9D/8NChoquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
The great expedition: Machu Picchu's remote sister city, then on to Machu Picchu.
from $1759 USD
See trek details Machu Picchu's wild sister city, still mostly yours alone. We hike down into the Apurímac canyon and climb to Choquequirao, explore its terraces and temples at our own pace, and walk back out through the canyon. Horses carry the camp, our chef cooks every meal, and you walk with only a day pack.
Trip highlights
- Choquequirao with almost no crowds
- The Apurímac canyon, 1,400 m deep
- Andean condors over the valley
- White-stone llama terraces
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco at 5 am
Why book direct with a local operator
Our own crew
Guides, chefs and crew are our team in Cusco — no middlemen, no resold departures.
Fair pay
Porters and horsemen are paid fairly, carry legal weights and get proper gear and meals.
Best trail food
Our trail chefs cook fresh Andean dishes three times a day.
Low-impact trekking
Leave No Trace camps, waste carried out, community projects supported.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Cusco → Saywite → Cachora → Capuliyoc → Chiquisca
Walking time
5–6 h
Distance
13 km
Climb
+300 m
Descent
−1,400 m
Highest point
2,915 m
A 5 am departure, a stop at the carved Saywite stone if time allows, and lunch in the village of Cachora. Two easy hours later you reach Capuliyoc — and the ground falls away. The Apurímac canyon opens below you, snow peaks on the horizon, condors riding the warm air. Then the long zigzag down into the green warmth of Chiquisca, where camp is already up.
Meals: Lunch, dinnerOvernight: Camp at Chiquisca (1,836 m)
Departure dates
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available Few spaces left Sold out No departure
Daily departures all year, no permit needed — book up to 3 days before. Tap a green date to book it.
What's included
- 3 nights camping
- Round-trip transport Cusco – Cachora
- Professional English/Spanish/Quechua guide
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners by our chef
- Choquequirao entrance fee
- 2-person tent and foam mattress
- Horses for camp gear + 7 kg per hiker
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Pre-departure briefing
Not included
- Breakfast on day 1, lunch and dinner on day 4
- Sleeping bag (available to rent)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Trail chefs and the people behind your trek
Our chefs cook three hot meals a day — quinoa soup, lomo saltado, fresh trout, Andean herbal teas — with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Our crew are Quechua men and women from the communities around Cusco. We pay them fairly, respect legal load limits and support their families through our community program.
How hard is it? Level 4 of 5 — Challenging
Not high, but steep. You walk 5–8 hours a day, dropping about 1,400 m into the canyon and climbing back up — in warm sun on the lower slopes. Good fitness and some multi-day hiking experience are recommended.
Our difficulty scale
Every trek we run is rated from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard). This one is a 4.
- 1Easy
Gentle walks of 2–4 hours, little climbing. Anyone in normal health.
Unique City Tour: Inca Trail, Alpacas & Ruins
- 2Moderate
4–6 hours a day with some climbs, mostly below 3,500 m. Regular walkers.
Short Inca Trail (Express) · Inca Jungle Trek
- 3Active
5–7 hours a day, steady climbs and passes up to around 4,000 m. Good basic fitness.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu · Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu · Rainbow Mountain Trek · Salkantay & Humantay
- 4Challenging
6–8 hours a day on steep stone steps, one or more passes above 4,000 m. Fit hikers who train beforehand.
Classic Inca Trail · Lares Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu · Choquequirao Trek · Rainbow Mountain Trek
- 5Hard
Long, remote days, big daily climbs and high passes near 5,000 m. Experienced, very fit trekkers.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu · Ausangate Trek
Best time to go
Open all year. April–November is drier and best; the canyon is hot at midday, so we start early. In the rainy months the trail can be muddy.
Best (dry season)Good (shoulder)Rainy, still openClosed
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Jan
- Rainy season: muddy trails and cloud on the passes, but lush valleys and quiet campsites.
- Feb
- Wettest month, yet open — the Inca Trail closes, so this route is the way to walk to Machu Picchu. Good rain gear is a must.
- Mar
- Rain eases toward the end of the month. Waterfalls at their fullest.
- Apr
- Rains fade, everything is green. A great shoulder month.
- May
- Dry season begins. Clear views of the glaciers — one of the very best months.
- Jun
- Dry and sunny, cold nights at the high camp. Inti Raymi in Cusco on 24 June.
- Jul
- Peak season: the most reliable weather and the clearest mountain views.
- Aug
- Dry, clear and lively on the trail. Book early for Machu Picchu tickets.
- Sep
- Still dry, warmer nights and fewer hikers.
- Oct
- Mostly dry with the first afternoon showers. Good value.
- Nov
- Mixed weather — sunny mornings, some afternoon rain.
- Dec
- Rainy season returns. Fewer hikers and festive Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the 4-day Choquequirao trek?
Challenging. The altitude is low (highest point about 3,110 m) but the canyon is deep: you drop about 1,400 m to the Apurímac River and climb back up the same height, on hot, steep switchbacks. Good fitness and some hiking experience help a lot.
Does this trek go to Machu Picchu?
No — it's a there-and-back trek to Choquequirao and returns to Cusco. If you want both sites, look at our 9-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu expedition.
Who carries the gear?
Horses carry the kitchen, tents and up to 7 kg per hiker (sleeping bag, mattress and personal items). You walk with only a day pack, and our chef has meals ready at camp.
Is the Choquequirao entrance fee included?
Yes, the entrance fee is included, along with the tent, foam mattress, first aid kit and emergency oxygen.
How late can I book the Choquequirao 4-day trek?
Up to 3 days before departure. It needs no Inca Trail permit, so it leaves every day of the year.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before the trek, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first days and walk slowly. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
Who carries my things?
You only carry a light day pack. Our crew (porters on the Inca Trail, horsemen and mules on Salkantay and Lares) carries the tents, kitchen, food and up to 5–7 kg of your personal gear.
What food is served?
Three hot meals a day plus snacks and tea, cooked fresh by our trail chefs. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are available on request.
Is drinking water provided?
Yes, boiled and filtered water from the first lunch onwards. Bring a 1–2 litre bottle.
What should I pack?
Broken-in hiking boots, rain jacket, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp, water bottle, personal medication, passport and some cash.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. It must cover hiking at altitude, medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
How much should I tip the crew?
Tips are optional but appreciated. Many hikers give around 40–80 USD per person in total, shared between the crew.
What age range joins your treks?
Most of our hikers are between 25 and 60. Fit hikers older than that walk with us every month — pace matters more than age.
Can I extend my stay or add Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Ask us when booking and we'll add the ticket or move your return train.
Why book with a local operator?
We are based in Cusco and run every trek with our own guides, chefs and crew. No middlemen: your money goes to the people who make your trip.
