Daily Itinerary

We will pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel in Cusco with our private vehicle and take you to Capuliyoq, where the trail begins, a trip of about 4 hours.

At Capuliyoq (elevation 3,200 m) our horsemen will be waiting for us to carry all our equipment along the way. We will fill up on breakfast there; after a group photo the incredible expedition begins.

We will descend for about 3 hours until lunch. Continuing on, the route takes us to spectacular views of the Apurimac River, beautiful landscapes with lush native semi-tropical flora and fauna until we rest at our campsite at Playa Rosalina, near the banks of the river, for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Distance: 18 km

Duration of hike: approx. 5 hrs. descent

Elevation of the Campsite: 1,500 m

Climate: mild to warm

After an early relaxing breakfast we will cross a bridge across the Apurimac River to begin our ascent of about 4 hours. We will pass by some sugar plantations and in Santa Rosa we will taste the traditional drink of “Cambrai” made of sugar cane. While this route is one of the most difficult parts of the trek, we are rewarded by incredible views of the valley. If we are lucky, we may sight the rare condor gliding gracefully over the mountain crest!

Once we arrive in Marampata, we will have completed the ascent and will have time to enjoy a delicious lunch and a restorative rest. As we continue for about 2 hours along our journey we arrive at our campsite. From there we will see, spreading its grandeur across the green hills, the last bastion of the Incas: Choquequirao.

This is the most impressive part of the whole day because we will see breathtaking views from the peak of the mountain down to the depths of the Apurimac River Canyon. As we admire the view of the Apus ( sacred mountain guardian spirits), we will perform a small ceremony of gratitude to the Apus for letting us enter their sacred ground.

Distance: 16 km

Duration of hike: approx. 6 hrs. ascent

Elevation of campsite: 2,900 m

Climate: from hot & tropical to comfortably warm

After a nourishing breakfast we will pass the most incredible day of the tour: the great Choquequirao Citadel, fortress of the last Inca Kings. Only a short half hour walk takes us to the long awaited archeological site.

Upon our arrival, we will begin guiding you with an explanation of the history and function of the different enclosures of this mysterious place. The tour includes: the principal temple, the temple dedicated to the spirit of water, the house of the priest, places of sacrificial offerings and the rituals that were conducted to the different deities.

At midday we return to our campsite where a delicious lunch awaits us, after which we go back to enjoying the archeological complex . Later that day we will have a respectful ceremony in the Inca tradition on these sacred grounds. We invite you to give thanks to the spirits of the mountains, rivers and lakes, to our Mother Earth and Father Sun, and most of all to the Divine Creative Energy of this miraculous Cosmos.

After a long and unforgettable day, we reluctantly leave for the campsite, where our hungry and tired bodies are comforted with a warm dinner and cozy sleeping bags.

Distance: approx. 6 km

Elevation of Campsite: 2,900 m

Climate: cool and refreshing

After breakfast we begin our return journey back to Cusco, which will be much easier and gentler at first, returning to Marampata in about 2 hours. There we will see the Apurimac River Canyon again, appreciating the diverse and flora and fauna of the region.

From Marampata, we begin the descent of approx. 4 hours to Playa Rosalina, with some breaks along the way to savor the fresh exotic fruits grown in the area. Finally we will arrive at the banks of the Apurimac River where the cook has prepared us a delicious lunch. From there we proceed for 2 more hours to our campsite “Chiquisca” where we have dinner and pass the night.

Distance: 12 km

Duration of Hike: approx. 6 hrs.

Climate: warm

On this last day of our trek we begin our day very early after a pleasant breakfast, climbing to the highest point, Capuliyoq, at 2,800 m. From there we can appreciate the grandeur of the Apurimac River Canyon once more. We will say goodbye to this natural wonder, and after lunch and a revitalizing rest we also say our goodbyes to the horses, horseman and cook before the long ride back to Cusco in our private vehicle, arriving in the city about 6 pm.