Choquequirao Trek 3 Days Cusco
Private
Maximum of 10 people
3 Days
New Path to Choquequirao more comfortable
The new route of the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days is an excellent alternative for those who wish to visit one of the most important archaeological complexes in Peru through a more comfortable and accessible route. Considered by many as the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu”, this archaeological complex preserves much of its authenticity thanks to its remote location, offering travelers a closer connection with history, nature, and the greatness of the Inca legacy.
Unlike traditional routes, this alternative has been designed to offer a more accessible experience, reducing the long and demanding hikes without losing the essence of the adventure. During the journey, you will be able to appreciate the snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, valleys, ancient pre-Hispanic trails, and transition zones between the Andes and the cloud forest, characterized by their great biodiversity, which includes orchids and Andean birds.
In addition, you can combine this experience by visiting Machu Picchu first and then Choquequirao, or vice versa, to discover the two most impressive and fascinating Inca citadels in Peru in a single unforgettable adventure.
Choquequirao Trek 3 Days Itinerary Summary
Day 1 – Cusco | Yanahuara – Yanama – Mina Victoria
The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a. m. heading to Piri to enjoy breakfast, and continue the journey to Yanama crossing valleys, traditional villages, and the impressive landscapes of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and Abra Málaga. Lunch in Yanama and a hike of approximately 2 hours to the Mina Victoria campsite, passing through the Abra San Juan viewpoint, with dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 2 – Mina Victoria | Abra Choquequirao – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Mina Victoria
After breakfast, you will begin the hike to Choquequirao crossing Andean forests and cloud forest areas with the possibility of observing wild flora and fauna. After reaching Abra Choquequirao, you will descend to the archaeological complex for lunch and a guided visit through its main sectors, including plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and the famous llama terraces; free time to explore and return to the Mina Victoria campsite for dinner, where you will spend the night.
Day 3 – Mina Victoria | Abra San Juan – Yanama – Cusco
After breakfast, you will begin the return hike, once again traveling through incredible mountain landscapes, cloud forests, and spectacular views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Ascend to Abra San Juan and then descend to Yanama for lunch, followed by a private transportation journey back to Cusco, arriving approximately at 6:00 p. m.
Highlights of the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days
- Explore the new alternative route to Choquequirao, more accessible and comfortable than the traditional route.
- Admire the impressive landscapes of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and deep canyons.
- Hike to Abra San Juan, a spectacular natural viewpoint located at more than 4,600 meters above sea level.
- Walk along the ancient paths used since pre-Hispanic times.
- Experience the transition between the Andes and the cloud forest, one of the most diverse ecosystems in Peru.
- Observe native flora such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns in the Andean mountain forests.
- Enjoy the possibility of spotting emblematic wildlife such as the cock-of-the-rock and, with luck, the spectacled bear.
- Explore the Choquequirao Archaeological Park on a guided visit through its plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and the famous llama terraces.
- Enjoy starry skies and views of the Milky Way in the middle of the Andean wilderness.
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Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Yanahuara – Yanama – Mina Victoria
The Choquequirao Trek 3 Days from Cusco begins around 5:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to start the journey toward one of the most impressive routes in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
We will travel by private transportation for approximately 2 hours to the village of Piri, where you will enjoy breakfast with views of the Andean landscapes.
Then, we will continue the journey to Yanama, crossing valleys, traditional villages, valleys, and spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains of Abra Málaga, as well as the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, one of the most important mountain chains in southern Peru.
This new Choquequirao trekking route shortens the demanding hikes of the traditional route to the archaeological complex, making the experience more comfortable and accessible.
Around 1:00 p.m., you will arrive at the village of Yanama, the final point of the road, where you will enjoy lunch before beginning the hike to the first campsite. After preparing your luggage, we will begin the hike toward Mina Victoria. The ascent is gradual and peaceful, ideal for adapting to the altitude while enjoying the natural surroundings.
During the route, you will reach Abra San Juan, a natural viewpoint offering views of snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, and ancient trails used since pre-Hispanic times. This setting provides an excellent introduction to the historical and natural richness that distinguishes the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
After approximately 2 hours of hiking, you will arrive at the Mina Victoria campsite. There, we will set up the tents and enjoy a delicious dinner. If weather conditions are favorable, the night will offer a spectacular starry sky and an incredible view of the Milky Way.
Day 1 Summary:
- Difficulty level of the day: Moderate
- Minimum altitude: 1,800 m above sea level (lowest section of the route toward Yanama)
- Maximum altitude: 4,650 m above sea level (Abra San Juan)
- Approximate distance covered: 5 km
- Hiking time: Approximately 2 hours
- Predominant climate: High mountain cold and Andean temperate climate, with temperatures varying according to altitude
- Main activity: Hike from Yanama to the Mina Victoria campsite
- Highlights of the day’s landscapes: Snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, deep Andean canyons, inter-Andean valleys, and ancient pre-Hispanic trails
Day 02: Mina Victoria – Río Blanco – Choquequirao Archaeological Park
The second day of the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days begins early. After breakfast, at approximately 6:00 a.m., you will begin the hike toward one of the most fascinating archaeological destinations in Peru.
During the journey, you will cross the transition zone between the Andes and the cloud forest edge, an ecosystem that is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. Along the way, it is possible to observe orchids, bromeliads, and various bird species, including the emblematic Andean cock-of-the-rock. With some luck, you may also spot the spectacled bear, one of the most representative species of the Andean forests.
On this alternative route, the trail is more comfortable and accessible than the traditional route, allowing you to fully enjoy the impressive landscapes and the natural richness of the region.
Around 11:00 a.m., you will arrive at Abra Choquequirao, from where we will begin the descent toward the main plaza of the archaeological complex. Upon arriving at Choquequirao, you will have time for lunch before starting the visit to the archaeological complex.
After lunch, you will explore with the guide the main sectors of Choquequirao, including its terraces, temples, plazas, and the famous llama terraces. You will also have free time to explore the site and take photographs.
In the afternoon, you will begin the hike back to the campsite. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you can rest in your tent, relax, and enjoy dinner before spending the night.
Day 2 Summary:
- Difficulty level of the day: Moderate to challenging
- Minimum altitude: ~1,900 m above sea level (Río Blanco area) to 3,050 m above sea level (Choquequirao Archaeological Complex)
- Maximum altitude: 4,150 m above sea level (Abra Choquequirao)
- Approximate distance covered: approximately 10 to 14 km (between the hike there and the return to the campsite)
- Hiking time: approximately 6 to 8 hours
- Predominant climate: Temperate to warm-humid
- Main activity: Guided exploration of the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex and observation of the biodiversity of the Andean cloud forest edge
- Highlighted flora of the day: Orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and typical vegetation of the montane forests
- Highlighted fauna of the day: Andean cock-of-the-rock, hummingbirds, tanagers, Andean birds of prey, and, with luck, spectacled bear
Day 03: Choquequirao – Mina Victoria – Yanama – Cusco
The final day of the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days begins with breakfast at the campsite. At approximately 6:30 a.m. you will begin the return hike, once again walking through the mountain landscapes that characterize this route.
During the return journey, you will once again cross the transition zones between the Andes and the cloud forest, an environment of great natural diversity and spectacular panoramic views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, as well as the valleys and mountains.
The return hike continues to Abra San Juan, one of the highest points of the route, from where you can enjoy extensive views of the Andean landscape. Afterwards, you will begin the descent toward Yanama, a community located in the mountains of the region.
Around 1:30 p.m. you will enjoy lunch before boarding private transportation for the return trip to Cusco. During the journey, you will continue enjoying the Andean landscapes of this alternative route to Choquequirao.
Arrival in the city of Cusco is scheduled for approximately 6:00 p.m., marking the end of the expedition.
Day summary:
- Difficulty level of the day: Moderate
- Minimum altitude: 3,500 m a.s.l. (Yanama)
- Maximum altitude: 4,650 m a.s.l. (Abra San Juan)
- Approximate distance covered: 10 to 12 km of hiking (from the campsite to Yanama)
- Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 7 hours
- Predominant climate: (8 °C to 22 °C, depending on altitude and season)
- Highlighted wildlife of the day: Cock-of-the-rock, hummingbirds, tanagers, Andean birds of prey, and other species native to montane forests and high Andean ecosystems
Included
What is included in the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days
During the tour to the Choquequirao archaeological complex, everything is organized so that you can enjoy the adventure in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range without worrying about logistics, transportation, or camping equipment. This is what will be included:
- Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish): You will have a guide specialized in trekking, who will accompany you from the beginning to the end of the tour, providing information about the route and the history of Choquequirao.
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco: For the beginning of the tour to Choquequirao.
- Private transportation there and back: You will travel in private tourist transportation throughout the entire land journey (Cusco – Yanama – Cusco).
- Full meals during the hike: During the 3 days, you will enjoy meals prepared by our expert cook, with fresh ingredients and options adapted to your diet. Includes:
- 2 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 2 dinners
- Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request
- Professional mountain cook: A cook specialized in high mountain routes is responsible for preparing nutritious meals adapted to the demands of trekking.
- Mules and muleteer for equipment transportation: Included for transporting camping equipment and up to 5 kg of personal luggage per passenger.
- Basic camping equipment: Includes shared tents for 2 people, cooking equipment, and essential materials for spending the night at the campsites.
- 2 nights of camping: Overnight stays at campsites, with tents set up and ready for your rest after each hike.
- First aid kit: We have a complete kit to assist with minor emergencies or incidents during the hike.
- Emergency oxygen: An oxygen cylinder is included for support in case of altitude sickness or other altitude-related emergencies.
Important:
Departures are carried out in small groups of a maximum of 10 people, accompanied by a professional guide and local muleteers, which allows us to provide a more personalized, safe, and authentic experience surrounded by the nature of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
Not Included
What is Not Included in the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days
Although the tour covers the main logistical services, transportation, and meals, there are some additional expenses that are not included and should be considered by the traveler:
- Entrance to the Choquequirao archaeological complex: The entrance ticket to the site must be purchased personally before or during the tour.
- Sleeping bag: A sleeping bag is not included. You can bring your own or rent one in advance depending on availability.
- Trekking poles: They are not included, but they are recommended for the hike. They can be rented if requested in advance.
- First breakfast on day 1: It is not included, since the pickup is very early in Cusco. A stop is made along the route where you can have breakfast on your own.
- Dinner on the last day: It is not included due to the return schedule to Cusco, where you can have dinner freely.
- Personal snacks and additional drinks: Any additional snacks, bottled drinks, or snacks outside the main meals are at the traveler’s own expense.
- Water for personal consumption: It is recommended to bring a reusable bottle and enough water for the hike. You will also be able to purchase water at some points along the route.
- Tips: Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers are not included. They are completely voluntary and depend on your satisfaction with the service.
- Personal expenses: Any purchase or additional expense not directly related to the tour (souvenirs, extras, etc.) is not included.
Packing List
Essential Gear for the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days
The Choquequirao Trek combines high mountains, cloud forests, and ceja de selva areas. During the Trek you will experience sudden temperature changes, intense sun, wind, nighttime cold, and possible rain, so it is important to bring the proper equipment to enjoy the experience with comfort and safety.
Documents and money
- Original passport or identification document: Necessary for identification during the trip.
- Cash (Peruvian soles): For breakfasts not included, drinks, snacks, equipment rental, tips, and personal expenses.
- Travel insurance (recommended): Provides greater peace of mind during adventure activities and trekking.
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots with mid or high ankle support: Essential for walking on mountain trails and uneven terrain.
- Sandals or lightweight footwear: Ideal for resting your feet at the campsite after the hikes.
- Trekking socks: Bring at least 2 or 3 pairs of quick-drying socks to keep your feet comfortable and prevent blisters.
Clothing – Layering System
- Base layer: Breathable technical shirts and comfortable quick-drying underwear.
- Middle layer: Polar fleece, fleece, or thermal jacket to protect you from the cold in high areas and during nights at the campsite.
- Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket or rain poncho. The weather in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range can change quickly.
- Trekking pants: Lightweight, durable, and preferably quick-drying.
- Warm clothing for the night: Wool hat, thermal jacket, and warm clothing for low nighttime temperatures.
- Sun hat or cap: Essential due to strong solar radiation at high altitude.
- Buff, scarf, or multifunctional neck gaiter: Protects from wind, dust, and temperature changes.
- Light gloves: Recommended for cold mornings and higher altitude sections.
Backpack and luggage
- Day backpack (20–30 liters): To carry water, snacks, camera, documents, and personal items.
- Travel bag or duffel bag: For luggage that will be transported by mules (up to the weight allowed by the organization).
- Waterproof backpack cover: Protects your belongings in case of rain.
- Waterproof bags or durable plastic bags: Useful for keeping clothing and electronic equipment dry.
Recommended camping equipment
- Sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures: Important, as it is not included in the tour.
- Headlamp: Very useful for moving around the campsite at night.
- External battery (power bank): There will not be regular access to electricity during the route.
- Inflatable travel pillow (optional): Increases comfort during camping nights.
Hydration and food
- Reusable bottle or hydration system (minimum 2 liters): Staying hydrated is essential due to the altitude.
- Purification tablets or portable filter (optional): As a backup for water treatment.
- Energy snacks: Energy bars, nuts, chocolates, or dried fruits to consume during the hikes.
Sun and insect protection
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: Essential due to intense UV radiation in the Andes.
- Sunglasses with UV protection: Help protect your eyesight in high mountain areas.
- Lip balm with sunscreen: Highly recommended to prevent dryness caused by wind and altitude.
- Insect repellent: Especially useful in ceja de selva areas and cloud forests.
Personal hygiene and health
- Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap, deodorant, toilet paper, and wet wipes.
- Quick-drying towel: Lightweight and practical for the campsite.
- Personal medications: Bring enough for the entire duration of the trip.
- Basic personal first aid kit: Band-aids, bandages, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any medication you regularly use.
- Altitude sickness medication (if recommended by your doctor): It may be useful because the route exceeds 4,600 m above sea level.
Recommended additional equipment
- Trekking poles: Very useful for improving stability during long ascents and descents.
- Camera or smartphone: The landscapes of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and Choquequirao offer excellent photography opportunities.
- Binoculars (optional): Ideal for bird watching and wildlife observation.
- Swimsuit (optional): In case of using water facilities or designated areas during the route.
Final tips
- Pack light and bring only what is necessary for the 3 days of hiking.
- If you are not used to the altitude, it is recommended to spend at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before starting the trek.
- Always keep water, sun protection, a waterproof jacket, and your personal documents with you.
- Remember that mules only transport the allowed luggage; carry in your day backpack everything you may need during the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days
If you are planning to do the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days in Cusco, you may have some concerns. Below, we answer your most common questions so that you can enjoy this adventure safely and without worries.
1. What is the best time to do the Choquequirao Trek?
The best season to do the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days is during the dry season in the Cusco region, between the months of April and October. During this period, the route usually offers better conditions for trekking, as well as clearer views of the snow-capped mountains and peaks.
2. Do I need to acclimatize in Cusco before visiting Choquequirao?
Yes. It is recommended to stay at least 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco before starting the trek. This helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and allows you to better enjoy the journey.
3. Where is Choquequirao located and how far is it from Cusco?
The Choquequirao Archaeological Complex is located in the province of La Convención, Cusco region, northwest of the city of Cusco. Thanks to this new route through Yanama, it is possible to access Choquequirao through a combination of ground transportation and shorter hikes than the traditional routes.
4. Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu and Choquequirao on the same trip from Cusco?
Yes. Many travelers visiting the Cusco region combine Machu Picchu and Choquequirao in the same itinerary. Both Inca citadels offer different and complementary experiences, allowing visitors to explore two of the most important archaeological sites in Peru during a single visit.
5. What level of physical fitness is recommended for this new route to Choquequirao?
Although this new route significantly reduces the hiking time compared to the classic route, it is still recommended to have a moderate level of fitness. The trails cross mountain areas in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, where the altitude can represent a challenge.
6. Is there phone signal or internet access during the hike to Choquequirao?
Mobile phone coverage is limited or unavailable throughout much of the route between Yanama and Choquequirao. It is recommended to inform family members or friends beforehand about the temporary disconnection during the expedition.
7. What wildlife can be seen on the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days route?
The transition zone between the Andes and the Cusco cloud forest is home to great biodiversity. It is possible to observe birds such as the cock-of-the-rock, hummingbirds, tanagers, and various species of birds of prey. Occasionally, sightings of spectacled bears may also be recorded in the mountain forests.
9. What difference exists between the traditional route and this new route to Choquequirao through Yanama?
The main difference is that the Yanama route, in the Cusco region, considerably reduces the long days of ascent and descent characteristic of the traditional access through Cachora. This allows more time to be dedicated to exploring the archaeological complex and less time to demanding hikes.
10. Is it necessary to book the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days in advance?
Yes. Although Choquequirao receives fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability of transportation, logistical equipment, guides, and spaces within the small groups that operate from Cusco.
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