- 4 Days & 3 Nigths
- Up to 12
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CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK SHORT 4 DAYS
The Choquequirao Ultimate Challenge If you’re addicted to challenging physical activity, love nature, and are passionate about the history of ancient civilizations, this route is the perfect choice for you. Discover this off-the-beaten-path…
Duration
4 Days & 3 Nigths
Group Size
Up to 12
Distance
27.3 mi / 44 km
Difficulty
Challenging
Departures
Daily departures
Ideal For
For Everyone
THE EXPERIENCE
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK SHORT 4 DAYS
ALTERNATIVE PERU TREKS · Cusco, Peru
The Choquequirao Ultimate Challenge
If you’re addicted to challenging physical activity, love nature, and are passionate about the history of ancient civilizations, this route is the perfect choice for you. Discover this off-the-beaten-path architectural jewel of the Incas on a trek that will challenge your physical and mental limits and provide you with the most epic adventure imaginable.
Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua. This amazing place is located high, overlooking the Apurimac River, and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Because it is not as “renowned” as Machu Picchu and is only accessible by hiking, tourists hardly ever go there. But it’s still magnificent and three times bigger! Join us as we discover the mysteries of this stunning site and learn why it was just recently uncovered.
Itinerary
Day-by-day information for this experience.
Day 01: Cusco | Capuliyoc - Chiquisca - Playa Rosalinas - Santa Rosa
Hike Through the Beautiful Andean Landscape and Breathe the Fresh Air
Your epic trip begins at 4:30 am when we collect you from your accommodation in Cusco and drive for five hours to Capuliyoc in our private transport. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Salkantay and Humantay snowy mountains.
When we arrive in Capuliyoc, you’ll devour a delicious breakfast and meet the cook and horseman who’ll make up your trekking team. They’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely at each camp and that you’re well-fed.
Once we start hiking, you’ll make your way through the beautiful Apurimac landscapes through a huge valley on a 3-hour downhill walk. You’ll spot two more gigantic mountains, Padreyoc and Qoriwayrachina, before we reach our lunch spot at Chiquisca.
When you’re full and reenergized, we’ll continue to the bottom of the valley e for another hour and fifteen minutes. Here, you’ll be confronted with the rushing Apurimac River, known as “Speaking God,” in Quechua. The water boasts class V rapids, making it perfect for canoeing or rafting.
Finally, we’ll make the last 2-hour descent until we reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), our first campsite. You’ll enjoy a tasty dinner before heading to bed for some well-earned sleep
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 15 km / 9.32 mi
- WALKING TIME: 6-7 hours
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2,890 m / 9,482 ft
- CAMP ELEVATION: 1,970 m / 6,463 ft
Day 02: Santa Rosa | Marampata - Choquequirao Archaeological Complex - Marampata
Arrive at the Epic Choquequirao Complex
In the morning, you will be served a big breakfast to give you the energy you will need throughout the hike. Then, you will depart around 5:30 a.m. and zigzag your way up for three hours to Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft.). There, you will be amazed by the incredible scenery and have the opportunity to capture some shots of the canyon and snow-capped peaks. After a brief rest and to organize your gear, you will hike for another hour and thirty minutes to the Choquequirao complex (3,050 m / 10,007 ft).
On this day, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the surroundings and let the energy of this ancient site take hold of you. You will take your time and discover every part of the complex located in the deep canyon. You are probably already imagining the breathtaking scenery that awaits you. Your guide will take you around the site and teach you about the history and other interesting stories.
Choquequirao is much larger than Machu Picchu, although experts believe that only 40% is currently discovered, so there is likely to be much more to explore in the future. You will visit plazas, temples and impressive terraces. All of this will make you wonder how the ancient civilization could have built such a feat on top of the mountains.
Don’t miss some of the most important parts of the complex, such as the white stone llamas that were built to protect the important mountain overlooking the area known as Apu Qoriwayrachina. Choquequirao remains a mystery in many ways and imagine that in the coming years you will learn more. At noon, you will stop at this magnificent site to enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, you will return to your camp at Marampata to enjoy another great dinner and rest for the night. Once the sun has set, you will notice that the night sky is filled with stars and constellations. Contemplate their meaning before going to bed.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 10 km / 6.21 mi
- WALKING TIME: 6 hours approx.
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
- CAMP ELEVATION: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Day 03: Marampata | Santa Rosa - Playa Rosalinas - Chiquisca
The great return in the midst of magnificent landscapes
You will start the day with another hearty breakfast before heading back after having enjoyed some beautiful moments during your tour of Choquequirao.
You will return along the same trail until you reach Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), where you will stop to visit a local family’s agricultural hacienda, where they cultivate sugar cane that is used for the preparation of Cambray, a popular liquor in the area.
After enjoying a delicious lunch and a short rest, you will continue your descent until you reach Playa Rosalinas (1,500 m / 4921 ft), where you will cool your feet in the cold waters of the Apurimac River before starting to ascend.
You will continue the return trek, but this time you will start climbing for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes until you reach the warm Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), where you will spend the night and enjoy a tasty dinner while talking to your trekking companions about all the exciting things you witnessed today. You will be more than ready for bed when the time comes.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 11 km / 6.82 mi
- WALKING TIME: 7 hours approx.
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3,050 m / 10.007 ft
- CAMP ELEVATION: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft
Day 04: Chiquisca | Capuliyoc - Saywite Monolith - Conoc Hot Springs - Cusco
Retrace Your Steps and Unwind in the Hot Springs of Conoc
You will enjoy a final breakfast before starting the last part of the hike to Capuliyoc, where you will say goodbye to the rest of the team. Afterwards, you will board your private transportation to visit the Saywite Monolith. Afterwards, you can relax in the Conoc hot springs and enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, it will be time to board the private transportation back to Cusco. On the way, you will observe beautiful landscapes through the window and enjoy this last opportunity to soak in the panorama. Finally, you will be dropped off at the door of your accommodation in Cusco.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch.
- DIFFICULTY: Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 8 km / 4.97 mi
- WALKING TIME: 4 hours
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3,500 m / 11.483 ft
Inclusions
Services included and excluded from the trip.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entrance Ticket for Choquequirao Trek
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
You’ll have spacious dining and kitchen tents where you can enjoy your food without problems. All our equipment like tables, chairs, cooking equipment, etc., will be carried by our horses.
Portable Travel Toilet
One Duffle Bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Inflatable mattress
Our camping mattresses will help you sleep comfortably whilst camping!
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Extras Included in our Service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Satellite Phone
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.
Accommodation
3 Nights Accommodation in Tents
Salkantay Trekking uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for 4 people.
Meals
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your trek. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will provide you the tea in your tent so that you will be warm from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we’ll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Hygiene Products
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Transport
- Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel in our private transportation to Capuliyoc, the trek’s starting point.
- Day 4: Once you complete the tour, we’ll take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.
Cargo Mules
While trekking, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
- US$ 20.00 per person
Walking Sticks
Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
- US$ 20.00 per person
Day 4 Dinner in Cusco
Hiking Clothes & Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
Before You Go
Practical information to help you prepare for the journey.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services. Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap!
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek. You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek. Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
- City Tor
- Sacred Valley
- Maras Moray
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in). A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Packing List
Recommended items for a comfortable and well-prepared trip.
- Valid Passport
- Extra money (recommended soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak – (optional water purifying pills)
- Sunblock: factor 70 or more
- Insect repellent
- Personal Care Products
- Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
- Light footwear or sandals
- Trekking pants (*)
- Trekking socks
- Pair of thermal pants
- Shorts
- Waterproof gaiter
- Long sleeve t-shirts
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Waterproof or wool gloves
- Sun hat to protect neck and face
- Wool hat for the cold
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Flashlight
Pricing
Rates and important commercial information for this tour.
Starting From
US$ 550
per person
Frequently Asked Questions
General travel information for Inja Expeditions guests.
Booking with Inja Expeditions is simple. First, choose the tour or trekking experience you are interested in and send us your travel details, preferred date and number of passengers. Our team will confirm availability and provide the corresponding booking instructions. Once the required deposit or payment has been received, we will send you a confirmation with the details of your reservation. We recommend checking all passenger information carefully after receiving your confirmation.
For multi-day treks, the briefing allows you to meet your guide and review the most important details before departure. We will explain the itinerary, weather conditions, recommended equipment, pickup time, luggage arrangements and any specific considerations for your route. It is also a good opportunity to ask last-minute questions and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.
For selected multi-day programs, luggage storage can be coordinated before departure. Travelers normally take only the items required for the trek and leave their main luggage securely stored until they return. Please confirm this service with our team before your departure, as arrangements may vary depending on the itinerary.
Water arrangements depend on the specific itinerary. For many multi-day treks, travelers should begin the first day with their own drinking water and additional safe water is provided or made available during the route. Your trip briefing will explain exactly how water is managed on your chosen trek. We strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Yes. We recommend carrying some Peruvian soles in cash, especially on trekking routes and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted. You may need cash for snacks, drinks, optional activities, local services, hot springs, tips or unexpected transportation. The amount you need will depend on the length and type of your trip.
Tips are completely optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive. If you feel your guide, cook, muleteers or support team provided excellent service, a gratuity is always appreciated. There is no mandatory amount, and our team can provide general guidance during the pre-trip briefing if you wish.
Group size depends on the tour, season and number of confirmed travelers. Inja Expeditions aims to keep groups comfortable so guides can provide personal attention and travelers can enjoy the experience without feeling part of an excessively large group. The expected group size can be confirmed before you book.
For trekking programs, you should carry a small daypack with the personal items you need during the day, such as water, sunscreen, rain protection, a warm layer, camera and snacks. Depending on the trek, Inja Expeditions may also provide or coordinate a duffel bag for additional belongings transported by the support team. Weight limits vary by route and will be explained before departure.
Electricity and internet access vary considerably between routes and campsites. Some accommodations or camps may offer charging points and limited Wi-Fi, sometimes for an additional fee, while remote sections may have no connectivity at all. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank and downloading any important information before leaving Cusco.
A group tour allows you to share the experience with other travelers who have booked the same departure, making it a social and generally more economical option. A private tour is reserved exclusively for you and your companions, allowing greater flexibility with pace, attention from the guide and certain logistical details. Private tours are especially suitable for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a more personalized experience.
Bathroom and shower facilities depend on the route and the type of accommodation used each night. Some campsites provide basic bathroom facilities, while certain locations may offer hot showers for an additional local fee. On routes that include a hotel night, standard bathroom and shower facilities will normally be available. Please review your specific itinerary for exact details.
On certain trekking routes, especially Salkantay and Ausangate, horses may be available for assistance on specific sections of the trail. Availability depends on location, weather and local operators, so this service cannot always be guaranteed at every point of the trek. If you are concerned about your fitness or altitude, please let us know before departure so we can explain the available options.
Visual journey
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Why you'll love it
Tour Highlights
Get away from the crowds, enjoy this outstanding experience in peace, and be at one with Mother Nature.
Trek through stunning Andean landscapes and see how they change drastically from one area to the next.
Explore Choquequirao, the largest Inca site in existence, without many other people around.
Hike through the stunning Apurimac landscape and see canyons, the rushing river, and snowy peaks.
Immerse yourself in this epic trip and feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the last days of the Inca Empire.
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