Choquequirao 4 days 3 nights

Discovering Choquequirao: A 4-Day Journey into Peruvian Inca Wilderness

If you’re craving a trek that combines impressive Inca architecture with awe-inspiring Andean landscapes, then the Choquequirao 4-day tour offered by Inspires Viagens might be just what you need. Priced at around $500 per person, this adventure takes you from the bustling city of Cusco into the remote mountains, culminating in one of the most overlooked yet stunning Inca sites.

What truly stands out are the spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon and the chance to walk through a less-visited Inca ruin, full of mystery and quiet grandeur. We especially love how the tour combines walking, local cuisine, and cultural insights — perfect for travelers who want more than just a quick peek at a famous ruin. One potential consideration is the physical challenge: this is a demanding trek with significant altitude change and long days on foot, so it’s best suited for those in good shape.

This tour is ideal if you’re eager for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or someone who enjoys authentic, immersive experiences, the chance to live the journey through remote mountain villages and impressive archaeological remains makes this tour a memorable choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Travel through untouched landscapes and visit a lesser-known Inca site.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable bilingual guides enhance your understanding of the history and culture.
• Stunning Scenery: Marvel at breathtaking high Andean vistas and the Apurimac Canyon.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy delicious, self-prepared food by local residents along the route.
• Physical Challenge: Prepare for long hikes, altitude, and uneven terrain.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 15) ensure a more personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Choquequirao 4-Day Tour

Starting Point and First Day: Cusco to Cachora

The adventure begins early, with a 6:30 am pickup at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco — a central and convenient location. From there, it’s about three and a half hours by bus to the Saywite archaeological park, where you’ll find carved stones and ceremonial sites that give a glimpse into Inca ingenuity. We appreciate this stop because it sets the tone for the trip: exploring lesser-known sites with authentic significance.

From Saywite, the journey continues for about an hour to the quaint town of Cachora, where a hearty lunch with a view of the snow-capped Padreyoc mountain is served. After refueling, the group begins the descent into the canyon — a solid three-hour walk. This part is physically demanding but also breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the Apurimac River and the rugged landscape. We loved passing viewpoints like Cocamasana de Chuquisqa, which provide perfect photo opportunities and a chance to soak in the scenery.

The day ends with a dinner in a rural accommodation, a cozy setting that provides a chance to connect with local life. The blend of travel, nature, and local hospitality makes this start memorable.

Day Two: From Chuquisqa to Marampata

Waking early, you’ll enjoy breakfast before beginning a descent to the Rosalina beach bridge, crossing the Apurímac River — a highlight that marks the transition from rugged wilderness to higher elevations. After crossing the bridge, expect a steady ascent for about 1.5 hours to Santa Rosa, where rest and perhaps a quick photo stop is in order.

The day’s main effort involves a long climb of approximately 3.5 hours up to Marampata, a village perched on the hills with sweeping views. Here, you’re rewarded with a lunch break and free time in the afternoon, which is perfect for relaxing or catching the sunset. We were told by previous travelers that the views from Marampata at sunset are extraordinary, providing a fitting end to a physically intense day.

Day Three: The Highlight — Choquequirao

This is what the trip is all about. After an early breakfast, the group makes a short 1.5-hour trek to the imposing ruins of Choquequirao. It’s often called the “sister city” to Machu Picchu but remains far less crowded, which enhances its mysterious and tranquil atmosphere.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through the impressive architecture, which includes terraces, temples, and plazas perched on steep slopes. The site’s remote location means fewer travelers and a more authentic experience. The tour includes a box lunch brought by mules, so you can focus on exploring rather than worrying about picnic logistics. Many reviews mention the stunning views and well-preserved structures, which are both awe-inspiring and humbling.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to Marampata for the night, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy a sunset over the mountains.

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Day Four: Return to Cusco

The final day begins with an early descent to Santa Rosa, where breakfast awaits, followed by a hike back over the Rosalina bridge. You’ll ascend for about 3 hours back to Capuliyoc, where your trek concludes. From there, it’s a 4-hour bus ride back to Cusco, giving you time to unwind and process the experience.

Travelers have appreciated the well-organized logistics and the opportunity to see authentic rural life along the way. The average group size of 15 ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction with your guides.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are transportation throughout the journey, all meals during the trek, a bilingual guide, three nights in local hostels, and support like horses and muleteers for extra luggage. We found this to be quite good value, considering the remote nature of the site and the effort required.

Not included are the entrance fees to Choquequirao (60 soles for adults, 30 for students), the first breakfast, last dinner, drinks, and the horse ride up to the site. These are straightforward costs, and knowing about them beforehand helps with budgeting.

The Value of the Experience

For $500, you’re paying for a combination of authentic culture, stunning scenery, and a physically rewarding challenge. The tour’s inclusion of local food and accommodation provides a taste of everyday life in these mountain villages, adding depth beyond just sightseeing.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trek suits adventurous travelers in good physical condition who want to see beyond the crowds and explore a less-visited but equally impressive Inca site. It’s perfect if you enjoy long hikes, mountain scenery, and learning about local culture from guides who know their stuff. While it’s demanding, the experience of standing amidst ancient ruins with hardly anyone around is priceless.

Final Thoughts: The Authentic Mountain Trek of Peru

This Choquequirao tour offers a rare glimpse into Inca history away from the tourist masses, combined with dramatic Andean vistas. The combination of challenging hikes, local hospitality, and stunning archaeological ruins makes this a compelling option for travelers craving something authentic and off the beaten path.

We appreciated the knowledgeable bilingual guides and the carefully curated itinerary that balances adventure and comfort. The delicious local food and chance to stay in rural accommodations add to the cultural richness, making this more than just a hike — it’s a genuine journey into the heart of Peru’s highlands.

In terms of value, the price reflects the support, logistics, and quality of the experience, especially considering the remote location and the effort involved. It’s a worthy investment for those eager to challenge themselves and discover a hidden gem of the Inca empire.

FAQ

Do I need to be in good shape for this tour?
Yes, because the trek involves significant elevation changes and long walking days. It’s best suited for those comfortable with physically demanding hikes.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals during the trek are included, and they are prepared by local residents, offering a taste of traditional cuisine.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, making the history and culture accessible to most travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring suitable hiking gear, a good pair of walking sticks (provided), a hat, sunscreen, and personal essentials. Some luggage support is provided for items over 5 kg.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance to Choquequirao is paid separately (60 soles for adults), and it’s best to budget for this in advance.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Given the physical demands, it’s best for active travelers or older children in good shape. Check with the provider if unsure.

In short, this tour offers a genuine, physically rewarding journey through some of Peru’s most impressive highland terrain and Inca ruins. Perfect for travelers who want to experience the authentic spirit of the Andes and discover a hidden archaeological treasure far from the crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby