5 Days
Daily Tour
16 people
English, Espanol, Portuguese
We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco (3,399m / 11,152 ft) early in the morning, around 5:00 AM. We take a private car to San Pedro de Cachora (2,800m / 9,186 ft), which takes about 3 hours and gives us time to eat breakfast along the way. When we get there, we meet the trekking team, which includes cooks, muleteers, and horses.
The first part of the trek is a hard hike through a variety of landscapes. We walk through cloud forests and highland areas, where we see the beautiful snow-capped Padreyoc peaks. Our knowledgeable guide gives us information about the plants, animals, and ecosystems in the area, which makes the trip even better.
We get to Mirador Capulichayoq, a beautiful viewpoint over the Apurímac Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in the world. There, we have our first lunch while taking in the stunning views of the Apurímac River and our first look at Choquequirao.
We go down for about three hours after lunch to get to Chikiska Camp (1,800m / 5,905 ft). The campsite is in a quiet area surrounded by the dramatic canyon landscape, which is great for relaxing and getting used to the weather.
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +200m (656 ft) / -1,200m (3,937 ft)
Time to hike: 6 to 7 hours
After a big breakfast, we set out from Chikiska Camp (1,800m / 5,905 ft) to the beautiful Inca citadel of Choquequirao (3,033m / 9,951 ft).
The hike begins with a gentle 45-minute downhill walk to the bridge at Playa Rosalina. After that, we have to climb a steep hill for 4–5 hours until we reach Marampata (2,950m / 9,678 ft), where we stop for lunch. This is the hardest part of the trek. From here, you can see the Apurímac Canyon and the Apurímac River below in all their glory.
After lunch, we drive for about an hour to Choquequirao, where we set up camp in the middle of the ruins. From there, we can see the Inca city and the canyon around it. We look at some of the agricultural terraces in the afternoon and learn about how the Incas farmed.
We end the day with tea and a tasty dinner, then rest at camp to get ready for the next day's adventure.
Distance: 9.9 miles (16 km)
Gain or loss in elevation: +1,233m (4,045 ft) / -0m
Time to hike: 7–8 hours
The campsite is 3,033 meters (9,951 feet) high.
Today, we are going to spend our time exploring the Inca citadel of Choquequirao, which is 3,033 meters (9,951 feet) high. Our expert guide will tell you all about the history, culture, and importance of this archaeological site, which is often called Machu Picchu's "sister city." Machu Picchu hangs over the Urubamba Canyon, and Choquequirao is 1,500 meters above the Apurímac Canyon, giving you amazing views. Both places are at the same latitude and were important Inca cities.
Only a third of Choquequirao has been dug up, and new things are still being found. It covers more than 8 hectares. We will look at the three main areas during the day: the city, the agricultural terraces, and the religious areas. We might see the beautiful flight of the Andean condor along the way, which will be a highlight.
After a long day of exploring, we go back to our campsite for tea and a tasty dinner. We think about the amazing landscapes and history we've seen.
Distance: Around 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: very little (only within the site)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Campsite Altitude: 3,033m (9,951 ft)
At sunrise, we can see the beautiful views of the Inca ruins and our campsite (3,033 m / 9,951 ft). After a big breakfast, we start to go back down the Apurímac Canyon to Playa Rosalina, where we stop for lunch.
After lunch, we continue our trek by climbing back up to our campsite at Chikisca (1,800 m / 5,905 ft). The trail has amazing views of the canyon, a wide range of plants, and the chance to see animals that live there.
We have tea time and a great dinner in the evening to get ready for the last day of our trek.
Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
Gain or loss in elevation: -1,233m (4,045 ft) / +233m (764 ft)
Time to hike: 6 to 7 hours
Campsite Elevation: 1,800m (5,905 ft)
We eat breakfast at six in the morning while observing the sunrise over the 1,800-meter (5,905-foot) Apurímac Canyon. We start our last trek back to Cachora (2,800m / 9,186 ft) after breakfast. Depending on your pace and level of fitness, the hike should take five to seven hours.
While taking in the breathtaking views of the canyon, we pause for lunch at Capulichayoq. The journey comes to an end when we get to Cachora and board our private vehicle to return to Cusco. To wrap up this incredible five-day journey, a representative will make sure you are transferred to your respective hotels.
Distance: About 14 kilometers (8.7 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,000m (3,280 ft) / -0m
Time to hike: Five to seven hours
Campsite Altitude: Chikisca's last night (1,800m / 5,905 ft)
For the tour, you should bring lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable hiking boots. It’s also a good idea to pack a rain jacket, sunglasses, and a camera.
Wear layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed as temperatures change. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer. Opt for quick-drying fabrics to stay comfortable.
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for extra energy between meals. However, avoid bringing items that are difficult to carry or that may attract wildlife.
The tour will continue even if it rains, so be prepared with waterproof gear. A rain jacket and waterproof cover for your backpack will help keep you dry. The itinerary may be adjusted if weather conditions are severe.
The tour is moderately to highly demanding, with significant hiking involved. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to handle the elevation changes and varying terrain. Training prior to the tour can help improve your experience.