacket and rain plastic poncho
  • Sunblock.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Trekking shoes
  • Small towel.

How to make a booking

  • Then fill out and submit the Reservation Form that you will find in the Booking Online section of this website.
  • In case your reservation is confirmed, a money deposit will be requested to secure your reservation.
  • Paypal account: reservas@minkaperuexpedition.com.
  • You have to send your whatsApp number.
  • In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please write us.

Optional Extras

  • Sleeping bag USD 5  per day.
  • Walking Stick USD 2   per day.
  • Inflatable Mattress USD 5 per day.

PRICE $USD PER PERSON

                                                     Private                                                                                                    Group             
Person2345-67-89+Per Person USD
$ USD700650600550500500x
Open chat
Welcome to Minka Perú Expedition