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Choquequirao challenge – 4D/3N

4 Places

Duration 4 Days, 3 Nights

Group Size Max 12 People

Physical Level Moderate

Best Season All Year Round (Best: April to November)

Meals / Food Included as specified in daily itinerary

Accommodations Selected Category

Overview & Journey Experience

Perched high above the roaring Apurimac River canyon lies Choquequirao, the majestic lost sister citadel of Machu Picchu, accessible solely by foot. Free from railway tracks and mass tour buses, this untamed sanctuary offers an encounter with ancient Inca masonry in near-total solitude.

Machu Picchu Premium provides comprehensive expedition support, surefooted pack mules, and specialized mountain crews who manage every logistical detail so you can focus entirely on the dramatic canyon views and grand stone plazas.

Tour Highlights

Off-peak arrival schedules designed to let you photograph panoramic vistas without crowds in your frame.
In-depth heritage commentary from local historians explaining stone masonry, agricultural terraces, and Andean cosmology.
Comfortable private transport with professional drivers, cold bottled water, and panoramic windows.
Hand-selected dining stops showcasing genuine regional Peruvian gastronomy.
Direct personal assistance from Machu Picchu Premium coordinators throughout your stay in Cusco.

Trip Logistics & Details

Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Activity Level: Serious
Group Size: Max 12 People
Locations: 4 Places
Total Price: USD $550.00

Day by Day Itinerary

Detailed daily breakdown, key highlights, and logistical milestones.

Jump to:

Day Highlight: sweeping trek and guided observations through Playa Rosalina with unhurried transitions and panoramic vantage points.

The first day will begin with an early departure from Cusco in private transportation to the town of Cachora. After breakfast in Cachora, you will begin the hike to Playa Rosalina. Along the way, you will savor beautiful views of the Andes and the Apurimac River canyon. After approximately 5 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Playa Rosalina where you will camp for the night.

Day Technical Data:

Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day 1 Visual Highlights

Day Highlight: Traversing the rugged Apurimac river canyon to reach secluded stone terraces surrounded by soaring condors.

After an early breakfast, you will begin the hike to Choquequirao, which will take approximately 7 hours. The hike is a bit more demanding than the first day, as the trail has a steep incline. Along the way, you will savor magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Once you arrive at Choquequirao, you will savor a guided tour of the archaeological complex before setting up camp for the night.

Day Technical Data:

Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day 2 Visual Highlights

Day Highlight: Traversing the rugged Apurimac river canyon to reach secluded stone terraces surrounded by soaring condors.

After an early breakfast, you will have more time to traverse Choquequirao in the morning. Then, you will begin the return hike along the same trail you took the previous day. This hike will take about 7 hours, and you will arrive in Santa Rosa where you will spend the night.

Day Technical Data:

Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day 3 Visual Highlights

Day Highlight: Traversing the rugged Apurimac river canyon to reach secluded stone terraces surrounded by soaring condors.

We will wake up to the songs of birds and the beautiful scenery. We will walk to Cachora and from there we will take a bus back to Cusco to arrive at approximately 8 pm, this is the end of our Choquequirao trek.

This tour is an incredible opportunity to journey the wild beauty and abundant history of the Cusco region of Peru. Get ready for a challenging but rewarding adventure with magnificent views, archaeological sites and the opportunity to journey the culture and life in the Andes.

Day Technical Data:

Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day 4 Visual Highlights

What's Included & What's Not

Transparent clarity on all services, permits, amenities, and exclusions for your journey.

Fully Covered • All permits, bilingual guides, transports and logistics

Professional bilingual guide (spanish – english): Fully licensed native professional with deep knowledge of local history, flora, fauna, and wilderness first aid certification.
Assistant guide (only for groups of 8 or more people): Fully licensed native professional with deep knowledge of local history, flora, fauna, and wilderness first aid certification.
Pick up from the hotel: Full operational support provided directly by Machu Picchu Premium field specialists.
Transportation (Cusco – Cachora – Cusco): Modern private transit vehicles equipped with air conditioning, luggage storage, and oxygen tanks for high-altitude passes.
Entrance fees to Choquequirao: Official park permits and archaeological access tickets pre-secured and managed by Machu Picchu Premium staff.
Horsemen and mules to transport equipment, food and personal luggage (7 kilos per person): Modern private transit vehicles equipped with air conditioning, luggage storage, and oxygen tanks for high-altitude passes.
A cook to prepare all meals: Wholesome dishes prepared daily by undergone wilderness chefs, accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary needs upon request.
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners and 4 snacks: Wholesome dishes prepared daily by undergone wilderness chefs, accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary needs upon request.
Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs: Four-season Eureka or Mountain Hardwear mountain tents, dining tent with tables and folding chairs, plus clean camp toilet facilities.
Camping tent: Four-season Eureka or Mountain Hardwear mountain tents, dining tent with tables and folding chairs, plus clean camp toilet facilities.
Therma-rest air mattress: Full operational support provided directly by Machu Picchu Premium field specialists.
First aid kit: Comprehensive expedition emergency medical kit including supplemental oxygen bottle, pulse oximeter, and radio communications.

Exclusions • Personal extras, travel insurance, and optional upgrades

Travel medical insurance: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, thermal base layers): Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
Gratuities for guides, chefs, and drivers: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
Emergency personal expenses and souvenirs: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.

Pricing & Booking Tiers

Private Service Pricing & Benefits

Choosing our private service transforms your journey into a personalized expedition tailored noteworthy around your rhythm, interests, and schedule. Unlike fixed group schedules where you must match the pace of strangers, a private booking grants you total command over departure times, photography stops, and walking tempo.

You travel in dedicated private Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Hyundai vans with dedicated drivers, avoiding tedious multi-hotel pickups across Cusco. Your licensed private guide focuses 100% of their attention on your party, answering every question and adjusting daily excursions on the fly to skirt large tour groups.

Private Service Rate Tier

Party Size	Rate per Traveler
2 Travelers	$775 USD
3 to 4 Travelers	$675 USD
5 to 8 Travelers	$600 USD
9 or more Travelers	$550 USD

Optional Add-Ons & Equipment Upgrades

Vistadome Panoramic Train Upgrade: +$75 USD per traveler (panoramic windows, leather seating, live folklore dance performance).
Huayna Picchu Mountain Permit: +$65 USD per traveler (subject to government permit availability).
Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña) Permit: +$65 USD per traveler.
Professional Trekking Poles (Black Diamond Pair): +$20 USD for full trip duration.
Mountain Hardwear Sub-Zero Sleeping Bag: +$25 USD for full trip duration.
Single Supplement (Private Tent or Hotel Room): +$40 USD per night.

Group Service Pricing & Benefits

Our group service offers an exceptional balance of camaraderie and organized logistical excellence. Traveling alongside small cohorts of fellow global travelers from around the world, you share the energy of the trail while savoring the exact same high standards of safety, quality food, and expert guiding that define Machu Picchu Premium.

Group departures maintain a strict cap of 10 to 12 travelers per guide to ensure personalized attention and safety on all ascents. Walking rhythms follow a balanced, steady pace with regular water and snack breaks.

Group Service Rate

Standard Group Rate: $500.00 USD per traveler

Available Group Add-Ons

Trekking Poles Rental (Pair): +$20 USD
Sleeping Bag Rental (-10°C rated): +$25 USD
Inflatable Air Mattress Upgrade: +$15 USD
Vistadome Train Upgrade (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo): +$75 USD
Single Tent Supplement: +$30 USD for full trek duration

Travel Guide & FAQs

Walking boots (with ankle protectors): Well broken-in footwear with sturdy vibram soles and ankle protection; do not hike in brand-new unproven shoes.
Warm jacket, hat and gloves: Breathable, wind-resistant waterproof outer shell to shield against sudden Andean showers.
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho: Breathable, wind-resistant waterproof outer shell to shield against sudden Andean showers.
Comfortable shirts and pants: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended): High SPF (50+) formula due to intense ultraviolet radiation at elevations above 3,000 meters.
Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET: Effective tropical repellent with at least 30% DEET content, essential for cloud forest and jungle valleys.
Toiletries: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
Personal medications: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
Camera: With spare charged batteries, since sub-freezing night temperatures drain battery cells rapidly.
Flashlight with spare batteries: Hands-free LED headlamp with fresh replacement batteries for navigating campsites before dawn.
Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended): Reusable wide-mouth canteen (Nalgene or Camelbak) plus purification tablets for day excursions.
Toilet paper: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
Suggested extra contribution: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.

Altitude Acclimatization: Plan to spend at least 48 to 72 hours in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) prior to departure. Walk at a gentle pace, sip warm coca tea, and drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water daily to help your body adapt.
Dietary Pacing on Day One: High elevation slows stomach digestion. Opt for light, easily digestible carbohydrates like quinoa soups, vegetables, and rice during your first two days in the highlands, avoiding heavy meats and alcohol.
Layering Technique: Andean weather fluctuates wildly. Early mornings bring frosty temperatures below freezing, while intense equatorial sun warms midday trails to 22°C. Dress in three distinct layers: moisture-wicking synthetic base, thermal fleece mid-layer, and waterproof outer jacket.
Footwear Preparation: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that have already been broken in on trails at home. Pack high-density merino wool hiking socks to reduce friction and guard against blisters.
Cash in Small Soles: Mountain villages, roadside fruit stalls, hot spring baths, and artisanal weavers do not accept credit cards or large 100-soles banknotes. Carry 200 to 300 Peruvian Soles in small denominations (10, 20, and coins).
Leave No Trace Ethic: Help preserve the beauty of Peru. Carry all personal trash and disposable wet wipes back to camp for proper eco-disposal, and never touch or remove stone masonry from archaeological complexes.
Luggage Storage in Cusco: You only need your daypack and the supplied trek duffel bag on the trail. Leave your hard-shell suitcases and city clothes safely stored in our complimentary, locked luggage room at our Cusco office.

Why is Choquequirao considered the true “Cradle of Gold” and sister to Machu Picchu?

Perched dramatically over the roaring Apurímac River canyon, Choquequirao is over three times larger in footprint than Machu Picchu, with only 30% excavated to date. Because there are no roads or trains reaching the site, only a handful of adventurous travelers hike there daily, granting you the breathtaking privilege of exploring colossal stone terraces, ceremonial plazas, and unique white-stone llama carvings in near-complete solitude.

How physically demanding is the Choquequirao trek?

Choquequirao is renowned as one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in South America. The route involves steep descents into the arid canyon (dropping 1,500 meters) followed by rigorous uphill climbs on switchback trails. Good cardiovascular fitness, strong knees, and reliable trekking poles are indispensable. The reward is a raw, non-commercialized Incan sanctuary that feels frozen in time.

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Choquequirao challenge – 4D/3N