Challenging | Max 8 people | 4 Days | 3 Nights (Wild Camping, No Lodges)
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days – An Alternative Trek in Cusco
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days. The Inca City You Can Have to Yourself.
The Choquequirao Trek is what the Inca Trail was 30 years ago. No permits, no trains, no crowds.
Choquequirao means Cradle of Gold and sits on a remote ridge above the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on earth. The archaeological complex covers about 1,800 hectares, and archaeologists estimate its total built area may be larger than Machu Picchu’s central citadel, yet only 30 to 40 percent has been cleared from the cloud forest. Excavations are still active. You will likely see more condors than tourists.
This 4-day expedition is pure up and down. You start at Capuliyoc at 2,850 meters and drop 1,400 meters in a single morning to the roaring Apurimac River, then climb back out to camp at Santa Rosa. You do it again the next day to reach the ruins at 3,033 meters. Your legs will feel it. Your eyes and your camera will love it.
You carry only a daypack. Our horses carry your gear. You sleep three nights in wild camps with views of Padreyoc peak at 5,571 meters, eat chef-cooked meals in our dining tent, and finish with a full private guided tour of a lost city you have almost to yourself. We add a final stop at Saywite, the sacred carved stone, on the drive back to Cusco.
This trek is not for everyone. It is for fit hikers who want the hardest, quietest, most authentic Inca city in Peru. Daily departures March through December, maximum 8 travelers.
Highlights
- Bigger, Wilder & Empty
Choquequirao covers more ground than Machu Picchu. Today you’ll walk its main plaza, the Usnu, and the Llama Terraces, and count the other hikers on one hand. - The Llama Terraces
See the 22 life-size white stone llamas built into the agricultural terraces, a feature you will not find at Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you down to them for photos. - The Apurimac Canyon Descent and Climb
Two brutal, beautiful days of 1,400m descents and ascents. Day 1 you drop 16.5km to Playa Rosalinas at 1,475m. Day 2 you climb to Marampata at 2,850m. This is why Choquequirao stays empty. - Private Guided Tour Included
We spend a full afternoon exploring temples, water fountains, storehouses and ceremonial platforms with your guide, not a 45-minute group walk-through. - Condors, Orchids and Four Climates
Hike from high puna to warm canyon in hours. Watch Andean condors soar above the river, pass through cloud forest filled with orchids and bromeliads, and camp under star-filled skies with zero light pollution. - Wild Camping, Fully Supported
Three nights in 4-season Eureka tents (2 people per 4-person tent) with thick mattress, pillow and hot meals. Horses carry your 7kg duffel plus an emergency horse and oxygen travel with the group. - Saywite Sacred Stone
End the trek with a guided visit to Saywite, home to a massive carved boulder depicting the entire Inca world, a perfect final stop before returning to Cusco around 6pm. - Small Groups Only
Maximum 8 travelers. Average group size is 4 to 6. No big bus tours can access this trail.
From
$537
/per person
Trip Details
4-Day Choquequirao Expedition
Choquequirao is the real Lost City, and the last Inca city you can only reach on foot. This 4-day expedition drops 1,400 meters into the Apurimac Canyon and climbs back out twice, with three nights wild camping at Santa Rosa, Marampata and Chiquisca. You get a full private afternoon to explore the 1,800-hectare complex, including the Usnu and Llama Terraces, with almost no other visitors. Just 40 kilometers, canyon views of Padreyoc at 5,571m, and true silence. For fit hikers who have spent 2 nights in Cusco and want the hardest, quietest Inca trek in Peru with no permits, no crowds.
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 three nights camping and no lodges, the route prioritizes early starts to avoid midday heat. Day 1 is the big 1,400m descent to Playa Rosalinas. Day 2 is the climb to Marampata and your private tour of Choquequirao at 3,033m. Days 3 and 4 retrace the canyon and finish with Saywite. No rushed day hikes. - 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 and Saywite, 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.
4-Day Choquequirao Classic
- Duration 4 days / 3 nights.
- Hiking 40km roundtrip, max 3,033m at the ruins. Days 1 and 2 are 6 to 8 hours with 1,400m descents and ascents.
- Accommodation 3 nights wild camping at Santa Rosa, Marampata and Chiquisca.
- Sites Apurimac Canyon, Playa Rosalinas, full Choquequirao complex including Usnu and Llama Terraces, Saywite.
- Best for Fit hikers with limited time who want the complete Choquequirao experience and return to Cusco. No permits required.
5-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
- Duration 5 to 8 days.
- Hiking Continues from Choquequirao over Yanama Pass to join Salkantay route.
- Accommodation Mix of camping and hotels.
- Sites Choquequirao plus Machu Picchu.
- Best for Trekkers wanting both lost cities in one expedition and who have a full week.
4-Day Classic Inca Trail
- Duration 4 days / 3 nights.
- Hiking 3 passes, max 4,215m at Dead Woman’s Pass.
- Accommodation Camping on designated platforms, permit required.
- Sites Original Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu.
- Best for History lovers who book 6 to 8 months ahead and accept hiking with 500 people per day.
Who It’s Perfect For
- Canyon-Ready Adventurers
Comfortable hiking 6 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 a fraction of the traffic. - 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 Sky Domes
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 $211 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.
Choquequirao vs Machu Picchu: Which Inca Trek Should You Choose?
Here’s the difference for 2026.
The quick answer: You won’t get the Machu Picchu postcard here, you’ll get the Apurímac Canyon at dawn, the Llama Terraces, and a main plaza where you can hear the river 1,400m below.
Size
- Choquequirao: Archaeologists estimate 1,800 hectares, about 3x the urban area of Machu Picchu. Only 30% is excavated, the rest is still jungle.
- Machu Picchu: ∼13 hectares fully restored and open. Every wall you see is cleared and photographed.
Crowds
- Choquequirao: 20–30 visitors per day across the whole site. You’ll have the Usnu and main plaza to yourself.
- Machu Picchu: 2,500–4,000 per day. Timed circuits, must book 3–6 months ahead.
Effort
- Choquequirao: 4 days, 60km, 1,400m canyon descents and climbs. Wild camping 3 nights, no lodges.
- Machu Picchu: Inca Trail is 4 days with permits. By train it’s 1 day, bus up, hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Permits
- Choquequirao: None. Confirm this week, trek next week.
- Machu Picchu: Inca Trail permits sell out 4–6 months ahead. Train tickets also need advance booking in high season.
Price
- Choquequirao: $537 with us, inc. camping, food, guide, horses, all included.
- Machu Picchu: Inca Trail $780+. Train + entry $350+ before guide and hotel.
What you see
- Choquequirao: Raw stonework, the 23 Llama Terraces, cloud forest, Apurimac Canyon. No reconstructions, still being excavated.
- Machu Picchu: Perfect ashlar walls, Temple of the Sun, postcard views over Huayna Picchu. Fully restored.
Choquequirao vs Machu Picchu for first-timers
If it’s your only time in Peru, do Machu Picchu. It’s the icon for a reason. If you’ve seen the photos and thought “I wish it was empty,” do Choquequirao. It’s not better, it’s what Machu Picchu was 40 years ago.
Can you do both?
Yes. Most of our guests trek Choquequirao first (no permit stress), rest 2 nights in Cusco, then take the train to Machu Picchu. You get the effort and the icon.
Full Itinerary
Included
- Private Transport
Hotel pick-up at 4:30am on Day 1, private van Cusco to Capuliyoc, and return from Cachora to Cusco on Day 4 via Saywite. - Professional Guide
Licensed English-speaking Choquequirao specialist with wilderness first aid and high-altitude training. - Entrance Tickets
All fees for Choquequirao Archaeological Park and Saywite Archaeological Site. - Accommodation
3 nights wild camping in 4-season Eureka tents (2 people per 4-person tent) at Santa Rosa, Marampata and Chiquisca. Foam mattress, pillow and hot water bottle included. - Meals
Day 1: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner. Day 2-3: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner. Day 4: breakfast, lunch. Freshly cooked by our trek chef. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available with prior request. - Horses & Porters
Pack horses carry all group equipment plus your 7kg personal duffel (provided). Professional horsemen included. 1 emergency horse with helmet travels with the group. - Camping Equipment
Complete base camp: dining tent with table and chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent, staff tents, and all cooking gear. - Safety Equipment
Guide carries comprehensive first aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle. Radio communication on route. - Water
Boiled water provided from lunch on Day 1 for drinking and washing. Bring 2L for the first morning. - Briefing & Support
6pm pre-trek briefing the night before in Cusco. Free luggage storage and complimentary airport pick-up included. - Taxes
All local taxes and community fees included in price.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag
Warm bag rated to -10°C required. Rental available for $20 USD for the trek. - Air Mattress Upgrade
Therm-a-Rest inflatable mattress for $20 USD for the trek (foam mattress included free). - Trekking Poles
Available to rent for $15 USD per pair for the trek. - Hotels Before/After Trek
Accommodation in Cusco before Day 1 and after Day 4 is not included. - Meals in Cusco
Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 4 in Cusco are not included. - Additional Luggage Horse
Extra horse for personal items over the 7kg allowance — $60 USD for the trek. - Travel Insurance
Travel and medical insurance not included, which we strongly recommended. - Tips
Gratuities for guide, cook and horsemen not included (optional, customary). - Personal Gear
Hiking boots, clothing, daypack, and sleeping bag are the responsibility of the trekker.
Pricing
Small group departures require a minimum of 2 people.
2 to 12 people | $537 USD per person
This price combines a 4-day private camping expedition, full Choquequirao archaeological tour, Saywite visit, and all canyon logistics for less than the cost of booking transport, horses, and guides separately in Cusco.
Included in the Price
- All Entrance Tickets
Choquequirao Archaeological Park and Saywite Archaeological Site, all included. - Wild Camping 3 Nights
3 nights in 4-season Eureka tents at Santa Rosa, Marampata and Chiquisca. Foam mattress, pillow and hot water bottle included (2 people per 4-person tent). - Private Transport
Hotel pick-up at 4:30am, private van Cusco to Capuliyoc, and return Cachora to Cusco via Saywite on Day 4. - Professional Guide
English-speaking, licensed Choquequirao specialist for all 4 days, from trailhead to final ruins tour. - Meals as per Itinerary
Day 1 lunch, tea, dinner; Days 2-3 breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner; Day 4 breakfast, lunch. Freshly cooked by our trek chef. - Horses & Porters
Pack horses for all group gear plus your 7kg personal duffel (duffel and liner provided). Emergency horse with helmet travels with group. - Safety & Support
First aid kit, emergency oxygen bottle, radio communication, pre-trek briefing at 6pm, 24/7 Cusco office support, and free luggage storage. - Water
Boiled water provided at every meal from lunch Day 1 for drinking and washing.
Extras (Optional)
- Sleeping Bag Rental
Warm bag rated to -10°C, steam cleaned after every trek for $20 USD per trek. - Air Mattress Upgrade
Therm-a-Rest inflatable mattress for $20 USD per trek (foam included free). - Walking Poles
Professional extendable trekking poles for $15 USD per pair per trek. - Private Tent
Solo traveler wanting own tent for $30 USD per trek. - Extra Pack Horse
For personal luggage over the 7kg allowance, $60 USD per trek.
Discounts
- Groups of 5+
$30 USD off per person when booking together at the same time.
Added Value Experience
- No Permit Advantage
Choquequirao requires no Inca Trail lottery — confirm your dates instantly, even 2 weeks out. - True Wild Camping
Sleep three nights in remote canyon camps with no lodges, no roads, and no other large groups — just stars over Marampata. - Full Ruins Time
Unlike day-hike operators, you get a complete private afternoon tour of Choquequirao including the Usnu, main plazas and Llama Terraces. - Small Group Guarantee
Maximum 12 travelers, average group size 4 to 6, for personal guide time and flexible pacing on the steep descents.
Packing List for 4-Day Choquequirao Trek
Choquequirao is a hot canyon trek with cold nights at Marampata. You carry a 30–40L daypack on the trail. Horses carry the rest in the duffel we provide.
Essentials (Carry in Your Daypack)
These must be with you at all times.
Documents
- Original passport (must match booking name).
- Travel insurance card (recommended).
Lighting
- Headlamp with spare batteries, essential for camp as there is no electricity.
Water & Hydration
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3L total). Bring water for the first morning to Playa Rosalinas. We provide boiled water from lunch Day 1 onward. No single-use plastic.
Rain Protection
- Waterproof jacket with hood.
- Rain poncho (covers you and pack, essential Dec–Mar).
Sun & Heat Protection
- Sun hat or wide-brim cap.
- High SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Insect repellent (canyon has sand flies).
Cold Protection for Camp
- Wool hat or beanie.
- Lightweight gloves + waterproof gloves.
- Fleece or light insulated jacket for evenings.
Layers for Hiking
- 1–2 t-shirts for hiking (synthetic, not cotton).
- 1 long-sleeve shirt for sun.
- 1 pair hiking pants (zip-offs ideal).
- 1 thermal top for Marampata nights.
Footwear
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support.
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings.
Snacks & Extras
- Energy bars, chocolate, dried fruit for the long descents.
- Camera or phone.
- Power bank as no charging at camp.
- Small cash (soles) for drinks in Cachora and tips.
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes.
- Toilet paper + small zip bag for waste.
- Personal medications and blister kit (moleskin).
What to Pack in Your Duffel (7kg max, we provide bag)
By Peruvian law, horses carry max 7kg per person. We weigh bags at briefing. Allow ∼2.5kg for sleeping bag and ∼1kg for mattress, leaving ∼3.5kg for clothes.
- 2 t-shirts.
- 2 hiking pants.
- 4 sets underwear.
- 3–4 pairs hiking socks (wool or synthetic).
- Fleece or thermal layer.
- Warm jacket (down or synthetic, Marampata drops to ∼3°C).
- Warm hat and waterproof gloves.
- Comfortable camp shoes.
- Quick-dry towel (we provide small one).
- Small bottle of biodegradable soap.
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (rental $20).
- Therm-a-Rest upgrade optional ($20).
- We provide large plastic liner bags at briefing.
What NOT to Bring
- Large suitcases or wheeled bags (store free at our Cusco office).
- Cotton jeans or cotton t-shirts (stay wet and cold in canyon).
- Drones (prohibited in Choquequirao Archaeological Park).
- Disposable plastic water bottles.
- Heavy books or extra gear, you will not use them on the trail.
Orange Nation Provides
- Pre-trek briefing and free luggage storage in Cusco.
- Duffel bag and waterproof liner for horse carry.
- 4-season 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.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
- Emergency horse on trail.
Circuits & Safety
The 4-Day Choquequirao is a point-to-point canyon expedition, not a loop or day hike from Cachora. We designed it around three nights of true wild camping, then a return to Cusco, so you descend into the Apurimac Canyon, climb to the ruins, and hike out the same corridor before finishing with Saywite.
By sleeping at Santa Rosa (1,900m) on Night 1, Marampata (2,850m) on Night 2 directly above the ruins, then Chiquisca (1,990m) on Night 3, you get the full canyon experience without rushing the 1,400m descents. That night at Marampata at 2,850m is why this trek works for fit travelers, you see Choquequirao at sunset and sunrise, but you recover in the canyon before the climb out.
Route Structure
- Day 1 Descent and First Canyon Camp
We start at 4:30am from Cusco and drive 4 hours to Capuliyoc (2,850m) via Curahuasi and Cachora. After meeting the horsemen, you hike 3.5 hours down 1,400m to Playa Rosalinas (1,475m) for lunch by the river. The afternoon climb to Santa Rosa camp (1,900m) is two hours. You carry only a daypack, horses carry your 7kg duffel, tent and all camp gear. Dinner is chef-cooked in the dining tent. - Day 2 Summit to the Ruins
Wake-up tea at 6am. We leave camp at 7am and climb two hours to Marampata (2,850m), drop your big pack, then continue 1.5 hours to Choquequirao (3,033m), the highest point of the trek. The route then follows cloud forest trails to the full complex. This is 7 to 8 hours of hiking with 950m of ascent. You get a private guided tour of the Usnu, main plazas and Llama Terraces. Camp at Marampata is quiet and directly above the ruins. - Day 3 Return to the River
After breakfast we descend two hours back to Playa Rosalinas (1,550m), the lowest and hottest point of the trek, then climb one hour to Chiquisca (1,990m). This is 5 to 6 hours of hiking with constant canyon views. You camp on a small terrace above the river, your last night on the trail. - Day 4 Climb Out and Saywite
We leave camp after breakfast and climb three hours back to Capuliyoc Pass (2,850m). Our private van meets you here for lunch in Cachora, then the 1.5-hour drive to Saywite for a guided visit. Private van returns to Cusco, arriving around 6pm. No second night in the canyon after the trek.
Safety Management
- Heat and Descents First
Maximum hiking altitude is 3,033m at the ruins, but the challenge is the 1,400m descents and ascents in canyon heat. We set a slow, steady pace, start early to avoid midday sun, build in long lunch breaks at the river, and provide boiled water and electrolytes from lunch Day 1. - Emergency Support
Every guide carries a full first aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle. An emergency horse with helmet travels with the group every day to ride if knees give out or heat exhaustion hits. Our private van stays on call at Capuliyoc on Day 4 for quick evacuation. 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 switchbacks and have time for questions about the Inca history and flora. - Weather and Terrain
The trail is fully exposed in the canyon for three days with no shade on the descents. 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, so you are not locked into a lightweight backpacking setup if temperatures drop at Marampata.
What We Provide for Safety
- 4-season camping at 1,900m, 2,850m and 1,990m (not a rushed day hike)
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle on all four 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 cold 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 descents.
- Bring broken-in boots with ankle support, sun hat, and trekking poles as the trail is steep and rocky.
- Pack a headlamp for camp (no electricity for three nights).
- Tell your guide how your knees feel on the descents. We slow the pace, it is only a few hours to the next camp.
This is why we run Choquequirao as a 4-day with three wild camps then a hotel in Cusco, you get the canyon, the full ruins tour, and the climb out, then you arrive in Cusco rested, not exhausted from a 2-day forced march.
