Trek to Choquequirao – 4 Days

We depart at dawn (around 5:30 a.m.), following the Apurímac River toward the archaeological site of Sayhuite. Then we stop in Cachora (2,850 m), your last chance to buy snacks before reaching the viewpoint over the Apurímac Canyon, framed by the majestic Padreyoc Glacier (5,571 m).

There, we meet our muleteers and begin the descent to the Chiquisca hacienda, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by Andean nature.

Distance: 8 km

Elevation gain: +40 m

Elevation loss: -1,070 m

Max altitude: 3,600 m

After breakfast, we’ll descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), the lowest point of the day, before beginning a challenging climb to the village of Marampata (2,850 m), where we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Choquequirao archaeological complex (3,033 m). If we’re lucky, we might spot a condor in flight at sunset. Our lodge is located about 1h30 from the ruins, at 2,950 m elevation. Distance: 9 km Elevation gain: +1,500 m Elevation loss: -450 m Max altitude: 2,850 m

Today we visit the citadel of Choquequirao (3,033 m), whose name means “cradle of gold” in Quechua. We’ll enjoy the peace and mystique of this awe-inspiring site, still far from the usual tourist trails. Our tour includes the ceremonial palaces, liturgical fountain, main temple, llama terraces, and the Ushnu ceremonial platform. Although only 30% of the site has been restored, its grandeur is undeniable. After our exploration, we return to Marampata for the night. Distance: 5 km Elevation gain: +265 m Elevation loss: -145 m Max altitude: 3,040 m

We start early to enjoy the cool morning air. We descend to the Apurímac River, cross it, and climb the opposite side toh Capuliyoc (2,850 m), where our transport to Cusco awaits (4 h). Distance: 17 km Elevation gain: +1,500 m Elevation loss: -1,500 m Maximum altitude: 2,850 m