Choquequirao Hike 4 Days/3 Nights

A Journey to the Lost City of the Incas: The 4-Day Choquequirao Hike

If you’re craving an adventure that combines challenging hiking, stunning landscapes, and a peek into a lesser-known Incan site, the Choquequirao Hike 4 Days/3 Nights might just be your ticket. Starting from Cusco, this tour takes you through lush valleys, rugged trails, and ultimately to the mysterious ruins of Choquequirao, often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu but far less crowded. Priced at $584 per person, it offers a perfect mix of physical challenge and cultural reward, especially for those eager to escape the tourist throngs and embrace Peru’s wild side.

What we love most? First, the breathtaking views of the mountain landscapes and the authentic feel of trekking through less traveled paths. Second, the detailed visit inside the archaeological site, which offers a real sense of discovery. The only caveat? The hike is quite demanding, with several long ascents and descents, so it’s best suited for those with a decent level of fitness.

This experience is ideal for adventurers and history buffs willing to endure a bit of physical exertion for the chance to see one of the most incredible, yet less visited, Inca sites. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a multi-day trekking experience that goes beyond Machu Picchu and offers a deeper connection with the Peruvian wilderness.

Key Points

• Authentic Adventure: A challenging but rewarding trek through rugged landscapes and lush valleys.
• Cultural Richness: Guided visits inside Choquequirao reveal its complex terraces, plazas, and temples.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect sweeping mountain views, fertile river valleys, and diverse flora and fauna.
• Value for Money: For $584, the tour includes guided hikes, accommodation, most meals, and transport.
• Physical Challenge: Long days of walking, with steep ascents and descents, suited for active travelers.
• Authentic Experience: Less crowded than Machu Picchu, offering a more intimate encounter with Inca ruins.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Cusco to Chikisca

The adventure begins early, with a 6:00 am pickup in Cusco. Expect a 2-hour drive to Curahuasi, where we’ll stop for breakfast and a chance to stretch after the bus ride. From there, the journey to San Pedro de Cachora marks the official start of the trek. Here, the trail begins with a descent for about three hours to Chikisca at roughly 1,930 meters elevation.

This part of the hike is a good introduction, offering views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to acclimate. We loved the way the landscape begins to open up, revealing lush valleys and distant peaks. The accommodations here are simple rest hotels, perfect for settling in after the day’s exertions, and dinner is served in the evening.

Day 2: Chikisca to Marampata via Playa Rosalinas

After an early breakfast, the hike continues with a descent to Playa Rosalinas on the Apurímac River, where you’ll cross from the Apurímac to Cusco territory. The walk here is about an hour, with the river’s rushing waters providing a lively soundtrack.

Then, it’s a steady ascent—about 1 hour and 40 minutes—to Santa Rosa, where a quick rest is followed by another two-hour climb to Marampata, our campsite and lodging for the night. The landscape shifts from riverine to more open, with views that make the effort worth it. We especially appreciated the chance to relax in rustic lodgings and enjoy the sunset over the mountains.

Day 3: The Heart of the Inca World — Choquequirao

This is the showstopper day. We woke up at 6:30 am for breakfast, then packed a lunch to enjoy at the archaeological site. The one hour and 40-minute walk to Choquequirao is scenic, with sightings of terraces, ceremonial platforms, and some wild biodiversity. The humid climate keeps the landscape lush and vibrant.

Once at the site, our guide led us through the main square, temples, qolcas (storage buildings), and llama sectors, sharing insights into the site’s purpose and history. We loved the feeling of walking through a place that feels almost untouched by mass tourism. Lunch at the main square gave us time to soak in the atmosphere before more exploration in the afternoon.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Returning to Cusco

The final day starts early with breakfast at 5:30 am. The descent to Playa Rosalinas takes about two and a half hours, followed by a climb back up to Chikisca. After a good lunch, you’ll face a three-hour ascent to Capuliyoc, where the vehicle picks you up for the bus back to Cusco. Expect to arrive in the city after about four hours, tired but triumphant.

Practical Considerations: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s all-inclusiveness makes it a convenient choice. It covers guides, entrance fees, meals (except the first breakfast and last lunch), accommodations, and transportation. The group size is manageable, giving you a more personal experience, and the professional guide makes all the difference in understanding the sites and navigating the tricky terrain.

The tour provides a personal pillow and a trekking pole, along with a duffel bag for your 5-kilo luggage, carried by horses. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at no extra cost, which is a thoughtful touch.

However, travelers should note that the first breakfast and last lunch are not included. Also, the demanding nature of the hike means it’s best suited for those comfortable with multiple days of trekking and elevation changes.

Authentic Experience and Value

For the price of $584, you gain not just a challenging trek but a deep dive into the landscape and history of a site that few travelers see. The inclusion of guides, meals, accommodations, and transportation makes it a good deal, especially considering the remote nature of Choquequirao.

Many reviewers highlight the stunning views and sense of solitude as major perks. One said, “The trail offers some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve seen in Peru, and the site itself is almost like discovering it anew.” Another appreciated the personalized guidance and well-organized logistics, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trek is best for active travelers with some hiking experience, who are looking to escape the crowds and find a more authentic connection with Incan history. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a physically demanding adventure combined with cultural discovery. If you’re interested in less crowded archaeological sites and don’t mind a bit of a workout, this tour will suit you well.

The Sum Up: Is This the Right Tour for You?

If you’re after a challenging yet rewarding adventure that delivers spectacular mountain scenery and a rare glimpse of Inca ruins, this four-day trek to Choquequirao offers real value. It’s suited for those who want to push their limits and arrive at a site that feels more untouched and genuine than Machu Picchu. The included meals, guides, and accommodations help make this a manageable and enriching experience.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who appreciate the journey as much as the destination. You’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment, memories of stunning vistas, and a new appreciation for Inca resilience and ingenuity.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
While the trek offers incredible scenery and cultural sights, it involves several days of hiking with significant elevation changes. Some previous hikers found it demanding, so it’s better suited for those with a good level of fitness and some trekking experience.

What is the walking like on this tour?
Expect long days of walking, including steep descents and ascents, especially on days 2 and 4. The terrain can be rugged with uneven paths, so comfortable hiking shoes are essential.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are available upon request at no extra cost, which is a thoughtful feature.

What accommodations are provided?
You’ll stay in rustic lodgings at Chikisca and Marampata, which are basic but comfortable enough to rest after long days of hiking.

What’s not included in the tour?
The first breakfast and the last lunch are not included. Travelers should also plan to bring personal essentials and be prepared for basic amenities during the trek.

How long does it take to get back to Cusco?
After completing the trek, the vehicle ride from Capuliyoc back to Cusco takes approximately four hours, so plan accordingly for your arrival time.

Is this tour available year-round?
Check current availability, but generally, the tour runs on specific starting times. It’s best to reserve in advance due to limited spots and the physically demanding nature of the trek.

To sum it up, the Choquequirao Hike 4 Days/3 Nights offers a fascinating blend of adventure, history, and nature. It’s a fantastic choice for those ready to challenge themselves and seek out Peru’s lesser-trodden paths. If you’re looking for an authentic, memorable experience that rewards effort with awe-inspiring sights, this trek is hard to beat.

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