Choquequirao Trek
Cultural and adventure
12 people
4 Days
Español, English
Choquequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold”, is an impressive archaeological complex located in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Cusco region. This area is believed to have been the last refuge of the Incas during the resistance led by Manco Inca II.
Likely built by Túpac Yupanqui, Choquequirao is renowned for its terraces adorned with llamas and a shepherd in the Llamachayoc sector. These terraces are notable for the use of vertically placed stones. Additionally, in the Pacchayoq sector, you can observe an advanced water channel system irrigating a complex of agricultural terraces. The steep inclination of the slopes where these terraces are located is truly remarkable.
During the trek, you will enjoy spectacular geography as well as the native flora and fauna of the region, which includes inter-Andean valleys and tropical jungle. Temperatures can range from a minimum of 5ºC (41ºF) at night to a maximum of 23ºC (73ºF) during the day.
It is recommended to follow ecotourism principles, respecting and protecting the environment, archaeological sites, and local customs.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Chikiska
We leave early from Cusco heading northwest, crossing the famous Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa, the site of a fierce battle between the Incas and the Chankas. We pass through the warm town of Limatambo (2600 m), where the archaeological site of Tarawasi is located. Next, we cross the Cunyac Bridge over the Apurímac River and continue to San Pedro de Cachora (2909 m), where we will have lunch and begin our trek.
The trail leads us to the Capuliyoq viewpoint (2941 m), offering spectacular views of the Apurímac River and Choquequirao. From there, we descend via a zigzagging path to Chikiska (1836 m), where we will camp. The total walking time for the day is approximately 6 hours, covering a distance of 19 km (12 miles).
Day 2: Chikiska – Choquequirao
After breakfast, we descend to Playa Rosalina (1800 m) and cross the bridge over the Apurímac River. Then, we ascend to Santa Rosa (2095 m) and Marampata (2913 m), where we will rest and enjoy splendid views of Choquequirao. We continue to the INC campsite in Choquequirao (2847 m).
In the afternoon, we visit the Pacchayoq sector, which includes terraces, water channels, and a spectacular setting. The total walking time for the day is 8 hours, covering a distance of 14 km (8 miles).
Day 3: Choquequirao – Chikiska
We explore the Urin, Llamachayoc, and Hanan sectors, returning to the campsite for lunch. Afterward, we descend along the same path to Chikiska, where we can enjoy a refreshing rustic shower. The total walking time for the day is approximately 9 hours.
Day 4: Chikiska – Cusco
We start early to climb to the Capuliyoq viewpoint, a journey of about 5 hours. We then walk along a flat section toward San Pedro de Cachora, arriving in 2.5 hours. We have lunch and return to Cusco, with the option to visit the sites highlighted on the first day. We arrive in Cusco around 8:00 PM. The total walking time for the day is 8 hours.
Included
- ✅ Private transportation from Cusco to Cachora and back.
- ✅ Professional guide in Spanish and English.
- ✅ Sleeping bag (-10ºC) and inflatable mattress.
- ✅ Cook, assistant, and cooking equipment.
- ✅ Snacks and daily tea service.
- ✅ Personal and dining tents.
- ✅ Meals (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners).
- ✅ Vegetarian menu at no extra cost.
- ✅ Mules and muleteers.
- ✅ First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
Not Included
- ❌ Additional meals.
- ❌ Extra costs.
Packing List
- Waterproof trekking shoes and sandals.
- Warm clothing (including a hat, gloves, and socks).
- Waterproof and synthetic clothing.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Water bottles and basic medications.
- Trekking poles, swimsuit, towel, and personal items.
- Snacks.
- No-hassle best price guarantee
- Customer care available 24/7
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- +51 998 134 635
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TripAdvisor Reviews
At Peru Jungle Trips, we work every day to exceed our travelers’ expectations. The reviews on TripAdvisor reflect the commitment, dedication, and quality we bring to every journey through Peru. Thanks to our clients’ trust, we continue creating unique experiences surrounded by nature and Andean culture.
Tom S2025-05-19Verified Excellent trip. Excellent trip. Well planned and kept on schedule. Spectacular scenery and a very informative guide. I would recommend. Lucas K2025-05-16Verified Tours cusco Besides that, I made excellent tours with the agency: humantay and 7 lagoons. Great staff and Pedro was always very helpful Marco M2025-05-13Verified An unforgettable trip to Cusco with an exceptional team We had a wonderful trip to Cusco with my uncles and wife. Everything was perfectly organized, with attention to stunning detail. We feel accompanied by a truly professional team, friendly and always willing to help us. Pedro and his entire team were simply amazing: attentive, prepared and passionate about what they do. The places we visited were spectacular, and every moment was special. Undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. I recommend this agency 100%. Super, super!We had a wonderful trip to Cusco with my uncles and my wife. Everything was perfectly organized, down to the smallest detail. We were guided by a truly professional and kind team, always ready to help. Pedro and his team were simply amazing: friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work. The places we visited were breathtaking, and every moment felt special. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this agency and Pedro with his fantastic team. Super, super! Adam A2025-05-04Verified Worth every penny. Christian was a top tier guide. He did an amazing job of explaining the places we went to. He was also super chill and made great conversation. Despite accomplishing much in a short span, we never felt rushed. Furthermore sometimes when food is included in a tour, it's usually subpar, but the buffet lunch was fantastic and our group was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Cannot recommend this tour enough, especially if you find it difficult to adapt to altitude at Cusco in the first couple of days. Luis A2025-04-11Verified Reliable and secure agency An amazing experience! We got to know a lot about Peruvian culture, visited many archaeological sites and observed beautiful landscapes. The train experience was wonderful, certainly the best Carlee C2025-04-10Verified Very Friendly and Great Tour We had a great time on our jungle adventure. 3 days, 2 nights. We purchased the tour here in Cusco and the staff was very helpful accommodating the days we were available to go. They also supplied binoculars and a duffle bag for repacking. Very good communication in Whatsapp as well. Daniel R2025-01-29Verified Increible Highly recommended, very attentive.The tures are exactly how they sell. They met all the times and places to visit Alizée R2025-01-20Verified Immersion in Manu National Park We warmly recommend booking your stay with this agency and their exceptional guide, Jacker.They listened attentively and were very responsive in our discussions.Jacker, thanks to his perfect command of English (and Spanish of course!) and his vast knowledge of flora and fauna, has made our stay not only rewarding, but truly unforgettable! His enthusiasm and involvement have been remarkable.The whole team, from cook to drivers, also showed professionalism and constant attention to us.Look no further: for a successful trip to the Amazon, trust this agency with your eyes closed! Edu Z2025-01-07Verified I'd come back many more times From the beginning the very good service, always attentive to every detail to enjoy all the places visited ☺️ Lana D2025-01-01Verified Great! Affordable!!!! Highly recommend Pedro from Peru Jungle Trips. I only had a few days in Cusco, so I wanted to see as much as possible in my time frame. Pedro was so helpful in planning out my itinerary, and made sure that I spent New Years Eve seeing Machu Picchu and that I made it in time to Cusco for the countdown. Pedro not only gave me a very affordable rate (and that I know from comparing my quote to other travelers I met), but he was able to find last minute train tickets to and from MP for Dec 31st. He also made sure that at every destination, someone either picked me up or directed me to my next location. And of course, it didn’t go unnoticed that Pedro was constantly checking in on me to see how my activities and trip is going. Pedro genuinely wanted me to have a great holiday trip in Cusco.