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Andes Path Peru – Trek Choquequirao Peru 4days, Offer you an ancient and best hike to Choquequirao archaeological; located in the Greater Apurimac area, was most likely built during the reign of the Inca Pachacutic and is considered to be the last bastion of inca resistance and refugee, Its location and geography reveals the similarity with Machu picchu, therefore it is believed that it was a sacred precinct for our ancestors.
Trek Choquequirao Peru 4days, is perfectly located as it is a connection between the high Amazon Jungle and the city of Cusco. The region provides a lot of microclimates and a landscape full of snow-covered peaks of about 6000m (19685f). Place where still have not been explored in 100%, because there are new signs of areas, so can be your own and first experience with Trek Choquequirao Peru 4days. do it ! with Andes Path Peru
The Choquequirao Trek is a challenging route that leads to a remote Inca city in the Andes. This journey is an alternative for those seeking a less-traveled path, as Choquequirao receives very few visitors compared to other sites in the region. The tour begins with an early morning drive from Cusco to the trailhead at Capuliyoc, which serves as the starting point for the demanding hike.
This trek is physically strenuous due to the terrain of the Apurimac Canyon. The first part of the trail involves a long and steep descent to the canyon floor, followed by an equally difficult ascent up the opposite side to reach the ruins. The route requires a high level of fitness and endurance, as hikers will experience significant changes in altitude and temperature, from cool mountain air to the heat of the deep canyon.
The main objective is the visit to the Choquequirao archaeological complex, a large Inca settlement of which only a fraction has been excavated. After touring the site, the return journey follows a path through different parts of the canyon, passing through fertile agricultural areas such as Tambo bamba. The trek concludes with a final hike to the village of Huanipaca, from where a vehicle provides transport back to Cusco.
DESCRIPTIONS Trek Choquequirao Peru 4days
LEGEND: 4 days / 3 nights
STYLE:Culture and Adventures
GROUP SIZE: Minimum 2 and maximum 8
LEVEL OF DIFFYCULTY: Moderate to Challenging
DEPARTURES DAY: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
ALTITUDE: 1500 – 3030 m. / 4921 – 9941 f.
LOCATION: Cusco / Apurimac
ACLIMATIZATION:Minimum 2 days at altitude recommended.
HIGH SEASON: March to January
We leave Cusco () at 5 am, driving toward Cachora village (), the place where we meet our support staff. Thereafter, we continue our journey towards the pass of Capuliyoc (), where we have nicer views of mountain Padreyoc and the Apurimac canyon (meaning “river speaking”). Thereupon, we start descending through the Apurimac canyon toward Chiquisca (), camping and overnight.
After breakfast, we descend to Playa Rosalina (). And we continue heading for Marampata () where we are covered with beautiful views of the archeological site of Choquequirao (). Our camping site is located 25 minutes from the settlement.
We first visit the archeological site of Choquequirao prior to the breakfast. We visit the only 30% of this “golden cradle” that has been exposed. We descend to the deepest Apurímac canyon’s part called San Ignacio at then hike to our lunch spot. After that, we hike a short ascent to our campsite ().
Our campsite is near The gardens of Carmen are situated to the manor of Tambo bamba (), a region considered to be one of the most fertile valleys to cultivate maize and a variety of potatoes. We observe small villages such as Pacobamba and Huanipaca () and return to Cusco.
This 4-day trek is available on any date that works for you, as long as there is a minimum of two hikers. The price is $537 USD per person for groups of 2 to 12 people.
This is an intense 4-day, 3-night trek. It requires full days of strenuous hiking, starting early each morning.
The climate varies greatly. The higher sections near Capuliyoc and on the final day are cool and can be windy. The bottom of the canyon (Playa Rosalina, San Ignacio) is hot and humid. Be prepared for both extremes within the same day.
This trek is very remote, and you will have limited interaction with locals outside of your trekking crew (guide and horsemen). The horsemen are from the communities near the start of the trail.
A high level of physical fitness is required. Your preparation should include cardiovascular training (running, cycling) and strength training, especially for your legs (squats, lunges). Practice by taking long hikes with elevation changes if possible.
This trek is best suited for experienced hikers who are in excellent physical condition. It is generally not recommended for children under 16 or for adults who are not accustomed to strenuous, multi-day hiking.
Proper acclimatization is crucial to prevent health issues before you start.
How difficult is the Choquequirao Trek?
This is one of the most physically demanding treks in the Cusco area. It involves a very steep descent of over meters and an equally steep ascent. It is recommended only for people with a high level of physical fitness and hiking experience.
Will I see many other tourists on the trail?
No. The Choquequirao trail is remote and difficult, so it receives very few visitors. You will likely see only a few other trekking groups during your entire trip.
What is the biggest challenge of the trek?
The biggest challenge is the drastic and rapid changes in elevation. The continuous “down and up” hiking puts significant strain on your legs and knees. Trekking poles are highly recommended.
Are there issues with altitude sickness on this trek?
While you start at high altitude in Cusco, the majority of the hike takes place at lower elevations inside the canyon, reducing the risk of altitude sickness during the trek. However, proper acclimatization in Cusco for 2-3 days before the trek is still mandatory.
What are the camping facilities like?
The campsites are basic. They are designated flat areas for setting up tents. Toilet facilities are simple (pit toilets) or a portable toilet tent may be provided by the crew. There are no showers.
Do I need to carry all of my equipment?
No. Horses or mules will carry all the heavy camping equipment, food, and your personal duffel bag (up to a specific weight limit). You only need to carry a small daypack with your daily essentials.
Is insect repellent necessary?
Yes, insect repellent is essential. The bottom of the Apurimac Canyon is hot and humid, and there are small biting insects (sand flies) that can be very bothersome.
What if I cannot finish the trek?
Due to the remote “out-and-back” nature of the trail, leaving the trek mid-way is difficult and costly. You would have to return along the same path with a horseman to the trailhead. It is important to be sure of your physical condition before starting.
Can I rent equipment for the trek?
Yes, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and walking sticks are available to rent. You should reserve them at the time of booking.
Is it possible to buy snacks or water on the trail?
There are a few small, family-run shops at points like Chiquisca and Marampata where you can buy basic snacks, water, or soda. However, availability is not guaranteed, so it is best to bring your own.
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.
To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.
Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!