4 daysChoquequirao Trek 4 Days
Down and up the Apurimac canyon to an Inca city that almost nobody visits.
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Choquequirao, Peru: trek to the lost Inca city
Choquequirao is the Inca citadel often called the sacred sister of Machu Picchu. The only way in is on foot, down and up one of the deepest canyons in Peru, with nights in family guesthouses.
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Compare the choquequirao
| Trip | Length | Level | Highest point | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choquequirao Trek 4 Days | 4 days, 3 nights | Challenging | 3,050 m (10,007 ft) | $270 |
What makes Choquequirao different
There is no road and no train to Choquequirao. You reach it only by walking, which is why a site whose architecture is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List receives so few visitors. You often have the plazas and terraces almost to yourself.
The route covers 58 km in four days. You go down into the Apurimac canyon, climb the far side to the citadel and walk back out of the canyon. Nights are in simple guesthouses run by the families who live along the trail, so there are no tents to carry.
Is it for you
This is the most demanding trek we run. The altitude is moderate, with a high point of 3,050 m, but the descents and climbs are long and the canyon is hot at midday. You should be used to walking several hours a day with a pack.
No trail permit is needed, so dates stay open when the Inca Trail is sold out. If you want a route that ends at Machu Picchu, look at the Inca Trail or the Salkantay treks.
Common questions
How hard is the Choquequirao trek?
Challenging. The difficulty comes from the long, steep descents and climbs of the canyon, not from the altitude. Good fitness and broken in boots matter more here than on any other route.
When is the best time to go?
From May to October, in the dry season. The trail is open all year, but from December to March rain makes the slopes muddy and slippery.
Do I need a permit?
No. There is no daily permit quota for Choquequirao, so you can book much closer to your date than the Inca Trail.
More ways to explore
Looking for something else?
Inca Trail
The original Inca road to Machu Picchu, in four days of camping, two days with a hotel night or a private luxury trek.
Salkantay Treks
A 4,630 m glacier pass, cloud forest and nights in domes on the way to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
The citadel by train, in one to three days, with tickets and guide arranged.
Day Hikes
High lakes and painted mountains you can reach and return from in one day.
Luxury Tours
Private luxury treks and Machu Picchu journeys, with glamping camps, selected hotels and panoramic trains.