Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
TRIP SUMMARY
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days Overview
The Choquequirao Trek 5 Days is a demanding hiking adventure through the remote mountains and deep valleys surrounding the Apurimac Canyon. The route begins near Cachora and Capuliyoc, descends toward the Apurimac River and climbs through Marampata before reaching the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
Unlike itineraries that only allow a brief visit, this five-day program includes a complete day to explore Choquequirao. You will visit ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, residential areas, water channels and the distinctive llama terraces built into the mountainside.
The 5 day Choquequirao Trek involves steep descents, long uphill sections, warm canyon temperatures and several nights of camping. Its principal challenge is not extreme altitude, but the considerable elevation gain and loss experienced while crossing the canyon.
Kantu Peru Tours organizes the tourist transportation, professional guide, trekking support team, camping arrangements, meals, entrance ticket and emergency equipment required throughout the journey. Shared and private services are available according to confirmed departures and current route conditions.
Why Choose This Choquequirao Trek?
This itinerary provides five days to complete the classic round-trip route to Choquequirao at a more organized pace. Its principal advantage is the complete day reserved for exploring the archaeological park instead of arriving and departing within only a few hours.
The route is suitable for active travelers seeking a physically demanding experience that combines archaeology, mountain scenery and remote camping. Choquequirao receives considerably fewer visitors than Peru’s most accessible archaeological destinations because reaching the site requires several days of hiking.
Kantu Peru Tours coordinates the guide, cook, muleteers, transportation, meals, camping logistics and entrance ticket needed for the journey. Before departure, travelers receive a briefing to review the itinerary, weather conditions, equipment and luggage allowance.
Itinerary
Your journey begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You will travel toward Cachora and continue to Capuliyoc, the principal starting point for the classic Choquequirao trekking route.
After meeting the guide, cook and muleteers, you will begin walking along the canyon trail. The first section provides expansive views of the surrounding mountains and the Apurimac Canyon before descending toward Chiquiska.
Upon arrival, the support team will organize the campsite. You will have time to rest, enjoy afternoon tea and have dinner before spending your first night in the canyon.
Approximate distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Camping in Chiquiska
The second day begins early to avoid the strongest canyon temperatures. You will descend toward Playa Rosalina and cross the Apurimac River before beginning the most demanding climb of the itinerary.
The trail ascends through Santa Rosa toward Marampata. This section involves a substantial elevation gain and requires a steady pace, regular hydration and appropriate sun protection.
After reaching Marampata, you will stop for lunch and rest before continuing toward the Choquequirao Archaeological Park. The final section provides your first close views of the surrounding terraces and mountain landscape.
You will arrive at the campsite near Choquequirao in the afternoon. Dinner will be prepared by the trekking team before your first night near the archaeological complex.
Approximate distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
Walking time: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Camping near Choquequirao
The third day is dedicated to exploring the Choquequirao Archaeological Park with your professional guide.
During the visit, you will learn about the site’s architecture, mountain setting and possible administrative, ceremonial and residential functions. The route may include the Main Plaza, ceremonial areas, storage structures, water systems, agricultural terraces and the llama sector.
The archaeological complex extends across different levels of the mountainside, so exploring it still requires considerable walking and the use of steep paths.
After the guided exploration, you will return to the campsite for lunch, time to rest and dinner. You will spend a second night near Choquequirao.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Camping near Choquequirao
Difficulty: Moderate
After breakfast, you will begin the return journey through Marampata and descend toward the Apurimac River.
You will cross the river near Playa Rosalina and begin another demanding uphill section toward Chiquiska. The combination of warm temperatures, steep trails and accumulated fatigue makes this one of the most physically demanding days of the program.
After lunch and time to recover, you will continue toward Cocamasana. The support team will prepare the final campsite, afternoon tea and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Camping in Cocamasana
Difficulty: Challenging
The final morning begins with breakfast at the campsite. You will complete the last uphill section toward Capuliyoc, where the trekking portion of the journey ends.
After meeting the tourist transportation, the return trip to Cusco begins. Depending on the confirmed program, timing and current access conditions, optional stops may be arranged at the Sayhuite Archaeological Site and the Conoc Hot Springs.
Entrance fees for optional attractions are not included unless they are specifically stated in your reservation.
After lunch, you will continue to Cusco and receive transportation to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Difficulty: Moderate
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 trek is considered challenging. It involves steep descents into the Apurimac Canyon, long uphill sections and several consecutive days of hiking. Good cardiovascular fitness and previous hiking preparation are strongly recommended.
No. This five-day itinerary visits the Choquequirao Archaeological Park and returns to Cusco through Capuliyoc. It does not include Machu Picchu, train tickets or a Machu Picchu entrance.
The route reaches approximately 3,500 meters or 11,483 feet in its higher sectors. The most demanding factor is the considerable elevation loss and gain inside the canyon.
Spending at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure is recommended. This also gives you time to prepare your equipment and attend the pre-departure briefing.
The Choquequirao Trek follows a remote canyon route toward the Choquequirao Archaeological Park. The Classic Inca Trail follows a regulated archaeological trail that ends at Machu Picchu and requires a different permit.
Yes. The standard program includes the entrance ticket to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
Mules can transport up to 7 kilograms or approximately 15 pounds of personal belongings. Travelers must carry their own daypack.
The intended program includes four breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners. Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 5 are not included. This distribution must match the final reservation.
Electricity is limited or unavailable at several camps. Bring a fully charged portable power bank and conserve battery during the journey.
Treated or boiled drinking water is provided according to the confirmed trekking program. Travelers should bring a reusable bottle and follow the guide’s instructions regarding water sources.
They may be offered as optional stops during the return journey. Their entrance fees are not included unless specifically stated in the reservation.
Solo travelers can join a confirmed shared departure. The published program requires a minimum number of participants, while private service can be requested separately.
The operator may postpone, modify or cancel the departure when official authorities determine that the trail is unsafe. Travelers should review the applicable booking and cancellation conditions before confirming.
Travelers generally prefer periods with more stable and drier conditions. However, route access depends on weather, maintenance and official safety decisions, so current conditions must always be verified before departure.
Final
Discover remote Inca architecture, cross the Apurimac Canyon and spend a complete day exploring Choquequirao with a professional local team. Kantu Peru Tours coordinates your transportation, guide, trekking support, camps, meals and entrance ticket throughout the five-day journey.
Contact us to verify route conditions, departure availability and the current price for shared or private service. Book your Choquequirao Trek 5 Days with Kantu Peru Tours and prepare for one of the most demanding trekking experiences from Cusco.
