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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Daniela P
September 3, 2025
Henrry was the best! We did the 2 day inka trail trek with him and everything exceeded our expectations. He was full of insights and information (& jokes). We felt well taken care of the entire time and the lunch provided on the hike was good too!
Cristian M
September 2, 2025
First time camping and being that the Inka Trail I think it was mesmerizing. The guides were very supportive. Both Chino and Cati were very attentive to our health and livelihoods. Not only with us but with the group as a whole. The helping crew and the crew were exceptional . There were amazing sites along the way and overcoming the hardships of the hike was both spiritually and physically expansive.
Voyager559792
September 1, 2025
I had the best experience hiking the four days with Inka Trail Expeditions. The food was delicious, tents cozy and insulated. We got double sleeping pads and super warm bags. Most importantly, our guide Eder was fantastic! He took care of our every need, answered our many questions, and shared his extensive knowledge. I had a lingering cold when I started the hike that developed into acute bronchitis, but he stayed with me, gave me a "remedy," asked every store for miel, and even gave me cola and mentos from his pack! He went above and beyond to make sure I was okay. He also found out it was my birthday the day before the last night of camping and made sure I had a cake. A CAKE! At 12k feet... Amazing. But beyond his attentiveness, Eder shared his passion and knowledge of the trail with love and enthusiasm. If you decide to do the Inka Trail with this group (which I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE), ask for Eder as your guide!!! You will be taken care of from start to finish.
karyn h
September 1, 2025
The 2 guides, Jorge and Katy, were kind, helpful, patient, knowledgeable, and excellent at keeping the group on task. The porters, the cooks, the camp sites, were welcoming after a hard day of hiking. The size of the group was perfect for getting to know each other.
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