Browse our full list of Choquequirao treks by scrolling through our tour carousel, OR, keep reading for a full overview of what to expect on this challenging but spectacular trek – and if the information is not included here, we show you where to find it! If you want to visit an Incan site that’s – dare we say it? – even more impressive than Machu Picchu, then you have got to hike to Choquequirao!
An enigmatic and often overlooked Inca site, Choquequirao sits high atop the Apurimac Valley, in utter isolation. As condors soar through the skies, you’ll be awestruck as you take in the beautiful natural surroundings, and marvel at the Incas’ ingenuity to construct such impressive buildings.
From the Quechua words chuqi (metal) k’iraw (crib), Choquequirao is usually translated as the “cradle of gold” – an appropriately grandiose name for this impressive Inca site. You will also see the site spelled Choquekiraw for this reason!
> Read more about what makes Choquequirao the best hike in Peru in our blog!
Considered Machu Picchu’s “sister city,” Choquequirao is one of the most spectacular Peru adventure treks, with sweeping Andean vistas and even the chance to spot condors. Although the trail is lower in altitude than most hikes in the Andes (the ruins themselves are at 3000m, lower even than Cusco city!), don’t let that fool you – Choquequirao is a tough hike, with steep zig-zagging trails that take you down to the Apurimac river…and back up again!
How difficult is the Choquequirao trek? To be honest, it’s probably the most challenging trek we offer. Read all about the Choquequirao trek’s difficulty in this blog where we also go over whether you should do it in 3, 4 or 5 days – or more!
Choquequirao is not suitable to hike during the months of December to March, as this coincides with the rainy season in the Peruvian Andes. Heavy rains make the steep sides of the Apurimac canyon unstable and can result in landslides or boulders falling from above. In addition, for the longer trek routes, like the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu treks, you need to cross the Rio Blanco which has no bridge. This means the route is impassable after heavy rain.
In general, you can do a Choquequirao tour during the shoulder months, like November and April, but this should always be done on the advice of your trek operator. We constantly monitor the weather and trail conditions and will advise you whether or not hiking any of our Choquequirao treks is safe or not. These trails run through some of the steepest and most remote terrain on earth and you want to be travelling with someone you trust!
Did you know? Apus Peru were pioneers in offering the fabulous 9 day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. That’s right – for adventurers, history buffs and soul seekers, this is the best trek in Peru and our signature trek. For many years Apus Peru was the ONLY Choquequirao trek operator offering this unique adventure and as such have got some very unique routes in the area.
The Classic Choquequirao hike is a 4-day circuit, but at Apus Peru we also offer longer hikes that continue on to Vitcos or let you hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, giving you the chance to connect the dots and literally retrace the footsteps of the region’s Incan ancestors. We also offer a Huanipaca Choquequirao Hike, an alternative to the classic 4-day Choquequirao hike (also referred to as the “new” Choquequirao hike).