Summary
Important Details
- Frequency: Weekly confirmed departures
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Start time: Day 1 – 05:30 h
- Return time: Day 5 – Approx. 18:30 h
- Mode: Shared Group
- Difficulty level: High (recommended for travelers with strong physical endurance)
Why Travel with Peru Coyana?
Choquequirao, meaning «Cradle of Gold» in Quechua, is one of the hidden gems of the Inca Empire. Located over 3,000 meters above sea level and nestled between deep canyons and sacred glaciers, this citadel rivals Machu Picchu in majesty — but receives far fewer visitors, making it a unique and intimate encounter with history and nature.
This 5-day trek leads you through subtropical valleys, across the Apurímac River, and up to the mysterious ruins of Choquequirao, surrounded by cloud forest, waterfalls, native flora, and the spiritual energy of the apus. A physically demanding, yet deeply rewarding experience.
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Kapuliyoq – Chiquisqa (camp)
- Day 2: Chiquisqa – Apurímac River – Choquequirao (camp)
- Day 3: Full exploration of Choquequirao (camp)
- Day 4: Choquequirao – Cocamazana (camp)
- Day 5: Cocamazana – Saywite – Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco → Cachora → Kapuliyoq → Chiquisqa
We depart Cusco early toward Cachora (4-hour drive). From there, we begin hiking to Kapuliyoq viewpoint (2,800 m.a.s.l.), offering spectacular views of the Apurímac canyon and glacier peaks. After lunch and a break, we descend for 3 hours to Chiquisqa (1,800 m.a.s.l.), where we set up camp.
Day 2 – Chiquisqa → Apurímac River → Choquequirao
After breakfast, we descend to the suspension bridge over the Apurímac River (1,495 m.a.s.l.), then begin a challenging 5-hour ascent. Along the trail, enjoy lush subtropical vegetation and canyon views. We arrive at our camp near Choquequirao (3,000 m.a.s.l.) in time for a magical sunset.
Day 3 – Full Day at Choquequirao
A full day to explore Choquequirao with your guide, including both the restored areas and newly excavated sectors by COPESCO. In the afternoon, there’s an optional hike to the Waterfall House, 300 meters downhill. We end the day with a traditional Pachamanca meal and sunset views from the ceremonial Usno — where condors may appear at dusk.
Day 4 – Choquequirao → Apurímac River → Cocamazana
We begin the return trek with a descent to the Apurímac River for lunch and a break. We then ascend for 3 hours to Cocamazana, our final camp. From here, we enjoy panoramic views of the canyon and snow-capped peaks one last time.
Day 5 – Cocamazana → Saywite → Cusco
Early morning hike of 2 hours to Kapuliyoq, then a gentle descent to Cachora, arriving around midday. We then travel by bus to Saywite archaeological site — a fascinating carved Inca rock representing the ecosystems of Tawantinsuyo. After lunch, we return to Cusco. Estimated arrival: 18:30 h.
Includes / Not Included
What’s Included in the Choquequirao 5-Day Trek?
- Pre-departure briefing
- Tourist transport Cusco – Cachora – Cusco
- Entrance to Choquequirao archaeological site
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Cook and kitchen assistant
- All meals during the trek: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Horsemen and pack horses for gear and belongings
- Camping equipment: tent, mattress, dining tent, utensils
- First aid kit and oxygen
- Cultural activity: traditional Andean Pachamanca
- Visit to Saywite archaeological site
What’s Not Included?
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Entry to hot springs (if applicable)
- Tips for the team (guides, cooks, horsemen)
- Personal expenses and additional snacks
Tips
Recommendations for Your Choquequirao 5-Day Trek
- Bring a comfortable backpack (30 to 40 L)
- Sturdy, broken-in trekking shoes
- Warm clothing for nights and light clothes for daytime
- Sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Camera or phone with long battery life
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Passport or ID
- Note: This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a profound, demanding, and authentic experience away from the traditional routes. We recommend at least two days of acclimatization in Cusco before the trek.
