TRAVEL PROGRAM

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiskcca (Gateway to Choquequirao)

Your adventure begins before sunrise. At 4:00 a.m., we will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco and begin a scenic drive through the Andes to the Capuliyoc trailhead (3,200 m / 10,498 ft). Here, you’ll meet your High Expeditions team: professional guide, horsemen, and trekking chef. Enjoy your first freshly prepared mountain breakfast while taking in breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks and the immense Apurímac Canyon. After a safety briefing and group photo, we start our descent toward the heart of the canyon. This 3-hour downhill hike introduces you to the raw beauty of the region: dramatic landscapes, native flora, and wildlife. We stop for a nourishing lunch with panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we continue hiking for another 3 hours until we reach our first campsite at La Playa (1,800 m / 5,905 ft), nestled at the bottom of the valley.

Highlights:

• Stunning views of the Apurímac River

• First immersion into the Andean wilderness

Day 2: Chikiskcca – Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the expedition. After an early breakfast, we begin a 4-hour uphill climb on zig-zag trails toward the village of Santa Rosa, surrounded by sugarcane plantations and soaring canyon views. This is one of the toughest climbs of the trek, but your safety comes first — an emergency horse is available if needed. Upon reaching Marampata (3,350 m / 10,990 ft), you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch with spectacular views. After a rest, we continue another 2 hours toward the legendary citadel of Choquequirao. As we approach, the landscape becomes truly magical: orchids, native flowers, Andean birds, and, if we’re lucky, sightings of black bears and condors.

Our campsite is set just below the ruins, one of the most privileged camping locations in the region. If your energy allows, enjoy a short sunset walk to the archaeological site.

Distance: 16 km / 9.16 miles
Weather: Warm
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, happy hour & dinner

Day 3: Full Exploration of Choquequirao (Sacred City in the Clouds)

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring one of the most mysterious and impressive Inca sites in the Andes. After breakfast, we walk 30 minutes to the archaeological complex. With your expert High Expeditions guide, you’ll explore:

• Ceremonial temples

• Astronomical observatories

• Sophisticated water channels

• Agricultural terraces and Inca urban design

Choquequirao is widely considered larger than Machu Picchu, yet remains hidden beneath the cloud forest, giving it an untouched, mystical atmosphere.vAfter 4 hours of guided exploration, we return to camp for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, we continue deeper into the complex to visit:

• The famous Llama Terraces, where white stones form llama figures

• The Usno ceremonial platform, the perfect place to watch a golden Andean sunset

Weather: Hot, with possible mosquitoes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, happy hour & dinner

Day 4: Choquequirao – Marampata – La Playa – Chikiskcca

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey back. We hike 2 hours back to Marampata, enjoying new perspectives of the Apurímac Canyon and distant waterfalls. Your guide will point out wildlife, exotic plants, and dramatic Andean landscapes. From Marampata, we start a 4-hour steep descent back to La Playa. Trekking poles are essential here. Along the way, we stop at local farms and enjoy fresh cactus fruit, a regional specialty. After lunch at La Playa, we begin a final 2-hour uphill hike to Chikiskcca Camp, located near a local family’s home. This area is rich in wildlife, and sightings of spectacled bears, condors, and hummingbirds are possible.

Distance: 18 km / 11.32 miles
Weather: Warm, with mosquitoes
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, happy hour & dinner

Day 5: Chikiskcca – Capuliyoc – Cusco (Farewell to the Andes)

After breakfast, we hike 4 hours uphill back to Capuliyoc, enjoying our final moments in the wild Andes. At the trailhead, we share a farewell lunch with your trekking family such as guides, porters, and horsemen a special moment to celebrate the journey. Then, we begin our scenic 3-hour drive back to Cusco, passing through the town of Curahuasi, famous for its anis tea plantations.

Arrival in Cusco is approximately 6:00 p.m., with drop-off directly at your hotel.

Distance: 8 km / 4.17 miles
Weather: Warm
Meals: Breakfast, snacks & lunch

What is included?

• Pre-departure briefing at your hotel (6:00 p.m.) the evening before departure
• Hotel pickup and private transportation to the trailhead
• Professional, English-speaking mountain guide
• Expert trekking chef preparing fresh meals daily
• Experienced porters and horsemen for camp logistics
• Pack horses to carry camping equipment, food, and your personal gear (up to 8 kg)
• All meals included: breakfasts, trail snacks, happy hour, and gourmet dinners
• Full camping equipment: sleeping tents, foam mats, dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs, and kitchenware
• Official entrance fees to Choquequirao
• Comprehensive first-aid and emergency kit
• Private portable toilets for maximum comfort
• Purified drinking water provided three times daily
• Emergency horse available in case of fatigue or altitude discomfort

Your Safety Is Our Priority

At High Expeditions, we go beyond standard safety.

All our guides are highly trained in mountain first aid and emergency response, ensuring that you are always in expert hands. In addition to radios (which have limited range in remote areas), every expedition is equipped with a fully charged satellite phone. This allows us to connect instantly with doctors, rescue services, hospitals, or your family-anywhere in the world. While satellite calls are available for non-emergency use, their real purpose is simple:
You are never out of reach, even in the most remote mountains.

What is not included?

Rentals - Optional Gear for Your Trek

• For your comfort on the trail, every trekker is required to use a sleeping bag when camping. We also highly recommend adding an inflatable air mattress and trekking poles with rubber tips to improve rest and stability during the hike. If you prefer to travel light, High Expeditions offers high-quality rental equipment, carefully cleaned and maintained for every expedition:

• Sleeping Bag: USD 35

• Inflatable Air Mattress: USD 30

• Trekking Poles (pair): USD 30

Travel lighter. Trek smarter. Explore deeper with High Expeditions.

What to take?

• Passport
• Extra money (soles recommended)
• Personal medications
• Water bottle or camelback – (purifying tablets optional)
• Sunscreen 70+ or more
• Insect repellent
• Personal care products
• Hiking boots/shoes (preferably waterproof)
• Light shoes or sandals
• Hiking pants
• Hiking socks
• Long sleeve shirts
• Thermal jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof poncho
• Hat that protects face and neck
• Neck scarf or buff
• Lenses with UV protection
• Sleeping bag
• Walking sticks
• Medium hiking backpack (15 to 25 liters)
• Camera with charger
• Extreme battery
• Snacks: energy bars, electrolytes, nuts, energy gels, etc.
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Flashlight