CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS

We will begin the day early with a hearty breakfast to fuel our energy for one of the most demanding but rewarding sections of the trek. From our starting point, we’ll descend for approximately one hour along a steep and scenic trail until we reach the banks of the Apurímac River, at a location known as Playa Rosalina (1,200 m / 3,937 ft). The roar of the river and the lush surroundings mark this as a dramatic and memorable part of the journey.

After crossing the hanging bridge over the river, we’ll begin the challenging uphill climb to Santa Rosa. This section takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and features a continuous ascent on switchback trails. We aim to complete this portion in the early morning hours, before the sun is at its peak, to reduce the physical strain and make the hike more comfortable.

Upon arrival at Santa Rosa, we’ll take a well-deserved break to hydrate and rest. Afterward, the hike continues with another ascent of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours toward the picturesque village of Marampata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft). The trail gradually opens to wider views, revealing stunning panoramas of the Apurímac Canyon and surrounding mountain peaks.

Upon reaching Marampata, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and have the afternoon free to relax and take in the natural beauty of the high Andes. This small rural community offers a peaceful ambiance, and if the skies are clear, you’ll witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets of the entire trek.

After gaining close to 1,500 meters of elevation throughout the day, we’ll settle in for the night at a local lodge run by a welcoming Andean family. Dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a restful night under the stars in this serene and remote mountain village.

We will wake up early to take full advantage of this special day. After a nourishing breakfast and final preparations, we’ll begin our hike toward Choquequirao, one of the most awe-inspiring and remote Inca sites in the Andes. The trail to the ruins takes about 1.5 hours, with breathtaking views along the way as the morning light gradually reveals the grandeur of the surrounding mountains.

Upon arrival, we’ll begin a guided and in depth exploration of Choquequirao often referred to as the “sacred sister of Machu Picchu.” Perched on a remote ridge above the Apurímac River, this vast archaeological complex remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering a more intimate and spiritual connection to the legacy of the Inca civilization.

Throughout the day, we’ll visit the most important areas of the site, including ceremonial plazas, intricate stone temples, ritual platforms, farming terraces, and water channels used for ceremonial and practical purposes. If time and energy permit, we’ll also descend to the famous lower sector to admire the stunning stone-carved llamas, an extraordinary artistic feature believed to represent the importance of llama caravans in Inca society.

To maximize our time at the site, lunch will be a packed snack, allowing us to pause briefly and recharge without leaving the site’s magical atmosphere.

After several hours of exploration, learning, and reflection, we’ll begin our return hike to Marampata in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, a warm homemade dinner will be waiting for us, offering comfort after a day of immersion in history and nature. We’ll then spend a peaceful night at our local family-run lodge, surrounded by the silence of the Andes and the memory of a truly unforgettable experience.

We will begin our final day very early in the morning, ready to take on the last and most physically demanding leg of the trek. With headlamps or the first light of dawn guiding our way, we’ll start a two-hour descent along a steep, winding trail until we reach Santa Rosa, where we’ll be rewarded with a traditional highland breakfast prepared by our local team an energizing start to the day.

After breakfast, we’ll continue descending for approximately another 1.5 hours until we reach the banks of the Apurímac River, retracing part of the route we took earlier in the trek. Here, we’ll take a longer break to rest, hydrate, and capture photos of the dramatic scenery surrounding the canyon its sheer walls and lush greenery providing a breathtaking backdrop.

From this point, we’ll begin the most challenging climb of the day: an uphill trek to Chikiska, where a well-earned lunch will be waiting for us in a shaded, scenic spot. This section of the trail tests both stamina and determination, but the changing views and quiet beauty of the landscape make it a deeply rewarding experience.

In the afternoon, we continue with a final ascent to Capuliyoc, which will take approximately three hours. This portion of the trail follows a gradual incline and passes by several natural lookout points, where we’ll have the opportunity to pause, breathe, and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Apurímac Canyon a fitting farewell to the natural wonders we’ve explored over the past days.

Upon reaching Capuliyoc (2,915 m / 9,560 ft), we’ll mark the end of our unforgettable adventure. After some final group photos and celebration, we’ll board our private transport for the return journey to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of around 10:00 p.m. You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, tired but fulfilled after completing one of Peru’s most epic treks.

🔔 Important Notes:

• This is the most physically demanding day of the trek, with intense ascents and descents, especially under sun exposure.
• The first two days of the hike serve as a good gauge of your physical endurance and can help you decide whether you’ll need extra support on the final day.
• Horses are available to assist during the uphill sections. If you feel the climb may be too strenuous, you can hire one from the local muleteers (subject to availability).
• Please note that horses cannot be used during steep descents due to safety risks—for your protection and that of the animal.