Choquequirao Trek doesn’t include Machu Picchu, as is a trek to another city like Machu Picchu. Starting In Cusco, hike from the mountains into the deepest canyons, and visit the Cloud Forest where the great cities of the Incas are located. Choquequirao is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the cloud forest, and protected by the Apurimac canyon. The Choquequirao trek is considered among the best hikes in the world.

Overview of the Choquequirao Trek

• Duration: 5 days 4 nights
  
• Total Distance: 51 km – 31.6 miles
• From: Cusco to Cusco (Door to door service)
  
• Age Range: 10 to 65
  
• Season: All year round
  
• Depart: Capuliyoc Village
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  

Highlights of Choquequirao Trek

To book the Choquequirao Trek, you need to deposit 50.USD per person online; the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or Cusco upon arrival.

Day by day summary of the Choquequirao Trek

Day 1 Cusco – Capuliyoc – La Playa.- Depart from Cusco at 4:30 am to drive north for 4 hours towards Capuliyoc (2911 m / 9550 ft) to begin the Choquequirao trek. The hike this day takes 6 hours, mostly downhill from the mountains into the Aprumimac Canyon. Camp at Playa Rosalina (1478 m / 4849 ft).

Day 2: La Playa Rosalina – Choquequirao.- After breakfast, cross the suspension bridge over the Apurimac River and start hiking mostly uphill for 8 hours to Choquequirao ( 3057 m / 10029 ft), Camp near the Inca Site views spectacular views.

Day 3: Explore Choquequirao Ruins.- Wake up early with a cup of coffee or coca tea, have breakfast. Explore all day the Choquequirao Archeological sites, considered the “Twin sister of Machu Picchu.” Camp at the same place.

Day 4: Choquequirao – Marampata – Chikiska.- We use the same trail to go back to Cusco. After Breakfast, we start descending for 4 hours to Lunch place, and then another 2 hours uphill to our campsite at Chiquiska (1875m / 6151 ft).

 Day 5: Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco.- After a delicious breakfast, hike uphill for 4 hours to reach Capuliyoc pass. Once there, you’ll participate in a Pachamanca Barbecue, helping to prepare, and feasting. After lunch, drive back to Cusco for 4 hours. Arrival time to your hotel around 6:00 pm.

Included in the Choquequirao Trek

• Complimentary airport transfer on request
• Professional Tour Guide
• Second Tour Guide for groups of 9+
• Trekking Chef
• Porters, muleteers
• Cargo mules carry food and equipment
• Duffle bag for your personal stuff up to 7 kilos
• Pick-up from your hotel on the day of the tour
• All transportation included
• Drinkable water after first-day lunch
• All meals Included except last day Dinner in Cusco
• Vegan, Vegetarian, GF meals, etc. available on request
• Comfortable camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
• 4 man Eureka tents for every two trekkers
• Sleeping foam mattress, hot water bags, pillows, towels
• First aid kit, Oxygen bottle, satellite phones
• Entrance fee to Choquequirao Inca Site
• All taxes and booking fees included

Not Included in the Choquequirao Trek

• Sleeping Bag, Air mattress, trekking poles (Can be hired from us)
• Last day dinner when returning to Cusco
• Gratuities (Optional)
• Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)

Know before booking Choquequirao Trek

•  Available all year round with a minimum of 2 people
•  We spend teh night camping in tents

 Day 1: Cusco– Cachora -Capuliyoc – La Playa

Depart from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 in the morning and drive north towards Capuliyoc. As you exit Cusco city, you’ll cross Antapampa, where you can see the highest mountains in the Cusco region like Salkantay, Humantay, Veronica, Chicon, and Pitusiray.  The road descends into the town of Limatambo, where you can see the Inca site of Tarawasi. After 4 hours drive, you’ll arrive at the trailhead at Capuliyoc (2911 m /9550 ft) to begin the trek. Starting the hike along the edge of Capuliyoc Mountain, you’ll get the first views of the Apurimac canyon, one of the deepest ones in Peru. We arrive at Chiquiska (1875m / 6151 ft) for lunch after 4 hours downhill. After lunch, continue ant¿other 2 hours gentle down along the Apurimac River’s rushing waters until arriving at Playa Rosalina (1478 m / 4849 ft) where we will camp for the night.

• Hiking Time: 6 h
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Camp Elevation: 1478 m / 4849 ft

Day 2: La Playa – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, you’ll cross the suspension bridge over the Apurimac River and continue uphill towards Marampata (2911 m / 9550 ft) for lunch. Along the way, you’ll pass by some sugar cane farms and stop for a delicious lunch at a beautiful spot with amazing views. After lunch, start ascending to the archeological site of Choquequirao (3057 m / 10029 ft) and enjoy the spectacular views of the vegetation on both sides of the Apurimac canyon. The trail begins to level a bit as we approach Choquequirao. Upon your arrival at the campsite, your trekking team will set up the tents, provide warm water, tea time, and dinner. This campsite is impressive because it will be right at the foot of the Inca site of Choquequirao. If you still have some energy left, you’ll be able to take a 30-minute walk to enjoy the sunset from the Choquequirao Inca site.

• Hiking Time: 8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Camp Elevation: 3057 m / 10029 ft

Day 3: Explore Choquequirao Ruins

Awakened in your tent by your excellent trekking staff, you’ll be offered some hot drinks to enjoy the quiet morning gazing at the mountain and birds flying around. After breakfast, you’ll explore the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao all day, trying to understand why is considered the twin sister of Machu Picchu, learn the history of the Incas, and marvel at the views. Choquequirao is a unique place perched in the mountains, a city abandoned by the Inca Empire, and then became another legendary lost city of the Incas,  visited by Hiram Bingham III during his lost expeditions Inca Cities. Soon Choqueqyurao will become another major destination in South America. Return to the same campsite for dinner and to spend the night.

• Leisure day

Day 4: Choquequirao – Marampata – Chikiska:

It will be your second day waking up in this magical place. After breakfast, we will return the same way. Start a 1-hour downhill to Marampata, enjoying the views of the Apurimac canyon. This day you’ll be able to see hundreds of different flowers, birds, and waterfalls in the distance. From Marampata, begin the 4 hours, steep, downhill hike to Playa Rosalina for lunch. Throughout the day, we will have time for breaks and enjoy local fruits farmed in the area. After lunch, start a 2-hours uphill to the campsite for tonight, Chiquiska (1875m / 6151 ft).

• Hiking Time: 7 hours
• Camp Elevation: 1875m / 6151 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco

After a delicious breakfast, hike up for 4-hours along a moderately steep hill towards the Capuliyoc pass. Once there, we will enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon. Lunch is a special Pachamanca underground barbecue; you’ll participate in preparing, burying, and enjoying this special delicacy weher we put all kinds of meat, vegetables, fruits. Afterward, take our private transport to the archeological site of Saywite, having plenty of time to explore it. Finally, our private vehicle will take you back to Cusco, drop you off at your hotel, and arrive in the evening around 6 pm.

• Approximate Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Difficulty: moderate

What you need to take to the Choquequirao Trek

Durning the Choquequirao Trek, you need a comfortable daypack with you to carry all essential for the day. Ultimate Trekking will also provide you a duffle bags for your stuff; here, you can put around 7 kilos and be carried by horses every day. The duffle bags will be provided the day before the tour, during the briefing held in our office at 6:00 pm.

• Hiking boots
• Rain gear (waterproof jacket/rain poncho)
• Warm clothes
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts for five days
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat, sunscreen (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant very important
• Toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Torch with spare batteries
• Original Passport
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toilet paper
• Face moisturizer
• Band-aids, moleskin
• Camera, extra batteries
• Camel bags or water container for at least 2 liters
• Extra snaks, power bars, chocolate
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
• Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
• Air mattress (can be rented from us)
• Sandals or snickers
• Plastic bag

WHAT TO DO IN CUSCO?

Upon arrival to Cusco (3033 m / 11154ft), you need to take some time to acclimatize to the high altitude of the city. We recommend taking tours around the city like the city tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley Tour before taking the long trip to Machu Picchu. This way you’ll reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness. If you have on Schedule tours like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, please try to plan after the Machu Picchu Tour.

WEATHER IN CUSCO?

Cusco has two seasons: The rainy season from November to March and the dry season from April to October. However, weather in the Andes is unpredictable so it doesn’t matter when you come just bring good rain gear, also prepare for sunny days. Together with our 4 seasons equipment, we will make sure you have an experience of a lifetime despite any adversity.

The only one thing you can say about the weather in Peru is that it is difficult to accurately predict. You can Have beautifully clear hot days in the middle of the wet season and hail storms in the dry season – it’s one of the beauties of Peru.

BOOKING FLIGHTS AND HOTEL IN CUSCO

Since Cusco city is the main destination in South America, it should not be an issue finding flights and places to stay. However, during high season you must book in advance. If you are having trouble with your bookings don’t hesitate to contact one of our travel representatives. We will be more than happy to assist you in finding the best deals and places for you.

VACCINES NEEDED PRIOR TO COME TO PERU

If you’re headed to Peru, you need to make sure to consult a clinic or your doctor at least four weeks prior to the trip. Vaccines for Peru vary based on your specific itinerary. A passport health travel specialist will help you decide which vaccines are best for you. Yellow fever (this vaccine may be required based on your travel itinerary), typhoid, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, rabies, routine vaccines. Visit this Page

DIFFICULTY OF THE TREKS

All of our treks are moderately difficult and challenging but nothing that you cannot do it. So please before you come to Peru make sure you exercise regularly and also acclimatize to the altitude. For this, we highly recommend you arrive at least two days ahead of your tour.

BOOKING WITH ULTIMATE TREKKING PERU

Booking with us was never easier. We only need to submit the info required below, and a 200 dollars deposit to book your entrance, train,  and bus tickets. You can pay the balance once you arrive at our office.

Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport), Gender, Passport number, date of birth, and Nationality

HOW CAN I PAY MY DEPOSIT?

PayPal: (For alternative treks and Inca Trail tour reservations a $200 deposit is needed, and $400 for the deluxe tours). The remaining balance you can pay upon arrival to Cusco city directly at our office.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS OR “SOROCHE”

At high altitude, the air is thinner and each body starts to react differently for the changes in oxygen levels. So basically there is less oxygen going into your body than you’re used to. To counteract you need to breathe faster and deeper and pump blood more rapidly in order to take the same amount of oxygen.  This could be shocking to your body manifesting in various symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, lack of sleep. Cusco is at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) so you may experience some symptoms, on the other hand, Machu Picchu is significantly lower at 7,972 ft (2,430 m). So Machupicchu isn’t really the potential problem. The best way to deal with the altitude is:

Breathing exercise. Deep breaths will help you get more oxygen in your body.

The best way to acclimatize faster is drinking water, resting, having normal activities.

Drink lots of water. This will really help you, but lots of water and try to go to the toilet often.

Coca tea. It is in every corner in Cusco city, this plant used through centuries in Cusco to reduce altitude problems.

Avoid alcohol and drugs. Alcohol is a big no at high altitude, so avoid the first days to your trek. The celebration is at the end.

Use Diamox or the equivalent in Peru to help you adapt to the altitude faster

Supplementary oxygen. If needed you can ask in your hotel for free or you can contact us. We will deliver to you at no cost.

NUMBER OF VISITORS TO INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU?

The number of visitors to the Inca trail has a limit of 500 per day and 2500 to Machu Picchu, according to UNESCO recommendations. Therefore, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season. The trains are usually full so make your reservations in advance. You can book your visit to Machupicchu only or a ticket including the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

As long as the name is the same we can update any passport number needed. If you have an old passport and a new one, please send us a photocopy of both. If you don’t have the old you can send any ID with your name. Remember to bring both passports when you travel.

 DO I NEED TO CARRY MY PERSONAL STUFF?

We provide a porter for your belongings (7kg), so you can go carrying only your daypack.

 WHO GETS DISCOUNT?

 If you have a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time or you are under 17. you are entitled to a discount. In order to claim this discount, you have to send us a photocopy of this card.

TOILETS DURING OUR TOURS

Almost all the treks in Cusco are government regulated, therefore, is possible to find public toilets. Since past experiences with our guests showing discomfort with public toilets in the trails, we introduced our latest Alternative Porta-potty toilets and hot showers on all our tours to maximize your trekking experience.

WHEN TO START PACKING?

Start packing in advance all necessary equipment for trekking. if you need any assistance you can contact us anytime and come to Peru all prepared just to have fun and enjoy.

DO WE HAVE A CHEF WHILE HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS?

We have highly trained CHEFS and PORTERS in our tours, capable of handling any special request or diet you may require on our tours

Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – tea time – Dinner – wake up tea every day

WHERE DO WE GET WATER?

We will provide you drinkable water throughout the tours from the beginning until your last day with Ultimate Trekking. This is taken from the natural spring in the mountains and boiled, filtered and then cooled. To refill you must bring your Camelbak or bottle for at least 2 liters each day.