Treks to Choquequirao 4D / 3N

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa

Our first day begins in the town of Cachora, a 4-hour drive from Cusco. Departing from Cachora, the road makes its way towards the Apurímac Valley, and we will have fantastic views of the snow-capped peaks in the distance and the Apurímac Valley stretching out before us all day. Also, after a few hours of hiking, we will have our first views of Choquequirao sitting on the far side of the valley. The area around Choquequirao is rich in life, and we will see a wide variety of flora and fauna as we delve into the valley.

Our campsite for the night is in Santa Rosa (2200m / 7215ft.), which is on the other side of the Apurímac River. Since the campsite is a bit further along the trail than where most groups go, it is one of the quietest places to camp throughout the trek, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape without distractions.

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao

Today is probably the most difficult day of the trek. To reach Choquequirao, we must make our way back on the opposite side of the Apurímac Valley, which involves ascending about 800m / 2624ft over a distance of 14km / 8.7 miles in warm and humid conditions. It is quite challenging, but the views we gain today, combined with the wide variety of flora and fauna you encounter on this side of the valley, make it worthwhile.

Throughout the day, we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids, and bamboo thickets; with luck, we will also see birds such as quetzals, toucans, and a variety of hummingbirds. After approximately 5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at our campsite near Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005ft) and settle in for the night. If the weather is clear, the sunset views from here are incredible, and we may be lucky enough to see condors flying over the valley.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Chiquiska

Today’s focus is to explore Choquequirao. Upon waking up early, you will embark on a guided tour of the site during which the most important and interesting sections of the city will be shown to you, and you will learn about Inca culture and the close relationship between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.

Compared to Machu Picchu, little is known about Choquequirao despite it being known for much longer. Originally discovered in the 17th century by the Spaniards, it was abandoned and forgotten until recently, when tourism raised the city’s profile and exploration began. Even with this increased interest, only 25% of the city has been explored, and many of its secrets still await discovery.

After your tour, you will begin the hike back to Cachora along the route we came. Our campsite for this night is Chiquiska (1800m / 5905ft) at the base of the valley next to the Apurímac River.

Day 4: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco

Today is the final stretch of the hike as we return to Cachora. Following our way back along the valley side, we will have our final views of Choquequirao in the distance before arriving in Cachora in the late afternoon and traveling by bus back to Cusco.