4.9/5
2,725 reviewsHike across the Apurímac Canyon to Choquequirao, the sister city of Machu Picchu, with fewer than 100 visitors a day, pack horses and local guesthouses.
The Choquequirao Trek is the adventure for travelers who want an Inca city almost to themselves. Compare our 3-day and 4-day routes and choose the pace that fits your fitness and time.
Choquequirao, the Cradle of Gold, is an Inca citadel comparable in scale to Machu Picchu, hidden deep in the Andes and reachable only on foot. The trek descends into the dramatic Apurímac Canyon before climbing to the ruins, where you explore terraces, temples and the famous white llama figures carved into the hillside. No permits required, and almost no other visitors.
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Read recent experiences from travelers who booked with our local team and shared how the service, organization, and on-trip support felt in real situations. These reviews help future passengers understand what to expect before choosing their tour.
Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attentive. Thank you to the kitchen staff as well! Definitely a challenge, but in the end it all worth it!
Une superbe expérience ! L’équipe est au top, une superbe ambiance un tracé magnifique avec des paysages très variés. Tout est bien rôdé, transport, repas, couchage. On mange très bien et en quantité ! Par contre prévoyez de quoi manger pendant la randonnée ce n’est pas inclus. Pour moi c’est la meilleure façon pour se rendre au Machu Picchu en passant par le col du Salkantay et en montant le dernier jour par les marches du chemin de l’Inca. Un petit bémol sur la transparence du prix annoncé , ce trip se veut all inclusive, en réalité ce n’est pas le cas. Certains frais imprévus viennent s’ajouter tout au long des 5 jours ( frais supplémentaires pour les activités, taxe pour certains passages de pont ou col, Tips un peu forcé ). Ce ne sont pas des gros frais mais au cumulé ça représente aux alentours de 300 soles. Je trouve personnellement que l’organisme ferai mieux d’intégrer ces frais dans le prix de leur expérience car on a vraiment la sensation d’être mis sur le fait accompli. Prévoyez des gourdes filtrantes car les bouteilles d’eau sur place sont vendus à prix d’or !
Not sure which Choquequirao Trek fits you best? Compare the 3-day and 4-day routes by pace, fitness and time at the citadel.
Both routes cross the Apurímac Canyon and include a guided visit to Choquequirao. Use these six points to choose the right one.
The 4-day trek is the recommended option, with a full day at the citadel. The 3-day trek is faster and more intense.
Both routes are challenging: about 1,400 m of climbing in one day. Good fitness and some hiking experience are essential.
The 4-day route gives you a full day for the plazas, temples and llama terraces, often with whole sectors to yourself.
The bottom of the canyon (1,500 m) is hot during the day. Start early, carry water, and choose April to October for dry trails.
No camping: you sleep in family guesthouses in Chiquisca and Marampata. Riding horses can be hired for some uphill sections.
Join a small group of 6 to 8 travelers (max 10), or book a private trek for 2 or more on your dates.
Our two Choquequirao Trek routes from Cusco, both with transport, professional guide, guesthouses, meals, pack horses and entrance tickets. Choose the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days for a full day at the citadel, or the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days if you are a strong hiker short on time.
Prefer to finish your trek at Machu Picchu? Discover the high mountain pass of the Salkantay Trek, the original Inca Trail or the quiet Andean villages of the Lares Trek.
The Salkantay Trek 4 Days combines snow-capped mountains and cloud forest, the Inca Trail 4 Days arrives through the Sun Gate, and the Lares Trek visits weaving communities, all ending with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Travel only with your family or friends: private Choquequirao Treks for 2 or more travelers, on the dates you choose and at your own pace. Message us on WhatsApp or write to info@machupicchuteam.com.
Saw Choquequirao and still want Machu Picchu? Add a train tour after your trek and see both Inca cities on one trip.
One day: the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train goes and returns from Cusco the same day.
Two days: the Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train includes a hotel night in Aguas Calientes, ideal to rest after the trek. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp.
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See what awaits you on the Choquequirao Trek: the deep Apurímac Canyon, the suspension bridge at Playa Rosalina, the trail up to Marampata, the carved stone of Saywite and the Inca terraces decorated with white stone llamas, with almost no other visitors around.
Everything you need to plan your Choquequirao Trek: difficulty, best season, what to pack and how to book.
Our Choquequirao tour prices, per person, with private transport from and back to Cusco, guide, guesthouses, meals, pack horses and entrance tickets:
Both treks follow the same route; the 3-day version is faster, with longer walking days.
The Choquequirao ruins are an Inca city at about 3,050 m, high above the Apurímac Canyon, often called the sister city of Machu Picchu. You see temples, plazas, water channels and wide agricultural terraces, with very few visitors. Only part of the site has been excavated.
The Choquequirao hike is challenging. It crosses the Apurímac Canyon twice, with a climb of about 1,400 m in one day, and suits fit hikers with some trekking experience.
No trekking permit is required, unlike the Inca Trail. Your entrance tickets to Choquequirao and Saywite are included.
In local family guesthouses in Chiquisca and Marampata, with beds and blankets. No tent or camping gear is needed.
Yes. Pack horses carry up to 7 kg of your personal gear. Riding horses for the uphill sections can be hired for an extra fee.
April to October is the dry season. From November to March the trails can be slippery, but the canyon is greener and quieter.
The Choquequirao trek returns to Cusco. You can add a Machu Picchu train tour before or after it.
Choose the right Choquequirao Trek for your fitness and time.
Choquequirao, “the cradle of gold” in Quechua, was one of the last refuges of the Incas. Today it can only be reached on foot, which is why it receives fewer than 100 visitors a day. On the Choquequirao Trek 4 Days you stop at the carved stone of Saywite, descend from Capuliyoc to the Apurímac River, climb to Marampata and spend a full day exploring the citadel and its famous llama terraces. The Choquequirao Trek 3 Days follows the same route at a faster pace for strong hikers.
This is a challenging trek of about 62 km on the 4-day route, with long descents and climbs of up to 1,400 m in one day. In return, you get quiet trails, real local hospitality and one of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru.
Hiking boots with good grip and trekking poles.
Sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses for the hot canyon.
Warm layers for the evenings in Marampata.
Rain jacket or poncho.
Insect repellent and a headlamp.
Reusable water bottle (1 to 2 liters).
Passport and cash in soles for water, snacks and tips.
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize.
Train with long uphill and downhill walks before the trip.
Attend the pre-trek briefing in Cusco the evening before.
Pack your duffel bag with a maximum of 7 kg for the horses.
Our Choquequirao Treks run all year with group and private departures. Book a few weeks ahead from May to September to secure guesthouses and pack horses.
Check availability for your dates on WhatsApp or at info@machupicchuteam.com.
