Choquequirao is one of the most beautiful places in Peru. It is an Incan site that's often compared to Machu Picchu, but is far more remote. While Machu Picchu gets close to 5,000 visitors a day, Choquequirao may see less than a dozen, making this place a truly unique destination. This multiday tour to Choquequirao is ideal for travellers who prefer to explore untouched terrain.
On this tour, you will trek through the region’s lush cloud forests and snowcapped Andean mountains. Enjoy the peace and serenity of this majestic place while you still can: Choquequirao is expected to soon become one of Peru’s hottest tourist destinations.
DAY 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – La Playa
Your tour will begin with a pick-up from your Cusco hotel between 4:30 am - 5 am. Then, you will drive across the Andes towards Capuliyoc, arriving there around 8:30 am. Once there, you will eat a delicious breakfast with your tour group before continuing on to Choquequirao: one of the legendary lost cities of the Incas. Choquequirao is a 4-hour hike from Capuliyoc (9550 ft / 2911 m) - But don't worry, it's all downhill. On the way down, soak up the absolutely stunning views of the Apurimac canyon (one of the deepest in Peru) and spectacular panoramas of the different landscapes: from the highlands of Peru to the dense vegetation of the cloud forest.
Once you reach the bottom, you will enjoy a lunch at Chiquiska (1893m / 6210 ft). After lunch, keep trekking for another 2 hours down to Playa Rosalina (1478m / 4849ft). Once there, drop your backpack off in your tent and sip on a much-deserved hot drink. You will eat dinner and spend the night at this location.
DAY 2: La Playa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Wake up, and be sure to eat a big breakfast because today wlil be one of the most challenging (yet rewarding) days of your tour! It will begin with a walk across a suspension bridge over the canyon, then leading to an uphill trek of approximately 4 hours. You will hike until you reach Marampata ( 2911 m /9550 ft), passing through sugarcane farms along the way. These farms are where the locals produce cañazo, a traditional alcoholic drink that has been made for centuries in the Peruvian Andes.
Along the way, you will stop for lunch at a picturesque spot with breathtaking views of the mountains and the river. After that, you will climb for another 2 hours up to Choquequirao (3030m / 9940 ft). This lost city is located in the Peruvian Andes overlooking the deep canyon. It was built towards the end of the Incan empire and was thought to be one of the entrance points to Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Incas. Choquequirao was only rediscovered in the early 19th century.
You will be spending the night at a campsite located right next to the Choquequirao archaeological site, giving you plenty of personal time to go off and explore the area on your own.
DAY 3: Explore Choquequirao Ruins
Day three will begin with a bright and early start. Wake up with a warm cup of hot cocoa, tea or coffee and witness the amazing sunrise over the mountains. After breakfast, you will have the whole day to explore this magnificent Inca city with the assistance of your guide. They will lead you on a comprehensive tour, taking you to some of the area's most awe-inspiring spots and educating you on the history of the city and its inhabitants.
Choquequirao translates to cradle of gold. It is nicknamed the twin sister of Machu Picchu but is almost twice the size, despite having far less visitors. That being said, it is expected that this lesser-known ruin will become one of South America's most popular tourist destinations within the next few years. After a full day of exploring this mysterious city, you will return to camp for dinner and some free time before bed.
DAY 4: Choquequirao – Marampata – La Playa – Chiquiska
Enjoy another beautiful morning in Choquequirao. Eat breakfast, and then hike for 3 hours downhill to Santa Rosa (2230 m / 7300 ft), where you will eat lunch. Then it's time for another 2-hour trek downhill followed by 2 more hours uphill. During your hike, you will pass all sorts of different native flowers and birds as the sound of waterfalls play in the distance. Your final destination will be your campsite at Chiquiska (1800m / 5905ft). Once there, take time to enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature before eating dinner and heading to bed.
DAY 5: Chiquiska – Capuliyoc – Cusco
On the final day of your tour, you will get up, have breakfast and prepare for the last 4-hour trek uphill to Capuliyoc. Once there, you will eat lunch with your group and say goodbye to the chefs and porters that have provided your meals. Then, travel by private transportation to the archaeological site of Saywite, a beautifully carved rock that remains a mystery to archaeologists. You will have plenty of time to explore before returning to Cusco. You will be dropped you off at your hotel around 5 pm.