Choquequirao homestay trek: the wild alternative to Machu Picchu (4 Days)

After a morning briefing with your guide at your hotel, you leave Cusco at dawn, following the Apurímac River. Your first stop takes you to the Sayhuite archaeological site, famous for its carved monolith. You then pass through the village of Cachora (2,850 m) for final supplies, before reaching a splendid viewpoint overlooking the Apurímac canyon, dominated by the Padreyoc glacier.
It is here that you meet your muleteers and begin a long descent of more than 1,000 meters of elevation loss leading to the Chiquisca hacienda, nestled in the heart of wild Andean nature.

Distance: 8 km
Elevation changes: +40 m / -1,070 m
Maximum altitude: 3,600 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Chiquisca.

After breakfast, you resume walking, first descending to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m) at the bottom of the canyon. You cross the river and tackle the main difficulty of the trek: a sustained and demanding ascent of 1,500 meters of elevation gain to reach the perched village of Marampata (2,850 m).
Your efforts are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the ridges housing the Choquequirao citadel. With a little luck, you might observe the majestic flight of the condor at dusk there.

Distance: 9 km
Elevation changes: +1,500 m / -450 m
Maximum altitude: 2,950 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Marampata (1.5 hours from the archaeological site).

This entire day is dedicated to a guided tour of Choquequirao (3,033 m), the 'cradle of gold' in Quechua. You enjoy the serenity and magic of this grandiose site, still preserved from mass tourism.
Strolling through its restored sectors, you explore the ceremonial palaces, liturgical fountains, main temple, famous terraces adorned with white stone llamas, and the Ushnu (ritual platform). In the late afternoon, you return to the village of Marampata to share a last evening with your hosts.

Distance: 5 km
Elevation changes: +265 m / -145 m
Maximum altitude: 3,040 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Marampata.

You start with an early departure to enjoy the coolness and avoid the strong heat of the canyon. You begin the descent back to the Apurímac River, before embarking on the final vertical climb towards the Capuliyoc pass (2,850 m).
Once this last effort is accomplished, you bid farewell to the muleteer team and meet your private driver for a 4-hour transfer to Cusco, where you are dropped off directly at your hotel.

Distance: 17 km
Elevation changes: +1,500 m / -1,500 m
Maximum altitude: 2,850 m