Choquequirao Trek

Departure from Cusco begins at 4:30 am, moving west toward the highlands of Cachora. A simple breakfast is shared in town before continuing to Capuliyoc, where the canyon opens wide and Choquequirao appears in the distance across the valley.
The trail descends steadily along exposed slopes, with the air warming as altitude is lost. The path is constant, allowing a natural rhythm without pressure. Vegetation becomes denser as the route approaches the canyon floor.
Lunch is prepared near Chiquisca and shared in the shade, while the sound of the Apurímac River rises from below. The descent continues to Playa Rosalina before the trail shifts upward toward Santa Rosa Baja.
The final ascent is steady. Camp is set near a local family, where small crops grow despite the steep terrain. Dinner is prepared by the team as the light fades and the canyon settles into silence.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 3100 m / 10,170ft
• Walking time: 7 hrs
• Walking distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Capuliyoc (trailhead): 3020 m
• Playa Rosalina: 1550 m
• Santa Rosa Baja (camp): 1970 m / 6,463 ft
• Arrival: 5:00 pm

The morning begins with a warm drink and breakfast prepared by the team. The trail climbs immediately, following a sustained ascent through switchbacks that demand a steady, controlled pace.
As elevation is gained, the canyon opens fully, revealing its scale. After several hours, the terrain softens near Marampata, the last inhabited point before Choquequirao. Fields and small homes reappear briefly, marking a transition back into human presence.
Lunch is taken here before continuing toward the archaeological site. Choquequirao reveals itself gradually, integrated into the mountain rather than standing apart from it.
The guided exploration moves through terraces, ceremonial sectors such as the usnu, and quieter spaces that suggest daily use. The site is observed in relation to its surroundings, not separated from them.
By late afternoon, the return to camp follows the same rhythm. Dinner is shared with the team, closing the day in a calm, open setting.

Details
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Maximum altitude: 3100 m / 10,170ft
• Walking time: 6–7 hrs
• Walking distance: 16 km / 9.9 mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Santa Rosa Baja: 1970 m / 6,463 ft
• Marampata (camp): 2950 m / 9,678 ft
• Choquequirao: 3100 m / 10,170ft
• Arrival: 5:00 pm aprox

The route begins with an early descent back into the canyon. The first section moves through shaded terrain, allowing a more controlled pace as the path drops steadily.
At Playa Rosalina, the river marks a natural pause. The canyon feels enclosed here, with the sound of water defining the space. Time is taken to rest before beginning the climb on the opposite side.
The ascent toward Cocamasana is gradual but exposed. Heat returns as elevation increases, requiring a consistent, measured pace. The day is defined by progression rather than speed.
Arrival at camp comes in the early afternoon. The remaining time is open—used to rest, observe the canyon, or simply remain still. Dinner is prepared and shared with the team as the light softens across the valley.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 2950 m / 9,678 ft
• Walking time: 7–8 hrs
• Walking distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Marampata: 2950 m / 9,678 ft
• Playa Rosalina: 1550 m
• Cocamasana (camp): 2450 m / 8,038 ft
• Arrival: 2:00 pm

The final day begins with a steady ascent toward Capuliyoc. The trail climbs gradually, retracing the upper edge of the canyon. With elevation, the landscape opens again, revealing the full route traveled over previous days.
At the top, lunch is shared with the team in a final gathering before departure. This is a natural point to close the trekking portion and acknowledge the work behind the journey.
The return to Cusco follows by road, with a brief stop in Limatambo before continuing to the city.
Arrival is in the afternoon, marking the end of a route defined by distance, terrain, and continuity of movement.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 3000 m
• Walking time: 4–5 hrs
• Walking distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
• Cocamasana: 2450 m
• Capuliyoc: 3020 m
• Cusco: 3350 m
• Total distance: 52 km / 32.3 mi
• Return: 4:00 pm