Choquequirao Trek: Your 4-Day Getaway from Cusco – Things You Need to Know

So, you’re thinking of doing the Choquequirao trek? Great choice! That trek, very often, is named ‘the other Machu Picchu,’ and it’s perfect for those who are looking for an Inca trail experience without as many people. I went on the four-day trek myself and I’m ready to share, basically, all the things I learned.

What to Know Before You Go

OK, before you even consider booking that trip, there are some, quite a few, points that are really good to understand, that, mostly, will influence what your experience will be, that will decide how much you enjoy the trail. First things first: How hard is it? This trek isn’t like just walking in the park, you know? Like, that climb involves pretty steep inclines, and quite challenging descents too. If you are at least reasonably in shape, so, like, you can walk uphill for hours – you’ll likely be fine. Still, do not think it’s a total breeze.

Altitude, right, it’s, very often, a huge factor. Cusco is already high, yet that trail climbs even higher. Spending some time in Cusco to get used to the altitude could be very useful. Some people swear by coca tea, too its almost a must-try, but chat with your doctor regarding altitude sickness medication options if you think you may have problems, that’s usually recommended. Being equipped to handle that altitude makes the total difference.

When to go is an important question too. The dry season (May to September) has nicer weather, which often equals better views and a bit easier trekking. But it’s, maybe, the busy season too. The rainy season might be slippery and have limited views, but there are, probably, fewer people, that’s up to you, depending on how lucky you feel.

What to Expect Day By Day

Alright, here is how my four-day trek looked, broken down day by day, but remember, your itinerary, clearly, can be different depending on that operator you pick.

Day 1: Cusco to Capuliyoc to Chiquisca

Day one involved some travel to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek. That travel is often followed by what is typically, almost always, a long downhill trek to the Apurimac River. My knees felt that, you know? Like, literally, and I was very pleased I had brought trekking poles. You end up camping at Chiquisca, so it might be helpful to think of that area, too it’s mostly useful, that location, as an acceptable place to stay overnight before you tackle more climbs.

Day 2: Chiquisca to Choquequirao

Day two. Oh boy, day two! Basically, the toughest day, so everyone says! So you start early, climbing out of the Apurimac canyon. That climb can seem never-ending. Yet as you ascend, what really comes together for you is that that views become stunning. Reaching Choquequirao and camping near the ruins really, often, feels like a reward. On top of that, it provides an extra kick that gets you in the mood to explore these spectacular ruins first thing in the morning when the light’s soft and golden.

Day 3: Exploring Choquequirao and Trekking to Maizal

Spending a long period, that day, really digging into the Choquequirao ruins, that’s absolutely what this trek is all about. With fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, so you have an opportunity, really, an unmissable one, to experience that Inca site in peace, and you also have time for all the pictures that you may need. The late afternoon is time for the trail again, with more of a climb, mostly up, to Maizal, and the views as you climb up are really quite special.

Day 4: Maizal to Yanama to Cusco

OK, Day four brings more diverse scenery, with a great combination of mountain views and cloud forest. I am happy that the trek finishes with a downhill section and a ride back to Cusco. You also have the possibility to really relax and appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Think of it this way: What seems the hardest might turn into the most rewarding part. This goes well with the idea that ‘What does not kill you makes you stronger.’

What to Pack: The Shortlist

What you bring really could make or break that experience. So it could be helpful if I were to make some propositions to you. What follows next will very much look like it.

Backpack: So, something comfortable that fits all of your stuff. It could be useful to aim for between 50-70 liters.
Hiking Boots: Good ankle support is critical, really. Be sure to wear them in before you go, I suppose!
Trekking Poles: A must for those downhills! Seriously, they’re gentle on your knees.
Clothes: Layers, right? Temperatures can be changeable. Have clothes for both hot days and those cooler nights.
Rain Gear: That Peruvian weather is difficult to predict! A reliable raincoat, really, could save that day.
Water Bottles or Hydration Pack: That’s really important to remain hydrated. I took, too its almost like having to breath, at least three liters’ capacity.
Snacks: Keep your energy up with bars, dried fruit, nuts, right, these can work for you to stay with your energy.
Headlamp: Helpful for getting around your campsite, you know, or if you start a trek before the break of dawn.
First-Aid Kit: Mostly necessary for blisters, small cuts, other very small emergencies.
Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses: The sun could be brutal at that altitude. Don’t forget it!
Insect Repellent: Particularly important at dawn or dusk, or basically whenever you’re still in humid parts of that terrain.
Toiletries: Take what you actually need to stay, at least, feeling hygienic and comfortable.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Deciding on that ideal tour operator makes that world of difference. And because everyone’s looking for totally unique things, that right answer totally will depend on your own priorities.

Do they need guides, right? Some companies are sure to only offer guided tours, giving you history and facts and any support. But it may depend, and you should expect this possibility: are there independent treks? This way is great when you have experience backpacking and would like to, somewhat, save some cash.

Look, what about their gear, and do they take good care of the employees that work with them. Double check the reviews to make sure they are positive. Are the meals tasty enough? Does all of their tenting/sleeping equipment stand up? Most notably, can the team members count on their companies to give fair salary, conditions and, really important for this adventure: fair help?

The sizes of groups matter too. The smallest groups means that you have a very one-on-one style trip. Bigger, usually, would cut on the price but is very individual, based on what anyone finds to be best. When the right kind is out there, go forward and check it out!

Tips for Making Your Trip Amazing

Now here are several quick ways for a better experience to the Machu Picchu ‘twin sister’:

Get Acclimatized: Stay in Cusco several days before the trek.
Pack Light: Be selective in taking exactly what will get used. It’s always an intelligent move to rent or borrow a good thing before purchasing one.
Learn Spanish Phrases: It doesn’t hurt to at least use greetings as this is viewed as, clearly, proper etiquette by the Quechua culture along that trail!
Enjoy the Moment: The sites of the Inca Trail cannot all become replicated! Take everything as it appears!
Respect Nature: Help maintain its existing status as well as keep it clean. It’s the single most important one to save.

Is Choquequirao worth it?

If, and that’s not saying much because probably you already decided to trek Choquequirao, it could be fair to claim that most people think ‘yes’ that Choquequirao should be given a chance and hiked for those who consider themselves travelers. But like most long travel, not everyone finds a good part about every travel location or trek for reasons related to personal tastes, time of season to visit (inclement weather), or most typically just going in completely clueless. Being as objective as possible when talking to experts or locals on travel will benefit you greatly in enjoying most treks.

Alternative Treks to Consider

Maybe Choquequirao is sold out, out of that range in someone’s price or budget, that altitude won’t accommodate their needs, or anything stopping travelers from taking such adventures? Luckily some have similar features! Here we’re listing different yet worthy places for travelers. Some suggestions are:

Salkantay Trek: In the wild lands surrounding Mount Salcantay is another of those options in trekking and scenery.
Lares Trek: This one’s about villages and being around that culture more than getting far from everyone.
Inca Trail (Classic): Obviously most see this with its brilliant ancient ruins but so many visitors get hard spots as most want tranquility along the hike rather than hordes of tourists.
Ausangate Trek: See those great and amazing color pools that cannot be described right. If one needs pictures this may work as that next trip!