Inca Trail

Choquequirao, Marampata, Cusco.

Choquequirao Trek 3 Days by Lodge

3 Days

Starting from US$480

Duration 3 Days
Tour Type Specific Tour
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Group Size Up to 10 people
Languages Spanish, English

Tour Choquequirao Trek 3 Days by Lodge

There will be unforgettable adventures through a less touristy trekking routes of the Andes and ending each day sleeping in Choquequirao Trek Sanctuary Lodge. This trips allows for a different, more personal adventure. It explores one of the few places in the world that remains hidden in tourism, this tour of Choquequirao is the best option for you. Choquequirao Trek 3 Days.

Overview

Choquequirao Trek 3 Days by Lodge, During this 3 day tour, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent ruins of the Inca city Choquequirao, known as "the hidden Machu Picchu".

This historic place is located on the Apurímac River canyon, considered to be the one of the most spectacular locations in South America. This experience includes enthusiastic local guides that are passionate about showing these amazing landscapes.

Activities

Trek, Adventure, Challenge

Difficulty Levels

4 of 5

Accommodation

2 Days Hotel (Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge)

Maximum Altitude

3106 masl / 10190 ft. (Choquequirao)

Starts

Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 3:30 AM

Ends

Drop-off at your accommodation in Cusco around 6:00 PM

Day by Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 Cusco ― Capulioc ― Marampata "Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge".

    We start the day picking you up from your Hotel, from 3:30 am to 4:00 am Approx. Leaving Cusco, we will go to Cachora town. (Approximately 3:30 hours after the departure from Cusco), there will be a short stop about 30 to 45 minutes for breakfast.

    Once the breakfast time is over, we will continue to a place called Capulioc, the starting point of the trek to Marampata "CHOQUEQUIRAO SANCTUARY LODGE", We will descend approximately 2:30 hours / 7km of walk and arrive at the lunch point in Chiquisca.After lunch in Chiquisca and a short break, we will continue with the walk for 4.30 hours / 8km towards Marampata, one of the strongest roads of Cusco, it will be a challenge to reach Marampata. After a hard walk we finally will arrive at our Private Lodge, where we´ll have a delicious dinner and spend the entire night.

    • Meals

      Lunch and Dinner

    • Accommodation

      Lodge: Choquequirao Sanctuary Lodge.

    • Difficulty

      Challenging

    • Walking Distance

      15 Km. / 9.3 mile.

    • Walking Time

      6.5 to 7 hours approximately.

    • Maximum Altitude

      2850 masl. / 9350 ft. (Marampata)

  • Day 2 Marampata ― Choquequirao ― Marampata.

    After a delicious buffet breakfast, we will begin our trek to the Archeological Complex of Choquequirao, which will last approximately 2 hours, the entire tour of Choquequirao will be guided, the Llamas sector, the Ceremonial Usno and the Religious Zone. Which is considered the sister of Machu Picchu, since there are several similarities, is also located at 1500 meters above the Apurimac Canon, only a third part of this Archaeological Complex has been discovered and many archaeologists still find something interesting each time.

    Then we will have a Picnic Lunch in Choquequirao, and then we will descend to Pajchayoc (Pajchayoc Waterfall). After this incredible excursion, we will return to Marampata for dinner and finally we will finish our day with a comfortable overnight stay in our private lodge.

    • Meals

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Difficulty

      Easy

    • Walking Distance

      8 Km. / 4.9 mile.

    • Walking Time

      5.5 to 6 hours approximately.

    • Maximum Altitude

      3106 masl / 10190 ft. (Choquequirao)

  • Day 3 Marampata ― Capulioc ― Cusco.

    At dawn, at approximately 5 am, after to have a small snack, we will begin our descent walk to Chikisca, where we will have breakfast at 7:00 am and we will also take a short break, then we will start our last hike and we will return to the point sight of Capuliyoc to make a goodbye to this fascinating adventure, when we get to Capuliyoc we will have an aperitif and we will take our private transport to return to Cusco City.

    • Meals

      Breakfast and Lunch.

    • Difficulty

      Moderate

    • Walking Distance

      15 Km. / 9.3 mile.

    • Walking Time

      6.5 to 7 hours approximately.

    • Maximum Altitude

      2850 masl. / 9350 ft. (Marampata)

Trip Info & Details

Is Choquequirao Trek 3 Days difficult, do I need to be in good physical condition?

The trail is certainly not easy, but it is not necessary to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Physical fitness is naturally important for the walk, and obviously the more fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trail and have more chances to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do walks, walks or some type of additional aerobic activity in the months prior to your trip. This hike is moderate to difficult.

How would you categorize this trek?

It is a 3-day hike across the Andean highlands and jungle border, on day 2 you will have enough time to know about choquequirao. So it can be categorized as a challenging, difficult trek. We recommend having previous training where you live (long walks on the countryside with backpack, hiking boots, etc) and being on a good fitness level.

How can I deal with altitude symptoms?

The best solution is arriving at Cusco City with a few days of antecedence so your body will trigger adaptation, compensation processes. Drink plenty of water, coca leaves tea and don’t do much physical effort. Also, take to the hike a good amount of water and coca tea. Finally, bring some altitude sickness pills just for precaution, although most people will not actually need them.

What is the best time of the year to do it?

We recommend you do the Choquequirao Trek on dry season, that is, from April until November, because the path and distances are demanding. Now if you want to really activate your inner soldier to defeat Andean heavy showers, mud, cold winds and mountains, rain season goes from November to March!

What should I know about the weather?

On dry season (April-November) it tends to be cold, windy, lowest temperatures occurring between June-July, no rain at all. You should bring warm clothing. On rainy season (November-March) it gets warmer but the showers are hard -although brief- and there can be hail too. Overall, Cusco heights must be approached as a winterly region. On the jungle border, the climate is subtropical.

What should I pack for this trek?

This is an essential, very important Choquequirao Trek FAQ. Next we list the most important items:

  • Woolen hood, sun hat or cap
  • Sunglasses, scarf, gloves
  • Polyester t-shirts (they keep you dry, comfortable)
  • Warm jackets (preferably windproof)
  • Nylon pants
  • Mountaineering socks
  • Hiking boots
  • Sunblock and mosquito repellent (both mandatory)
  • Of course do not forget your camera and smartphone.
  • Small plastic bags for garbage
  • Also: we will be on the wilderness for long periods of time, so you must bring bottled water (also purifying water pills so you can drink from the river), canned food, energy bars, snacks. Don’t be short of supplies.
  • BUT DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR BACKPACK! The trek is long and weight may become an issue.

How is the geography?

Uneven, rocky, unpaved paths along the Andean chain and the subtropical jungle border. You will be hiking below a wide blue sky of passing cotton clouds, exuberant green mountains, rivers, the valley and the canyon, lush, exotic flora. It is a healthy, clean, energizing and relaxing environment. The Choquequirao trek is an ultimate, ideal exercise for both body and mind.

Will the route and Choquequirao site be much crowded?

Not at all. Since this is a new package and of difficult level, it is attracting mainly seasoned hikers, so the paths and the site itself are still not receiving much general public. It is hiking on green light all the time. Know more about the Choquequirao Trek, Machu Picchu’s twin citadel.

Will I need a hiking pole?

A very useful Choquequirao Trek FAQ. And it is totally recomendable! The walking stick will give you complete balance and save a lot of physical energy. We rent them at a convenient price.

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially hikers, who want a private, clean and sanitary bathroom! On the first day we will be in our private hotel and there are rooms with private bathrooms you can request a room with private bathroom.

Are there bathrooms on the Walk to Choquequirao 3 Days?

It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially hikers, who want a private, clean and sanitary bathroom! On the first day we will be in our private hotel and there are rooms with private bathrooms you can request a room with private bathroom.

What happens if I can't finish the Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

In case you cannot finish the walk due to a health problem, our guide will assist you and take you to the nearest city to get help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the walk for any respiratory problem. In extreme cases, you can organize the collection of a helicopter at your expense. (Travel insurance is required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you cannot finish the walk.

Are you leaving us at the hotel at the end of the 3-Day Choquequirao Walk?

Absolutely!! This is included in the Choquequirao Tour package, the last day we will leave you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will also leave you there! (It has an extra cost of (100 soles).

Can I change the departure date after the tickets have been purchased?

Of course. If you require it, we can change the departure dates. However, tickets are not transferable or refundable. Contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights, the deposit is not refundable at all!

What is the weather like in Choquequirao Trek 3 Days?

The weather is very unpredictable and difficult to predict. We recommend dressing always in layers, since it is easier to adapt to different climates.

Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you can acclimatize normally. It usually takes between 24 hours and 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NECESSARY; Our guides are trained to treat you for altitude sickness.

How many people are there per group?

The group size is a maximum of 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. We specialize in small and private groups and offer a personalized service.

Can I store my luggage in your office?

Of course! During the Choquequirao Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights, your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both are free.

Is it important to request a saddle horse?

The First Day Walk is a challenge. We recommend taking between 70 to 100 soles (approximately 22-30 dollars) in case you are not good walking uphill so you can rent a horse on the route.

Essential

  • Valid passport
  • Extra money (recommended soles)
  • Water bottle or CamelBak
  • Sunblock: factor 70 or more
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal Care Products
  • Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
  • Trekking pants (*)
  • Trekking socks
  • Pair of thermal pants
  • Shorts
  • Warm jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Raincoat or rain poncho
  • Waterproof or wool gloves
  • Sun hat to protect neck and face
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Trekking poles
  • Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
  • Camera and charger
  • Power bank

Customer Reviews

9 day Choquequirao trek

As soon as Alex our guide met us at our hotel for our briefing, I felt that we were in safe hands. He was full of enthusiasm and information and looked after us really well. The other staff on our trip worked very hard and did not stop smiling. Andreas our chef created amazing meals with minimal resources, every day. I'm pretty sure we put on weight despite walking 105kms. Razer and Juillby, the Horse men took great care of our luggage and doubled up with efficent tent pitching, slick meal service, clean water, morning cups of tea and hot water. Nothing was too much trouble for these guys.

Paul E

Published at June 19, 2024 on Tripadvisor

A 5 star professional tour company.

A very professional tour company. Absolutely everything was taken care of. A real 5 star experience. Some little luxuries like hot water bottles at the higher altitude camps, tea, coffee, daily snacks, double mattresses for comfort, and 3 course meals for lunch and dinner really added to the experience. My partner and I booked the 8 day Choquequirao trek GROUP tour and were very fortunate to be the only 2 people! The tour still went ahead even though there was only 2 of us.

Joseph C

Published at 10th April, 2024 on Tripadvisor

4 day CHOQUEQUIRAO, everything perfect

We did the 4 day CHOQUEQUIRAO tour with Salkantay trekking, with our guide Fredie, chef Rene and horseman Carlos. Everything was amazing, we never felt rushed, and everything was taken care of (from tents ready upon arrival and super tasty food)

Sara A

Published at 11th December 2023 on Tripadvisor

Andean Pilgrimage

Walking with Yuri our guide to the ancient city of Choquequirao was the highlight of our year! We learned so much about the plants, animals, history, and culture of Peru! I could not recommend this trip more.

Juan Carlos was an amazing chef cooking up huge amounts of authentic Peruvian cuisine that was tasty and healthy! There was never a dull moment.

James L

Published at August 5, 2023 on Tripadvisor