Exploring Lost Citadels & High Andean PassesCusco → Capuliyoc → ChiquiscaDay 01
Our adventure begins with an early 4:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel in private transport toward the village of Cachora, enjoying breakfast en route before continuing to Capuliyoc. This pass (2,915m / 9,564 ft) is the official starting point of our trek, offering breathtaking initial views of the Apurímac Canyon and the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora.
From Capuliyoc, we begin our descent into the canyon. The trail is a winding path that showcases the dramatic landscape, with the Apurímac River carving its way through the valley far below. This section requires focus and sturdy knees as we navigate the switchbacks, descending approximately 1,400 meters (4,593 ft) over several hours.
As the afternoon sets in, we arrive at our first campsite, Chiquisca (1,950m / 6,398 ft). This small, rustic campsite provides a well-deserved rest. Our team will have the tents ready and will prepare a delicious dinner as we settle in for the night, surrounded by the sounds of the canyon.

Chiquisca → Playa Rosalinas → MarampataDay 02
Today is widely considered the most challenging day of the trek. We wake early for breakfast and begin a short descent to Playa Rosalinas (1,550m / 5,085 ft), the lowest point of our journey. Here, we cross the powerful Apurímac River via a suspension bridge, leaving the desert-like canyon floor to begin our arduous ascent.
The climb from the river is steep and demanding, following a zigzag path up the canyon's opposite wall. We will take it slow and steady, passing through the small hamlet of Santa Rosa where we can pause for a rest. The sun can be intense, so hydration and sun protection are crucial during this ascent.
After several hours of climbing, we reach the community of Marampata (2,940m / 9,646 ft), our home for the night. This campsite offers spectacular views looking back across the canyon and the promise of our goal just ahead. We arrive in the afternoon, with time to rest our legs and enjoy a stunning sunset over the Andes before dinner.

Marampata → Choquequirao Archaeological Complex → MarampataDay 03
We wake with anticipation, as today is dedicated entirely to exploring the "Cradle of Gold." After breakfast, we take a short walk (approximately 90 minutes) from Marampata to the entrance of the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (3,050m / 10,007 ft). Because of its remote location, we will likely have this magnificent site almost to ourselves.
Your expert guide will lead a comprehensive tour through the vast complex, which is larger in area than Machu Picchu. We will explore the main plaza, the ceremonial sectors, the impressive agricultural terraces, and the famous "Llamas of the Sun" terraces, a stunning example of Inca stonework depicting llamas built directly into the mountainside.
We will have a box lunch at the site to maximize our exploration time. After a full day uncovering the secrets of this lost city, we take the short walk back to our campsite in Marampata, where our chef will have a revitalizing dinner waiting.

Marampata → Playa Rosalinas → ChiquiscaDay 04
With our main objective achieved, we begin the return journey. We start early, enjoying the cool morning air as we begin the long, steep descent from Marampata back down to the Apurímac River. This is the same path we ascended on Day 2, and the downhill trek requires careful footing and the use of trekking poles.
We pass through Santa Rosa once more, eventually reaching Playa Rosalinas to cross the bridge over the Apurímac. From the river, we face one final climb for the day, ascending from the bridge back to our first campsite at Chiquisca, where we arrived on Day 1.
This afternoon ascent is shorter than the previous day's climb but still a challenge in the afternoon warmth. We arrive at Chiquisca in the late afternoon, completing our traverse of the canyon. This will be our last night of camping, and the team will prepare a special farewell dinner to celebrate our accomplishment.

Chiquisca → Capuliyoc → Saywite → CuscoDay 05
Today is our final trekking day. We wake before dawn to begin the last major ascent, the 3-4 hour climb from Chiquisca back to the Capuliyoc viewpoint. Hiking in the early morning light allows us to avoid the worst of the sun and rewards us with magnificent sunrise views as we climb out of the canyon.
Upon reaching Capuliyoc, we will be met by our private transport. We bid farewell to our muleteers and trekking team and enjoy a final, hearty breakfast. From here, we begin the drive back to Cusco, making a fascinating stop en route to visit the Saywite Monolith, an intricately carved Inca stone believed to be a map or model of their empire.
We may also make an optional stop at the Conoc thermal baths to soak our tired muscles—a perfect reward after a demanding trek. We will then continue our journey, arriving back at your hotel in Cusco in the late afternoon, filled with the satisfaction of completing one of Peru's most epic adventures.