Choquequirao trek in 5 days: day-by-day guide
The 5-day version of the Choquequirao trek gives you what the shorter one cannot: a whole day to explore the vast Inca city at an unhurried pace, and a night camping right by the ruins above the Apurímac Canyon. It is the best way to experience Machu Picchu’s remote sister city.
The trek at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days, 4 nights camping |
| Start and finish | Cachora (about 2,800 m) |
| Altitude range | From about 1,800 m to 3,033 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Price with us | US $430 |
Day 1: Cachora to Chikisca
A 5:00 am private transfer to Cachora (about 2,800 m), then a hike through highland and cloud forest, with views of the Padreyoc peak, to the Capulichayoc viewpoint over the Apurímac Canyon. A long descent leads to camp at Chikisca (about 1,800 m). About 15 km.
Take your time at Choquequirao
Five days with a full day at the site, guide, chef, mules and entrance — US $430.
Day 2: up to Choquequirao
After the Playa Rosalina bridge, a climb of 4–5 hours reaches Marampata (about 2,950 m) for lunch and continues to Choquequirao (3,033 m), where you camp among the ruins with views over the canyon. About 16 km and more than 1,200 m of ascent.
Day 3: a full day at Choquequirao
A guided tour of the three sectors of the site — urban, agricultural and religious — with time to explore at your own pace, watch for Andean condors and enjoy the silence of an Inca city with very few visitors.
Day 4: back across the canyon
A long descent to Playa Rosalina for lunch, then the climb back to camp at Chikisca, with wide views over the valley. About 16 km.
Day 5: Chikisca to Cachora and Cusco
A final climb past Capulichayoc, with lunch on the way, returns you to Cachora for the private drive to Cusco and your hotel. About 14 km.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and private transport to Cachora and back | Sleeping bag (rent in Cusco) |
| Bilingual professional guide; Choquequirao entrance | Trekking poles (rent in Cusco) |
| Chef, full camping equipment, mules and muleteers | Tips and personal expenses |
| Meals as detailed (vegetarian on request), oxygen and first-aid kit | — |
4 or 5 days?
The 4-day trek includes a guided visit but less time at the site; the 5-day version adds a full day and a night by the ruins — worth it if you love archaeology or photography. To continue on foot to Machu Picchu, see the 8-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. Train on hills before you go, carry insect repellent and sun protection, and choose the dry season (May to September) if you can.
Frequently asked questions
It adds a full day at the site and a night camping by the ruins, so you can explore without rushing.
Challenging: long descents into the Apurímac Canyon and climbs of more than 1,200 m, often in the heat.
Yes. On the 5-day trek you camp near the ruins on nights two and three.
Yes, the entrance ticket is included in our tour.
Yes, on our 8- or 9-day treks, which continue over high passes to Machu Picchu.
