Considered Machu Picchu's "sister city," Choquequirao is one of Peru’s most spectacular hikes, with sweeping Andean vistas and even the chance to spot condors. Choquequirao sits high atop the Apurimac Valley, in utter isolation. You’ll be awestruck as you take in the beautiful natural surroundings, and marvel at the Incas’ ingenuity to construct such impressive buildings.  

Our in-depth 5-day hike to Choquequirao includes an extra day at the Choquequirao ruins, a great opportunity to further explore this little known Inca site, as well as allow your body some time to rest before heading back along the same path to where you started. 

One of the most challenging and spectacular hikes in the region, Choquequirao really gets you off the beaten track. This trek should only be attempted by those who are fit, have some trekking experience and who have fully acclimatized prior to beginning the trek. 

Check more information about our Comfort Camping option here.

Hi Afsao & fellow trekkers, 

This is your payment link for your upcoming 5D Choquequirao trek. The price quoted here is the price for one. 

Please make sure you read and understand our Booking Conditions before paying your deposit. Please also download and fill out this Passenger Details Form and this Medical Declaration & Insurance Waiver Form. You will be prompted to upload these documents when paying your deposit. 

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you in Peru!

Sheree and The Apus Peru Team. 

• Total Walking Distance: 12.2 km

• Total Walking Time: 6-7h

• Minimum Altitude: 1520m (4,986 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2970m (9,744 ft)

• Altitude of camp: 2095m (6,873 ft)

• Approx. night temperature: 8°C (47°F)

We begin our Choquequirao Trek with a very early departure from Cusco (as early as 4:30 AM!) and head towards the Apurimac canyon, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. After about an hour and a half of driving, we will have a short stop at Tarawasi (2675m / 8776 ft).

Tarawasi gets its name from two Quechua words: tara, a type tree native to the Andes (Latin name: caesalpina espinosa), and wasi, which means “house”. So Tarawasi is “the house of the Tara tree”. Tara is a multipurpose tree that produces large bean pods that turn orange when ripe. The seeds inside are used as a natural dye, and also have medicinal purposes.

Tarawasi is a ceremonial centre that dates to Incan times. One of the most striking features of this archaeological site is the presence of an usnu, a ceremonial structure where ritual offerings would be prepared.

From here, we continue by car another 3h to Capuliyoc (2970m / 9744ft), stopping along the way for breakfast or just to stretch our legs. In Capuliyoc we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below, as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Huayna Cachora.

We will meet our muleteers here and begin to descend steeply 3-4h into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views until we reach Chiquisca (1950m / 6397 ft), with breathtaking drops on either side. Here, we will stop for lunch.

An hour beyond Chiquisca, we arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1520m / 4986 ft). From the river, we begin to climb to the Santa Rosa Campsite (2095m / 6873 ft). This is a tough 2h climb but makes the next day easier! As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can soak up the stars.

This day is flexible and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here. Walking 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 30-35 ºC (86 ºF – 95 ºF). It can get as hot as 40ºC (104 ºF) in the canyon.

• Total Walking Distance: 16.2 km

• Total Walking Time: 5h

• Minimum Altitude: 2095m (6,873 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3050m (10,000 ft)

• Altitude of camp: 2940m (9,646 ft)

• Approx. night temperature: 5°C (41°F)

It’s another early start today as we aim to get the best out of day 2 of our 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.

Once we get going again after our well-deserved break at Marampata (2940m / 9646 ft), we will have our first glimpses of the spectacular Choquequirao ruins. 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!

We will stop at the campsite next to the ruins where we will have lunch and enjoy a well-deserved break. Later, we will head over to the ruins themselves where we will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the ruins (3050m / 10,007 ft).

We’ll finish the day enjoying a gorgeous sunset over the ruins and keep our eyes peeled for a glimpse of majestic condors soaring through the valley. We camp tonight in the Choquequirao campsite, in the shadow of this impressive site.

• Total Walking Distance: 5-7 km (distance covered within the ruins)

• Total Walking Time: 5-6h (while touring the ruins) 

• Minimum Altitude: 3050m (10,000 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3110m (10,120 ft)

• Altitude of camp: 3050m (10,000 ft)

• Approx. night temperature: 5°C (41°F)

Today we have a full day to really appreciate the amazing Inca mastery contained in these impressive ruins. Choquequirao has yet to be fully investigated. Only about 30% of the Inca remains have been excavated, the rest remains shrouded in mystery. 

Although often lost in Machu Picchu’s shadow, Choquequirao’s impressive building indicate a site of high status. The beauty of the location and the site’s relative isolation also evoke a sense of awe, and you’ll marvel at the Inca’s ingenuity.

• Total Walking Distance: 9km (not counting any distance covered visiting the ruins)

• Total Walking Time: 5h (not counting time spent visiting the ruins)

• Minimum Altitude: 2095m (6,873 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3050m (10,000 ft)

• Altitude of camp: 2970m (9,744 ft)

We will have an easy morning this morning with time to relax or make one more visit to the Choquequirao ruins. In the afternoon, we start the walk back to Santa Rosa campsite, returning along the same path from whence we came circling the edge of the Apurimac Canyon.

• Total Walking Distance: 12.2km

• Total Walking Time: 6-7h 

• Minimum Altitude: 1520m (4,986 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2970m (9,744 ft)

• Approx. night temperature: 8°C (47°F)

Starting early this morning to avoid the worst heat of the Apurimac Canyon, we head down 2h to the river below and then begin the arduous climb back up the other side of the canyon. We climb for about 4-5 hours, passing Chiquisca, until we reach Capuliyoc (2915m / 9561 ft) where we are rewarded with spectacular views. 

Here, our private car will be waiting for us there for the 4.5-hour return trip, arriving around 6 or 7 PM.