Choquequirao Trek 5 days: the complete guide
The five-day Choquequirao trek takes the same spectacular route to the lost citadel but adds something precious: a full day to explore the ruins themselves, plus a gentler pace through the great Apurímac Canyon.
Why add the extra day
Choquequirao is enormous — only about a third is excavated — and rushing it is a shame. The five-day version gives you a full exploration day among the terraces, plazas and the celebrated llama mosaics, with time to watch for condors over the canyon.
The route, day by day
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco → Cachora → Chikisca |
| 2 | Chikisca → Marampata → Choquequirao |
| 3 | Full guided exploration of Choquequirao |
| 4 | Choquequirao → Chikisca |
| 5 | Chikisca → Cachora → Cusco |
See the full itinerary
Read the day-by-day plan, inclusions and dates.
How hard is it, and when to go
Still a challenging canyon trek, but the extra day eases the rhythm. Go in the dry season for safe trails, acclimatize in Cusco first, and read our packing guide for the warm, dry canyon conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you want to properly explore the vast citadel rather than rush it. The extra day adds a full guided visit and a more comfortable pace.
Good fitness is needed for the steep canyon climbs, but the five-day pace is more forgiving than the four-day. Acclimatize in Cusco first.