Choquequirao Expedition Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Journey to the lost Sister of Machu Picchu. Pure wilderness, monumental stone terraces, and zero crowds.
Choquequirao Expedition Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Journey to the lost Sister of Machu Picchu. Pure wilderness, monumental stone terraces, and zero crowds.
For accommodations in Cusco's historic center with vehicle access, our tourist transport arrives as close as legally permitted. Due to Cusco's colonial pedestrian alleys, if your hotel is on a narrow stone walkway, we wait at the nearest corner (usually 1/2 to 1 block away). We coordinate with you via WhatsApp/phone in advance, and our assistant welcomes you at the vehicle.
Lodging outside the center? If your hotel or Airbnb is outside the historic center perimeter, meeting is coordinated at a central landmark (such as Plaza Regocijo).
Need dedicated walking escort right to your door or pickup outside the historic center? Select Boutique Private in the booking card above.
Experience overview
Only 15 to 20 intrepid travelers per day set foot in Choquequirao. Perched atop a cloud-wrapped spur 1,500 meters above the Apurímac River, its unique llama-stone terraces and ceremonial temples feel like Machu Picchu must have felt a century ago. This is Peru's ultimate true wilderness trek.
Altitude & Acclimatization Profile
Effective O₂ at 3,100m
Prior rest recommended
+4,921 ft vertical gain
Physiological Altitude Curve & Biomes
Select any day or milestone on the interactive graph to view its atmospheric altitude, effective oxygen pressure, and terrain biome.
Cusco
Peak Altitude
2,900 m
Effective O₂ Level
~74% vs sea-level
Gentle mountain plateau. Warm days, restful sleep with ~74% oxygen.· Capuliyoc canyon panoramic overlook
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (4D / 3N)
- Day 12,900 m(9,514 ft)
Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc Viewpoint – Chiquisca Camp
Drive to Capuliyoc pass with staggering views of the Apurímac Canyon. Descend the zig-zag switchback trail to Chiquisca oasis.
Key highlights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 23,100 m(10,170 ft)
Chiquisca – Playa Rosalinas – Marampata – Choquequirao Base Camp
Cross the suspension bridge over Apurímac River. Tackle the challenging morning climb to Marampata village and establish camp near the citadel.
Key highlights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 33,100 m(10,170 ft)
Full Day Exploring Choquequirao Citadel – Sunset at Llama Terraces
Dedicate the entire day to the temples, royal residences, and the legendary terraces adorned with white quartz llamas carved into stone walls.
Key highlights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 43,399 m(11,150 ft)
Marampata – Apurímac River – Capuliyoc – Return to Cusco
Descend to the river floor and complete the final climb back to Capuliyoc for a celebratory farewell lunch before the drive to Cusco.
Key highlights
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What's Included & Excluded
What is Included
100% Pre-PaidPre-paid services verified & delivered on route
- Roundtrip expedition transfers from Cusco hotel to Capuliyoc trailhead and return
- Professional licensed English/Spanish mountain trekking guide
- Expedition camp chef and high-protein mountain meals (vegetarian/vegan upon request)
- Pack mules for all camping equipment, kitchen gear, and luggage (up to 7 kg duffel per hiker)
- Choquequirao national archaeological park entrance permit
What is Not Included
Out-of-PocketPersonal expenses & discretionary gratuities
- Sleeping bag rental
- Gratuities
Field Realities & Pocket Cash
Real ground notes from our team in CuscoIdeal Traveler Fit
Who enjoys this route mostActive adventurers and trekkers seeking profound connection with high Andean wilderness, ancient archaeological trails, and deep starry mountain skies.
5 to 7 hours of daily trekking over rugged mountain passes with elevations exceeding 4,200m–4,630m.
Radical Honesty: Who This is NOT For
We prefer honesty over unsuitable bookings- ✕First-time campers expecting luxury resort plumbing and constant Wi‑Fi in the wilderness.
- ✕Anyone without broken-in trekking footwear (blisters will ruin multi-day hikes).
- ✕Travelers who have not spent at least 2 full nights acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand.
Route Pocket Expenses (Carry Cash Soles in Daypack)
Mandatory checkpoint fees, community tickets & coin-operated restrooms
Campsite Hot Showers
Gas-heated showers at family campsites.
Trail Drinks & Snacks
Trail huts sell water, snacks, and drinks.
Crew Gratuity Pool
Voluntary shared pool for crew on final night.
Luggage & Transit Rule: You are provided with a dedicated duffel bag (maximum 6–7 kg / 13–15 lbs including sleeping bag) carried by our pack mules or porters. Your remaining luggage stays securely stored at your hotel in Cusco.
What to pack for this journey
Tested on the trail by our team in CuscoReal Traveler Reviews & Experiences
Independent traveler feedback verified on TripAdvisor and Google Maps.
“I was looking for a trek along the Choquequirao route and contacted them. From the very start they gave me complete confidence, and I was not wrong. Of all the operators I have used across Peru, they were by far the most professional and attentive. The route is spectacular, perhaps the finest I have done. Standing up there taking in that beauty remains one of the best sensations of my life.”
“Amazing tour operator with incredible coordinators, collegiate guides, and mountain chefs! Did half a dozen treks and day tours around Cusco and loved all of them. Very reliable, highly recommend!”
“Working with Daspe Travel was completely seamless. From our early morning hotel pickup in Cusco to the Vistadome train tickets and citadel entrance, our guide was exceptionally punctual, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy. Zero stress, everything was flawlessly organized.”
Frequently asked questions
Have custom requests?
Dietary accommodations, hotel upgrades or a slower photography pace? Speak directly with our local Cusco specialists.