Choquequirao Trek 5 Days

Visit places

After waking up to the sound of birdsong and the soft light of dawn over the valley, you’ll enjoy a breakfast prepared with fresh, local ingredients in the cozy dining area of your Andean cabin. Today’s hike will be one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding of the entire trek.

We begin with a descent of just over an hour to Playa Rosalina (1,500 m / 4,921 ft), where the mighty Apurímac River flows between steep canyon walls. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, we’ll face a steady and demanding ascent. Our path winds upwards through a landscape that changes with every step — from dry slopes dotted with cacti to lush, green patches filled with fruit trees.

We’ll take a well-deserved break in Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), where our cooks will serve a hot, delicious lunch that will restore your strength. Then, we continue the climb for about three hours until we reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), a high plateau with astonishing views of the Apurímac Canyon and the snow-capped peaks surrounding it.

Here, in this peaceful location, you’ll settle into your comfortable Andean cabin for the night. From your doorstep, you can watch the sun set behind the mountains, bathing the landscape in warm orange and pink hues. As darkness falls, the sky transforms into a sparkling sea of stars, making this one of the most magical nights of the trek.

Visit places

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out for Choquequirao (3,050 m / 10,007 ft), one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Peru and often called Machu Picchu’s “sister city.” Unlike Machu Picchu, Choquequirao remains largely untouched by mass tourism, which means you can explore its plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas in a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

Our guide will share fascinating stories about its history, architecture, and the mysteries still hidden beneath the jungle-covered slopes. You’ll see the famous white stone llamas carved into the terraces, perfectly aligned with the sacred Apu Qoriwayrachina mountain.

We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch inside the site, surrounded by breathtaking views of the canyon and distant snow peaks. By late afternoon, we’ll return to Marampata for a second night in your cozy Andean cabin, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible day you’ve just experienced.

Visit places

Return Hike

We begin the day with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the soft mountain breeze drifting through the window of your Andean cabin. After a hearty breakfast, we take a moment to enjoy one last panoramic view from Marampata — the Apurímac Canyon stretches endlessly beneath us, the clouds slowly lifting to reveal the snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Our descent begins gently, but soon the path becomes steeper, winding down along ancient Inca trails lined with native shrubs and wildflowers. The higher you go, the cooler the air feels, but as we approach the canyon floor, the warmth of the lower altitude embraces us once again. Along the way, you might hear the cheerful call of birds or spot the vibrant flash of a hummingbird darting among the blossoms.

After two hours, we reach Santa Rosa, where our cooks greet us with the tempting aroma of a freshly prepared lunch. Under the shade of fruit trees, you’ll savor traditional Andean dishes while the distant sound of the river reminds you how close we are to its refreshing waters.

Once rested, we continue descending to Playa Rosalina, where the Apurímac River flows in powerful swirls of blue and green. Many travelers choose to dip their hands or feet in its icy current — a small but invigorating ritual after days of trekking.

From here, our final climb of the day takes us back to Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft). As you approach, the sight of the rustic wooden cabins nestled among fruit orchards instantly brings a sense of comfort. Inside, your Andean cabin awaits with fresh linens, warm blankets, and that cozy feeling only natural wood can provide.

Dinner is served family-style, with everyone sharing stories and laughter under the soft glow of lantern light. Outside, the valley rests in silence, except for the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the river — the perfect lullaby for a deep, restorative sleep.

Visit places

Return Hike

Your last morning on the trail begins with the tranquil atmosphere of Chiquisca — the sun rises slowly over the canyon, painting the cliffs in shades of gold, while roosters crow in the distance. The aroma of freshly baked bread and herbal tea fills the dining area of your Andean cabin, inviting you to enjoy one final breakfast in this peaceful retreat.

We start our hike early to make the most of the cool morning air. The climb to Capuliyoc (2,890 m / 9,482 ft) is steady, and as we gain altitude, the view of the Apurímac Canyon becomes even more breathtaking. Each pause in the ascent offers a perfect excuse to take photos of the vast, rugged landscape — a reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this land.

Upon reaching Capuliyoc, we bid farewell to our muleteers and trekking staff, sharing heartfelt thanks for their care and companionship over the last days. Then, our private transport whisks us away to one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the region: the Saywite Monolith. This massive carved rock, covered with over 200 geometric and animal figures, is believed to represent an Inca water cult and the cosmic vision of their world. Our guide will reveal the fascinating theories and mysteries surrounding this sacred site.

From Saywite, we continue to the Conoc Hot Springs, a true gift for tired legs. Here, you can immerse yourself in pools of naturally warm, mineral-rich water while gazing at the green hills that frame the valley. The soothing heat melts away any muscle tension, leaving you completely relaxed and content.

Lunch will be served nearby, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients — a final taste of the Andean flavors that have accompanied you throughout the journey. Afterward, we begin our drive back to Cusco. Along the way, the snow-capped peaks that have been your companions for the last five days seem to wave goodbye as the sun dips behind them.

By around 6:00 p.m., we arrive in Cusco and drop you off at the door of your hotel. You carry with you not just photographs, but the deep satisfaction of having walked through history, nature, and living culture — and the memory of cozy nights in authentic Andean cabins that made this trek uniquely comfortable.