Highlights
- Follow a route linking Capuliyoc, Apurímac Canyon, Chiquisca rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Marampata, Choquequirao, Saywite with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Prepare for dusty switchbacks, steep canyon slopes, stone steps and exposed warm sections, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with Cachora, Chiquisca and Marampata, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a pre-departure briefing that explains altitude, weather, equipment and the next stage’s physical demands.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Region | Cusco and Apurímac |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends in Cusco unless the final itinerary states another city |
| Maximum altitude | about 3,150 m / 10,335 ft, with major elevation gain and loss |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Terrain | dusty switchbacks, steep canyon slopes, stone steps and exposed warm sections |
| Main transport | private road transfer and mule-supported trekking |
| Accommodation | three supported trekking camps |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 16 |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in the remote archaeological complex of Choquequirao.
- Main places: Capuliyoc, Apurimac Canyon, Marampata and Choquequirao.
- Physical demand: challenging, with terrain including dry canyon switchbacks, exposed climbs and stone paths.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca
An early road transfer leaves Cusco for the Cachora and Capuliyoc area. At the trailhead, the team distributes the expedition load and checks the duffel weight before the descent. Capuliyoc gives a broad view into the Apurímac Canyon, with Padreyoc rising across the valley. The first hiking stage drops through dry switchbacks toward Chiquisca. Sun and dust can be severe, while the lower canyon becomes much warmer than Cusco. Camp is prepared near Chiquisca, where insects may appear after dark. The downhill day can feel easy on the lungs but hard on knees and ankles, so trekking poles are strongly recommended. Day highlight: Reach Chiquisca after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Road transfer: about 4 hours – Walking: about 16 km / 10 mi – Walking time: about 5–7 hours – Camp altitude: about 1,900 m / 6,234 ft – Terrain: steep dry descent and loose switchbacks – Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
The trail descends briefly to the Apurímac River, near 1,550 meters, before beginning the sustained climb to Marampata. This ascent is exposed, hot and physically demanding. The guide sets short rest intervals and encourages regular drinking rather than a rushed pace. Lunch is taken in or near Marampata, where Choquequirao begins to appear across the slope. The group then continues toward the archaeological area. A first guided route may cover plazas, terraces, water channels and ceremonial sectors, depending on arrival time and site access. Camp lies near the complex, allowing the evening light to settle over the canyon without a long return transfer. Day highlight: Reach Choquequirao after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 14 km / 9 mi – Walking time: about 7–9 hours – Lowest point: about 1,550 m / 5,085 ft – Archaeological area: about 3,050–3,150 m / 10,007–10,335 ft – Terrain: warm canyon floor and sustained steep ascent – Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Choquequirao – Marampata – Apurímac River – Chiquisca
The morning allows further time in Choquequirao, with the exact sectors chosen according to the previous afternoon’s route and current access. After the guided portion, the group returns toward Marampata and begins the long descent to the river. Loose ground and heat require controlled steps; racing downhill often causes more fatigue than moving slowly. After crossing the lower canyon, the final climb leads back toward Chiquisca. Camp offers a warm night and a chance to prepare for the last ascent to Capuliyoc. This day reverses much of the approach, but the change in light and direction makes the canyon feel different. Day highlight: Reach Chiquisca after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 14 km / 9 mi – Walking time: about 7–9 hours – Terrain: long descent, river crossing and final uphill section – Camp altitude: about 1,900–1,990 m / 6,234–6,529 ft – Difficulty: challenging – Meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Chiquisca – Capuliyoc – Saywite – Cusco
The final climb starts early, before the canyon becomes too hot. The trail rises steadily through the switchbacks used on the first day, and the team regroups at Capuliyoc. From the rim, the completed route can be seen across the Apurímac Canyon. After lunch, the private vehicle begins the return to Cusco. When road time and opening conditions allow, the program may stop at Saywite for a guided look at its carved stone and water-related forms. Arrival in Cusco is expected in the evening, but traffic and road conditions can change the final time. Day highlight: Reach Cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 16 km / 10 mi – Walking time: about 5–7 hours – Terrain: sustained canyon ascent – Transport: private vehicle to Cusco – Optional stop: Saywite, subject to time and access – Meals: breakfast and lunch
Discounts
- Family, child and large-group reductions depend on the entrance rules and the confirmed service type.
- Groups booking together should request a commercial quotation before payment; reductions cannot be added after tickets or third-party services are issued.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Sleeping bag rental: quoted according to temperature rating and route length
- Trekking-pole rental: quoted per pair
- Personal tent or single-room supplement: quoted on request
- Extra pack animal or porter service: subject to route rules and advance booking
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
This program may operate year-round or in its stated season, subject to weather, road access, opening hours and minimum passenger requirements. Requests within 24 hours may be possible for some dates, but service is not confirmed until Reservations issues written approval.
Health and Travel Restrictions
This route requires preparation and may involve high altitude, steep ascents, long descents, cold, heat, mud or remote terrain. It is not appropriate for an unassessed heart, respiratory, neurological or serious joint condition. Older travelers and anyone with a relevant medical history should obtain approval from their treating doctor. Pregnancy, recent surgery or an injury that changes balance or load-bearing must be reported before booking.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is three supported trekking camps.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses private road transfer and mule-supported trekking.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Trekking support team appropriate to the route
- Meals stated in the final itinerary, prepared by the trekking cook when applicable
- Group camping equipment: tents, dining shelter, kitchen equipment and basic hygiene setup
- Boiled or treated water from the stated service day onward
- Duffel bag and permitted cargo allowance when stated in the booking
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Personal sleeping bag, trekking poles and inflatable mattress unless the package states otherwise
- Extra porter, pack animal or baggage above the confirmed limit
- Breakfast on the first day and meals after the final included meal, unless stated otherwise
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US $905 per person |
| 2 travelers | US $580 per person |
| 3 travelers | US $525 per person |
| 4 travelers | US $490 per person |
| 5 travelers | US $470 per person |
| 6 travelers | US $450 per person |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around dusty switchbacks, steep canyon slopes, stone steps and exposed warm sections, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through Cachora, Chiquisca and Marampata, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Trekking meals: The cooking team works with safe food-handling procedures and varied menus. Dietary needs must be reported before departure; extensive private-menu customization may carry an added cost.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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