Choquequirao Trek 4 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Choquequirao Trek 4 Days – An Alternative Trek in Cusco

4 Days Tour

From

537

/ per person

The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” and is located above the wild, raging Apurimac River, surrounded by high snowcapped peaks and set on a high ridge. The Inca archaeological site is considered the sister of Machu Picchu but is less known even though it is 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. This is one of the last known refuge for the Incas who continued to resist the Spanish conquistadors and who were forced to continue to retreat further into the dense Amazon Jungle. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.

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  

 

Service Level:

Standard-comfortable mid-tier accommodation. 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, adventure, Hiking, trekking and camping

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

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). This is the beginning of your Choquequirao trek 4 days adventure.

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 day’s hike, heading off to Chuquisacaa gorgeous little village overlooking the Apurimac Canyon. The Choquequirao trek 4 days journey will take you through stunning landscapes.

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 – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,900m/5,700ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,400ft
  • Distance: 18kms/11 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

We start the day with a delicious breakfast before continuing our descent, eventually reaching the beautiful Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft). The second part of the hike is a little more strenuous as we begin the uphill slog to the rural village of Maranpata (2,850m/9,350ft).

Our arrival at the village signifies lunch time. The meal is accompanied by amazing views of the Choquequirao archeological site (3,150m/10,397ft). During this point in the Choquequirao trek 4 days, you will truly appreciate the ancient site.

The hike after lunch is short, and it is not long before we arrive in Choquequirao itself. The trail into the site winds its way through a beautiful natural garden brimming with flora and fauna unique to Choquequirao.

Make sure to let your guide know about what interests you the mostif you want to spend a little while learning about the plants, or if you prefer to dive right into the history. Your guide knows Choquequirao inside out and they are always happy to share the knowledge with visitors.

During the tour, we will explore the many sections of Choquequirao. Get ready to explore palaces, temples, ritual water fountains, amazing Usnu (ceremonial platform), agricultural terraces, llama area, and much more.

After a long day, we head to our campsite, located just 20 minutes from the Choquequirao ruins, where we will have tea time and dinner before settling in for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,150m/10,397ft
  • Distance: 14kms/9 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

After an early breakfast we head back into the ruins to explore a little more with the energy of a new day at your back. Once your Choquequirao itch has been scratched, it’s time to head back down to the indigenous community of Maranpata, where lunch is waiting for us.

Eat up, as we have a full afternoon ahead of us. The first section of the afternoonsafternoon’s hike is three more hours downhill to the magnificent Apurimac River (1,550m/5,117ft).

Here we can take a quick break before starting on outour final section of the daya one hour uphill trek to our campsite at Chiquisca (1,990m/6,270ft). Our Choquequirao trek 4 days journey is almost complete.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Tea Time – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,550m/5,117ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
  • Distance: 14kms/9 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

The day begins with our final breakfast together. Fuel up, as the rest of the day is an uphill slog. The first section of the day is a moderate to difficult incline back up to the Capuliyoc pass.

Once we reach the top of the pass, we can take a moment to look back on how far we have come. Take a moment to soak in the incredible views of the Apurimac canyon and the surrounding mountains with a new foundnewfound appreciation. for your Choquequirao trek 4 days adventure.

We have another two hours of hiking before reaching the village of Cachora (2,850m/9,407ft), where we stop for our final meal of the trip. After lunch, we take our private van to the archeological site of Saywite, where we have plenty of time to explore.

Finally, our driver will take us back to Cusco and drop you directly at your hotel, arriving around 8pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
  • Minimum Altitude: 1,990m/6,270ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft
  • Distance: 16kms/10 miles
  • Difficulty: Challenging

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?

  • Transfer from your hotel from the airport upon your arrival
  • Private transport from Cusco to Capuliyoc (starting point of the trek) and Capuliyoc to Cusco
  • Entry fee to Choquequirao and other Inca sites
  • English-speaking, professional guide
  • Comfortable tents with 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 and toilet tent
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
  • Foam sleeping mattresses
  • Private guided tour at each archeological site
  • 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

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREKKING?

  • Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C
  • Air mattresses
  • Trekking poles
  • Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
  • Accommodation before and after the trek
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Flight tickets
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of ORANGE NATION PERU

The Choquequirao trek 4 days 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 $ 537 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 per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent – $30 USD (Tent is 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 porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
  • BOILED WATER is provided at each mealtime
  • 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 – 40L)
  • 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
  • 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 toothpaste
  • 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 reusable bottles.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days – An Alternative Trek in Cusco
From

537

/ Per Person
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  • 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.

EXPERT GUIDES

Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS

Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE

With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Design Your Ideal Adventure

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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We have the best-designed itinerary by the only specialist in “trekking OFF the beaten track,” Orange Nation. The itinerary combines visits to two major archeological sites: remote and seldom visited Choquequirao and the legendary Machu Picchu. It is a fascinating adventure through part of the old empire of the Incas and one of Peru’s most unspoiled wilderness areas.

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.

It’s an enchanting path. From the majestic snow-covered towering mountains, to the enthralling diverse flora with bright splashes of color, a product of the tropical climate from the Amazon Rainforest. It hugs the fringes of the high elevations of the Andes Mountains and the high jungle, which is regarded as one of the most biodiverse place in the world. This prime location has such incredibly varied and picturesque landscapes. 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. On arrival, find an archeological site that is a true engineering marvel, looking statuesque among undisturbed lush vegetation.

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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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  

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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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