There are some journeys that just get under your skin, and the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek has firmly nudged its way to the top of my hit list. This isn’t just a walk; it’s an epic, 8-day traverse across the dramatic Andean cordillera, a route that connects two of the most legendary Inca citadels. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of a trek that combines the raw, untouched wildness of Choquequirao with the iconic finish at Machu Picchu. It feels like the ultimate pilgrimage. I can’t wait to follow the paths laid down by the Incas, to uncover the secrets and legends they left behind, and to experience that pervasive sense of history that I know hangs in the mountain air. This is the all-out trip I’ve been craving.
The day is going to kick off early, with a 5 a.m. pickup from my hotel in Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,399 m). I’m picturing the quiet streets before the city wakes up as we head out in a private vehicle towards San Pedro de Cachora (9,186 ft / 2,800 m). It’s about a three-hour drive, which sounds perfect for grabbing a last-minute breakfast and meeting the rest of the crew—the cooks and the muleteers with their horses. This is where the real work begins: a 6 to 7-hour hike that will be my first proper taste of the Andes on this trip. I’m desperate to see the landscapes shift with the changing climates and to hear our guide point out the unique flora and fauna. The real prize of the day, though, is reaching El Mirador Capulichayoq. From here, I’ll get my first incredible view of the Apurímac, the world’s deepest canyon, with the majestic Apurímac River carving its path below. It’s also where we’ll have our first lunch, and I can already imagine getting my first glimpse of Choquequirao in the distance. After lunch, it’s a three-hour descent to our campsite at Chikiska (5,905 ft / 1,800 m), tucked away in a stunning landscape right near the canyon.
After a good breakfast, today’s hike sounds like a tale of two halves. First, a relatively easy 45-minute downhill walk to cross the bridge at Playa Rosalina. Then, the real challenge begins: a demanding 4 to 5-hour uphill climb to our lunch spot at Marampata (9,678 ft / 2,950 m). I know it’ll be tough, but the promise of spectacular views of the canyon and river will keep me going. After lunch, it’s just one more hour of hiking to reach the main event: the Inca citadel of Choquequirao, the “Cradle of Gold,” perched at 10,000 ft (3,033 m). I imagine the surreal feeling of setting up camp with the ancient city and the vast canyon as our backdrop. In the afternoon, there’s time to explore the agricultural sector before tea and dinner. I can’t wait to settle in for the night, ready for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Today is all about diving deep into Choquequirao. I’m excited to have a guide explain the history of this incredible archaeological site, often called Machu Picchu’s sister city due to their many similarities. The fact that it hangs 1,500 meters above the Apurímac Canyon is just mind-boggling. Choquequirao covers more than 8 hectares, but only a third of it has been uncovered, with archaeologists making new discoveries all the time. I’ll get to see the three excavated levels of the ruins, exploring the urban sector, the agricultural terraces, and the religious areas. Plus, there’s a high chance of spotting the legendary Andean Condor in flight. After a full day of getting my history fix, we’ll head back to camp for tea and a well-deserved dinner.
The journey continues after breakfast as we cross the mountain that cradles Choquequirao. The plan is to descend into the next valley before climbing back up toward our campsite. We’ll pass the Pincha Unuyoq terraces, which are still mostly covered by thick Andean cloud forest and once served as an agricultural support center for Choquequirao. This sounds like a challenging day, with about 7 to 8 hours of trekking, but pushing through this wild, untouched landscape is exactly the kind of adventure I’m looking for. Our camp will be near the recently discovered archaeological site of Qorihuayrachina.
An early start today means we get to visit Qorihuayrachina, a site only discovered in 1999. From there, we’ll continue our ascent through the foliage to the first pass. I’m particularly fascinated by the idea of seeing old Inca trails and one of the Inca silver mines near the pass. We’ll have lunch near the summit, at approximately 14,500 feet (4,000 m), before descending to a place simply called “the garden.” I’ve been told it’s one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, with countless flowers blooming beneath cliffs and overhangs. Our camp for the night will be in the small village of Yanama.
After breakfast, we’ll prepare for a gentle and relaxed descent toward the second pass. The views of waterfalls and glaciers are meant to be stunning. Reaching La Puerta, also known as the pass (14,435 ft / 4,400 m), is supposed to feel like being on top of the world, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After crossing the pass, we’ll descend to a large meadow beside a stream and continue our walk until we reach our campsite in a small village known as La Playa.
Today involves a 3-hour climb along an original Inca trail. I’m excited to see the vegetation change as we enter the high jungle, with its abundance of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Our destination is the archaeological site of Llactapata. From here, I’ll get a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountain range—a completely different perspective from the classic photos. After a guided tour of Llactapata, we’ll make a 2-hour descent to the hydroelectric plant for our final lunch with our cook. From there, it’s a 2.5-hour walk to Aguas Calientes. This stretch takes us through Mandor, known for its botanical gardens filled with colorful flowers and orchids. We might even have time to visit the Mandor waterfalls. We should arrive in Aguas Calientes around 5:00 p.m., where a comfortable hotel with a private room, hot shower, cable TV, and Wi-Fi awaits. At 7:00 p.m., we’ll have dinner and get everything ready for the most anticipated day of the trip: visiting the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
An early start is essential today. After breakfast around 5:00 a.m., we’ll begin the one-hour hike up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m). The goal is to be one of the first groups inside, allowing us to witness the majestic sunrise over the ancient city. I’ll then have a 2-hour guided tour of the most important enclosures, temples, and palaces. Afterward, I’ll have free time to explore the mysterious city on my own. I might even tackle the optional climb up Huayna Picchu mountain. At the designated time, I’ll descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco. We expect to be back in Cusco around 8:00 p.m., where I’ll be dropped off at my hotel, marking the end of what I know will be an unforgettable journey.
A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.
We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.
All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.
Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.
The name « Choquequirao » comes from the Quechua language. Where “Choque” means “gold” and ” quirao ” means “cradle”, so the name translates into Spanish as “cradle of gold.”
It is believed that the name refers to the importance that Choquequirao had in the production of gold for the Inca Empire, since it was located in an area rich in minerals and natural resources. In addition, the name may also refer to the spiritual and religious importance that the city had, since gold was considered a sacred metal for the Incas and was used in many of their rituals and ceremonies.
Choquequirao has several Inca constructions, among the most important we have:
Plus, you can see the stunning landscapes. Choquequirao is located in a stunning natural environment, surrounded by mountains and vegetation. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area while exploring the archaeological site.
The climate in Cusco varies depending on the time of year.
The dry season (April to October): During this time, the weather in Cusco is generally dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 20°C. Nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping to 5°C. This is the best time to visit Cusco, since the weather conditions are ideal for exploring the city and doing outdoor activities such as walks and excursions.
Rainy season (November to March): During this time, Cusco experiences frequent rains and cooler temperatures, with an average temperature of 16°C. Nights can be colder, with temperatures dropping as low as 3°C. Rain can be quite intense and prolonged, which can make it difficult to do outdoor activities.
It is important to note that the weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, even during the dry season. It is advisable to wear clothing appropriate for the weather and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and rain.
Choquequirao is an Inca archaeological site located in the Cusco region, near the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is often called the “little sister” of Machu Picchu due to its similarities in architecture and design, and is a popular destination for those interested in Inca history and culture.
Choquequirao is an Inca citadel believed to have been built in the 15th century. It is located on a ridge high in the Apurimac River valley, at an altitude of around 3,050 meters above sea level. The archaeological site covers a large area, with numerous buildings, agricultural terraces and aqueduct systems, and it is believed that at its peak, it may have been home to up to 10,000 people.
If you are planning a trip to Cusco, there are some important items you should bring with you to ensure you are comfortable and prepared for any situation. Some items you might consider bringing are:
Appropriate clothing: Due to the variability of the climate in Cusco, it is important that you wear appropriate clothing for different weather conditions. Include warm clothing for cold nights, comfortable clothing for walking, and comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring the ruins and trails.
The route to Choquequirao is considered a challenging trekking route. Due to its length and steep terrain. The walk usually lasts between 4 days, and good physical condition is required to complete it. The trekking includes long uphill and downhill walks, so walkers are advised to have previous trekking experience and be in good physical shape before attempting this route.
Additionally, the trek to Choquequirao requires camping in remote locations and carrying all necessary equipment and supplies, so it is important to be prepared to carry a heavy backpack and be willing to camp in basic conditions. While the hike is challenging, the natural beauty of the landscape and the cultural richness of the Choquequirao archaeological site make the experience worthwhile.
Rosalina Beach Camp: The camp is located in the Apurímac River canyon. This camp is the first rest point on the trekking route to Choquequirao , and is located about a 3-4 hour walk from Cachora. The Playa Rosalina campground is a popular overnight camping spot. It offers basic facilities such as toilets and showers, as well as tents for rent.
Maranpata Campground : Maranpata is another popular camping spot located on the trekking route to Choquequirao . This camp is located about a 7-8 hour walk from the town of Cachora, after passing through Playa Rosalina and the crossing of the Apurímac River. What makes Maranpata Campground an attractive place to camp is its mountainside location with stunning views of the canyon and Apurimac River. It is an ideal place to rest after a long day of hiking and to prepare for the last leg of the hike to Choquequirao .
Chiquisca Camp : Chiquisca is a basic camp that offers toilets and showers, as well as camping space. What makes the Chiquisca campground an attractive place to camp is its amazing views of the canyon and the Apurímac River.
CHOQUEQUIRAO is an archaeological site that has been discovered, a little-known and precarious place that is regularly visited by national and foreign tourists. Choquequirao is also known as the sacred sister of Machu Picchu. Therefore, it is a large archaeological complex with buildings, temples and terraces, and it is also located on top of a mountain. In addition to the archaeological site of Choquequirao, throughout the journey you will be able to appreciate beautiful landscapes and a great variety of flora and fauna unique in the world.
In this guide, you will learn how to get to the last Inca refuge and we will give you some tips for a smooth trip.
The Choquequirao Archaeological site is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range, which is part of the Andes in southeastern Peru.
The monument is located on one side of the Qorihuayrachina mountain, on the right bank of the Apurimac River.
Its Greenwich Meridian geographic coordinates are: 72°53′ west longitude and 13°32′ south latitude.
Politically it is located in the jurisdiction of the District of Santa Teresa, Province of La Convección, Cusco Region, Peru.
Choquequirao is located between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, it is located on a mountain with an altitude of 3,033 meters, it has a great characteristic: it can only be accessed on foot, 62 kilometers round trip and descending sections, from 3100 to 1400 and vice versa .
To get to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu you have to choose two options, basically the choice is to do it on your own and the other is to hire an authorized agency. Whichever way to get to Choquequirao, below we detail the two ways to get to Choquequirao.
On their own
It is the simplest way to make the trek to Choquequirao, the agencies have everything organized such as transportation, porters, food, guidance, etc. makes this journey unique for every traveler who visits the archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
The best time to visit this archaeological complex is from April to October during this period is the dry season and it is advisable to do this walk.
It is essential to bring sunscreen as well as repellent and it would not hurt to wear glasses and a cap or hat to cover your head. In addition to your camping equipment (flashlight, tent, kitchen utensils, medicines and purifying pills, rain poncho, ventilated clothing and a coat), don’t forget to bring trekking shoes, of course a good camera and extra money.
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
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