Choquequirao treks

Discover Choquequirao

Embark on one of Peru’s most breathtaking and untouched mountain adventures with the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek. Deep in the rugged Apurímac Canyon, this expedition leads you to the legendary “sister city” of Machu Picchu. Perched dramatically above the roaring Apurímac River, Choquequirao (meaning “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua) is three times larger than Machu Picchu, yet only 30% of the citadel has been excavated. Because the site is accessible solely on foot, it receives only a fraction of the visitors, offering an authentic, crowd-free exploration of sacred temples, royal palaces, deep water channels, and massive agricultural terraces.

Led by expert local guides and supported by a dedicated crew of mountain chefs and horsemen, this 5-day trek balances demanding canyon climbs with rich Inca history, diverse microclimates, and alpine mountain vistas. Your team handles all camp setup and cooking, while pack horses carry up to 8 kg (16 lbs) of your personal gear. You will camp directly beneath the archaeological site, granting exclusive access to sunset and sunrise views over the ancient stone ruins.

Trip Highlights

• Crowd-Free Inca Citadel: Explore a massive 15th-century Inca city larger than Machu Picchu without tourist crowds or waiting lines.
• Full-Day Guided Exploration: Spend a complete day discovering the main plaza, ceremonial altars, priest quarters, and the famous Llama Terraces embedded with white quartz stones.
• Dramatic Canyon Scenery: Cross the deep Apurímac Canyon, passing sugarcane farms, cloud forests, cactus groves, and soaring alpine walls.
• Privileged Campsite Access: Sleep at campsite locations directly below the ruins, experiencing peaceful sunsets over the Usno (Inca ceremonial platform).
• Full Trekker Support: Travel comfortably with an English-speaking guide, mountain chef, pack horses carrying your main duffel, and private portable eco-toilet tents.
• Wildlife & Flora Spotting: Observe Andean condors riding thermal air currents, hummingbirds, rare mountain orchids, and spectacled bears in their native habitat.

Comparison Matrix

Why Pick Choquequirao Over Machu Picchu?

1. Uninterrupted Exploration: Walk through royal palaces, priest quarters, and terrace complexes without waiting in lines or moving through regulated timed entry slots.
2. The “Llama Terraces”: Witness 29 white quartz llama figures inlaid directly into massive dark terrace walls—a design unique to Choquequirao.
3. True Wilderness Trekking: Experience dramatic Andean microclimates, from dry canyon floors to high-altitude cloud forests teeming with orchids and Andean condors.