Day 1 – Cusco – Curahuasi – San Pedro de Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chikiska

Our private transportation will pick you up at 6:30 a.m., taking us to the Curahuasi district (2,668 meters above sea level)/8,753 feet (1,000 meters above sea level). We’ll follow a paved road to the Curahuasi district. Here, we’ll have one last opportunity for last-minute shopping and a quick rest. We’ll then continue on to the Tocha (2,909 meters above sea level) to San Pedro de Cachora (2,915 meters above sea level)/9,561 feet (1,000 meters above sea level), the final point of our transportation journey. From this point, we’ll begin our adventure.

Capuliyoc is a viewpoint where we’ll enjoy the magnificent views of the Apurimac Canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoc (5,571 meters above sea level)/18,277 feet (1,000 meters above sea level). Capuliyoc is also where our delicious lunch will be waiting for us. After a short break, we’ll have a small get-together where we can meet visitors and the staff who will accompany us on this tour (chef and muleteers).

From here, we’ll descend a unique zigzag path surrounded by charming plants and flowers such as begonias, orchids, and cacti. You’ll also be able to see some local birds. It will take us two hours to reach our Chikiska campsite at 1,836 meters above sea level (6,023 feet), where we will spend the night.

• Difficulty level: Moderate.
• Total distance: Approx. 8 km/5 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 2 hours.
• Curahuasi elevation: 2,668 meters above sea level (8,753 feet).
• San Pedro de Cachora elevation: 2,909 meters above sea level (9,543 feet).
• Capuliyoc elevation: 2,915 meters above sea level (9,561 feet).
• Chikiska Altitude: 1,836 meters above sea level/6,023 feet.
• Meals included: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodations: Campsite.

Day 2 – Chikiska – Rosalinas Beach – Santa Rosa Baja – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, we depart early. Throughout the day, we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids, and endemic fauna such as deer and spectacled bears. We are also expected to see birds such as the rock vulture, toucans, and a wide variety of hummingbirds.

Our day begins with an approximate 1-hour descent to the bottom of the canyon, called Rosalinas Beach (1,550 meters above sea level/5,084 feet). From here, we will probably begin the most difficult section of the trail, as we will hike uphill for approximately two hours to a hamlet called Santa Rosa Baja (2,095 meters above sea level/6,873 feet), where we will have time for a refreshing break. From Santa Rosa, we will continue ascending for another two hours to Marampata (2,913 meters above sea level/9.55 feet). This pleasant point is flat terrain where we can rest and enjoy our lunch, views of the Apurimac Canyon, and our first glimpse of the famous Inca site of Choquequirao.

After lunch, we will continue our journey for another two hours to reach our camp, located just outside the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (3,110 meters above sea level/10,120 feet). We will spend the night at the foot of the archaeological complex, where we will enjoy a beautiful sunset over the mountains. This Choquequirao camp is equipped with bathrooms and cold-water showers; however, our staff will provide warm water for personal hygiene.

• Difficulty Level: Difficult.
• Total Hiking Distance: Approx. 13 km/8 miles.
• Hiking Time: Approx. 8 hours.
• Rosalinas Beach Elevation: 1,550 m/5,084 ft.
• Santa Rosa Baja Elevation: 2,095 m/6,873 ft.
• Marampata Elevation: 2,913 m/9,557 ft.
• Choquequirao Elevation: 3,110 m/10,120 ft.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snack.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 3 – Choquequirao – Marampata – Santa Rosa – Rosalinas Beach – Chikiska

Awakening in the Andes is a unique pleasure that only you can experience, even more so when surrounded by mountains filled with pure energy.

Breakfast will be a reason to follow our instinct to seek out paths toward wildlife in Choquequirao, at an altitude of 3,110 meters (10,120 feet). After breakfast, we will head to visit the archaeological site, allowing enough time to enjoy stunning views of the deep canyons and perhaps the chance to see condors flying nearby.

Our knowledgeable guide will take you back in time and allow you to enjoy the visit in a different way. The exploration of Choquequirao will take approximately 3 hours.

To then continue back to the start along the same trail, we will descend to Sunchupata, Santa Rosa, Playa Rosalina, and finally to Chikiska (1,836 meters above sea level/6,023 feet), where we will have dinner and settle in for the night.

• Difficulty level: Difficult.
• Total hike distance: Approx. 13 km/8 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 8 hours.
• Choquequirao elevation: 3,110 meters above sea level/10,120 feet.
• Marampata elevation: 2,913 meters above sea level/9,557 feet.
• Santa Rosa Baja elevation: 2,095 meters above sea level/6,873 feet.
• Playa Rosalinas elevation: 1,550 meters above sea level/5,084 feet.
• Chikiska elevation: 1,836 meters above sea level/6,023 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 4 – Chikiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco

The last Andean breakfast will be special, accompanied by the murmur of the river, as if it were saying goodbye to us. This particular day will be one you’ll never forget, especially because you’ll realize where you’ve been and where we’re headed.

We’ll return via the same route to Capuliyoc (2,915 meters above sea level / 9,561 feet), but this time we’ll ascend. During our hike, we’ll observe exotic flora and fauna, as well as views of the majestic snow-capped peaks and the impressive Apurimac Canyon. These will be our last views of the Apurimac Valley and Choquequirao. The climb generally takes approximately 4 hours. Upon reaching the Capuliyoc viewpoint, our chef and the muleteers will once again be waiting for us, and lunch will be on the table for us to enjoy one last time.

In the afternoon after lunch, we will take a few minutes to thank and say goodbye to our muleteer friends and our chef. Then, we will board our private transportation, which will be waiting for us to return to Cusco. This journey will take approximately 4 hours.

• Difficulty level: Moderate.
• Total distance: Approx. 8 km/5 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 2 hours.
• Curahuasi elevation: 2,668 masl/8,753 ft.
• San Pedro de Cachora elevation: 2,909 masl/9,543 ft.
• Capuliyoc elevation: 2,915 masl/9,561 ft.
• Chikiska elevation: 1,836 masl/6,023 ft.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snack.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.

Let us be your host, serving you and guiding you to Choquequirao. Become one of those privileged visitors.

SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL will ensure your return to your hotel.

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Orientation meeting with your guide at your hotel 1 or 2 days before the hike begins.
• Muleteers and mules for transporting camping gear and personal belongings.
• Rescue horse (in case of emergencies).
• Chef and cooking equipment.
• Permits: Since our tour includes visits to Choquequirao, which is a protected area, government permits are required. As soon as we receive your information and a deposit, we will purchase your permits:
  
  
  • • Entrance ticket to the Choquequirao archaeological site.
      
      
• Guided tour of Choquequirao.
• All Private Transportation:
  
  
  • • Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
    • Pickup at your hotel.
    • Transfer from the hotel to Capuliyoc (hike starting point).
    • Transfer from Capuliyoc to your hotel (Day 4).
    • Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
      
      
• 7 kg/16 lb of your personal items (clothing and sleeping bag).
• will be carried by the muleteers; you will only carry your backpack.
• High-quality camping equipment (for 2 people per tent, with inflatable mattresses).
• Dining room, kitchen, tents with tables, chairs, and portable toilets.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian food optional upon request).
• First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
• Hot water for personal hygiene.
• Cold, boiled water throughout the trek to refill your bottles or canisters.
• *** Hotel in Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (subject to availability).

• Sleeping bag.
• Inflatable sleeping mats.
• Walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended. If you don’t wish to bring any of the above, all are available for rent:
  
  
  • • Sleeping bag: $25.
    • Walking sticks (pair): $20.
      
      
• Travel insurance:
  
  
  • • To protect your travel investment, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and easy.
    • ***Tipping****
    • At SAMIN – CUSCO – TRAVEL: Our staff receives a fair salary, indicated as medium-high. Tips are optional but greatly appreciated.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if booked as a student).
• Immigration card (given at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water storage: A water reservoir like Camelbags is recommended, but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).

For your duffel:

Horses or pack animals will carry up to 10 kg/22 lb of your personal items. This should include your sleeping bag.

• 4-5 T-shirts.
• 4-5 hiking pants.
• 1 comfortable outfit for the day in Machu Picchu.
• 7 sets of underwear.
• 7 sets of hiking socks.
• 1 thick, soft scarf.
• 1 warm jacket: it gets very cold at night.
• 1 rain jacket and pants.
• 1 sun hat.
• 1 wool hat.
• Flashlight headlamp: essential.
• Waterproof gloves (even if they’re ski gloves, bring them).
• Comfortable camping shoes (tennis shoes).
• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
• Sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Quick-dry towel. We provide small towels; you may want to consider something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: Provide warm water every day for cleaning; it might keep you feeling refreshed if you use a little soap.
• Battery charger: There’s no place to plug it in during the trek!.
• Large plastic bags: To help organize and keep the route clean.
• Sleeping bag: Down bags rated for at least -10°C are recommended.

Toiletry Items:

• Sunscreen.
• Moisturizing face cream.
• Insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Toilet paper.

Inside your backpack:

Backpacks can be any size comfortable for the trek, but we always recommend the smaller the better. Bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed inside Machu Picchu. Any larger bags must be stored outside the citadel gates.

• Water: We provide clean water at every meal. You are responsible for your first morning’s water supply, as we won’t have time to filter the water until your first lunch.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts.
• Sun hat.
• Rain gear.
• Rain poncho and hat.
• Fleece jacket.
• Camera.
• Music.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
• Earplugs.

When is the best time to go to Choquequirao?

The best time to visit Choquequirao is during the dry season (from April to October). Although the sun can be more intense during the hike, the almost complete absence of rain makes the journey more bearable.

How many kilometers does it take to hike to Choquequirao?

Choquequirao is located between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3,110 meters above sea level (10,120 feet). It has a peculiarity: it can only be reached on foot, a 31 km (19.26 mile) hike.

What is the weather like?

The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,110 meters (10,120 feet). The climate is temperate with cold nights.

However, the trail leading to the summit of Choquequirao is hot due to its proximity to the Apurimac Canyon. The temperature at the archaeological site is estimated to range between 5°C and 25°C.

What is the flora and fauna like at Choquequirao?

Choquequirao is home to a variety of animals and birds, such as condors, foxes, vizcachas, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, and the Cock-of-the-Rock. Also, like Machu Picchu, it is home to a wide variety of orchids.

What does Choquequirao mean?

Choquequirao is a Quechua word meaning «Cradle of Gold.» The name comes from the name of a hill near the archaeological site.

Where is it located?

Choquequirao is located on one of the slopes of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain range, north of the Apurímac River. It is currently located in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco, Peru.

What’s there to see in Choquequirao?

This magnificent Choquequirao Archaeological Center, only 30% of which is free of vegetation, is composed of nine stone architectural groups and a system of 180 platforms, residential, administrative, and craft areas, an irrigation system, and other stone-based buildings.