Inca Trail to Choquequirao 5 days
TRIP SUMMARY
Discover Choquequirao, Peru’s hidden gem, on a trek that will take you to the heights of the Santa Teresa district, a stony symbol of Andean resilience and a new icon of Peruvian identity. Don’t miss the chance to explore an emerging wonder of the world through a unique and personalized experience!
DAY 1: CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISKA
Today you will start the Choquequirao tour with a 4-hour journey from your hotel to San Pedro de Cachora, where you'll begin a trek to Capuliyoc to enjoy breathtaking views. Afterward, you'll descend to the campsite at Chiquiska for a delicious dinner.
Overnight in a Camp of Chiquiska.
DAY 2: CHIQUISKA - SANTA ROSA - MARANPATA - CHOQUEQUIRAO
Early in the morning, we will start a 5-hour hike with panoramic views of Choquequirao on the way to Marampata, where we will have lunch. We will then continue to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park, where we will spend the afternoon and enjoy dinner.
Overnight in a Camp of Choquequirao.
DAY 3: ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK OF CHOQUEQUIRAO
Today, we will fully explore the Choquequirao Archaeological Park in Cusco with a guide who will inform you about its significance. We'll visit the Main Plaza, storage areas, sacred terraces, and more. After the exploration, a delicious lunch and dinner await you at the campsite.
Overnight in a Camp of Choquequirao.
DAY 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO - CHIQUISKA - COCAMASANA
After breakfast, we will embark on a downhill hike toward the Apurímac River, enjoying spectacular views of the Grand Canyon and waterfalls along the way. You’ll have lunch en route, and then we'll ascend for 3 to 4 hours to our final campsite, where a delicious dinner awaits.
Overnight in a Camp of Cocamasana.
DAY 5: COCAMASANA - CONOC HOT SPRINGS - CUSCO
Today is the final day of our 5-day Choquequirao Trek. After breakfast, you'll walk for 2 hours to Capuliyoc, where you'll be transferred to the Sayhuite Stone, an ancient Inca worship center. Afterward, you'll visit the Conoc Hot Springs to relax and have lunch before heading to Cusco.
Itinerary
We'll start our 5-day Inca Trail to Choquequirao early with a 4-hour drive to Cachora for breakfast, continuing to Capuliyoc to begin the trek. You'll meet the cook and muleteer before hiking a gentle trail to Chiquiska, offering views of the Apurímac Canyon and potential Andean condor sightings. Upon reaching Chiquiska, we'll set up camp and enjoy tea time followed by dinner.
Overnight in a Camp of Chiquiska
- Difficulty: 3/5 (Moderate)
- Distance: 7 km approx.
- Walking Time: 4-5 hrs approx.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,900 m (6,270 ft) - 3,350 m (10,990 ft)
Starting at 4:00 a.m. to avoid high temperatures, we descend for one hour to Playa Rosalina, followed by a demanding 1,500-meter ascent (approx. 4 hours). After reaching Marampata for lunch, we hike 2 additional hours to our campsite at Choquequirao for dinner under the stars.
Overnight in a Camp of Choquequirao.
- Difficulty: 4/5 (Moderate to Challenging)
- Distance: 19 km approx.
- Walking Time: 8-9 hrs approx.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,477 m (4,840 ft) - 3,150 m (10,397 ft)
This day is dedicated to exploring the Choquequirao citadel. We will visit the ceremonial area, the llama sector, the Temple of Water, and other sectors of this vast archaeological site. After exploring and taking photographs, we return to the same campsite for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight in a Camp of Choquequirao.
- Difficulty: 2/5 (Easy)
- Distance: 2 km approx.
- Walking Time: 2-3 hrs approx.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 3,150 m (10,397 ft) - 3,500 m (11,483 ft)
After breakfast, we descend to Marampata and continue to Playa Rosalina at the base of the canyon. We then climb for approximately one hour to Chiquiska for lunch. The final leg is a 2-hour hike to our campsite at Cocamasana for dinner and rest.
Overnight in a Camp of Cocamasana.
- Difficulty: 4.8/5 (Challenging)
- Distance: 23 km approx.
- Walking Time: 5-6 hrs approx.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,477 m (4,840 ft) - 3,150 m (10,397 ft)
The final day begins with a 3-hour trek back to Capuliyoc to board our transport. On the return to Cusco, we offer optional stops at the Sayhuite archaeological site and Conoc Hot Springs (entrance fees not included). After a final prepared lunch, we arrive at your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco on your own.
- Difficulty: 2/5 (Easy)
- Distance: 2 km approx.
- Walking Time: 5-6 hrs approx.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Elevation: 1,477 m (4,840 ft) - 2,902 m (9,521 ft)
END OF OUR SERVICES
Included
- Informative briefing before the adventure where our guide will provide all the information of the Tour.
- Experienced professional guide.
- Kitchen team and expert cook.
- Transportation Cusco - Capuliyoc - Cusco.
- Mules and muleteers to transport cooking and camping equipment and up to 7 kilos of your personal items.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
- Meals: 4 lunches, 5 dinners, and 4 breakfasts (Vegetarian option available).
- Tea time (before each dinner).
- Duffle bag for your personal belongings.
- Sleeping mattress.
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao.
Not Included
- Walking sticks (Available for hire: $25.00 USD).
- Sleeping bag (Available for hire: $25.00 USD).
- Breakfast on Day 1 and Dinner on Day 5.
- Phone calls and personal expenses.
- Entrance fee to the Conoc Hot Springs.
- Services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities for the guide, chef, porters, and muleteers (Tips).
- Additional costs beyond our control (weather, safety modifications, strikes, etc.).
- Clothing and personal hiking equipment.
- Any other extra tickets or fees.
Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TOUR:
- Bring your passport or identity document (DNI) (the same with which the reservation was made).
- Wear trekking shoes.
- Bring a waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Bring a warm jacket.
- Wear T-shirts (quick-dry)
- Wear comfortable trekking pants and shorts.
- Bring a hat and gloves.
- Bring extra cash (Soles).
- Bring a 70 L backpack, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
- Bring your camera and extra batteries.
- Only 7 kilos of luggage are allowed on the train.
- Bring personal medications
- Bring a bottle of water and snacks.
- Bring toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Bring a flashlight with extra batteries
Prices
| Group Service | Price | Click to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Person | ||
| Regular Service | $579.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
| Private Service | Price | Click to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Group | ||
| Group of 2 Persons | $799.000 USD | BOOK NOW |
| Group of 3 Persons | $699.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
| Group of 4 Persons | $599.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
| Group of 5 Persons | $549.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
| Group of 6 Persons | $499.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
| Group of 7+ Persons | $469.00 USD | BOOK NOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is during the dry season, from May to October. The rainy season (November to April) can make trails slippery and challenging.
The trek involves challenging hikes at high altitudes. A good level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended.
Yes, altitude sickness can occur. It's important to acclimate in Cusco before starting the trek, stay hydrated, and listen to your body during the hike. Therefore, we suggest you check our traditional tours to acclimatize.
Charging facilities are generally limited on the trail. We recommend bringing extra batteries or a portable power bank; however, this service is available from the 3rd day of the trek.
Safe drinking water is provided during meals or can be treated with purification tablets. Always follow your guide's instructions regarding water sources.
Most hotels offer free storage. If they do not, you can safely store your belongings in our office until you return from the Choquequirao Trek.
Additional costs may include optional activities (like hot springs), tips for the staff, and personal expenses. Please let us know any special requests during your booking.
Acclimate in Cusco, train for physical endurance, and ensure you have the appropriate gear. Follow any additional advice provided by your tour operator.
In adverse weather or trail closures, the tour operator may adjust the itinerary or provide alternative arrangements. Flexibility and understanding are key for these situations.
Our guides are trained in first aid. For serious issues, evacuation procedures are in place. It is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Direct Operator: Kantu Peru Tours is a local agency that operates all packages directly. We don't use intermediaries, which avoids inflated costs.
- Professional Team: Our staff is highly trained in customer service and responsible tourism.
- Fully Licensed: We hold all official permits and certificates (DICETUR – MINCETUR), guaranteeing safe operations in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- Trusted Reviews: Our customers are our best guarantee. You can read our latest reviews on TripAdvisor HERE.
- Personalized Support: For more information, you can contact our team HERE.
Final
Take a look at our Kantu Blog to learn more about the best destinations in Peru.
If you want to take the Inca Trail to Choquequirao, you can include it in your
Machu Picchu Package. Just request it from your Kantu Peru Tours travel agent.
Visit our exclusive Trekkings website:
Trekking Cusco Adventures.
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