Choquequirao Trek

At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do this trek, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details that are important to book your tickets. We need a previous deposit of 50% per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and a confirmation form that all the booking processes have been satisfactorily set up.

Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after they have confirmed the reservation. Please check your email constantly, and if you have any issues, let us know so we can solve them as soon as possible.

This is one of the most incredible treks in the Andes of Cusco. The hike will transport you through the most fascinating landscapes in one of the deepest canyons in South America, Apurimac. Explore Choquequirao nowadays, well known as the site of Machu Picchu. For many people, Choquequirao could be bigger than Machu Picchu because it is still hidden by the forest and without digging.

Choquequirao archaeological site is nestled at the top of the mountain at 3033 meters, near Apurimac Canyon in the Cusco region. To get there, we need to hike through the trail that starts at Capuliyoc town. This Choquequiro trek crosses different pictureque Andean villages where people still keep alive the ancient traditions and beautiful landscapes. Without a doubt, this is a perfect trek off the beaten path.

Yes, this Choquequirao Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in Cusco; it requires a reasonable level of fitness to complete its different routes. The four-day trek is moderately challenging, with some long hikes per day (around 10 km), and it crosses Apurimac Canyon, the depest one in South America, which needs to descend until 1550 meters, then hike up to 3,033 meters, where Choquequiro Inca sites are located. However, the effort is worth it.

This trek has different routes, and it will depend on which one you are taking. The classic route takes 4 days from Cusco, and the longest route will take about 8 days from Cusco to Choquequiro, around 3 days, another 4 days from Choquequiro to Machu Picchu, and one more day to return to Cusco.

Choquequirow trek is one of the lowest hike in Cusco, however it doesn't mean it is low! In fact, you start at 3300m (10826 feet) on the first day, and by the second day (depending on what route you take) you will get to 1550 meters about sea level, then you will be back up there above 3000metres again.

Well, the answer will depend on which factors you are considering to compare both Inca sites; however, Choquequirao is hugely bigger than Machu Picchu, with more extended lands where the Incas built such a nice complex. The trek combines different landscapes, picturesque Andean communities, history, traditions, culture, and less crowded areas, which makes it totally different from Machu Picchu.

All our guides and trekking team are professional, they know how to solve any issue during your trek. Your guide will always have a first aid kit with the basic items for any issue, they will carry a oxygen tank as well in case someone need it, during the Choquequiro trek there will also be an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recover. Our team always has a radio, and they are trained for any emergencies that happen during our tours.

Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas and crossing some rivers, especially on day 2, some of them are slippery, now uneven, and at varying heights. The extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.

Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if it is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portions of the trek. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well.

Choquechirao Trek is the ultimate adventure hike in Cusco, and there are many ways to get there, from hiking through a travel company with all the logistics for you to hike on your own. Nowadays, you will find some lodges along the route.

Choquechirao is one of the huge Inca buildings in Cusco, but nowadays it is not clear how big this is. What we can say is that by visiting this complex, you will be amazed with the immense temples, large terraces, and location near the slope of Apurimac Canyon, which has breathtaking views. A hike there will definitely be an experience of a lifetime.

The weather in Choquequiro and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves.