Choquequirao Trek 4 days and 3 nights

Experience the Hidden Inca Treasure: Choquequirao Trek 4 Days and 3 Nights

Imagine walking in the footsteps of the Incas, exploring a scarcely visited city carved into the mountains, far from the tourist crowds. For those craving a genuine, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this Choquequirao Trek 4 Days and 3 Nights offers just that. Starting from Cusco, you’ll venture deep into the Andes, crossing wild forests and dramatic canyons, guided by knowledgeable locals and supported by a team that handles all the logistics — so you can focus on the stunning scenery and ancient ruins.

What makes this trek stand out? First, it’s a chance to see Choquequirao, often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu but far less crowded. Second, the tour’s small group size—limited to 12 travelers—ensures a more intimate, personalized experience. Plus, the inclusion of a professional guide, a dedicated chef, and a personal porter means comfort and convenience are woven into the adventure.

That said, be prepared for some challenging hiking — this isn’t a casual walk in the park. The terrain involves significant downhill and uphill sections, and the altitude can push even fit travelers. If you’re ready for a physically demanding yet rewarding experience, this trek offers a level of authenticity and intimacy rare among big-group tours. It’s perfect for travelers who value stellar guides, delicious local cuisine, and breathtaking views in a setting that feels like exploring a secret.

Who is This Tour For?

If you love discovering lesser-known archaeological sites, enjoy physical activity, and appreciate high-quality, personalized service, you’ll find this trek inspiring. It’s especially suitable for those with a moderate physical fitness level who want an authentic adventure with lots of cultural and natural highlights, as reflected in rave reviews praising the guides, food, and scenery.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers for a more personalized journey.
• Authentic Incan Ruins: Visit the rarely seen site of Choquequirao, with fewer travelers.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transportation, meals, guide, chef, and porter included, simplifying logistics.
• Challenging but Rewarding: Expect significant hikes, some steep descents and ascents, and high-altitude crossings.
• Expert Guides and Delicious Food: Highly praised for their knowledge, humor, and exceptional local cuisine.
• Stunning Views: From deep canyon vistas to lush cloud forests, the scenery is unforgettable.

A Deep Dive into the Choquequirao Trek Experience

Starting Point: Cusco to Capuliyoc

The adventure begins early — you’ll be picked up from your Cusco hotel or airport around 4:30 am — a small price to pay for the later reward of avoiding the crowds. You’ll drive across the Andes to Capuliyoc, a mountain pass at 9550 ft (2911 m), where the real trekking begins. Here, you’ll enjoy your first breakfast, and from this vantage point, the sweep of the Apurimac Canyon unfolds—a true highlight for lovers of dramatic landscapes.

The initial descent from Capuliyoc to Chiquiska takes about four hours. Along the way, you’ll get your first sweeping views of the canyon and the lush vegetation of the cloud forests. It’s a terrain that offers a variety of scenery—startlingly different from the highlands to the jungle. The trail is downhill, which can be tough on the knees, but it’s also the best way to get up close to the natural environment.

Day 1: Down into the Canyon

After this first trek, you’ll arrive at your lunch spot at Chiquiska, nestled at about 6,210 ft. The second part of the day continues downhill for about 2 more hours, bringing you into a landscape where the silence of the mountains envelops you. The terrain and views offer plenty of opportunities for photographs and wildlife spotting. Your team ensures your comfort with a hearty meal and a restful camp set-up.

Day 2: Closer to Inca Mysteries

The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll trek for approximately 6 hours, heading toward Marampata and Choquequirao. This day involves a mix of downhill and uphill sections, with the highlight being the arrival at the archaeological site itself. The site of Choquequirao is a sprawling complex, with terraces, temples, and plazas carved into the mountainside, largely hidden from the tourist crowds. Some reviews emphasize this day as a highlight, describing it as “once in a lifetime” and “truly the experience of a lifetime.”

Day 3: Exploring the Lost City

Expect to wake up early to catch the sunrise over Choquequirao, a moment many reviewers describe as magical. After breakfast, you’ll explore the ruins for approximately 3 hours, walking through terraces, plazas, and the remnants of ancient structures that echo with history. The site’s remote location means fewer visitors and a more contemplative experience.

Later, you’ll descend to Santa Rosa for lunch, then continue a mix of ascending and descending to arrive at your campsite at Chiquiska. This day is about absorbing the lush landscape, spotting vibrant flowers, colorful birds, and cascading waterfalls. The trail measures about 8 km (roughly 5 miles), with some moderate difficulty due to altitude changes and uneven terrain.

Day 4: Out of the Canyon

On the final morning, you’ll trek uphill for around 4 hours back to Capuliyoc, where you’ll enjoy your last meal together before saying goodbye to your team. The final leg is a rewarding mix of uphill and downhill sections, crossing stunning landscapes once more. You’ll then visit Saywite, a mysterious archaeological site featuring a carved stone known for its intriguing design.

Your adventure wraps up with a transfer back to Cusco around 5 pm. By the end of the trek, you’ll have experienced not only one of the most remote Inca sites but also gained a sense of the incredible landscapes, engineering, and spirituality that the Incas bestowed on their mountain cities.

Authentic, Well-Organized, and Highly Praised

From the reviews, it’s clear that the tour is highly valued mainly for the professionalism of guides and support staff, the delicious food prepared by the chef, and the breathtaking scenery. Multiple travelers mention the guides by name, praising their knowledge, passion, and friendly humor. For instance, one reviewer said, “Renato is a great host” and another highlighted the “exceptional” guide, Julio, who made the trip memorable.

The small group size creates a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing personalized attention and meaningful conversations about the ruins and natural surroundings. The inclusion of personal porters who carry up to 7 kg of your gear is especially appreciated, reducing the physical burden and making the trek more enjoyable.

Food and Comfort

The meals are often highlighted as surprisingly good given the remote setting, often described as “extremely delicious” and “top-notch.” The presence of a dedicated chef on the team means you’ll dine on hearty, fresh food each day, with some reviewers even mentioning the variety and quality of the local dishes.

Logistics and Value

The all-inclusive price of $698 offers good value considering the transport, guiding, meals, and support staff included. The convenience of pickup from Cusco and the organized itinerary means you don’t need to worry about extra arrangements or surprises, making this a smooth way to access a remote wonder.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is the physical challenge—the trek involves significant uphill and downhill sections, with some steep descents into canyon areas. Travelers should be prepared for a physically demanding experience and have moderate fitness levels. Also, the weather can be unpredictable, and the terrain can be rugged; good footwear and appropriate gear are a must.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trek is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking and are not afraid of a bit of physical exertion. It suits those eager to see a lesser-known Inca site and appreciate authentic cultural experiences away from the crowds at Machu Picchu. Nature lovers will revel in the stunning vistas and lush forests, and anyone seeking a personalized, well-supported journey will find this tour meets those expectations.

Practical FAQ for Your Choquequirao Trek

What is included in the tour?
All transportation from start to finish, a professional guide, a chef for all meals, a personal porter (up to 7 kg), hotel pickup, and all meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Do I need special physical fitness?
Yes, a moderate fitness level is recommended. The trek involves 8-hour days with significant uphill and downhill stretches, often at high altitude.

Can I rent camping gear?
Yes, you can rent inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags, and trekking poles from the operator if you don’t bring your own.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; the physical demands make it better suited for teenagers and older.

What should I bring?
Comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, sunblock, insect repellent, and personal essentials. The team can provide or rent some gear if needed.

How is the food?
Multiple reviewers rave about the quality and variety of the meals prepared by the chef, making the remote camping experience surprisingly comfortable.

What is the maximum group size?
Limited to 12 travelers, which encourages a more personal experience and attentive guiding.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

How do I get to Saywite at the end?
After trekking back to Capuliyoc, you’ll be transported to the archaeological site of Saywite before returning to Cusco.

Final Thoughts

This Choquequirao Trek 4 Days and 3 Nights offers a rare chance to escape the crowds, discover a lesser-known marvel, and connect with Peru’s wild, beautiful landscapes. The combination of expert guides, delicious cuisine, and a remote setting makes it a compelling choice for seasoned hikers and culturally curious travelers alike.

While physically demanding, the sense of achievement and the stunning views make every step worth it. It’s best suited for those who want an authentic adventure that balances comfort with challenge, and who value meaningful encounters with history and nature.

If you’re looking to tick a truly unique site off your bucket list and enjoy a well-organized, intimate trek, this tour could be your next great adventure in the Andes.