Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
Remote Peru Adventure
- Duration5D / 4N
- DifficultyChallenging
- Max. altitude4,200 msnm
- ServiceGroup or private · Max 16
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Overview
Choquequirao Trek 5 days is an unforgettable adventure for travelers who want to go beyond the traditional routes and discover one of Peru’s most remote and impressive Inca sites. This extraordinary journey takes you through dramatic mountain scenery, deep canyon landscapes, and ancient trails that lead to the magnificent archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
The Choquequirao Trek 5 days is known as one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Peru. Unlike more crowded destinations, this route offers a quieter and more immersive connection with the Andes. As you hike through the Apurímac Canyon, you will enjoy breathtaking views, changing landscapes, and the feeling of exploring a place that still feels wild, authentic, and untouched. The classic 5-day route is widely recognized as one of the best ways to fully experience Choquequirao and its surrounding scenery.
Along the way, the trail challenges and inspires you with steep descents, demanding climbs, and spectacular natural beauty. Every day reveals a new side of the Peruvian Andes, from sunlit valleys and high mountain paths to the powerful silence of one of the country’s least-visited archaeological wonders. This is the perfect trek for travelers seeking adventure, exclusivity, and a deeper experience far from the usual tourist circuit.
Itinerary
- Day 1Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
- Day 2Chiquiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata
- Day 3Maranpata - Choquequiraw – Maranpata
- Day 4Maranpata – Chiquisca – Coca Masana
- Day 5Coca masana – Capuliyoc – Cusco
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Day 1Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquiska
We pick you up at 3.30 am from hotel and take you by minivan from Cusco to Capuliyoc. From here we will start our hike and gradually descend for two hours until we get to our lunch spot at Cocamasana. On the way down you will appreciate the spectacular snowcapped mountains of Pedrayoc and Qoriwayrachina. Once arrived at the lunch spot our master chef will wait for us with a delicious organic buffet lunch. Afterward we will continue hiking down for 1:30 hours until we reach our campsite at chikiska. this place is just located only (1000m/3280ft), above sea level, it is warm and perfect location to enjoy the night.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
- Transport time: 4 hours
- Tour Type: Hiking – Cultural, History – Nature
- Start/End Time: At 4.00 am from your Cusco hotel and you will be in your camp at 4 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
-
Day 2Chiquiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata
We wake you up early in the morning with a cup of hot coca tea. Then you will have half an hour to organize your personal belongings and have a healthy energetic breakfast. After breakfast we will start hiking. Just 30 minutes hike down to our campsite there is a river called Apurímac, which is one of the tributaries of the amazon river. We have to cross it and start climbing up for 2 hours until we get to the village of Santa Rosa, where we will have our second organic buffet lunch. And then we will continue to Marampata village This is a beautiful spot from where we have glamorous views in different directions. Sometimes you can even see condors flying above us. Here will be our second campsite.
From now on we will follow a gentle path until we reach our second campsite near Choquequiraw. After a challenging day we will enjoy hot drinks and an organic buffet dinner.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – History – Nature
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 3.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 1500 m - 4921 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2940 m / 9646 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
-
Day 3Maranpata - Choquequiraw – Maranpata
Today is a very important day! After two days of hard hiking we will visit the famous Inca citadel of Choquequiraw. We will wake you up with a cup of hot coca tea and you will have half an hour to organize your personal belongings and have breakfast. Once we have enjoyed our healthy and energetic breakfast, we will start hiking all the way up to Choquequiraw for 2 hours. Our tour guide will give you an interesting information about this Wonderful archaeological site “Choquequiraw” and shown us important places such as the major plaza, the water fountains, the llama sector, Piquiwasi and the casa sacerdotal. After you will have some time to explore this impressive Inca citadel on your own. We will then return to our camping site and enjoy our organic buffet lunch. Then we continue hiking for 2 more hours until we reach the village of Maranpata, where we will stay and spend the night.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – Culture History – Nature
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 3.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 1500 m - 4921 ft
- Climate: Templete
- Total, Walking Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles
- Highest Altitude: 3050 m / 1.8952 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
-
Day 4Maranpata – Chiquisca – Coca Masana
We will wake you up at around 6 am and enjoy a healthy energetic breakfast. Then we start hiking downhill for 3 hours until we reach La Playa Rosalina. Along the way we can enjoy the Apurímac canyon and the flora and fauna of this region. Especially the beautiful orchids and a waterfall along the way makes this part of the hike special. Once arrived to La Playa Rosalina we will take a break and have a snack in order to charge our batteries for the second part of today’s hike. After the break we will continue going up for 1:30 hours until we get to Chiquisca, where we will have another organic buffet lunch. And then continue 2 more hours up to Coca masana our campsite, where we stay our last night.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – nature – river
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 3.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2940 m / 9646 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2940 m / 9646 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Challenging
-
Day 5Coca masana – Capuliyoc – Cusco
We wake you up at around 6:00am with a cup of coca tea in your tent and then have a healthy energetic breakfast. After that we will start climbing up for 4 hours until reach – Capuliyoc pass final of or hiking, where you will enjoy the last organic buffet lunch. This point will be the last moment to see our master chef, porters and horsemen. This point will be the moment to say “Hasta la vista baby - goodbye, and then take our van to return to Cusco together with our guide. arriving time to Cusco will be around 5 to 6 pm depending of traffic on the way, finally our driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Trek overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Transport time: none
- Tour Type: Hiking – nature – canon
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your Cusco hotel at 5 to 6 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2,330 m / 7545 ft
- Climate: warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2950 m / 9678 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
Included
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek.
- Private transportation from Cusco to the trailhead in Capuliyoc and return to Cusco at the end of the trek.
- Professional trekking chef (Master Chef) during the entire trek.
- Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry trekking and camping equipment.
- Official Choquequirao Trail permit.
- Choquequirao archaeological site entrance ticket.
- Breakfast at a tourist restaurant in Cachora on the first day.
- Healthy and energetic breakfasts during the trek.
- Organic buffet lunches prepared by our professional chef.
- Organic buffet dinners prepared by our professional chef.
- Snacks and drinking water during all hiking days.
- Full trekking support and assistance throughout the route.
- First-aid kit and emergency support during the trek.
Not included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Personal expenses and extra drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before the trek to acclimatize properly.
- Bring your original passport, as it may be required at checkpoints.
- Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
- Dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather conditions.
- Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
- Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
- Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
- Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and daily essentials.
- Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and personal expenses.
- Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on steep sections.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
- Respect nature, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Route map
Approximate route. Your guide will share the detailed map before departure.
Gallery
FAQs
How difficult is the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek is considered moderate to challenging due to long hiking days, steep ascents and descents, and altitude changes. It is recommended for travelers in good physical condition, ideally with some previous trekking experience. The trail does not require technical climbing skills, but endurance and preparation are important. Our guides set a steady pace, include regular breaks, and provide full support throughout the trek.
What is the best time of year to do the Choquequirao Trek?
The best time to hike the Choquequirao Trek is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, weather conditions are more stable and trail conditions are better. June, July, and August are the most popular months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options, while February is not recommended due to heavy rains.
Are meals and camping logistics included during the trek?
Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. This includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water. Muleteers carry the main equipment, allowing you to hike with a light daypack. This full-service setup ensures comfort, proper nutrition, and energy throughout the entire trek.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented if needed. A small backpack for daily essentials such as water, snacks, and personal items is also recommended.
Is travel insurance required for the Choquequirao Trek?
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical assistance, and emergency evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, insurance offers additional peace of mind when trekking in remote Andean areas.
Questions about this tour?
Machulas Journey
Why travel with Machulas Journey
Award-winning local team
Travel & Hospitality Award 2022. We are based in Cusco and operate our own tours.
Small groups
Personal attention on the trail and flexible private departures.
Permits handled for you
Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets, trains and buses booked by our team.
Expert local guides
Bilingual guides who share the history and culture of the Andes.
Responsible travel
Fair treatment of porters and respect for local communities (ESNNA code).
Secure booking
Card payments with Izipay or PayPal and a clear refund policy.
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