5-Day Choquequirao Trek – Journey to the Lost City

5 Days

From

557

/ Per Person

Choquequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold”, is located above the Apurimac River. It is surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks and sits on a high ridge. Choquequirao is a secluded and seldomly visited “Lost City of the Incas”. The Inca archaeological site is considered the sister of Machu Picchu. It is no where near as well known despite being 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last safe havens for those Incas who continued to resist the Spanish after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense vegetation. On this unique trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with breathtaking glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also catch glimpses of native wildlife such as Andean Condors, various birds, native flora and fauna, orchids and much more. We are specialists in this incredible area and offer the most frequent departures with experienced guides. We are the only company who takes you to the hot springs of Conoc after the Choquequirao Trek, and explores the unique Inca ruins of Saywite. With the 5 day Trek, you get an entire day to explore the extensive Choquequirao archeological site!

*** please note:  difficulty of trek is subjective  

Service Level:

Spacious tents with private portable toilets. Private cook for each group. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.

Difficulty:

Challenging hike with undulating terrain. You need to be in good physical condition and well acclimatized before embarking on this trek.

Travel Style:

Cultural, hike, adventure and camping

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5am, ready to start your Choquequirao trek. Once you have been picked up we will drive for the next 4 hours to the village of Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft).

You can catch up on some sleep, or you can drink in the incredible views of rural villages, lush deep valleys, and snow capped mountains as they rush past the car windows. On arrival to Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen who will carry our equipment for the duration of the trek.

Ensure that you have everything that you will need for the day in your daypack and hand over your duffel to the horsemen before settling in for a picnic breakfast. Once you have had your fill we begin the days hike, heading off to Chuquisaca- a gorgeous little village overlooking the Apurimac Canyon.

From here, you will get your first glances of Choquequirao from across the canyon. We continue along the trail, having lunch along the way. There is another two hours hiking after lunch before we reach our first campsite at la Playa (1,900m/6,270ft).

Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you upon our arrival to camp. Your tents will already be set up for you, so you can settle in and rest a little before dinner.

  • Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum altitude: 1,550m/4,650ft
  • Maximum altitude: 3,100m/9,300ft
  • Distance: 14kms/9 miles
  • Time: 5hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After a delicious and hearty breakfast, our morning is filled by an uphill hike to Marampata, where a delicious lunch awaits us.

Today’s lunch spot has the potential to be one of the best lunch spots of your life, as you will be able to see the Choquequirao ruins from your picnic table.

Once you have had your fill, we head over to the campsite. The campsite is a mere 20 minute stroll to the ruins. Thanks to the prime location of the campsite, we can enjoy the view late into the evening, watching condors soaring overhead.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afteroon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum altitude: 1,550m/4,650ft
  • Maximum altitude: 3,100m/9,300ft
  • Distance: 16kms/10 miles
  • Time: 5hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After a lovely breakfast, we will spend the entire day exploring the magnificent archeological site of Choquequirao. Enjoy a personalized private tour and explore all of the beautiful sections of the ruins. Prepare to see temples, terraces, palaces, the llama areas, and much more. We will return to our same campsite for appetizers and hot drinks before dinner.

Choquequirao, much like Machu Picchu, is a Lost City of the Incas. It was rediscovered late in the 20th century. It is located on the ridge of the Apurimac Canyon, high above the river.

Excavations and restoration began in the 1990s, and 1,810 hectares of archeological site were discovered. It is estimated that just 30% of the site has been restored to date. Every day archeologists are finding new things.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum altitude: 1,550m/4,650ft
  • Maximum altitude: 3,100m/9,300ft
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Our fourth day is a relatively easy day, starting with a two hour downhill walk before arriving to the Apurimac River (1,450m/4,787ft).

We cross a bridge over the rushing river, and begin our hour long walk uphill before arriving at San Ignacio. We stop here to enjoy a delicious lunch, and pause for a moment to appreciate the beautiful scenery and the magical waterfall just a few feet away.

After lunch, we continue on with our trek at a slight incline. We pass through a beautiful valley towards Villa de Loros (2,600m/8,580ft), where we set up camp for the last evening.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum altitude: 1,450m/4,350ft
  • Maximum altitude: 3,100m/9,300ft
  • Distance: 16kms/10 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

We enjoying a delicious breakfast together before climbing back in the van and heading over to the archeological site of Saywite. This is another Inca site, and we have time to explore. Look out for an Inca monolith, several water fountains, and ritual platforms called Usnu.

After spending time enjoying the site, we drive to the hot spring of Conoc to relax after several days of walking. After lunch, we head back to Cusco, dropping you directly to your hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
  • Difficulty: Easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 5-DAY CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

  • Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and from Villa de Loros to Cusco
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
  • English-speaking, experienced guide
  • Private guided tour at each archaeological complex
  • Comfortable tents for two people in a four-person tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
  • Emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or are ill
  • All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
  • 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes and sleeping bag will be carried by our pack horses
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
  • Entry fee to the hot springs

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CHOQUEQUIRAO 5 DAY TREK?

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c (available to rent)
  • Air mattresses (available to rent)
  • Walking poles (available to rent)
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of ORANGE NATION PERU

The 5 Day Choquequirao Trek is available on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers.

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people $ 557 USD per person

DISCOUNTS

  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping bag: $20 USD–  warm -15° (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air mattress: $20 USD
  • Trekking poles: $15 USD
  • Single tent: $30 USD (for solo trekkers only)

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
  • EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the horse will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS

 

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

  • Original Passport – (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Good daypack (30 – 40 L)
  • Personal Water: 2-3L reusable bottles (not disposable)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG

As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece / Thermals
  • Warm clothes
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
  • Battery charger – No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag waiting at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
5-Day Choquequirao Trek – Journey to the Lost City
From

557

/ Per Person
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  • No booking fees
  • Worry Free Travel
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Authentic and personalized experiences

Customization

We design unique tours through Peru, tailored just for you.

Leadership with real-world experience

Track Record

Our team understands service from the ground up to excellence.

Small groups, deeper connection

Connection

Small groups for closer and safer attention.

Personalized attention at all times

Commitment

We take care of every detail before, during, and after your trip.

Excellent quality at the best price

Value

We offer exceptional service and unforgettable experiences without overpaying.

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Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” The Inca Archeological site is considered, the sister to Machu Picchu, it is less known and 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. Suspected to be the last refuge for the Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site eventually was abandoned and was later covered by the dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.

On the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also visit Inca silver mines and isolated Inca communities. When you arrive to Machu Picchu, our last campsite is by the Llactapata Inca Ruins, which are located right in front of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint, enjoy the greatest angles of different views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains like Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain and Salkantay Mountain.

We also offer only the Choquequirao trek of 4 days.

*** please note:  difficulty of trek is subjective  

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Choquequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold” and is located above the bustling Apurimac River which is fueled by the glaciers. It is surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks and sits on a high ridge. Choquequirao is a secluded and seldom visited “Lost City of the Incas”. Known as the sister of Machu Picchu, it does not get nearly as many visitors, even though its roughly 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. Used as a refuge by the Incas during the Spanish invasion, it was later abandoned and was subsequently covered by the encroaching vegetation of the Amazon Rainforest.

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We are specialists in this incredible area and offer the most frequent departures with experienced guides. We are the only company who takes you to the hot springs of CONOC after the Choquequirao Trek, and explores the unique Inca ruins of Saywite. This incredible trek also takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site and 7 New Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu

please note:  difficulty of trek is subjective  

“If you are short on time, we offer the 4-day Classic Choquequirao Trek. This tour is ideal for exploring the incredible ruins of Choquequirao, although it does not include a visit to Machu Picchu.”

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On the 4-Day Choquequirao trek, we hike through high Andean landscapes with beautiful glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through cloud forests with astonishing bio-diversity. We will also observe native animals such as Andean Condors, other types of birds, native flora and fauna such as numerous varieties of orchids and much more. We are specialists in this amazing route and offer the most frequent departures with experienced and professional guides.

*** please note:  difficulty of trek is subjective  

 

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Welcome

Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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