Discover the majestic "Cradle of Gold" on this unforgettable 5-day expedition to Choquequirao, one of Peru's most remote and spectacular Inca citadels. This challenging trek takes you deep into the Apurimac Canyon, descending and ascending through dramatic mountain landscapes to reach ruins that remain largely unexplored and free from crowds. Unlike its famous sister Machu Picchu, Choquequirao receives only a handful of visitors each day, offering an intimate connection with ancient Inca history. Marvel at the unique white llama terraces, explore ceremonial plazas, and experience breathtaking panoramic views from this sacred site perched at 3,050 meters. This trek is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
A Journey to the Last Inca Citadel
The Choquequirao Trek is one of the most rewarding and challenging treks in Peru, taking you to the spectacular "Cradle of Gold" - an archaeological site believed to be even larger than Machu Picchu. This 5-day expedition descends into the dramatic Apurimac Canyon, crosses the mighty river, and climbs to the remote Inca citadel that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
Experience dramatic altitude changes from 1,550m to 3,050m, traverse ancient paths, camp under pristine mountain skies, and explore one of the most impressive archaeological sites in South America with virtually no crowds.
Our adventure begins with an early 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 is the official starting point of our trek, offering breathtaking initial views of the Apurimac Canyon and the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora. Meet your mule team and prepare for the descent.
From Capuliyoc, we begin our descent into the canyon. The trail is a winding path that showcases the dramatic landscape, with the Apurimac 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.
Enjoy a delicious hot lunch prepared by our chef at a scenic rest point. Take time to rest your legs and hydrate before continuing the afternoon descent.
As the afternoon sets in, we arrive at our first campsite, Chiquisca. 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.
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 Apurimac River via a suspension bridge, leaving the desert-like canyon floor to begin our arduous ascent. This is the warmest and lowest point of the entire trek.
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.
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the small community of Santa Rosa. Rest and refuel before continuing the challenging ascent to Marampata.
After several hours of climbing, we reach the community of Marampata, 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.
We wake with anticipation, as today is dedicated entirely to exploring the "Cradle of Gold." After a hearty breakfast, we prepare for the walk to the archaeological complex.
After a short walk (approximately 90 minutes) from Marampata, we reach the entrance of the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. 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. Continue exploring different sectors of this incredible Inca citadel at your own pace.
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.
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 Apurimac 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, taking breaks as needed.
Eventually reaching Playa Rosalinas, we cross the bridge over the Apurimac once again. From the river, we face one final climb for the day, ascending from the bridge back to our first campsite at Chiquisca.
Enjoy lunch near the river before beginning the afternoon ascent back to Chiquisca. Rest and hydrate for the final push of the day.
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.
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.
Begin the challenging climb out of the canyon. The trail rewards us with magnificent sunrise views as we climb, with golden light illuminating the dramatic landscape we've traversed over the past days.
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 while taking in the panoramic views one last time.
From Capuliyoc, 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. This archaeological treasure is a perfect complement to our Choquequirao experience.
We may also make an optional stop at the Conoc thermal baths to soak our tired muscles - a perfect reward after a demanding trek. Enjoy the natural hot springs and relax before the final drive.
We 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 - the legendary Choquequirao Trek!
The Choquequirao Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights is classified as Challenging. You'll trek 6-8 hours daily over steep terrain, with significant elevation changes including descents of over 1,500 meters into the Apurimac Canyon and ascents back up. The highest point is 3,050m at Choquequirao. Good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended, though it's more accessible than the 8-day version.
The complete trek covers approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) over 4 days of trekking. This includes dramatic elevation changes totaling over 4,000 meters of cumulative ascent and descent. The route goes from Capuliyoc (2,915m) down to the Apurimac River (1,550m) and back up to Choquequirao (3,050m), then returns the same way.
Choquequirao is often called the "Sister City" of Machu Picchu and is believed to be even larger. Only about 30% has been excavated, giving you the chance to explore a site that feels undiscovered. Unlike Machu Picchu, which receives thousands of daily visitors, Choquequirao sees fewer than 30 visitors per day. The famous white llama terraces are unique to this site, and you'll experience the ruins in remarkable solitude.
The best time is during the dry season from April to October. May through September offers the most stable weather with minimal rainfall. However, nights can be cold at higher elevations. The rainy season (November to March) makes the trails more challenging with muddy and slippery conditions, though the landscape is greener.
This trek features 4 nights camping in high-quality 4-season tents at designated campsites along the route (Chiquisca, Marampata, and return). We provide inflatable sleeping mattresses for comfort. You can rent a sleeping bag rated to -10°C or bring your own. Campsites have basic toilet facilities.
The trek includes 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Our cook prepares fresh, nutritious meals designed to fuel your trek. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Breakfast on Day 1 is not included. We also provide snacks, hot drinks, and purified water throughout the trek.
You only need to carry a daypack (20-30 liters) with your daily essentials: water, snacks, camera, rain gear, warm layer, and personal items. Our team of mules and arrieros (muleteers) transport all camping gear, cooking equipment, and your main luggage. Each participant receives a duffel bag allowance of up to 7kg for the mules to carry.
Yes, we recommend it. Arrive in Cusco at least 1-2 days before your trek starts to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400m/11,150ft). While this trek reaches a maximum of 3,050m (lower than the 8-day version), the steep terrain and strenuous activity still require good acclimatization. Consider visiting the Sacred Valley first or doing light walks in Cusco.
Basic toilet facilities are available at campsites (typically pit toilets). During the day's hike, you'll use nature (we provide a toilet tent for privacy at rest stops). We recommend bringing biodegradable wet wipes and hand sanitizer. There are no showers on the trail, but you can freshen up at streams along the way.
Cell phone signal is extremely limited on this remote trek. You may get sporadic signal at some high points, but don't count on it. There's no WiFi until you return to Cusco on Day 5. We recommend informing family and friends that you'll be off-grid for most of the trek. Bring a portable charger for your devices and consider this a digital detox opportunity!
Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication devices. In case of serious emergency, evacuation by mule to the nearest road or helicopter evacuation can be arranged (costs covered by your mandatory travel insurance). The nearest hospitals are in Cusco. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and emergency response.
If you're unable to continue due to altitude sickness, injury, or fatigue, our guides will assess the situation and help arrange the safest exit route. This typically involves returning on mule to the nearest road. Additional costs for evacuation or alternative transport are the responsibility of the participant and should be covered by travel insurance. No refunds are provided for incomplete treks.
Our shared group departures have a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a quality experience and manageable logistics. Small groups allow for better interaction with guides, more flexibility on the trail, and a more intimate experience at the remote archaeological sites. Private tours can be arranged for any group size with customized services.
This is a summary of our key terms. For complete details and full legal terms, please review our complete Terms and Conditions document.
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