Exploring Lost Citadels & High Andean PassesCusco → Capuliyoc → Chiquisca → Playa Rosalinas → Santa RosaDay 01
Your adventure begins with an informative briefing at 5:00 p.m. the night before departure in our Cusco office. On day one, we will pick you up early from your hotel and drive for several hours to Capuliyoc, the official start of our trek. Here, you'll meet the rest of our crew, organize your gear, and take in the first stunning, panoramic views of the Apurimac Canyon, a precursor to the epic journey ahead.
The day's hike is primarily a challenging, multi-hour descent into the canyon. As we leave Capuliyoc, the trail zig-zags downward, offering breathtaking and ever-changing landscapes of the Apurimac River and the distant, snow-capped peaks. We will pass through the small settlement of Chiquisca, continuing our descent until we reach the lowest point of our day at Playa Rosalinas, right by the roaring river.
After a well-deserved rest and refueling at the riverbank, we face our final challenge of the day: a brief but steep ascent to our campsite at Santa Rosa. Arriving as the afternoon light fades, our team will have camp set up and a delicious dinner prepared. You will spend your first night under the stars, immersed in the profound silence of the canyon.

Santa Rosa → Marampata → Choquequirao Archaeological Complex → MarampataDay 02
Following an early, energizing breakfast, we begin the most demanding ascent of the trek, climbing from Santa Rosa towards Marampata. This section is steep but incredibly rewarding, as with every step, the views of the canyon become more spectacular. The gradual change in vegetation signals our approach to the high-altitude ruins, and the anticipation builds as we near our goal.
Upon reaching the village of Marampata, we will take a short rest before continuing on the final, gentler stretch to our destination. The trail leads us directly to the magnificent Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. We will arrive with ample time to enjoy a comprehensive guided tour, exploring the main plaza, ritual sectors, imposing temples, and the famous "Llamas of the Sun" terraces, often in relative solitude.
After immersing ourselves in the history and palpable energy of the "Cradle of Gold" and witnessing a spectacular sunset over the ruins, we will hike back to our nearby campsite in Marampata for the night. This strategic location offers stunning views and a peaceful resting place, allowing us to reflect on the incredible site we just explored.

Marampata → Santa Rosa → Playa Rosalinas → ChiquiscaDay 03
We awaken in Marampata and, after breakfast, begin our journey back, departing from this high perch and descending once more into the canyon's depths. The return hike allows you to see the dramatic landscape from a new perspective, appreciating the immense scale of the Apurimac Valley and the incredible feat of engineering that is the trail itself.
The trail leads us all the way back down to the river, where we will cross at Playa Rosalinas. This is an excellent opportunity to take a break and cool off by the refreshing, cold waters of the Apurimac River, replenishing your energy before the next segment of our hike.
The final part of the day involves a moderate ascent from the river up to our third and final campsite in the village of Chiquisca. This climb, while challenging after the long descent, is more gradual than the previous days. We will settle in for the evening, enjoying our last dinner together on the trail, prepared by our dedicated chef.

Chiquisca → Capuliyoc → Saywite Monolith → Conoc Hot Springs → CuscoDay 04
On our final day, we tackle the last leg of the trek: the ascent from Chiquisca back to Capuliyoc. This final push, best completed in the cool morning air, completes our circuit, and reaching the viewpoint where we started is a moment of triumph. At Capuliyoc, we will bid farewell to our dedicated trekking team of arrieros and chefs.
Our adventure doesn't end there. Our private transport will first take us to the intriguing Saywite Monolith, a massive, intricately carved stone believed to be a 3D map or religious offering of the Inca world. Following this cultural stop, we will continue to the Conoc Hot Springs for a well-deserved and relaxing soak, soothing our muscles after four days of intense hiking.
Fully relaxed and revitalized, we will enjoy our final lunch before boarding our private transport for the return journey. We will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening, filled with the profound satisfaction of having conquered one of Peru's most spectacular and challenging treks.
