7 Days / 6 Nights
Medium - Challenge
Min: 2 - Max: 8 people
Cusco - Perú
Known as the sister of Machu Picchu, the Choquequirao Trek offers a unique and less-traveled path into the heart of the Andes. Choquequirao, whose name means «Cradle of Gold» in Quechua, is a vast Inca complex that remains hidden from the crowds. It was one of the last Inca strongholds and served as a refuge after the Spanish conquest. For centuries, it was swallowed by the cloud forest, and much of it is still being uncovered by archaeologists today.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Starts from | Cusco, Peru |
| Ends in | [Cusco / Machu Picchu] |
| Max altitude | 4250 mt / |
| Total distance | Approx. 115 km |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Group size | Small groups (Min: 2 – Max. 8) |
| Price | $ 850 USD per person |
Our Choquequirao hike is designed for travelers seeking an authentic and challenging adventure. It’s not just a trek, but a journey through living history, dramatic scenery and remote mountain trails. You’ll walk the same paths once used by the Incas, surrounded by steep canyons, waterfalls and valleys that seem untouched by time.
Unlike the busy Inca Trail, the Choquequirao Trek offers peaceful solitude, so you can connect deeply with nature and Andean culture. You’ll camp under the stars, cross hanging bridges and gradually climb to the archaeological site of Choquequirao: an awe-inspiring complex of temples, terraces and sacred spaces, only partly excavated.
At the top, you’ll stand above ancient Inca structures, with panoramic views of the deep Apurímac canyon and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
This adventure trek in Peru requires good physical condition. The trail has long, steep climbs and descents in and out of the Apurímac canyon. Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 to 3 days before starting (learn more about altitude sickness). The effort is worth it: you’ll visit one of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru, with very few other people around.
If you’re looking for a powerful alternative to Machu Picchu, less crowded but equally magical, join Inca Trail For Less on the Choquequirao Trek. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the soul of the Andes.
Thank you for choosing Inca Trail For Less for your adventure. One or two days before the trek, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Cusco to explain the full itinerary, the equipment you’ll need and what to expect each day. It’s the perfect time to ask any final questions.
Looking for other alternative treks? Try the Inca Quarry Trail Trek, the Salkantay Trek to Machu picchu or the Rainbow Mountain and Machu picchu If you prefer an easier visit to Machu Picchu, see our Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu tour.
04:00 am – Pickup in Cusco. Our private van picks you up at your hotel for a 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu.
Capuliyoc viewpoint. Located on the edge of the Apurímac canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, Capuliyoc offers spectacular views. With some luck, you’ll see Andean condors flying over the canyon.
Downhill hike to Chiquisca. We start the trek going downhill for about 2 hours into the canyon until we reach Chiquisca, where our cook serves a hot lunch.
Uphill to Rosas Pata. After lunch, we hike uphill for about 1.5 hours to Rosas Pata, our campsite for the night. Dinner is served at the camp, and you’ll spend your first night under the stars.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Camping at Rosas Pata |
| Min altitude | 1,550 m / 5,085 ft |
| Max altitude | 3,324 m / 10,906 ft |
| Walking distance | 14 km / 8.7 mi |
| Walking time | Approx. 4 hours |
| Weather | Warm and windy; hot at the bottom of the canyon |
| Meals | Lunch, dinner |
| Difficulty | 3 – Moderate to challenging |
| Start time | 04:00 am |
| End time | Approx. 06:00 pm |
Transportation
Entrance tickets
Accommodation
Meals
Camping equipment
Staff and support
