From Cusco: Choquequirao Express Trek 3 Days and 2 Nights

If you’re seeking an adventurous trek through Peru’s stunning landscapes, the Choquequirao Express Trek from Cusco might be just the journey you’re after. Over three days and two nights, you’ll embark on a challenging hike, navigating steep ascents and descents to reach the remote and captivating Inca ruins of Choquequirao. With a maximum group size of 15, this personalized experience promises culture and breathtaking vistas – and that’s just the beginning. Curious to learn more about what this unique trek has in store?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Urubamba.

Key Points

• The Choquequirao Express Trek is a 3-day, 2-night guided tour from Cusco to explore the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao.
• The trek features challenging hiking, including steep ascents and descents, and requires excellent physical fitness from participants.
• The tour includes transportation, meals, a bilingual guide, basic accommodation, and necessary equipment for the trek.
• The small group size is limited to 15 guests, ensuring a personalized adventure experience.
• The tour offers stunning scenic views, culture, and the opportunity to discover the hidden ruins of Choquequirao.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Choquequirao Express Trek is a 3-day, 2-night adventure that takes participants on a challenging journey to the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao.

Priced from $520 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 15 guests) explores the remote site often referred to as the "other Machu Picchu."

The trek covers significant distances and elevation changes, requiring excellent physical condition.

Highlights include breakfast and lunch provided, accommodations in local hostels, and the services of a bilingual guide.

Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The experience promises breathtaking landscapes and a personalized adventure in the heart of Peru’s Andes mountains.

Itinerary Highlights

The itinerary for the Choquequirao Express Trek spans three captivating days.

On the first day, you’ll depart Cusco at 3:30 am, enjoy breakfast at Capuliyoc, and embark on a challenging 3-hour descent to Chukiska.

After lunch, you’ll ascend for 2.5 hours to Santa Rosa, followed by a 3-hour hike to Marampata, where you’ll spend the night.

The second day begins with an early start and a 1.5-hour hike to the ruins of Choquequirao, where you’ll explore the site and enjoy a box lunch.

On the final day, you’ll descend to Santa Rosa, visit Rosalina beach, and return to Cusco via Capuliyoc.

Physical Requirements

Tackling the Choquequirao Express Trek demands an excellent level of physical fitness, as the journey involves significant physical effort throughout.

The trek is categorized as challenging, requiring participants to be in top shape. Hikers will embark on strenuous uphill and downhill walks, including a 3-hour ascent to Marampata on the first day.

The second day features a 1.5-hour hike to the Choquequirao ruins, followed by a return to Marampata.

On the final day, the trek includes a 2-hour descent, a 1.5-hour walk, and a 3-hour hike.

Prospective trekkers must be prepared for this physically demanding adventure.

Inclusions

This Choquequirao Express Trek includes a comprehensive package to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The tour includes transportation throughout the trek, with meals provided on the first and third days. Guests will have the services of a bilingual guide, and accommodations for two nights in local hostels.

Additional inclusions are a horse and muleteer for extra luggage (up to 5kg per person), a first aid kit, and walking sticks. The entrance ticket to Choquequirao, which costs 60 soles for adults and 30 soles for students, is also covered.

These thoughtful inclusions allow participants to focus on the adventure, without worrying about logistics.

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Experience Highlights

Travelers embarking on the Choquequirao Express Trek can discover the hidden wonder of Machu Picchu at the remote ruins of Choquequirao.

This breathtaking journey offers unique experiences amidst stunning landscapes. The small group size ensures a more personalized adventure, allowing participants to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Whether it’s marveling at the ancient Inca structures or taking in the panoramic vistas, the Choquequirao Express Trek promises an unforgettable and off-the-beaten-path exploration of Peru’s remarkable natural and historical treasures.

Departure and Arrival

The Choquequirao Express Trek begins with an early morning pickup from participants’ hotels in Cusco at 3:30 am.

After a 4-hour drive, the group arrives at Cachora, where they enjoy breakfast at Capuliyoc.

The trek then descends for 3 hours to Chukiska, where they stop for lunch.

The group then ascends for 2.5 hours to Santa Rosa, followed by a 3-hour hike to Marampata, their overnight stay.

On the second day, they embark on a 1.5-hour hike to the Choquequirao ruins, where they spend the day exploring before returning to Marampata.

The final day involves a 2-hour descent to Santa Rosa, a stop at Rosalina beach bridge, and lunch in Chukiska, before the 4-hour return trip to Cusco.

Accommodation

Overnight stays during the Choquequirao Express Trek are at local hostels in the remote village of Marampata. These basic accommodations provide a comfortable place to rest after long days of hiking.

Rooms are shared, and facilities are basic but clean. The hostels offer a glimpse into the local way of life and allow trekkers to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.

While not luxurious, the overnight stays are an integral part of the Choquequirao experience, allowing adventurers to recharge and prepare for the next day’s challenging trek.

The simple yet welcoming hostels contribute to the overall authenticity of this off-the-beaten-path expedition.

Additional Information

Along With the comfortable overnight stays, the Choquequirao Express Trek offers several other noteworthy features. The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. It’s available in both English and Spanish, catering to diverse language preferences. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility. The trek requires an excellent physical condition, as the journey involves significant effort. The package includes transportation, meals, a bilingual guide, and various equipment such as walking sticks and a first aid kit. This unique expedition allows participants to discover the hidden Machu Picchu at Choquequirao and immerse in breathtaking landscapes.

Feature	Details
Group Size	Limited to 15 participants
Languages	English, Spanish
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Physical Requirements	Challenging trek, requires excellent physical condition
Inclusions	Transportation, meals, bilingual guide, and equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Altitude Range of the Trek?

The trek covers an altitude range from around 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) at Cachora to 3,033 meters (9,950 feet) at Choquequirao, requiring participants to be in excellent physical condition to handle the challenging terrain.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this trek. The tour is suitable for all ages as long as participants are in good physical condition and can handle the challenging hike. It’s recommended for those aged 18 and above.

Can I Rent Additional Equipment From the Tour Provider?

Yes, the tour provider offers additional equipment rentals. Participants can rent walking sticks, dafort or briefcases for extra luggage, and a first aid kit to enhance their Choquequirao trekking experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Luggage Weight or Size?

The tour allows a maximum of 5kg per person for extra luggage, which is transported by a horse and muleteer. Any additional personal gear must be carried by the participant themselves during the trek.

Do I Need Any Special Permits or Licenses to Participate?

No special permits or licenses are required to participate. However, the trek has significant physical demands, so participants must be in excellent physical condition to complete the challenging journey.

Recap

The Choquequirao Express Trek offers an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes and ancient Inca ruins. Challenging yet rewarding, this 3-day, 2-night trek provides a unique opportunity for culture and breathtaking scenery. With a personalized approach and expert guidance, the trek caters to adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience in the remote Andes.

You can check if your dates are available here: