Departure from Cusco
Pickup and road trip toward Cachora and the Capuliyoc viewpoint.
n
Very early
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days and 3 Nights
Archaeological trek ★★★★★5.0
Descend into the deep Apurimac Canyon and climb to Choquequirao on a four-day journey. The return circuit passes Capuliyoc, Chiquisca, Playa Rosalina, Santa Rosa and Marampata, combining steep elevation changes with camping and time to explore the main archaeological sectors of the Cradle of Gold.
n
General information
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
n
Start: early pickup in Cusco
n
Finish: return to Cusco on the evening of day 4
n
Service: group trek
n
Languages: English and Spanish
n
Difficulty: challenging
n
Maximum altitude: about 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
n
Distance: about 42–62 km / 26–39 mi, depending on access and camps
n
What to expect
Day 1
Cusco — Capuliyoc — Chiquisca — Playa Rosalina
Capuliyoc
Equipment preparation and first canyon and mountain views.
n
Trek begins
Chiquisca
Steep hike on dry trails with a lunch break.
n
Descent
Playa Rosalina or Santa Rosa
Cross the Apurimac River and reach the rest area selected by the guide.
n
Camp as scheduled
Day 2
Playa Rosalina — Santa Rosa — Marampata — Choquequirao
Apurimac River
Prepare for the most demanding ascent of the itinerary.
n
Early start
Santa Rosa
Sustained zigzag climb with hydration breaks.
n
Ascent
Marampata
Reach the community and obtain the first views of the complex.
n
Lunch
Choquequirao
Continue toward the archaeological area and camp nearby according to the package.
n
Camp
Day 3
Choquequirao — Marampata — Santa Rosa — Chiquisca
Choquequirao
Explore plazas, buildings, terraces and sectors opened by the authority.
n
Guided visit
Marampata
Begin the return route and reorganize the group.
n
Return
Apurimac River
Demanding descent to the canyon floor and river crossing.
n
Descent
Chiquisca
Final ascent of the day and rest. The camp may vary.
n
Camp
Day 4
Chiquisca — Capuliyoc — Cusco
Camp departure
Start early for the final climb.
n
Before the heat
Capuliyoc
Reach the viewpoint, have the scheduled meal or snack and recover equipment.
n
End of trek
Road return
Transfer back from the trailhead.
n
Afternoon
Cusco
Arrival in central Cusco or at the hotel as coordinated.
n
About evening
What you should know
Recommended gear
- Original passport or identification
- Daypack and waterproof cover
- Trekking boots with good grip
- Light clothing and layering system
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat, sunscreen and UV sunglasses
- Repellent and long sleeves
- Headlamp and batteries
- Water, rehydration salts and medication
- Peruvian soles and portable charger
Fitness and safety
Seek medical advice for heart, respiratory, knee, back, blood-pressure or mobility conditions. Report pain, exhaustion, dehydration or altitude symptoms immediately. Stay behind the guide, avoid cliffs and do not leave the trail. Obtain insurance covering trekking and evacuation. The operator may change camp, stop participation or arrange evacuation for safety; uncovered costs remain the traveler’s responsibility.
n
Before booking
The 4D/3N Choquequirao route is an intense trek with long climbs and descents, canyon heat and basic camps. Training and good health are required. Before payment, confirm camps, luggage allowance, admission, meals and group minimum.
n
Train on steep hikes for several weeks before travel.
n
Acclimatize in Cusco even though the maximum altitude is lower than other treks.
n
The route has little shade, steep sections and large temperature changes.
n
Camps and distances change with access, weather and group pace.
n
Choquequirao may close sectors for conservation or archaeological work.
n
Included
- n
- Pre-trek briefing
- Transportation Cusco–Capuliyoc–Cusco
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cook and meals listed in the program
- Tents and common camping equipment
- Pack animals for the confirmed luggage allowance
- Choquequirao admission when listed in confirmation
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Not included
- n
- Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4
- Sleeping bag and poles unless rented
- Emergency riding horse
- Travel, rescue or evacuation insurance
- Water and snacks outside the service
- Showers, drinks and route purchases
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Services not described
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Location
Cusco, Peru
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is it?
It is challenging because of the accumulated elevation, long days and canyon heat.
n
Does it reach Machu Picchu?
No. This circuit visits Choquequirao and returns through the same area; Machu Picchu requires a longer program.
n
Where do we sleep?
At camps or basic rural lodgings according to the confirmed package.
n
How much luggage is carried?
A per-person allowance must be confirmed before travel. You carry your daypack.
n
Are there toilets and showers?
Infrastructure is basic and variable. Some camps offer local paid services.
n
Can the itinerary change?
Yes, because of weather, landslides, closures, conservation work or group condition.
n
Reviews
5.0
70 reviews
Distribution of displayed reviews
5 stars
5
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Google selects these reviews by relevance. You can sort or filter them here.
Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.
View on Google Maps
Hi! I'm Maribel from Argentina. What can I say about our amazing experience in Cusco! It was incredible! I traveled there in October to celebrate my birthday. Words can't describe the wonderful experience we had! Thank you, Lost in Peru, for providing everything we agreed upon, and much more! A company to hire without hesitation! We paid for our tour, including accommodation, all covered by the company. Congratulations and may you continue to grow! I will definitely contact you again to plan my return trip to Peru! See you soon! Greetings from Argentina! Sending you kisses! Maria, Melissa, Ana, and Maribel
View on Google Maps
I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have connected with such a wonderful company as Lost in Peru, with its amazing people. From the very first contact, over 3,000 km away, they arranged our entire stay, accommodations, transfers, guided tours, and much more, with remarkable kindness. And as if that weren't enough, they welcomed us and said goodbye with beautiful gifts. THANK YOU!! Highly recommended, without a doubt. Tupananchiskama
View on Google Maps
Voy a recomendarlos siempre! Fue una experiencia maravillosa viajar a Perú con Lost in Perú. Estuvieron atentos todo momento, puntuales, en cada detalle y respondiendo todas las consultas...gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje, un viaje inolvidable...
View on Google Maps
I highly recommend Lost in Peru!!! I want to thank everyone, especially Bertha and Alonso, for their attention during those 10 days of the tour!!! Also, thank you for the gift!!! I'm so happy to have visited Peru!!! Lost in Peru...thank you so much for everything!!! 🥰❤️🇦🇷
View on Google Maps
