Challenging | Max 8 people | 5 Days | 4 Nights
5-Day Choquequirao Trek – Route to the Lost City
Choquequirao 5-Day Trek – Full Day Ruins & Hot Springs
Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” and sits on a remote ridge 1,500 meters above the Apurimac River. The site covers 1,810 hectares, archaeologists believe it is up to three times larger than Machu Picchu, yet only about 30% has been cleared from the cloud forest. It was one of the last refuges of the Inca resistance, and today you can still walk its plazas without a ticket time or a crowd behind you.
This 5-day trek is built for hikers who want more than a photo stop. You follow the same Inca highway down into the Apurimac Canyon and back up to the ruins, but instead of rushing out, you spend a full day inside Choquequirao and sleep two nights at our Marampata camp, just 20 minutes from the main plaza. That means sunrise over the canyon, sunset from the Usnu, and time to reach the lower Llama Terraces that most 4-day groups skip.
You carry a daypack. Our horses carry the rest. We end the trek the way your legs will want to, with a soak in the Conoc hot springs, followed by a guided visit to the Saywite archaeological complex, before returning to Cusco around 6pm.
Daily departures, maximum 8 travelers, best season April to October.
Highlights
- A Full Day to Explore
Day 3 is entirely inside Choquequirao. With your guide, walk the main plaza, the ceremonial Usnu, temples, storehouses, water channels, and hike down to the Llama Terraces. Because we camp nearby, you avoid the midday heat and have time for the sectors most groups miss. - Two Nights Next to the Ruins
Camp at Marampata (3,100m) on nights 2 and 3. Watch condors ride the canyon thermals at dusk, see the southern stars with zero light pollution, and walk into the site for sunrise without packing up camp. - Conoc Hot Springs
We are the only operator that includes the natural Conoc hot springs after Choquequirao. Soak in warm pools on the banks of the Apurimac River on day 5 — entry included. - Saywite Sacred Stone
Finish with a private guided tour of Saywite, famous for its massive carved boulder that maps the entire Inca cosmos. It’s a quiet, powerful stop most itineraries skip. - The Apurimac Canyon
Experience one of the deepest canyons in the world. Descend from Capuliyoc (2,850m) to Playa Rosalinas (2,061m), cross the river, then climb to Marampata. The views of Padreyoc (5,571m) and the river 1,500m below are why this trek stays wild. - Bigger Than Machu Picchu, Almost Empty
Choquequirao receives around 5,000 visitors per year. You will likely see fewer people in five days than you would in one hour at Machu Picchu. - The Llama Terraces
See the 22 white-stone llamas built into the agricultural terraces — a unique feature found nowhere else in the Inca world.
From
$557
/per person
Trip Details
5-Day Choquequirao Expedition
Choquequirao is the last Inca city you can only reach on foot. This 5-day expedition is the slower, smarter way to do it. You drop 1,400m into the Apurimac Canyon, camp four nights in the wild, and sleep two nights 20 minutes from the ruins. That gives you a full day to explore the temples, terraces and the famous Llama Terraces — not a rushed two-hour walk-through. No permits, no crowds, just canyon walls, condors, and a lost city three times the size of Machu Picchu. For fit hikers who have spent 2 nights in Cusco and want the real Choquequirao, not the race.
Why Choose Orange Nation?
Orange Nation Peru is a Cusco-based, family-owned trekking company specializing in four high-altitude routes: Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Salkantay, and Inca Trail. Our guides are licensed professionals from Cusco who lead Choquequirao departures weekly throughout the season. This focused operation is why we maintain a 4.9-star average across 1,200+ verified TripAdvisor reviews, with travelers consistently highlighting organization, safety in the canyon, and guide expertise.
What to expect from us, on your trek
- Groups limited to 8 travelers
Smaller groups allow for steady pacing on the steep descents, personal attention in the heat of the canyon, and quiet camps with no large tour groups. You will not share Marampata with anyone else. - Certified local guides with route specialization
All guides are licensed by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism, certified in wilderness first aid and high-altitude response, and fluent in English. They are full-time staff from Cusco, paid in accordance with Peruvian regulations, and return season after season on the Choquequirao route. - Itineraries designed for the canyon
With four nights camping and no lodges, the route prioritizes an easier pace. Day 1 is the big 1,400m descent to Playa Rosalinas. Day 2 is the climb to Marampata. Day 3 is your full day at Choquequirao at 3,033m with no pack. Days 4 and 5 retrace the canyon and finish in Cusco with a stop at Conoc Hot Springs. No back-to-back 16km days. - Fresh meals prepared on-site
All meals on the mountain are cooked fresh by our trek chef in a dedicated dining tent. Hot soups, Andean grains, quinoa, chicken, trout, and local vegetables. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets accommodated with advance notice. Boiled water provided from lunch Day 1. - Comprehensive safety equipment
Every departure carries emergency oxygen, a complete first aid kit, and radio communication. An emergency horse travels with the group at all times. We provide 4-season Eureka tents (2 people per 4-person tent), foam mattress, pillow, hot water bottle, and horses for your 7kg duffel so you hike with only a daypack. - Direct booking and full logistics management
You book directly with our Cusco office with no intermediaries. We provide private transport both ways, all entrance fees to Choquequirao, horses and horsemen, and a detailed pre-trek briefing at 6pm the night before. Complimentary airport pickup and luggage storage included. - Choquequirao Trek Comparison
All three routes visit Choquequirao. Choose based on time and physical demand.
5-Day Choquequirao Expedition
- Duration5 days / 4 nights.
- Hiking47km roundtrip, max 3,100m at the ruins. Days 1 and 2 are 5 hours, Day 4 is 8 hours.
- Accommodation4 nights wild camping at Playa Rosalinas, Marampata (2 nights), and Chiquisca.
- SitesApurimac Canyon, Playa Rosalinas, full Choquequirao complex including Usnu and Llama Terraces, Conoc Hot Springs.
- Best forFit hikers wanting the complete Choquequirao experience with an easier pace and a full day to explore. No permits required.
4-Day Choquequirao Classic
- Duration4 days / 3 nights.
- Hiking40km roundtrip, same canyon climbs with longer daily distances.
- Accommodation3 nights wild camping at Santa Rosa, Marampata, and Chiquisca.
- SitesApurimac Canyon, Choquequirao half-day tour, Saywite.
- Best forHikers with limited time who accept longer days and less time at the ruins.
5-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
- Duration8 to 9 days.
- HikingContinues from Choquequirao over Yanama Pass to join Salkantay route.
- AccommodationMix of camping and hotels.
- SitesChoquequirao plus Machu Picchu.
- Best forTrekkers wanting both lost cities in one expedition and who have a full week.
Who It’s Perfect For
- Canyon-Ready Adventurers
Comfortable hiking 5 to 8 hours with steep descents and ascents after spending at least 2 nights in Cusco (3,400m). - Solitude Seekers
Wanting an Inca city without the crowds of Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail. Choquequirao sees 20 to 30 visitors per day. - Photography Enthusiasts
Looking for the Llama Terraces, condors over Apurimac, star-filled skies at Marampata, and ruins with no tour groups in the frame. - Wilderness Campers
Wanting a real camping experience in the Vilcabamba Range, no lodges, no roads, just Andean canyon, cloud forest, and wild camps.
Other Expeditions to Consider
- Salkantay Trek 5-Day to Machu Picchu with Humantay Lake
High passes and turquoise Humantay Lake with glacier views, for those wanting Machu Picchu with more infrastructure. - Inca Trail 4-Day
The historic pilgrimage with permits, porters, and archaeological sites every day. Best booked far in advance. - Ausangate 7 Lakes 2-Day
Turquoise alpine lakes and one night camping below Ausangate glacier, for travelers staying in Cusco who want maximum scenery without a long trek.
How to Book the Choquequirao Trek
Booking takes two quick steps and we handle all the logistics from Cusco.
Step 1: Complete your booking form
Click BOOK NOW on our homepage and fill out the form for each traveler in your group. We need the following details exactly as they appear on your passport:
- Full name.
- Gender.
- Passport number.
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy).
- Nationality.
Step 2: Confirm with your deposit
A deposit of $200 USD per person locks in your dates and allows us to secure your guide, horses and campsites. You can pay securely online by Visa or PayPal directly from the booking page.
Paying the balance
You can avoid international card fees by paying the remaining balance in cash at our Cusco office in US dollars or Peruvian soles. There are ATMs throughout the historic center if you need to withdraw. If you prefer to pay online, Visa and PayPal are accepted with a 5.5% processing fee.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send your official confirmation, detailed packing list, and briefing information within 24 hours. Your in-person pre-trek briefing is held at 6pm the night before departure at our office in central Cusco.
Full Itinerary
Included
- Private Transport
Hotel pick-up at 5am in Cusco on Day 1, private van to Capuliyoc trailhead, and return private van from Capuliyoc to Cusco on Day 5 with included stop at Conoc Hot Springs. - Professional Guide
Licensed English-speaking guide specialized in the Choquequirao route, with wilderness first aid and high-altitude certification. Includes private guided tour of the Choquequirao archaeological complex. - Entrance Tickets
Entrance fee to Choquequirao and entry fee to Conoc Hot Springs. - Camping Equipment
4-season Eureka tents (2 people per 4-person tent), foam mattress, pillow, hot water bottle, plus dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables and chairs. Separate tents provided for all staff. - Meals
Day 1: lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Days 2, 3 and 4: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Day 5: breakfast and lunch. All meals cooked fresh on the trail by our trek chef. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available with advance notice. - Horses and Porters
Horses and professional horsemen carry all group equipment. Your personal items up to 7kg (sleeping bag, clothes) are carried in the duffel bag we provide. You hike with only a daypack. - Emergency Support
1 emergency horse travels with the group and can be ridden if you are exhausted or unwell. Guide carries a complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle with radio communication. - Water
Boiled water provided from lunch on Day 1 for drinking and washing. Bring bottles to carry 2 to 3 liters daily. - Briefing and Logistics
6pm pre-trek briefing the night before departure in our Cusco office. Complimentary airport pickup in Cusco and free luggage storage during the trek included. - Taxes
All local taxes and community fees included in price.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag
Adequate for minus 10°C, available to rent for $20 USD per trek. - Air Mattress
Therm-a-Rest style inflatable mattress, available to rent for $20 USD per trek.- - Trekking Poles
Available to rent for $15 USD per pair per trek. - Meals in Cusco
Breakfast on Day 1 before pick-up and dinner in Cusco on Day 5 are not included. - Hotels Before and After Trek
Accommodation in Cusco before Day 1 and after Day 5 is not included. - Additional Luggage
Extra horse for personal luggage over the 7kg allowance is available at an additional cost. - Travel Insurance
Travel and medical insurance is not included and is strongly recommended for high-altitude trekking. - Tips
Tips for your guide, cook and horsemen are not included and are at your discretion.
Pricing
Small group departures require a minimum of 2 people.
2 to 12 people | $557 USD per person
This price combines four nights of wild camping in the Apurimac Canyon, a full day guided exploration of Choquequirao, horses for all your gear, and private transport both ways for less than the cost of booking a private trek.
This tour operates year-round. The best months are April through October for dry canyon trails. We run departures in the rainy season (November to March) with modified camps if needed.
Included in the Price
- All Entrance Tickets
Choquequirao archaeological site and Conoc Hot Springs, all included. - Private Transport
Hotel pick-up in Cusco, private van to Capuliyoc trailhead, and return transfer from Capuliyoc to Cusco on Day 5. - Professional Guide
English-speaking, licensed guide specialized in the Choquequirao route, with wilderness first aid certification. - Camping Equipment
4-season Eureka tents (2 people per 4-person tent), foam mattress, pillow, hot water bottle, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables and chairs. - Horses and Porters
Horses and horsemen for all group equipment plus 7kg of your personal items in provided duffel bag. - Meals as per Itinerary
Day 1 lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Days 2, 3 and 4 breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Day 5 breakfast and lunch. Fresh local ingredients cooked on site. - Safety and Support
First aid kit, emergency oxygen bottle, 1 emergency horse, pre-trek briefing at 6pm, and 24/7 Cusco office support. - Water and Logistics
Boiled water provided from lunch Day 1. Complimentary airport transfer and free luggage storage included.
Extras (Optional)
- Sleeping Bag
Warm -15°C, steam cleaned after every trek. $20 USD per trek. - Air Mattress
Therm-a-Rest inflatable mattress. $20 USD per trek. - Trekking Poles
Adjustable poles for the canyon descents. $15 USD per pair per trek. - Single Tent Supplement
Private tent for solo trekkers. $30 USD per trek.
Discounts
- Groups of 5+
$30 USD off per person when booking together at the same time.
Added Value Experience
- Four Nights Wild Camping, Not Two
Unlike the 4-day version, you get two nights at Marampata, 20 minutes from the ruins. No rushing the climb back the same day. - Full Day at Choquequirao
A complete guided tour of temples, terraces, plazas and the Llama Terraces. Time for photos without other groups in frame. - Easier Pace on a Hard Trail
Same canyon, same views, but daily distances are split. You arrive at camp with energy left to enjoy it. - Small Group Guarantee
Maximum 12 travelers, average group size 4 to 6, for personal guide time on the steep Apurimac descents.
Packing List for 5-Day Choquequirao Expedition
Choquequirao is four nights of wild camping in the Apurimac Canyon with no lodges and no electricity. You will hike with a 30 to 40L daypack through hot, humid canyon bottoms at 1,400m and cold nights at 3,000m near the ruins. Horses carry the rest in the duffel we provide at briefing.
Essentials (Carry in Your Daypack)
These must be with you at all times.
Documents
- Original passport (must match the name used for your booking).
- Travel insurance card (strongly recommended for trekking).
Lighting
- Headlamp with spare batteries, essential for camp as there is no electricity for four nights.
What to Put in Your 30–40L Daypack
Water & Hydration
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 to 3L total). Bring water for the first morning to Capuliyoc. We provide boiled water from lunch Day 1 onward. No single-use plastic bottles.
Rain Protection
- Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar).
- Rain poncho (covers you and your pack, essential November to March).
Sun & Cold Protection
- Sun hat or cap for the canyon.
- Wool hat or beanie for cold nights at Marampata.
- High SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Lightweight gloves plus waterproof gloves.
Layers for Hiking
- 1 fleece or light insulated jacket for hiking.
- 1 down jacket (camp drops to 0°C at 3,000m).
- 2 to 3 t-shirts for hiking (synthetic or wool, no cotton).
- 1 thermal top and bottom for sleeping.
- 2 pairs hiking pants (zip-offs ideal).
Footwear
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support for steep descents.
- Camp shoes, sandals or trainers for evenings.
Snacks & Extras
- Energy bars, chocolate, dried fruit for the long canyon climbs.
- Camera or phone.
- Power bank (no charging on the mountain for 4 nights).
- Small cash in soles for drinks, souvenirs and tips.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Toilet paper plus small zip bag for waste.
- Personal medications and blister kit (moleskin, band aids).
- Insect repellent for the Apurimac River valley.
- Bathing suit for Conoc Hot Springs on Day 5.
What to Pack in Your Duffel (7kg max, we provide bag)
By Peruvian law, horses carry a maximum of 7kg per person. We weigh bags at briefing. Allow approximately 2.5kg for your sleeping bag and 1kg for your air mattress, leaving about 3.5kg for clothes.
- 2 t-shirts.
- 2 hiking pants.
- 4 sets of underwear.
- 3 to 4 pairs hiking socks (wool or synthetic).
- Fleece or thermal mid-layer.
- Down jacket.
- Warm hat and waterproof gloves.
- Comfortable shoes for camp.
- Bathing suit for hot springs.
- Quick-dry towel (we provide a small one).
- Small bottle of biodegradable soap.
- Sleeping bag rated to -15°C (rental $20 USD).
- Therm-a-Rest air mattress upgrade optional ($20 USD).
- We provide large plastic liner bags at briefing to keep everything dry.
What NOT to Bring
- Large suitcases or wheeled bags (store free at our Cusco office).
- Cotton jeans or cotton t-shirts (they stay wet and cold in the canyon).
- Drones (prohibited at archaeological sites).
- Disposable plastic water bottles.
- Heavy books, hair dryers or extra gear you will not use on a canyon trek.
Orange Nation Provides
- Pre-trek briefing and free luggage storage in Cusco.
- Duffel bag and waterproof liner for horse carry.
- 4-season Eureka tent, foam mattress, pillow, hot water bottle.
- Dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables and chairs.
- All meals as per itinerary.
- Boiled water from lunch Day 1 for drinking and washing.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
- Emergency horse on trail at all times.
Circuits & Safety
The 5-Day Choquequirao Expedition is an out-and-back wilderness trek, not a loop or day hike from a road. We designed it around four nights of true wild camping and two nights at Marampata, so you cross the Apurimac Canyon twice and get a full day inside the ruins without carrying a pack.
By descending 1,400m to Playa Rosalinas on Day 1 and sleeping at 1,550m, climbing to Marampata (2,900m) on Day 2, then spending all of Day 3 at Choquequirao (3,033m) with no pack, you get the classic canyon experience without the rushed 4-day push. That full rest day at altitude is why this trek works for fit travelers, you see the entire 1,800-hectare complex, but you recover before the big climb out.
Route Structure
- Day 1 Descent and First Canyon Camp
We start at 5am from Cusco and drive 4 hours to Capuliyoc (2,915m). After meeting the horsemen, you hike down 1,400m to Playa Rosalinas (1,550m) for lunch beside the Apurimac River. The afternoon climb to our first camp at Playa Rosalinas is short. You carry only a daypack, horses carry your 7kg duffel, tent and all camp gear. Dinner is chef-cooked in the dining tent. You sleep in a 4-season tent with mattress and pillow in the warm canyon. - Day 2 Climb to the Ruins
Wake-up tea at 6am. We leave camp at 7am and climb 1,350m to Marampata (2,900m) in about 5 hours. After lunch at camp, you have an afternoon orientation walk toward Choquequirao. Camp at Marampata is 20 minutes from the ruins, sheltered and quiet. - Day 3 Full Day at Choquequirao
After breakfast we hike 1.5 hours to the main plaza at 3,033m. Your guide leads a full 5 to 6 hour private tour of the temples, Usnu ceremonial platform, agricultural terraces and the famous Llama Terraces. You return to the same camp at Marampata for a second night, no pack, no rush, time for sunset photos. - Day 4 Canyon Return
We leave Marampata after breakfast and descend 1,350m back to the Apurimac River, then climb to Chiquisca (1,900m) for our final camp. This is 6 to 7 hours of hiking with long breaks to avoid midday heat. Hot drinks and dinner are ready at camp. - Day 5 Climb Out and Hot Springs
Early breakfast, then the final 3-hour climb to Capuliyoc. Our private van meets you for the drive to Conoc Hot Springs for lunch and a soak. Return to Cusco by 5pm. No second night in the canyon after the trek.
Safety Management
- Heat and Canyon First
Maximum hiking temperature is in the canyon bottom at 1,400m, not at altitude. We set a slow, steady pace, start early to avoid midday heat, build in long lunch breaks at the river, and provide boiled water from lunch Day 1. Nights at Marampata (2,900m) are cool but not freezing. - Emergency Support
Every guide carries a full first aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle. An emergency horse travels with the group every day to ride if needed. Our private van stays on call at Capuliyoc for quick evacuation on Days 1 and 5. Radios work in the canyon where there is no cell signal. - Real Guides
Certified English-speaking guides from Cusco who specialize in the Choquequirao route. Maximum 8 travelers per guide so you are monitored on the steep descents and have time for questions about Inca history and the ongoing excavations. - Weather and Terrain
The trail is fully exposed in the canyon with no shade for hours. We check conditions at the 6pm briefing and adjust start times if needed. The advantage of our heavy Eureka tents, dining tent and full kitchen setup is comfort, you are not locked into a lightweight backpacking setup if weather shifts.
What We Provide for Safety
- Four nights wild camping with full support (not a rushed day hike).
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle on all five days.
- Emergency horse on the trail every day.
- Private transport for immediate ascent from Capuliyoc.
- Pre-trek briefing at our office the night before.
- Boiled water provided from lunch Day 1.
- Hot water bottles for cool nights at Marampata.
How to Arrive Ready
You do not need to be an athlete, but Choquequirao rewards preparation.
- Spend at least 2 nights in Cusco before Day 1. Your legs need it for the 1,400m descent and climb.
- Bring sun hat, high SPF, 3 liters water capacity, and broken-in boots as the canyon trail is steep and rocky.
- Pack a headlamp for camp (no electricity for four nights).
- Tell your guide how you feel on the climbs. Knee pain or heat exhaustion, we slow the pace, it is only a few hours to the next camp.
This is why we run Choquequirao as a 5-day with four camps and two nights at Marampata, you get the canyon, the river, the full day at the Llama Terraces, and the hot springs finish, then you arrive in Cusco rested, not destroyed from back-to-back 16km days.
