Considered the last refuge of the Inca nobility, the Choquequirao Archaeological Park sits on the slopes of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range at 3,050 m.a.s.l. (10,006 ft). This architectural bastion resisted colonial occupation thanks to its strategic location and rugged topography. The 4-day and 3-night expedition encompasses a prolonged descent into the Apurímac river canyon followed by a sustained ascent, offering direct observation of endemic species and biodiversity typical of the high jungle.
💡 Traveler Tip: If you are looking to connect with Machu Picchu through the most famous route, we recommend exploring our Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.
| FEATURE | CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 4 DAYS | SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| Destination & Highlights | Lost Citadel of Choquequirao (100% remote, no trains or roads) | Salkantay Glacier Pass (4,630 m) and Machu Picchu citadel |
| Physical Difficulty | High physical demand — Steep canyon descent & ascent (Apurimac) | Moderate-to-high — High alpine pass and subtropical jungle trails |
| Accommodation | 3 Nights in High-mountain camping tents (comfortable & safe) | 2 Nights in Camping tents + 1 Night in 3★ Hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Trail Experience | Wilderness expedition with zero crowds and pristine nature | Popular adventure trail with steady international traveler flow |
🥾 Hiking Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles)
⏱️ Estimated Time: 7 hours active trekking
⛰️ Highest Altitude: 2,900 m (9,514 ft) (Capuliyoc Pass)
🍽️ Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Our expedition begins in Cusco (3,350 m / 10,990 ft) at approximately 5:30 a.m. We drive toward the village of Cachora (2,850 m / 9,350 ft) to meet our horsemen and pack mules who will carry all camping and kitchen gear. We continue to the Capuliyoc viewpoint pass (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Padreyoc and the deep Apurimac River Canyon ("the talking river"). We then begin our descent into the canyon toward Chiquisca (1,930 m / 6,332 ft), where we will set up camp for the night.
🥾 Hiking Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
⏱️ Estimated Time: 8 to 9 hours trekking
⛰️ Starting Altitude: 1,930 m (6,332 ft) | Maximum Altitude: 3,050 m (10,006 ft)
🍽️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) to cross the Apurimac River suspension bridge. From here, we begin a challenging uphill hike to Marampata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), where we are rewarded with our first breathtaking view of the Choquequirao archaeological citadel (3,033 m / 9,950 ft). Another easy 30-minute walk brings us directly to our base campsite.
🥾 Hiking Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
⏱️ Estimated Time: 7 to 8 hours trekking & guided exploration
⛰️ Starting Altitude: 3,050 m (10,006 ft) | Camp Altitude: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
🍽️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
At dawn we enjoy a comprehensive guided exploration of Choquequirao’s most iconic sectors: the Famous Sun Llamas terraces, the ceremonial Usnu, and the Main Plaza. Currently, only about 30% of the citadel has been excavated. After exploring, we descend into the deep Apurimac Canyon to San Ignacio (1,500 m / 4,921 ft) for lunch, followed by an ascent to our campsite at the scenic Carmen Gardens (2,000 m / 6,561 ft).
🥾 Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
⏱️ Estimated Time: 5 to 6 hours trekking (plus 5 hours return transport)
⛰️ Starting Altitude: 2,000 m (6,561 ft) | Maximum Altitude: 3,400 m (11,154 ft)
🍽️ Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
We depart Carmen Gardens walking near the historic Tambo Bamba farm (2,500 m / 8,202 ft), a fertile valley famous for traditional corn and potato agriculture. We cross the picturesque Andean villages of Pacobamba and Huanipaca (3,150 m / 10,335 ft), where our private transport awaits to take us back to Cusco (approx. 6:00 p.m. arrival).
Additional details of the Choquequirao 4 days tour are as follows:
Cusco
5:30 am
The Choquequirao Trek is one of the most physically demanding hikes in Cusco due to steep canyon descents and ascents with altitude changes of up to 1,500 meters daily. Good physical fitness, leg stamina, and at least 2 days of prior acclimatization in Cusco are required.
The tour includes 3 nights in comfortable & safe high-mountain camping tents at authorized rustic campsites (Chiquisca, Choquequirao & Santa Rosa). Our crew provides 4-season waterproof tents and insulating sleeping pads.
Choquequirao is three times larger in land area than Machu Picchu and is only accessible on foot, ensuring an authentic wilderness experience without crowds or trains. It is revered as the true “Sacred Sister” and last Inca refuge.
Local horsemen and pack mules carry all collective camping gear, kitchen equipment, and your duffel bag up to 5 kg throughout the trail. Each hiker only carries a light daypack with water, sunscreen, and a jacket.
