Choquequirao Trek from Cusco – 4-Day Inca Trail Alternative to Machu Picchu

You will start your day early with breakfast in Marampata at 4:30 a.m., preparing for one of the most unforgettable highlights of the Choquequirao Trek from Cusco.

At 5:00 a.m., you will begin a 2-hour (6 km) hike to the Choquequirao archaeological complex, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. Upon arrival, you will explore one of the most impressive and remote Inca cities in Peru, far from the crowds of Machu Picchu.

You will enjoy a guided tour led by a professional guide, visiting the main sectors of Choquequirao, including agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, sacred temples, and royal areas that reflect the greatness of the Inca civilization. After the tour, you will have free time to explore, take photos, and fully experience this hidden archaeological gem.

Around 1:30 p.m., you will enjoy lunch at the Choquequirao esplanade, surrounded by spectacular mountain views. You will remain at the site until 4:00 p.m., taking in the final moments of this extraordinary place.

Later, you will begin the return hike to Marampata, arriving around 6:00 p.m., where you will enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the campsite. This day offers a powerful combination of history, adventure, and one of the most authentic Inca experiences in Peru.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping (2 per tent)
• Altitudes: Lowest at Rosalina 1550m, Marampata 2850m, Choquequirao 3033m
• Distance: 15 km
• Walking Time: 7-8 hours

You will start your final day with breakfast in Marampata at 6:00 a.m., preparing for the return journey through the stunning landscapes of the Choquequirao Trek from Cusco.

At 7:00 a.m., you will begin the descent towards Playa Rosalina, crossing once again the powerful Apurímac River, surrounded by breathtaking canyon views and Andean scenery.

You will continue hiking to Chiquisca, combining downhill and gentle uphill sections, arriving around 11:00 a.m., where you will enjoy lunch and a short rest.

At 1:30 p.m., you will start the final ascent towards Capuliyoq, a challenging 3-hour climb through dramatic landscapes. Horse rental is available as an optional service for added comfort.

By approximately 4:30 p.m., you will arrive at Capuliyoq, marking the end of your trekking route. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with your support team, including cooks and muleteers, celebrating the completion of one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Peru.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping (2 per tent)
• Altitudes: Start at Choquequirao 3200m, end at Chiquisca 1500m
• Distance: 17 km
• Walking Time: 8-9 hours

You will start your final morning with breakfast at 7:00 a.m., enjoying your last moments in the Andes after completing the Choquequirao Trek.

At 8:00 a.m., you may take an optional hike from Capuliyoq to the village of Cachora, a scenic 2-hour walk offering one last look at the Apurímac landscapes and surrounding mountain scenery.

Upon arrival in Cachora, you will board your tourist transport back to Cusco, traveling comfortably through the Andean route.

You are expected to arrive in Cusco around 2:00 p.m., marking the end of your 4-day Choquequirao Trek from Cusco, a journey filled with adventure, Inca history, and unforgettable landscapes.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Camping (2 per tent)
• Altitudes: Highest at Capuliyoc 3000m
• Distance: 15 km
• Walking Time: 7-8 hours

During the days on the trek, Remember, you will be carrying your backpack with you for the entire trek, so you should carry a light, comfortable and good quality backpack. 

here, we give you the list of items which you have to carry in your personal backpack. 

• Hats and sunglasses: The sun is intense at high altitude and you should protect your eyes from the glare. Wear one that offers UV protection and is comfortable.
• Rain gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike.
• Warm clothing: During the Inca Trail, where the temperature fluctuates during the day and night, it is mandatory to have good clothing equipment such as: fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, down jackets and a waterproof layer.
• Sunscreen: Choose a good sunscreen (high factor) and apply it before starting the hike and regularly during the day if you are sweating.
• Hand sanitizer: Carry a good hand sanitizer to disinfect hands before eating, drinking and after using the bathroom. We recommend carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer throughout the day.
• Headlamp: carrying a headlamp is especially useful for those who hike the Inca Trail because it keeps your hands free for other tasks. It is useful to choose a headlamp for brightness, weight and comfort.
• Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk.
• Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

We will provide you with a duffel bag to pack your belongings that you don’t need during the day, the horses/mules will carry the duffel bag, and please note that it must have a maximum weight of 5 Kg, including your sleeping bag. The duffel bag will be provided to you one day before the trek at your hotels or our office.

• Sleeping bag: if you don’t have one, you can rent it from us; also if you want to buy it it has to have the estimated weight of 2 kilos and remember to pack it in a plastic bag to keep it during the excursion, we recommend a -10°C sleeping bag.
• Rain Gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike
• Warm jacket: The weather during the excursion fluctuates and can drop sharply during the day and night, so it is essential to bring layers of clothing for the sun and a waterproof outer layer in case of rain or snow.
• 4 to 5 T-shirts: Absorbent T-shirts that dry quickly are recommended. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon are the best choice, as they will hold sweat and dry quickly, avoid cotton shirts as they retain moisture and cause chafing and are difficult to dry
• 2 to 3 trekking pants: there are a variety of types of trekking pants one of them is the cargo pants which have large pockets on the side of the legs and the convertible pants have legs that zipper at the knee, those are ideal especially in hot climates or changing conditions during the trail for women leggings or leggings work perfectly.
• 4 pairs of underwear: wearing a sports bra and compression shorts will be helpful and keep you comfortable to avoid chafing. If you are hiking in cold weather, wear thermal underwear that will keep you warm.
• Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk
• Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.