Choquequirao Trek

• Total Walking Distance: 16.2 km
• Total Walking Time: 7-8h
• Minimum Altitude: 2095m (6873 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 3050m (10,007 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 2940m (9646 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: 5°C

Day 2 of our Choquequirao trek begins early with breakfast at 5:30 am and a 6:00 am start. We hike steeply for 3 hours to Marampata (2940m / 9646 ft), where we take a well-earned break. From there, it’s a gentler 2-hour trek with stunning first views of Choquequirao.

Upon arriving at the ruins (3050m / 10,007 ft), we enjoy a picnic lunch and a well-deserved rest before exploring the site. Only 30% of Choquequirao has been excavated, leaving much to the imagination. As we tour the religious sector and central ruins, we might even spot condors soaring above.

After approximately 3 hours exploring, we hike 2 hours back to the Marampata campsite. It’s a long but rewarding day designed to make the most of our time at Choquequirao.

• Total Walking Distance: 8.9km (12.3km if camping at Cocamasana)
• Total Walking Time: 4-5h (6-7h if camping at Cocamasana)
• Minimum Altitude: 1520m (4986 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2940m (9646 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 1950m (6397 ft) (or 2450m (8038 ft), if camping at Cocamasana)
• Approx. night temperature: 5°C

Today, we leave the scenic Marampata campsite and descend to the Apurimac River and Rosalina Beach (1520m / 4986 ft). From there, we hike uphill to our campsite at Chiquisca (1950m / 6397 ft).

For those with a strong pace or those continuing on the Machu Picchu Trek Extension, we may instead camp at Cocamasana (2450m / 8038 ft).

• Total Walking Distance: 7km (or 3.6km, if you camped at Cocamasana on D3)
• Total Walking Time: 3-4h (or 2h, if you camped at Cocamasana on D3)
• Minimum Altitude: 1950m (6397 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 2970m (9744 ft)

This morning, we wrap up our Choquequirao trek with a 3-4 hour climb to Capuliyoc, where spectacular views await. Our car will be waiting to begin the 4.5-hour drive back to Cusco.

On the way, we can visit Saywite (3500m / 11,483 ft), an Incan complex featuring intricate stone art and ritual spaces, or opt for a relaxing stop at the Cconoc hot springs (1780m / 5840 ft). The thermal baths, surrounded by carob trees and cacti, offer soothing waters (26°C–35°C) to rest our muscles. After a quick dip and a scenic lunch overlooking the Apurimac River valley, we continue to Cusco, arriving around 6 pm.