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Cusco

CHOQUEQUIRAO: THE LOST INCA CITADEL TREK

Hiking

Category

5 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Medium

Fitness

From 1 to 12

Participants

What you'll do

Discover Choquequirao, one of Peru’s most beautiful and underrated Incan ruins, accessible only by an unforgettable multi-day trek. Larger than Machu Picchu and far less crowded, these ancient ruins offer a raw, immersive experience. The journey winds through the dramatic Apurimac Valley, where deep canyons, towering cliffs, and the rushing Apurimac River create a stunning natural canvas.

Itinerary

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4 AM for a three-hour drive to Capuliyoc (3,200 m / 10,500 ft). After breakfast and meeting the trekking team, begin a scenic three-hour downhill hike with views of snow-capped peaks, the Apurimac River, and lush canyon landscapes. After lunch on the trail, continue another three hours to reach your campsite at La Playa (1,800 m / 5,905 ft) at the valley’s base. Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) | Elevation Gain: -1,400 m (-4,593 ft) | Time: 6 hours
After an early breakfast, begin a tough four-hour uphill hike with switchbacks, passing sugar cane farms, wildlife, and sweeping valley views. An emergency horse is available if needed. Reach Marampata (3,350 m / 10,990 ft) for lunch, then continue for two hours along a scenic ridge to Choquequirao. Set up camp right at the foot of the ruins, with the option for a short sunset walk to the site’s viewpoint. Distance: 16 km (9.9 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,550 m (+5,085 ft) | Time: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, hike 30 minutes to Choquequirao and explore the expansive ruins for about 4 hours, including temples, observatories, water channels, and terraced farming areas. After lunch and a rest at camp, opt to continue visiting highlights like the llama terraces (a steep 30-minute descent) and the Usno ceremonial platform for a sunset view. Return to camp for your second night beneath the ruins. Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi) | Elevation Gain: +300 m (+984 ft) -300 m (-984 ft) | Time: Full Day
After breakfast, hike 2 hours uphill to Marampata with canyon and waterfall views, then descend 4 hours steeply to La Playa, passing fruit farms and wildlife. After lunch, finish with a 2-hour uphill hike to Chikiska Camp, possibly spotting condors, hummingbirds, or even a Spectacled Bear along the way. Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi) | Elevation Gain: +550 m (+1,804 ft) -1,550 m (-5,085 ft) | Time: 8 hours
After an early breakfast, tackle a 4-hour uphill trek to Capuliyoc, enjoying your final canyon views. Celebrate with a farewell lunch with your trekking team. Then, drive 3 hours back to Cusco, passing through Curawasi, famed for its local Anis tea, arriving around 6 PM. Distance: 8 km (5 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,400 m (+4,593 ft) | Time: 4 hours + 3 hours by car

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Hiking Guide
Porters
Pre-trip briefing in Cusco
Cooker to prepare all meals
Mules carry gear and your 7 kg of items
Hotel pick-up in central Cusco
Water after first 4 hours (bring your own initially)
Tent with tables and chairs for meals
Big shared tents for two (spacious for comfort)
Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
First Aid
Snack
All meals
Entrance fee
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Extra accommodation
Sleeping bag
Extra transfer
Tips
Cusco accommodation
Expenditure of personal nature

Accomodations

Campsites

Campsites along the trail in Peru offer a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty and historical richness. Nestled amidst stunning Andean landscapes, these sites provide trekkers with a serene setting to rest, surrounded by panoramic views of mountains and ancient ruins. Equipped with basic amenities for comfort, they serve as gateways to experiencing the trail's cultural heritage, connecting hikers to the path once walked by the Incas.

Guides

Raul & Alpaca Expeditions

Raul & Alpaca Expeditions

Raul is the owner and director of Alpaca Expeditions. They have tour guides 100% local. They mastered the craft of leading groups through the most beautiful places and over the highest elevations without losing any bit of information and any tip to make the hiking more enjoyable. All the guides have graduated in Tourism and passed tests to be able to guide along the treks.

Meeting point

-13.53195-71.96746259999999
Cusco

Frequently asked questions

Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

October 2025
Sun
5 Oct
4:00 AM
Thu
9 Oct
6:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
1290 €
(425 € deposit)
Sat
1 Nov
4:00 AM
Wed
5 Nov
6:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
1290 €
(425 € deposit)
Sat
29 Nov
4:00 PM
Wed
3 Dec
6:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
1290 €
(425 € deposit)
Sun
7 Dec
4:00 AM
Thu
11 Dec
6:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
1290 €
(425 € deposit)
Mon
29 Dec
4:00 PM
Fri
2 Jan
6:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
1290 €
(425 € deposit)
Sat
10 Jan
4:00 PM
Wed
14 Jan
6:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
1290 €
(425 € deposit)

1290 €

(425 € deposit)