Choquequirao Treks challenge hikers with steep trails to a remote Inca citadel. This 4-5 day route crosses the Apurímac Canyon. No crowds, basic camping, raw Andean landscapes. For resilient adventurers only
Day one starts in Cachora village, where muleteers (arrieros) load gear onto horses. The trail drops 1,500m into the Apurímac River canyon—killer on the knees. Cross a wobbly suspension bridge, then climb 1,800m uphill to Marampata. Legs burn, sweat soaks your shirt, and thin air stings. Campsites here are dusty, but cooks whip up lomo saltado over campfires. Guides joke, “This isn’t Machu Picchu—no toilets, no Wi-Fi!” Stars blaze; condors screech at dawn. You’ll sleep like a rock, exhausted.
Reaching Choquequirao’s terraces on day three? Chills. The ruins sprawl across a ridge, half-buried in cloud forest. Guides point out llama-shaped stone terraces, ceremonial baths, and condor carvings most miss. Unlike Machu Picchu, there’s no guardrails—climb ancient staircases with drops that’ll freeze your gut. Locals call it “Machu Picchu’s sister,” but it’s wilder, quieter. Only 20 visitors daily. Lunch is eaten beside crumbling storehouses, wondering why the Incas built here. Guides shrug: “Maybe to hide? Maybe to worship?” Theories swirl; answers don’t.
The descent back? Brutal. Blisters pop, dust coats your throat, and sudden rain turns trails to sludge. Pack light but smart: broken-in boots, 3L water, cash to tip arrieros. Permits aren’t needed yet, but agencies handle tents and food. Dry season (May-Sep) is safest, but nights freeze. Rainy months (Nov-Mar) mean landslides—helicopter evacuations happen. Guides admit, “This trek’s not for everyone.” But sitting alone on Choquequirao’s plaza, hearing wind whistle through ruins, or spotting orchids no guidebook mentions? Unreal. You’ll ache for days… and brag for years.
