The three-day private Choquequirao ascent

— 3-Day Choquequirao Trek · Private —

The three-day Choquequirao trek

For audacious hikers. A demanding Choquequirao trek through the canyon, reserved exclusively as a private trek — from one hiker onward.

⚠ Audacious hikers only · pricing by quote Due to its concentrated demands, the 3-day Choquequirao trek is offered exclusively as a private trek — from one hiker onward, no minimum group size required. Pricing for this route is by custom quote, as the per-person cost varies considerably with group size (smaller groups pay more per hiker). Request your quote via the form or directly on WhatsApp. We strongly recommend reserving an additional horse to support the climbs on the second day.

For travelers in firm physical condition who wish to reach Choquequirao swiftly. The 3-day Choquequirao trek compresses the canonical route into its essential motions — descent, ascent, summit, return.

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At a glance

Duration3 days · 2 nights
ServicePrivate only — from 1 hiker, no minimum · pricing by quote
Highest point3,033 m / 9,950 ft (Choquequirao citadel)
Lowest point1,500 m / 4,920 ft (Apurímac river)
Daily walking8 – 10 hours
Physical demandVery demanding
Extra horseStrongly recommended (+USD 80 / day)
DepartureAny day · early morning
PricingCustom quote · depends on group size

— Day by day —

The route, told tersely

Day One

Cusco to Santa Rosa — full descent into the canyon

A pre-dawn departure from Cusco. The road carries us through the highlands to Cachora, then to Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,915 m). With minimal pause, we begin the descent through switchbacks under the morning sun. By midday we reach Chiquisca, and by mid-afternoon we cross the Rosalina bridge over the Apurímac river. We begin the climb toward Santa Rosa (2,400 m), our first campsite, arriving by nightfall. A long day, but a strategic one — it leaves the citadel within reach for tomorrow.

Day Two

The ascent — Marampata, then the citadel, then back

The most demanding day. From Santa Rosa we climb to Marampata (2,920 m), then on to Choquequirao itself (3,033 m). The guide walks us through the main plaza, the llama terraces, and the priest’s house. After a midday meal among the ruins, we begin the descent — back to Marampata, then on to Santa Rosa for our second night. This is where the optional extra horse proves its worth.

Day Three

Return to Cusco — full ascent and drive

An early start. We descend back to the Apurímac, cross the Rosalina bridge one last time, and begin the long ascent to Capuliyoc — switchback by switchback, with the canyon falling away behind us. By early afternoon we reach the trailhead. Our vehicle drives us back to Cusco, where you arrive late evening, deeply tired and quietly proud.