The Choquequirao complex trek is very fascinating and one of the most popular trips in the Cusco area. And it’s no surprise as it´s surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an amazing variety of plants, birds and animals.
It is situated in the spur of the Salkantay Mountain range, at over 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was connected and in communication with Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails.
Choquequirao is considered "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". Visitors will have a chance to discover a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographic location of Choquequirao in reference to other religious centers of the same period tends to indicate that its function was that Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
At 5:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco in our private van that takes us to the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2800m). There you have plenty of time to try a local breakfast (not included in the package, though the price is fairly reasonable). We will meet the rest of our team (cooks and horse handlers) and start our long trek for the day, which takes us between 7 and 8 hours in this mountainous region. Along the way we will observe diverse landscapes typical to the different climates in the area with views such as the Pedroyoc snow-capped mountain or even the diverse flora and fauna that enhance our experience.
We will finally arrive at the viewpoint of Capulichayoc from where we will be able to observe the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurimac, with the Apurimac River at the bottom. It is here we have our first lunch and our first sights of Choquequirao. Once we rest, we continue descending until Chiquisca (1800m) where we set up the tents and spend the night surrounded by the wonderful landscapes.
After a good breakfast, we start a 5 hour strenuous uphill hike until our lunch stop at Marcapata. Here we will have a guided tour of Chokequirao (the "Golden Cradle"), considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu for the many similarities they share. Chokequirao hangs 1500 meters above the Apurimac Canyon while Machu Picchu looks over the Urubamba canyon, they have the same latitude, and both are large citadels of more than 8 hectares with only one third having been uncovered so far.
Archeologists make new discoveries every day. We will explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, appreciating the various houses, terraces and other elements of this late Inca town. We will camp next to Marcapata.
Day 3 | Choquequirao
We can view the sunrise over the ruins at dawn and after a good breakfast, start going down using the same way we came, until we reach our camp at Chiquisca.
An early start today will help us to avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee us some magnificent views of the Apurimac and the surrounding peaks. On our journey we reach the lookout at Capuliyoc one final time where we say goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while surrounded by the flora & forna special to this area. We will then climb to our final destination of San Pedro de Cachora to return to Cusco by bus.
Hotel in Lima, Cusco or other cities in Peru can be booked for the kind you prefer (Standard, Economy, First Class, Luxury). Ask us about this service! We have confidential rates of each hotel in Cusco to be able to get you a good deal.
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Pbl H
July 7, 2025
Realizar el camino Inka de dos días con esta empresa ha sido una experiencia difícilmente olvidable y totalmente recomendable. La gestión de traslados, reserva de alojamiento, desayunos y comidas ha sido inmejorable. Tuvimos la suerte de contar con un guía llamado Javier que mostró amplísimos conocimientos sobre todos los lugares que visitamos, así como sobre animales, pájaros, mariposas, flores y plantas que observamos, lo cual enriqueció enormemente la experiencia. Además organizó anticipadamente todas las gestiones relacionadas con la ruta para despreocuparnos de todo. Tuvimos mucha suerte de que Javier fuera nuestro guía, así que recomiendo sin duda vivir la experiencia con esta empresa y si tenéis suerte Javier quizás os pueda acompañar.
Elisabeth T
July 7, 2025
El camino Inca corto es una forma inolvidable de llegar a Machu Picchu. Todo el camino y la visita fue inmejorable, Javier fue un guía muy atento y amable, que respondió a todas nuestras preguntas y con el que fue muy interesante conversar. Recomendaría la experiencia a cualquiera.
Manu
July 5, 2025
We did the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Javier, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly supportive, especially on the uphill climbs! He shared so much insight about Inca history, the significance of the sites along the way, and even little details that made the experience more meaningful. You can tell he truly cares about the land, the culture, and the people he’s guiding. On a practical level, he was extremely organized and thoughtful. He checked in with us throughout the hike, adjusting the pace as needed, offering encouragement during the tougher climbs, and making sure we felt supported and safe. He also knew the best spots for breaks and photos and trust me, the man has a great eye for capturing the perfect picture! If you’re thinking about doing the Inca Trail whether it’s a short trek or the full journey do yourself a favor and request Javier. He doesn’t just guide you to Machu Picchu, he guides you through an experience that stays with you long after the hike is over.
Sean M
July 1, 2025
The trip on the Salkantay Pass was absolutely amazing. Beautiful views and an unbelievable overall atmosphere. Our guide, Johann went above and beyond making sure we had a safe, informative, and fun trip. I don’t know if we could’ve done this with anybody else. The porters, chef, and overall crew were all amazing and did so much to make the experience amazing, and share the landscape and history with us. Amazing trip I can’t recommend more, especially with Johann
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