Choquequirao is one of Peru’s most impressive Inca archaeological sites. Often compared to Machu Picchu in size and majesty, Choquequirao remains far less visited, offering a truly authentic and adventurous trekking experience.
The only way to reach Choquequirao is by hiking. There are several access routes, but currently the safest and most commonly used trail begins in the district of Cachora, near Capuliyoc viewpoint.
If you are planning to do the Choquequirao trek independently (without a tour), this detailed guide will help you organize your trip safely and efficiently.
Yes, trekking to Choquequirao without a tour is possible. However, it requires:
Previous hiking experience
Medium to good physical condition
Proper trekking equipment
Awareness of mountain risks
This is a physically demanding trek with steep descents and long uphill climbs, especially from the Apurímac River to Marampata.
If you do not have strong hiking experience, we highly recommend joining an organized group with an official tour guide.
You can find our organize tour 4 days 3 nigth clik here
Unlike remote wilderness treks, the Choquequirao route has basic infrastructure. Along the trail you will find:
Local camps and lodges
Food services (15–20 soles per meal approx.)
Simple rooms (20–25 soles per night approx.)
Hot showers (in some camps 10 soles)
WiFi (limited and solar-powered)
Camping areas 5 – 10 soles per tent
If you bring your own tent, all camps offer space for camping.
If you are in Cusco, you have three main options:
Bus Cusco – Abancay 30 soles
They leave only in the morning and Midday , Get off at “Ramal de Cachora.”
Then take a taxi to Capuliyoc (80–100 soles per taxi).
Cusco – Curahuasi (Arcopata terminal) 25 soles
They leave every 30 minutes, From Curahuasi, taxi to Capuliyoc (130–150 soles approx.).
Cusco – Abancay (Pachacutec area departures) 50 soles
They leave every 30 minutes, Get off at Ramal de Cachora, Then take a taxi to Capuliyoc (80–100 soles per taxi)..
Shared cars leave from Av. Núñez to Cachora (approx. 15 soles per person).
Taxi from Cachora to Capuliyoc (50 soles per taxi, not per person).
Arrive at Capuliyoc viewpoint.
Here you can stay in mountain cabins overlooking the Apurímac Canyon and Padreyoc snow peak.
Services available:
Private cabins (double 60 soles /triple 90 soles)
Meals (15–20 soles)
WiFi rental
Hot showers
2.5–3 hours descent to Chikiska
1 hour to Apurímac River
2–3 hours steep climb to Santa Rosa
2.5–3 more hours uphill to Marampata
Total ascent from river: approx. 4–5 hours.
Marampata is the closest village to Choquequirao and best place to stay overnight.
Early departure recommended.
Approx. 2 hours walk to the archaeological site.
Choquequirao is larger than Machu Picchu and only partially restored (around 40%). You will need several hours to explore properly.
Return to Marampata for the night.
2 hours down to Santa Rosa
1–1.5 hours to Apurímac River
3.5–4 hours final ascent to Capuliyoc
Optional: Stay overnight in Chikiska if too tired.
Adults (national or foreign): 60 soles
Students: 30 soles
Free entry for Peruvians on the first Sunday of each month
Cusco residents: free every Sunday
To enter for free (Peruvians), plan your trek to arrive on Sunday.
✔ Bring trekking poles
✔ Rain poncho (weather changes quickly)
✔ Mosquito repellent
✔ Sunscreen & hat
✔ Extra water & snacks
✔ Portable charger (electricity is solar-powered and limited)
Altitude range:
Highest point: 3000 meters (Capuliyoc)
Lowest point: 1500 meters (Apurímac River)
If you prefer to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics, food, muleteers, or route planning, we also offer all-inclusive organized tours.
Contact us via WhatsApp:
+51 974 555 258
Find us on social media as Choquequirao Wasi.
Hiring a Muleteer or Horse
If you are unsure about carrying your backpack, you can hire:
⚠ Important: These services must be booked at least one day in advance. Finding muleteers last minute is very difficult.
For the return climb from the Apurímac River to Capuliyoc, many hikers rent a horse only for the final ascent.
Private Transportation Services Available
We also offer private transfers to Capuliyoc:
Cusco – Capuliyoc (one way):
Other routes available upon request on whats app: +51 974 555 258
Local taxi service for the way back to Cusco:
Camp contacts during the route use only Whats app:
You can contact them directly and book their services:
Capuliyoc
➢ Choquequirao Wasi camp +51 974555258 – +51 933617658
Chikiska
➢ Wasi llamayoc camp +51 928287323
➢ camping la cabañita +51 921213922
Santa Rosa
➢ Campamento Santa Rosa Baja Flor +51 965255135
➢ Campamento Santa Rosa alta +51 983990035
Marampata
➢ Campamento las orquideas +51 929723959
➢ Mama Panchita Camp +51 925877426
➢ Mrs. Astrid Camp +51 913406717
➢ Camp Choquequirao guest house +51 978307854
➢Campamento Refugio choquequirao +51 966282903
The program may change according to
walking experience.
Alternative programs:
– Cusco (Abancay) – Capuliyoc – Chikiska.
– Chikiska – Santa Rosa – Marampata.
– Marampata – Choquequirao – Marampata.
– Marampata – Chikiska – Capuliyoc.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you do not have much experience in hiking with a strong level, it is recommended to rent a horse to ride the climb (50 soles for a horse + 80 soles for the muleteer per day).
What happens frequently is that Horse is required for the last day
only for return.
The price of this is 100 soles for the horse and 100 soles for the muleteer and they pick you up from the Apurimac river to the Capuliyoc viewpoint, 1 muleteer can take up to 3 horses. More of them is already dangerous.
The riding horse allows you only to go up but not down.
Extra luggage is not really necessary, a pair of polo shirts, trusses and extra pants may be enough. In case you want to rent a horse to carry your things 1 horse + muleteer 130 soles per day.
It is highly recommended to bring trekking poles.
Very important rain poncho, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat or sun hat, fruits, cookies, water.
It is recommended to bring portable chargers since the energy in each
Camp is limited with solar panel. They let you charge alone while you sunbathe.
At night usually no longer.
They rent wifi in some camps (Capuliyoc, Chikiska, Santa Rosa and Marampata).
In these months the weather is changing, it is sunny and it rains hard too. You have to be prepared for everything.
Highest level of the walk
3000 masl. lowest level of
the walk 1500 masl.
During the walk, the places where you can find food and
accommodation is in:
➢ Capuliyoc start of the walk.
➢ Chikiska 2 hours and a half more
below Capuliyoc.
➢ Santa Rosa baja and alta 2 – 3 hours ascent
from the Apurimac River.
➢ Marampata, the closest town to Choquequirao. 4 and a half hours
approx. Ascent from the Apurímac river.
You can contact them directly and book their services:
Capuliyoc
➢ Choquequirao Wasi camp +51 974555258 – +51 933617658
Chikiska
➢ Wasi llamayoc camp +51 928287323
➢ camping la cabañita +51 921213922
Santa Rosa
➢ Campamento Santa Rosa Baja Flor +51 965255135
➢ Campamento Santa Rosa alta +51 983990035
Marampata
➢ Camp Choquequirao guest house +51 978307854
➢ Campamento las orquideas +51 929723959
➢ Mama Panchita Camp +51 925877426
➢ Mrs. Astrid Camp +51 913406717
➢Campamento Refugio choquequirao +51 966282903
Try to contact them by whats app since the only connection they have is by wifi
There are some other camps that at the moment I do not count numbers of them I will be updating that information.
For more information outside of what is described here you can write to the WhatsApp number:
+51 974 555 258.
If you want an all-inclusive organized tour and
worry only to enjoy you can write to the intern
Find us on social networks as Choquequirao Wasi.
