Choquequirao Trek: 4-Day Andes Hike & Pachamanca Lunch

Step into Inca history on quiet trails from Cusco to Choquequirao with a small group, mountain views, and local food at camp

You’ll hike from Cusco through silent valleys and cloud forests toward Choquequirao’s lost terraces, guided by locals who know every bend in the trail. Expect early mornings, shared campfire meals—including a traditional Pachamanca barbecue—and time to wander ancient ruins almost alone. If you want space to think (and sweat), this trek leaves a mark long after your boots are clean again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco to Santa Rosa trek

• Depart Cusco early morning
• Drive to Capuliyoc
• Have breakfast at Capuliyoc
• Trek downhill to Chiquiska
• Lunch at Chiquiska
• Trek to Santa Rosa campsite
• Camp overnight at Santa Rosa

Day 2 — Santa Rosa to Choquequirao trek

• Breakfast at Santa Rosa
• Trek to La Playa
• Continue trekking to Marampata
• Arrive at Choquequirao
• Camp overnight at Choquequirao

Day 3 — Choquequirao to Chiquiska trek

• Watch sunrise at Choquequirao
• Breakfast at camp
• Trek downhill to Santa Rosa for lunch
• Trek downhill and uphill to Chiquiska campsite
• Camp overnight at Chiquiska

Day 4 — Chiquiska to Cusco via Saywite

• Breakfast at Chiquiska
• Trek uphill to Capuliyoc
• Lunch at Capuliyoc
• Drive to Saywite archaeological site
• Explore Saywite site
• Return to Cusco hotel

The Experience

“You’ll never make it up that last hill,” our guide Raul grinned, but I think he was half-joking. We’d left Cusco before sunrise—honestly, I barely remember the drive to Capuliyoc except for the fog and someone’s playlist looping Andean flute covers. The first glimpse of the Apurimac canyon made everyone stop talking though. It’s so wide and deep you feel like you’re looking at some ancient scar in the earth. Breakfast was just bread and strong coffee, but somehow it tasted better outside with that cold mountain air biting your fingers.

The trek down to Chiquiska felt endless—my knees didn’t love it, but Raul kept pointing out little orchids clinging to rocks or a condor gliding way above us. There were maybe six other trekkers total on the whole trail; sometimes we’d walk for an hour without seeing anyone but our own group. The quiet is strange at first, just wind and distant water rushing somewhere below. By lunch I was starving—our cook whipped up something with quinoa and hot sauce that I still crave now.

Day two started early again (I’m not really a morning person), climbing towards Marampata with mist sticking to my jacket and everything smelling faintly of wet earth. At some point Raul told us about Pachamama—Mother Earth—and how Choquequirao was one of her sacred places for the Incas. When we finally reached those terraces, it wasn’t crowded or noisy like Machu Picchu; just mossy stones, wildflowers, and this weird feeling like you’re trespassing somewhere important. I tried to imagine what it looked like when the Incas were here. Not sure I can describe it right.

The last night’s Pachamanca barbecue was a mess of laughter—nobody could agree on how long to bury the potatoes under hot stones (Raul said his abuela would be ashamed). We ate sitting in a circle, hands greasy, sun setting behind purple hills. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so connected to strangers after four days of sweat and blisters. The hike back up nearly broke me—I mean it—but reaching Saywite at the end felt like finishing some old story someone else started centuries ago.

Top questions

How difficult is the Choquequirao trek?

The trek is considered moderate but involves steep ascents and descents each day; good fitness is recommended.

How many days does this Choquequirao tour take?

This is a 4-day, 3-night trekking tour starting from Cusco.

Is hotel pickup included in this Choquequirao trek?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cusco is included at the start of your trip.

Are meals provided during the trek?

All meals are prepared by an on-trail chef and included throughout the tour.

What type of accommodation is used?

You’ll camp each night at designated sites along the route.

Do I need to carry my own gear?

A personal porter carries up to 7kg of your belongings; bring only essentials in your daypack.

Is vegetarian food available on this trek?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is this suitable for children or families?

Children must be accompanied by adults; participants should have moderate fitness due to challenging terrain.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Cusco, all transportation between trailheads and sites like Saywite, professional English-speaking guides who share Inca history along the way, a chef preparing every meal (with dietary needs handled if you ask ahead), a personal porter for your gear up to 7kg, camping equipment set up nightly—and yes, that Pachamanca barbecue on your final evening before heading back tired but happy.