Álvaro Mella
1 year ago
Ready for Cusco’s ultimate trekking challenge? The 4-Day / 3-Night Choquequirao Trek is recognized as one of the most physically demanding yet rewarding mountain expeditions in the world. Cover 62 km (38.5 miles) traversing the Apurimac River Canyon (descending to 1,500 m / 4,921 ft and ascending to 3,050 m / 10,006 ft) to explore the magnificent, uncrowded “Sister City of Machu Picchu”: the gold citadel of Choquequirao. 🏔️🥾
Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N: High physical demand expedition to the sister citadel of Machu Picchu. The trek covers a total distance of 60 km (37.2 miles) round trip, crossing the Apurímac canyon with steep ascents to the archaeological site located at 3,050 m.a.s.l. (10,006 ft) 🥾⛰️.
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.
| Route Metric | Factual Data | Additional Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Total Distance | 60 km / 37.2 miles | Full round trip |
| Maximum Altitude | 3,050 m / 10,006 ft | Main Archaeological Complex |
| Elevation Gain | ~1,500 m / 4,921 ft | Ascent from Playa Rosalina |
| Difficulty Level | Demanding | Requires good physical condition |
💡 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.
The tour begin in Cusco (3,350 m) around 5:30 a.m. The first destination is down to the town of Cachora (2,850 m) to pick up the mules who will carry all our camping equipment during the expedition. After that, we will continue to Capuliyoc (2,800 m).
This first stretch of the walk offers a beautiful view of the mythical Padreyoc mountain and the deep canyon crossed by the Apurímac river, which means “río que habla” (river that speaks). Then, we will descend down to the Chiquisca canyon (1,930 m), where we will spend the night.
Walking time: 7 hours
After breakfast, we will descend to La Playa Rosalina (1,550 m). From there, we will continue to Marampata (2,850 m), where we will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the Choquequirao archaeological complex (3,033 m.). We will walk another half hour until we reach our base camp.
Walking time: 7 hours
At sunrise we will have a spectacular view of the Choquequirao archaeological complex. As of now only 30% of “la Cuna de oro” (golden cradle) is exposed. After that, we will descend to the deepest part of the Apurímac canyon called San Ignacio (1,500 m) to have lunch. Finally, we will go to our camp site in los bellos jardines del Carmen (2,000 m).
Walking time: 6 hours
Los jardines del Carmen is located close to the Tambo Bamba farm (2,500 m.), a region ruled by landowners during the 19th and 20th centuries, and considered as one of the most fertile valleys for growing corn and a variety of potatoes. We will also cross small towns such as Pacobamba and Huanipaca (3,150 m) to be picked up by the bus that will take us back to Cusco.
Walking time: 5 hours
Transportation duration: 5 hours
Additional details of the Choquequirao 4 days tour are as follows:
Cusco
5:30 am
