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The Choquequirao Trek is a remote hike that takes you to the jewel in the crown of Incan Architecture. Known as the little sister of Machu Picchu, this massive Inca site is three times bigger than its twin, Machu Picchu. Today, much of it is still covered by the dense jungle, which is still being excavated and explored. When you join the few that have tackled this challenging and isolated trek, you become part of the history of the rediscovery of these ruins. Challenge yourself and explore, the end result is the effort.
The Choquequirao Trail is not just about the ruins at the end. The true highlight of this trek is the journey, which is simply magical. The trailhead in an isolated village, far far away from any city or town. Immediately follow a narrow path that hugs the mountain sides. The landscape is absolutely stunning and guarantees to delight and amaze. Along the way see contrasts of vibrant green mountains, with snow capped mountains peaking through soft rings of clouds that settle on the summits. This trek gets very little foot traffic because of its remoteness and difficulty. The unique flora and fauna found here flourishes in its undisturbed natural environment. The Apumarac River winds its way through the rolling hills, gushing its waters downstream. Rugged mountains, lush vegetation and crashing waterfalls accompany you along this beguiling trail that takes off the beaten track.
When trekking with Orange Nation, camp under star studded skies in isolated villages. If the season permits, why not pick your own vegetables like corn for dinner. Embrace the outdoors in comfort and style, sleeping in spacious Eureka tents and indulging in elaborate, delicious and abundant meals. This trail has undulating terrain and requires you to be fit and for you to sufficiently acclimatize to the altitude. The consistent up and downs are demanding on the body, especially the knees. All the challenges you have dealt with, are significantly outweighed by the rewards that you are granted. Finally, on day 3, you get to camp close to the archeological site, giving you sufficient time to extensively explore the ruins. Choquequirao is an image of perfectly structured stone, surrounded by eye catching wild vegetation full of color.
A fortress, a ceremonial center, a city or the last residence of the Inca, whatever the purpose, its definitely worth a visit. Choquequirao translates to “Cradle of gold”. The current accepted theory is that there were possibly gold mines here during Inca times, that they exploited. Unfortunately, around the 1900´s the ruins were thoroughly looted. There is a large section of this site that still needs to restored and excavated from the dense jungle, its anyone´s guess what treasures still await to be discovered. During the Spanish conquest, scholars believe that when the Incas started retreating towards the jungle, they used this Inca site as their last refuge.
Like all Inca cities, it includes a main plaza, royal quarters , a temple for the sun, large buildings called kallankas, storage buildings called collcas, platforms called usnu, barracks for soldiers, a prison, walled-off houses separate from the rest of the site for priests, an administrative center and lots and lots of terraces for agriculture and hillside stabilization.
It is divided into the upper half (hanan) and the lower half (hurin). This is only one of the innumerable examples of the Inca concept of duality. In this case, the hanan (upper part) was more important because that’s where the Inca’s residence was. The residence is easily distinguished by the higher quality of stone work and the channeled water that leads straight to a shower and bath.
The most famous part of the ruins are terraces with white quartz llamas built into the terraced walls. We know that they’re llamas, the elevation of the site is too low for alpaca. The elevation of Choquequirao is llama territory.
Archeologists theorize that the entire hillside to the right of what has been restored is covered with terraces, houses and other Inca constructions. It will take an extraordinary amount of time and money to fund restoration of all of Choquequirao.
On your way from Marampata to the ruins, you pass the residences of the Ministry of Culture workers who are still busy clearing jungle and maintaining what has been uncovered. They’re interesting people and if you can catch one taking a bit of a break, take the opportunity to ask them about the ruins and their experiences working there. (Sometimes they have cute puppies to play with).
After arriving from Cusco, the only way to reach the trailhead to these ruins is by bus charter or private vehicle. Trekking is the only way to get to Choquequirao, and it’s no simple task. It is recommended that you hire a guide and a few pack mules to carry extra supplies. It takes approximately 2 days of full hiking to get to the archeological site, and 4 days total to complete the trip. The campsites, like the route itself, are well-maintained and equipped with facilities not found on most other Andean trails. The campsites all have running water, showers and toilet blocks, and even small shops selling snacks and drinks.
The best time to do the Choquequirao hike is between May and September. This is the dry season in the Andes, and also when the weather is the most predictable. During the rainy season between October and April often the trail is closed because of unsafe trail conditions and torrential rain.
Its 2 days to the ruins and 2 days return on the same route. You have the option of hiking over 4 or 5 days. Descend and then ascend well over 4,300 meters / 14,100 feet. There is no flat terrain on the route, its constant ascents and descents to the ruins and back.
Breakfast is at Capuliyoc and lunch at Chiquiska, both on the side of the river that’s part of the Apurimac region. Once you cross the bridge over the Apurimac River, you enter the Cusco region. This is significant because the Cusco region has a big budget to supporting tourism, while Apurimac does not.
The first day a is hike from Capuliyoc all the way down to the river,and then a hike up to Santa Rosa.
The second day is all uphill to the village of Marampata.
You spend the entire Day 3 exploring Choquequirao. Its important to note that a rest day doesn’t really exist on this trail. From Marampata to Choquequirao is a steep descent, which becomes a steep ascent on the way back.
The fourth day you walk back down to the Apurimac River before crossing the bridge and hiking up towards Chiquiska.
The fifth day is all uphill but not too far. From Chiquiska you walk to Capuliyoc. The view from Capuliyoc is breathtaking.
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag waiting at camp.
Choquequirao Hike information has been updated on July 2024.
The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” and is located above the wild, raging Apurimac River, surrounded by high snowcapped peaks and set on a high ridge. The Inca archaeological site is considered the sister of Machu Picchu but is less known even though it is 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last safe havens for the Incas who continued to resist the Spanish after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city. On the 4-Day Choquequirao trek, we hike through high Andean landscapes with beautiful glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through cloud forests with astonishing bio-diversity. We will also observe native animals such as Andean Condors, other types of birds, native flora and fauna such as numerous varieties of orchids and much more. We are specialists in this amazing route and offer the most frequent departures with experienced and professional guides.
Max. Altitude:
3150
Duration:
4 days - 3 nights
Group Size:
8
Transportation:
Hike, Bus, Train
Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” and is located above the bustling Apurimac River which is fueled from the glaciers. It is surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks and sits on a high ridge. Choquequirao is a secluded and seldomly visited ¨Lost City of the Incas¨. The Inca archaeological site is considered, the sister of Machu Picchu, it is not well known and 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last safe havens for those Incas who continued to resist the Spanish after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense vegetation. On this unique trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with breathtaking glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also catch glimpses of native wildlife such as Andean Condors, various birds, native flora and fauna, orchids and much more. We are specialists in this incredible area and offer the most frequent departures with experienced guides. We are the only company who takes you to the hot springs of Conoc after the Choquequirao Trek, and explores the unique Inca ruins of Saywite. With the 5 day Trek, you get an entire day to explore the extensive Choquequirao archeological site!
Max. Altitude:
3100
Duration:
5 days - 4 nights
Group Size:
8
Transportation:
Hike, Bus, Train
We have the best-designed itinerary by the only specialist in “trekking OFF the beaten track,” SAM Travel. The itinerary combines visits to two major archeological sites: remote and seldom visited Choquequirao and legendary Machu Picchu. It is a fascinating adventure through part of the old empire of the Incas and one of Peru’s most unspoiled wilderness areas. The name Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” The Inca Archeological site is considered, the sister to Machu Picchu, it is less known and 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last refuges, for those Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site eventually was abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologistscontinue to discover new sectors of the city. On Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You will also visitInca silver mines and isolated Inca communities. When you arrive to Machu Picchu, our last campsite is by the Llactapata Inca Ruins, which are located right in front of Machu Picchu.From this viewpoint, enjoy the greatest angles of view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains like Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain and Salkantay Mountain. Click on the link below to explore our blog with lots of pictures and experience the trek for yourself
Max. Altitude:
3,650
Duration:
9 days - 8 nights
Group Size:
up to 8 people
Transportation:
Hike, Bus, Train
Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold” and is located above the bustling Apurimac River which is fueled from the glaciers. It is surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks and sits on a high ridge. Choquequirao is a secluded and seldomly visited ¨Lost City of the Incas¨. The Inca archaeological site is considered, the sister of Machu Picchu, it is not well known and 3 times larger than Machu Picchu. It was one of the last safe havens for those Incas who continued to resist the Spanish after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense vegetation. On this unique trek, we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high Andean landscapes with breathtaking glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through diverse cloud forest ecosystems.
You will also catch glimpses of native wildlife such as Andean Condors, various birds, native flora and fauna, orchids and much more. We are specialists in this incredible area and offer the most frequent departures with experienced guides. We are the only company who takes you to the hot springs of CONOC after the Choquequirao Trek, and explores the unique Inca ruins of Saywite. This incredible trek also takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site and 7 New Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu!
Max. Altitude:
4130
Duration:
8 days - 7 nights
Group Size:
8
Transportation:
Hike, Bus, Train
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Couples
Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Written July 2, 2025
Family
We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!
Written June 26, 2025
