Short Choquequirao Trek Machu Picchu’s sister city

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM

The route, step by step

Each of the 4 days combines route, history and rest. This is the complete program, step by step.

1. DAY 1

   Cusco | Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Santa Rosa

   Your incredible journey will begin at 4:30 a.m. when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and drive you for five hours to Capuliyoc in our exclusive transport. During the trip, you will be amazed by the stunning views of the majestic snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay. Upon arriving at Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft), you will delight in an exquisite breakfast and have the opportunity to meet the talented chef and skilled muleteers who will be part of your trekking team. They will ensure that your belongings arrive safely at each campsite and will also provide you with high-quality meals. Once you begin your hike, you can enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Apurímac canyon as you traverse a wide and beautiful valley, descending for approximately three hours. Along this stretch, you will delight in magnificent views of the imposing Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina mountains. Then, you will arrive at the spot where you will enjoy a delicious lunch in Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft). Once you are satisfied and full of energy, you will continue your route for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes until you reach the bottom of the valley, known as Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). At this place, you will face the mighty Apurímac River, whose name in Quechua means "Speaking God." This river features Class V rapids, making it an ideal destination for canoeing or rafting. Finally, you will make a final ascent of two and a half hours until you reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), your first campsite. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring for a well-deserved rest.

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   • 2,890 m

   
2. DAY 2

   Santa Rosa | Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Marampata

   In the morning, you will receive a generous breakfast that will provide you with the energy needed for the hike. Then, you will depart approximately at 5:30 a.m. and ascend in zigzags for three hours until you reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft). There, you will be amazed by the impressive landscape and have the opportunity to take photographs of the canyon and the snow-capped peaks. After a short break and organizing your belongings, you will walk for an additional hour and thirty minutes until you reach the Choquequirao complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft). On this day, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings and let the energy of this ancient place envelop you. Take your time to discover every corner of this complex located in the deep canyon. You are surely already imagining the astonishing landscapes that await you. Your guide will accompany you throughout the site and provide you with information about its history and other interesting facts. Choquequirao is considerably larger than Machu Picchu, however, it is estimated that only 40% has been discovered so far, so there is likely much more to explore in the future. You will have the opportunity to visit impressive plazas, temples, and terraces. All of this will make you wonder how the ancient civilization could have built such a wonder high in the mountains. Do not miss some of the most significant parts of the complex, such as the llama statues made of white stone that were built to protect the sacred mountain located above the area known as Apu Qoriwayrachina. Choquequirao remains an enigma in many ways, and imagine how much more we will learn in the coming years. At midday, you will make a stop at this magnificent place to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you will return to your campsite in Marampata to enjoy another excellent dinner and rest during the night. As the sun sets, you will be able to marvel at the starry sky and its constellations. Take a moment to contemplate their meaning before going to sleep.

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   • 3,050 m

   
3. DAY 3

   Marampata | Santa Rosa – Playa Rosalinas – Chiquisca

   You will begin the day with another generous breakfast before starting the return journey, after having enjoyed wonderful moments during your tour of Choquequirao. You will return along the same path until you reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), where you will make a stop to visit an agricultural farm of a local family; here they cultivate sugar cane which they use for the artisanal production of Cambray, a popular local drink. After enjoying a delicious lunch and a short break, you will continue the descent until you reach Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), where you will cool your feet in the cold waters of the Apurímac River before beginning the ascent. You will follow the path back, but this time you will begin to climb for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes until you reach the cozy Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where you will spend the night and enjoy a delicious dinner while chatting with your trekking companions about all the exciting things you witnessed today. You will be completely ready to rest when the time comes.

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   • 1,970 m

   
4. DAY 4

   Chiquisca | Capuliyoc – Saywite Monolith – Conoc Hot Springs – Cusco

   Today you will enjoy your final breakfast on your journey while listening to the sound of the Apurímac River. Afterwards, you will start early to avoid walking under the strong sun. Take one last deep breath and let mother nature guide you on the final part of your hike back to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft). Once there, you will bid farewell to your trekking team who has accompanied you throughout the entire journey. Then, it will be time to board the private transport to visit the impressive rock, the Saywite Monolith. During your visit, you will learn about its great religious importance to the Incas and how it was related to water. After this brief history lesson, you will head to the Conoc hot springs and enjoy the relaxing waters that will help soothe your tired muscles after the hike. Here, you can enjoy your final lunch before returning to Cusco in private transport. Make the most of the opportunity to admire the beautiful snow-capped mountains and capture memorable photos of the incredible landscape. You may feel physically tired at this point, but the sense of satisfaction and achievement you will experience will surpass any fatigue. Finally, you will arrive in Cusco, and we will accompany you to the door of your accommodation so you can relax and rest as much as you need.

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   • 2,890 m

   

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you need, no surprises

GALLERY

The tour in pictures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS