4 Days Guided Tour in Choquequirao Peru

Choosing a 4-day guided tour in Choquequirao offers travelers a chance to explore one of the most remote and least visited Inca sites in Peru. Starting from Cusco, this trek takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including the Apurimac Canyon and alongside the roaring Apurimac River, culminating in the mysterious ruins of Choquequirao, often called the “Cradle of Gold.”

This tour, offered by Trails to Machu Picchu at a fair price of $602.57 per person, lasts around four days, including all essential logistics like transportation, camping gear, and guided expertise. What we love most? First, the expert guides who bring the history alive and make the tough terrain manageable. Second, the spectacular scenery, especially the narrow canyon views and the high-altitude flora and fauna found along the trail.

One thing to consider is the physical challenge. The trek covers approximately 64 kilometers (40 miles) of uneven terrain and involves significant elevation changes, especially the steep ascent from the canyon to Santa Rosa and Chiquisca. This makes it suitable for those with good fitness levels looking for a true adventure.

If you’re eager for an off-the-beaten-path experience that combines physical activity, stunning natural beauty, and ancient Inca ruins, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially appealing for travelers who enjoy guided hikes that include cultural insights and are comfortable with multi-day camping.

Key Points

• Authentic Inca Experience: Visit one of the least visited, untouched Inca sites, away from the crowds of Machu Picchu.
• Stunning Landscapes: Trek through diverse terrains, from alpine to desert, with views of deep canyons and lush vegetation.
• Expert Guided Tour: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, enhancing the overall experience.
• Physical Challenge: The route is demanding, suitable for fit travelers prepared for several days of trekking.
• All-inclusive Value: Price covers transportation, camping gear, park fees, and guided tours, making it a good value for a multi-day adventure.
• Intimate Group Sizes: Tours are limited to 9 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

An In-Depth Look at the 4-Day Choquequirao Trek

Starting Point and First Day: Into the Canyon

Your adventure kicks off at 5:30 AM in Cusco, and from there, you’ll journey through the hills of Anta and descend into the Impressive Apurimac Valley. The drive alone is a scenic highlight, with views of rolling hills and scenic farmland. Arriving at Capuliyoc around 9:30 AM, you’ll have a chance to admire the landscape before beginning the descent into the canyon—an immediate taste of the terrain you’ll be navigating over the next few days.

The walk down into the canyon takes about an hour, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s easy. The landscape shifts dramatically from lush, high-altitude terrain to more arid, desert-like surroundings, with diverse bird species and flora providing a lively backdrop. This first day involves about five hours of trekking, and the included admission ticket means you’ll be walking through protected areas.

By mid-afternoon, you arrive at Chiquisca, a small village perched at 1,900 meters (6,234 feet), where a relaxed lunch awaits. Post-meal, the trek continues to Playa Rosalinas, a peaceful beach beside the Apurimac River. Here, you get your first glimpse of the river’s power and the rugged beauty of the canyon walls. It’s a perfect spot to dip your hands or face in the river if you’re feeling warm.

The last climbing segment of the day takes you up to Santa Rosa, where your campsite is set up. The evening offers a chance to enjoy a simple dinner and marvel at the clear Andean night sky—no city lights to dull the stars here. This first day is demanding but rewarding, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Day Two: Closer to the Hidden Ruins

Early the next morning, after breakfast, you’ll start the ascent toward Marampata, a key point before reaching the ancient ruins of Choquequirao. The trail is shaded and lush, rich with birdcalls and mountain greenery. The approximately three-hour trek to Marampata is not just about distance but also altitude gain, which can be a challenge at this stage.

Reaching Marampata around 8:30 AM, you’ll have a short break before heading toward the highlight: Choquequirao itself. The landscape opens up, revealing distant views of the Inca ruins, perched majestically at about 3,050 meters (10,000 feet). You’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch near the archaeological site, giving you time to rest and prepare for your exploration.

At 1:00 PM, the guided tour begins. Expect detailed explanations of the complex architecture, the terraces, and the temple structures—a stark contrast to the more famous Machu Picchu due to its untouched nature. The guide’s insights turn the rocks and ruins into stories of the Inca civilization. The site’s isolation means fewer visitors, allowing a more intimate experience.

Camp is set nearby by 6:30 PM, and after dinner, you’re free to enjoy the quiet of the mountains and the ancient stones. Many reviewers, such as a delighted traveler, mention how their guides made the history come alive, heightening the sense of discovery.

Day Three: Exploring and Returning

On day three, you wake early in the campsite to soak in the atmosphere of the ruins at dawn. A breakfast at 6:30 AM precedes another opportunity to explore Choquequirao in detail—this time on foot, walking among the terraces and plazas that stretch across the hillside. The site is still largely unexcavated, which adds a sense of adventure.

By 10:00 AM, you’ll begin descending back toward Marampata, taking in different perspectives of the landscape on the way down. The return trip to the village includes scenic views of the canyon and surrounding mountains, with plenty of opportunities for photos or wildlife spotting.

Lunchtime at Marampata offers a brief rest before continuing south toward Chiquisca by 5:00 PM. This second stay at Chiquisca, like the first, involves a warm meal and a night’s sleep under the stars, with many reviewers emphasizing how meaningful the experience of sleeping in the mountains can be.

Day Four: The Return and Reflection

Your final day begins with an early breakfast at 5:30 AM and a trek back toward Capuliyoc, retracing part of your initial route. By 9:00 AM, you’ll reach the viewpoint at Capuliyoc, where panoramic views of the canyon are breathtaking. It marks the end of your physical journey through this impressive landscape.

From there, a gentle descent takes you back to the starting point, arriving around noon for a celebratory lunch. The journey concludes with the scenic drive back to Cusco, arriving by 6:00 PM. This final stretch is a chance to relax and reflect on what you’ve experienced—the rugged beauty, the ancient ruins, and the camaraderie built over four days.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value

This tour is particularly praised for its knowledgeable guides who make history accessible and engaging. Reviewers describe guides like “Richard,” who made the experience friendly and attentive, turning a challenging trek into a memorable adventure. The inclusion of porter services and camping equipment means you don’t have to worry about heavy loads, which is especially important given the rugged terrain.

The value of this trip rests in its comprehensive approach—transport, guided tours, camping, and park fees are included. For just over $600, you get four days of guided trekking, which is quite reasonable for a multi-day adventure in such remote terrain. Travelers often highlight how well-organized and smooth the process is, with many feeling it’s money well spent considering the authenticity and the stunning scenery.

However, the trek is demanding physically. Expect significant elevation changes, uneven trails, and the need for good physical fitness. Some reviewers mention the ascent to Santa Rosa being particularly challenging, but they also agree it’s worth the effort for the sense of achievement and the untouched ruins at the end.

Group size is kept small (max nine travelers), which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds at the ruins—an advantage many appreciate. The camping experience adds a rustic charm, allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy star-studded nights far from city lights.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This four-day Choquequirao trek is best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with physically demanding activities and camping. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and explore a less trodden path that’s rich in scenery and history. Nature lovers and history buffs alike will find it compelling, especially given the chance to learn from guides who bring the site’s story to life.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, sightseeing-only experience, this may not be for you—expect rugged trails, early mornings, and outdoor camping. But if you’re eager for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines stunning landscapes, cultural discovery, and personal achievement, this tour offers remarkable value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trek each day?
Most days involve around 3 to 5 hours of trekking, with some days featuring longer stretches, especially the second day when you approach the ruins.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Given the physical demands, it’s best suited for travelers with good fitness levels. Children or less active seniors might find the trek challenging.

What does the tour include?
The package covers round-trip transportation, porter services, camping equipment, campsite fees, guided tour, and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for all four days.

What is not included?
Personal items, personal gear, tips, and any extras outside the included meals are not covered.

How many people are in each group?
Tours are limited to a maximum of 9 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

When is the best time to take this tour?
While specific dates aren’t listed, the best times tend to be during the dry season (May to October), when trails are less muddy and weather clearer.

What kind of terrain will we encounter?
Expect a mix of alpine paths, desert-like stretches, river crossings, and steep ascents and descents, mostly on uneven trails suitable for good hikers.

Will I have opportunities to rest and hydrate?
Yes, breaks are scheduled at strategic points like Chiquisca, Marampata, and campgrounds, where you can rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery.

Can I customize the tour or add extras?
The tour appears to be a set package, but small groups and personalized guides mean some flexibility—check directly with the provider for specifics.

Final Thoughts

This four-day Choquequirao trek offers an authentic adventure for those willing to challenge themselves amid some of Peru’s most striking landscapes. The experience provides a rare glimpse of the untouched Inca ruins, away from the crowds, with guides who bring history and nature alive. It’s a journey that demands physical effort but rewards with spectacular views, meaningful cultural encounters, and the satisfaction of completing a true trekking adventure.

For travelers craving a combination of outdoor activity, cultural discovery, and scenic beauty, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who value small group experiences, expert guidance, and a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. If you’re ready for a rugged, rewarding journey into the heart of the Andes and the Inca legacy, this trip might just be the adventure you’re seeking.

Note: Remember, this experience is non-refundable, so be sure of your fitness level and travel plans before booking. Prepare accordingly, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure with lasting memories of Peru’s wild and wonderful landscapes.