Inca Rivers Trek (Choquequirao), Peru
Overview
Embark on a challenging 4-day trek through the Apurímac Canyon to Choquequirao, often referred to as the "sister city" of Machu Picchu. Led by expert local guides with support from horsemen and donkey drivers, this route takes you through dramatic elevation changes, lush vegetation, and ancient Inca archaeological terraces perched high above the river.
Quick Facts & Highlights
🏛️ Choquequirao Archaeology: Explore the ruins and ancient Inca terraces of Choquequirao with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
🦅 Apurímac Canyon Vistas: Trek through deep canyon landscapes with opportunities to spot condors, local birds, and native flora.
🐴 Support Crew Included: Horsemen and donkeys assist with gear and logistics along the route.
🚙 Full Transport Included: Round-trip transfer between Cusco and the Capuliyoc trailhead.
Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
Rating
5 (8 Reviews)
Pickup Point
pick up at hotels in Cusco
Price
650$
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa
Drive & Descent to Canyon:
Hotel pickup in Cusco around 5:00 AM. Drive 4 hours to Cachora and continue to the Capuliyoc pass (2,900 m). Meet the horsemen, take in views of the Choquequirao complex, and descend 4 hours through Cocamasana and Chiquisca to Playa Rosalina (1,500 m) for lunch.
Ascent to Camp:
A 2-hour uphill hike to the campsite at Santa Rosa (2,100 m).⏱️ Duration: 6 hours • Distance: 17 km • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation:
Overnight Camping (Santa Rosa)
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
Ascent to Marampata:
Early breakfast followed by a ~3-hour hike up through dense vegetation to Marampata (2,850 m) for a short rest. Observe orchids and local wildlife along the way.
Arrival at Choquequirao Base Camp:
Continue 2 hours along the trail to the Choquequirao base camp (2,950 m). Afternoon guided visit to the Choquequirao ruins.⏱️ Duration: 5 hours • Distance: 13 km • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation:
Campsite near Choquequirao
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Choquequirao – Marampata – Chiquisca
Site Exploration & Return Trail:
Morning exploration of the Choquequirao archaeological complex (1-hour walk to the site followed by 3 hours of guided exploration).
Descent to Chiquisca:
Begin the return trek, descending 2 hours to cross the Apurímac River, then ascending 1 hour to the Chiquisca base camp (1,950 m).⏱️ Duration: 7 hours • Distance: 13 km • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation:
Overnight Camping (Chiquisca)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Cusco
Final Climb & Return Transfer:
Early morning climb (~2 hours) back up to the Capuliyoc pass (2,915 m) with views of snowcapped peaks and the canyon. Have lunch at Capuliyoc before taking a 5-hour vehicle transfer back to Cusco (arriving around 6:00 PM).⏱️ Duration: 5 hours • Distance: 9 km • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation:
Not included
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
✅ Entrance Fees
✅ All Transport
✅ Bilingual Guide (English and Spanish)
✅ First Aid Support
✅ Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners
What's Not Included
❌ Pre/Post-Tour Accommodation: Accommodation before or after the tour.
Who Is This Tour For?
✅ Trekers Seeking Turnkey Logistics: Ideal for travelers who want all ground transportation, entrance tickets, guiding, and full daily catering included in a single package.
✅ International Hikers: Great for non-native Spanish speakers needing professional bilingual guide support (English/Spanish).
❌ Travelers Expecting Full Hotel Stays Before/After Trek: Unsuitable for those needing additional hotel bookings covered in Cusco or surrounding areas outside the active trek itinerary.
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