Road to Choquequirao – 5 Days
Overview
An authentic and challenging adventure!
Revealing an almost intact Inca treasure.
Combining personal challenge, nature, and history into a unique experience.
Itinerary
1 DAY 01: CUSCO – CACHORA – COCAMASANA – PLAYA ROSALINA
The adventure begins bright and early!
⏰ At 4:00 AM, we depart from Cusco for the charming village of Cachora, arriving at approximately 7:30 AM.
☕ There, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast 🍞 and prepare our gear alongside the pack horses 🐎 that will accompany us on the journey.
With renewed energy, we’ll set off on our hike.
After about two hours, we’ll reach Capuliyoc (2,915 m)—a stunning natural viewpoint offering our first glimpse of the majestic Apurímac Canyon.
From there, we begin our descent toward Cocamasana (2,330 m). 🌿
The climate grows warmer, and we gradually notice the changing flora and fauna: butterflies, colorful birds, and lush vegetation surround us at every step 🦋🐦.
We continue on to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), located on the banks of the majestic Apurímac River.
It is in this breathtaking setting that we’ll set up our first camp, with the starry Andean sky crowning the start of an unforgettable expedition. ⛺✨
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Distance: 14 km
Approximate time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
2 DAY 02: ROSALINA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
After a nutritious breakfast ☕🍌, we prepare for one of the most intense and exciting days of the journey.
We set off early along a zigzagging trail that will challenge us for about six hours, leading us to Raqaypata, on the banks of the Chunchullumayo River.
There, we will take a well-deserved break to recharge with a delicious lunch 🍽️.
Along the way, nature reveals itself in its most lush form: delicate orchids 🌸, colorful wildflowers 🌼, and the harmonious songs of Andean birds 🐦 will accompany us every step of the way, turning the ascent into a true sensory immersion.
From Raqaypata, we will continue for another two hours to reach the enigmatic archaeological site of Choquequirao (3,035 m).
Few places in the world convey such profound spiritual power and mystery.
✨ Late in the afternoon, we will witness an unforgettable spectacle:
The sunset illuminating the ruins while—with a bit of luck—we catch sight of the majestic Andean condor 🦅 soaring over the Apurímac canyons.
We will set up camp near the ruins, allowing the night to be filled with the sacred silence of the mountains and the magnificent energy of Choquequirao, the “Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu.” 🌌⛺
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Snack – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Distance: 16 km
Approximate time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Easy
3 DAY 03: CHOQUEQUIRAO – RAYAMPATA
Get ready for an unforgettable day!
🌟 Today we'll fully immerse ourselves in the magic of the imposing archaeological complex of Choquequirao, known as the "Sacred Sister of Machu Picchu."
🚶♂️💫 During the guided tour, we'll explore its most fascinating areas:
The Ceremonial Temples
The Grand Agricultural Terraces
The Enigmatic Military Zones
The Astronomical Center and other sacred sites that reveal the genius of the Incas.
Our guide will bring each space to life, sharing stories and secrets that make this place a true treasure of the past.
🌿✨ After the tour, you'll have free time to explore the areas at your own pace, admire the mountain views, and feel the spiritual energy that surrounds Choquequirao.
As evening falls 🌅, we'll begin our hike back to Raqaypata, where our campsite will be ready to welcome us amidst the tranquility of the Andean landscape.
A night under the stars ✨🏕️ to end the day in the best possible way.
Accommodation: Campsite
Distance: 4 km
Approximate time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
4 DAY 04: RAYAMPATA – CHIKISCA
After a delicious breakfast ☕🥐, we'll begin our return journey, retracing our steps along the same path, but this time at a more relaxed and pleasant pace.
The trail will take us down to the banks of the majestic Apurímac River 🌊⛰️, where we'll stop for lunch to recharge.
🌿🚶♀️ In the afternoon, we'll resume our hike with an approximately 2-hour ascent, immersed in the Andean landscapes and their unique atmosphere.
At the end of the day, we'll arrive in Chikisca, where our campsite 🏕️ will be ready to welcome us with comfort and simplicity.
A night under the starry sky ✨, in complete harmony with nature, will crown another unforgettable day of adventure.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Snack – Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
Distance: 16 km
Approximate time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
5 DAY 05: CHIKISCA – CACHORA – CUSCO
The final day of our journey arrives with the promise of intense emotions 🌟.
After breakfast, we'll begin the challenging 4-hour climb to Capuliyoc ⛰️, where we'll be rewarded with one of the most memorable views of the entire expedition:
The Apurímac River Canyon 🌊, immense and imposing, a silent guardian of the Andean mountains.
💫 Each step will be an invitation to reflection, a farewell to the paths we've traveled, and an embrace of nature's grandeur.
Continuing 🚶♂️🌿, we'll take a new path that will lead us to the picturesque village of Cachora, where our transportation will be waiting.
From there, we'll return to the magical city of Cusco 🏛️, carrying the essence of this unforgettable adventure in our memories and hearts ✨.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
Included
• Morning transportation from your hotel and bus transfer to Cachora (starting point of the trek)
• Professional Spanish-speaking guide
• Meals: 4 breakfasts / 4 lunches / 3 dinners
• Entrance fee to Choquequirao National Park
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Pack animals and horses (to transport tents, food, and cooking equipment)
• Return transfer from Cachora to Cusco
• Double tents and sleeping pads for up to 3 people
• Tables, chairs, dining tent, and kitchen tent
• Oxygen bottle
• First-aid kit
Not Included
• First day: breakfast; last day: lunch
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
Recommendations
• A 40 or 60-liter backpack with a change of clothes for the trek. Recommended items: T-shirts, shorts, and some warm layers.
• Broken-in hiking boots or shoes (do not travel with new or unworn footwear).
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
• Sturdy footwear, ideal for sports activities.
• Camera, film, and batteries (batteries drain quickly in cold conditions).
• Hat or cap for protection from the sun, rain, or cold.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: cookies, lemon drops, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Water bottle and water purification tablets (Micropur).
• Original passport.
• Trekking poles, which must be covered with rubber during the hike.
💡 Pack only the essentials for the Salkantay Trek. Anything you are not going to use should be left at the hotel where you are staying in Cusco.
Optional
• Extra horse for personal items for 4 days (up to 20 kg): USD 120
• Sleeping bag (rental): USD 20
• Trekking poles (must be covered with rubber during the hike):
– Rental of 1 pole: USD 8
– Rental of 2 poles: USD 12


