Choquequirao Trek 4 Days – Inca Trail from Cusco Peru

Day 1 : Cusco – Capuliyoc – San Rosa

Your Choquequirao Trek 4 Days begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Cusco at 5:30 am in our private transportation. The journey takes around four hours through the beautiful Andean valleys until we reach the trailhead at Capuliyoc (2,900 m / 9,512 ft), a small village near Cachora. Along the way, we will stop for breakfast while enjoying spectacular views of the Limatambo Canyon and the impressive snowcapped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay Mountains.

At Capuliyoc, we will meet our team of muleteers and horses, who will carry the camping equipment and supplies. After a short preparation, we begin our trekking adventure. The trail starts with a gentle descent offering incredible vistas of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the vast Apurímac Canyon, considered one of the deepest canyons in the world.

After approximately 3 hours of hiking downhill, we arrive at Chikiska (1,900 m / 6,213 ft), a lush area with subtropical vegetation, where our cook will serve a freshly prepared lunch. This is the perfect spot to rest and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Andes.

In the afternoon, we continue our hike for about 4 more hours on a challenging but rewarding section of the trail. Gradually, we descend further into the canyon until we reach Santa Rosa (1,500 m / 4,920 ft), our first campsite. Here we will set up tents, enjoy a warm dinner, and spend the night surrounded by the sounds of nature deep in the Andes.

This first day of the Choquequirao hike offers a mix of adventure, history, and nature—an unforgettable start to one of the most extraordinary trekking tours in Cusco Peru.

Day 2 :  San Rosa –  Marampata-  Choquequirao Exploration

We start the day very early with a traditional coca tea, the perfect energy boost used by the Andean people for centuries. After enjoying a nutritious breakfast prepared by our cook, we begin the most challenging section of the trek: a 3-hour uphill climb on steep switchback trails that gradually take us higher through the Andean cloud forest.

Our effort will be rewarded as we reach the small farming village of Maranpata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where we stop to rest and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. From this panoramic spot, we’ll have our first breathtaking views of the mystical Choquequirao ruins, hidden deep within the Apurímac Canyon and surrounded by snowcapped peaks.

In the afternoon, we continue hiking for about 2 more hours on a gentler trail until we reach our second campsite, located right at the entrance of the Choquequirao Archaeological Park (2,950 m / 9,676 ft). Once we settle in, we will head out for our first guided exploration of Choquequirao, focusing on the religious and ceremonial sectors of the site. As the sun begins to set, we’ll witness an unforgettable sunset over the ancient terraces and temples, a magical experience that very few travelers get to enjoy. We then return to our campsite for dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the spirit of the Incas.

Day 3:  Marampata – Apurimac Rio –  Coca Masana

After enjoying a hearty Andean breakfast, we begin our descent back toward the mighty Apurímac Canyon. The morning hike takes about 3 hours downhill, following a steep switchback trail that very few trekkers travel. Along the way, we are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Apurímac River winding through one of the deepest canyons in South America.

By late morning, we arrive at Playa Rosalinda (1,450 m / 4,756 ft), located on the riverbanks. Here we take a well-deserved rest, enjoy energizing snacks, and dip our feet in the refreshing waters before continuing our journey.

From this point, we begin a gradual ascent of about 45 minutes to reach Chikiska (1,820 m / 5,970 ft), where our team prepares a freshly made lunch with local ingredients. This spot also offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and vegetation.

In the afternoon, we continue hiking for a few more hours until reaching Coca Masana, our campsite for the night. This area is known for its lush orchards and subtropical climate, a sharp contrast to the high Andean peaks we explored earlier in the trek.

Before dinner, we’ll visit a local orchard and learn about the region’s most important plants: the sacred coca leaves used since Inca times, the cacao plant that produces chocolate, as well as avocado, papaya, and other tropical fruits. This cultural exchange allows us to understand the deep connection between the Andean people and their land.

As the sun sets over the canyon, we’ll enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of our campsite, preparing for the final stretch of our Choquequirao adventure.

Day 4: Coca masana – Capuliyoc –  Cusco

After our final Andean breakfast on the trail, we begin the last stretch of our Choquequirao adventure. The hike follows a gentle uphill path for about 3 hours through the highland valley, surrounded by native trees, colorful flowers, and breathtaking canyon views.

By late morning, we arrive at Capuliyoc (2,320 m / 7,610 ft), the official end of the trek. Here we take time to thank our muleteers, cook, and support team, who made this unforgettable journey possible.

From Capuliyoc, our private transportation will drive us back to Cusco. Along the way, we make a fascinating stop at Saywite Archaeological Site, home to the mysterious Saywite Monolith,  a massive carved rock that the Incas used as a symbolic representation of the cosmos and water worship. With over 200 carved figures of animals, irrigation channels, and sacred symbols, this hidden gem offers a unique glimpse into Inca spirituality and engineering.

In the afternoon, we continue our drive across the Andean valleys until arriving in Cusco, where our incredible Choquequirao Trek 4 Days comes to an end.