Choquequirao Exclusive Private Camping Expedition 4 Days / 3 Nights

282 reviews

Recommended by 98% of travellers

Physical Moderate

44 km - 27.3 mi

Duration 4 Days

Max Group Private

Altitude 3,050 m / 10,006 ft

The Choquequirao Exclusive Private Camping Expedition is the most luxurious and intimate way to discover the "Cradle of Gold" — the legendary Inca citadel that rivals Machu Picchu in grandeur but remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. Over 4 days and 3 nights, you will trek through the breathtaking Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on Earth, sleep under the stars in premium glamping tents, and explore the vast terraces, temples, and plazas of the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex with your own private expert guide.

Choquequirao, Peru, was built in the same era as Machu Picchu, also by the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Both cities share similar architecture and are known as the "Sacred Sister Cities." The name Choquequirao comes from Quechua and means "Cradle of Gold." It sits atop a hill at 3,050 meters above sea level (10,006 feet).

When the Spanish invaded Peru, the Incas abandoned the complex and moved into the jungle. Due to its remote location, high up in the Quriwayrachina mountain range, the Spanish were unable to conquer it. Over time, the entire site became covered by thick jungle vegetation. Its existence remained unknown until 1710, when Spanish explorer Juan Arias Díaz discovered it while resting his mules after a prospecting expedition.

However, it was in the 1970s that local authorities began excavations. In fact, to this day, only 40% of the complex has been excavated and is open to visitors. Even today, when you visit Choquequirao, you may feel like you are the first to discover it.
This is not a standard group trek. This is a private, tailor-made expedition designed for discerning travelers who demand exclusivity, comfort, and deep cultural immersion in the Peruvian Andes.

ALL - INCLUSIVE NARRATIVE EXPERIENCE

from US$ 2250.00
per person based on double occupancy

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Highlights

Exclusive Private Glamping : Premium tents, inflatable mats, private dining & toilet tents. No shared camps.
Choquequirao Ruins : "Cradle of Gold," larger than Machu Picchu, only 40% excavated. Explore in total solitude.
Sunrise at Choquequirao : Golden light over ancient terraces with zero crowds. Your private moment.
Andean Condors : Witness the majestic flight above the Apurímac Canyon.
Pachamama Ceremony : Traditional Andean offering ritual led by your private guide at the ruins.
Apurímac Canyon : One of the deepest canyons on Earth. Class V rapids, cloud forests, Andean valleys.
Saywite Monolith : Mysterious carved Inca stone with 200+ figures. Guided visit included.
Gourmet Mountain Cuisine : Fresh Peruvian & international dishes by a professional trekking chef.
Private Dedicated Team : Your own guide, chef, and muleteers. No strangers, no rush.
Closest Camp to Ruins : Sleep nearer to Choquequirao than any other operator. Sunrise access guaranteed.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco - Capuliyoc - Chiquisca - Playa Rosalinas - Santa Rosa

We pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:30–5:00 AM (early start!) and drive you in our private transport to Capuliyoc, the trailhead. It's about a 5-hour scenic drive through stunning mountain landscapes, including views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay peaks.

After breakfast in Capuliyoc (2,915m), you'll begin a steep 3-hour descent through the breathtaking Apurímac Valley. You'll pass through Chiquisca for lunch in our private dining tent, then continue descending for another hour to the mighty Apurímac River (1,500m), known as the "Speaking God" in Quechua because of its powerful Class V rapids.

The final push is a challenging 2-hour uphill climb to Santa Rosa camp (1,970m), where you'll enjoy dinner and your first night under the stars in your premium glamping tent.

Day 1 Quick Facts:

Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 mi
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Max Elevation: 2,915 m / 9,564 ft
Min Elevation: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea Time
Camp: Santa Rosa

Day 2 | Santa Rosa - Marampata - Choquequirao Archaeological Complex - Choquequirao Exclusive Camp

This is THE day! You'll wake up early with coca tea delivered to your tent and climb for about 3 hours on a zigzagging trail to Marampata (2,900m), where you'll get your first breathtaking views of the canyon. After a brief rest, you'll continue another 1.5 hours to reach the magnificent Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (3,050m).

Here's the cool part: you'll have plenty of time to fully explore this massive Inca city, larger than Machu Picchu but with only 40% excavated! Your private guide will take you through the Main Plaza, the Usnu ceremonial platform, the famous Llama Terraces with their white-rock designs, ancient temples, and water channels.

Then, the highlight: a traditional Pachamama offering ceremony led by your guide — a deeply spiritual moment connecting you with Andean culture.

Unlike other operators, we camp at our exclusive private campsite near Choquequirao — the closest possible to the ruins. You'll enjoy tea time, a gourmet dinner, and fall asleep with the ancient citadel just minutes away.

Day 2 Quick Facts:

Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours
Max Elevation: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
Min Elevation: 1,970 m / 6,463 ft
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea Time
Camp: Choquequirao Exclusive Private Camp

Day 3 | Choquequirao Camp - Marampata - Santa Rosa - Playa Rosalinas - Chiquisca

Day 3 starts with an optional sunrise photography session at Choquequirao — golden light, ancient stones, and zero crowds. This is a moment you'll never forget.

After breakfast at camp, you'll begin the return journey. You'll hike back down to Marampata, then continue to Santa Rosa (1,970m), passing local agricultural estates where families grow sugarcane and produce Cambray, a regional liquor — a great opportunity to learn about local culture!

After lunch and a break, you'll descend to Rosalinas Beach (1,500m) for a refreshing dip in the Apurímac River, then climb back up for about 1 hour 15 minutes to Chiquisca camp (1,900m).

Day 3 Quick Facts:

Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Max Elevation: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
Min Elevation: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea Time
Camp: Chiquisca

Day 4 | Chiquisca - Capuliyoc - Saywite Monolith - Cusco

On the final day, you'll enjoy an early breakfast at Chiquisca camp before hiking back to Capuliyoc, where you'll say farewell to your trekking team. The journey continues by private transport with a guided visit to the impressive Saywite Monolith — a mysterious carved stone with over 200 geometric and animal figures, believed to be an Inca astronomical map.

Then, a scenic drive back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon with drop-off at your accommodation.

Day 4 Quick Facts:

Distance: ~8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Max Elevation: 2,915 m / 9,564 ft
Min Elevation: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Return: Private transport to Cusco (~6:30 PM)

Inclusions

What is included?

Camping & Accommodation

3 nights in premium 4-season tents (2 people per tent)
Inflatable sleeping mat (Therm-a-Rest or equivalent)
Private dining tent with tables and chairs
Portable toilet tent for privacy and hygiene
Hot water bowls every morning and evening for washing

Meals & Beverages

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
3 tea times (hot drinks, popcorn, snacks)
Daily wake-up coca tea served at your tent
Gourmet trekking cuisine — Peruvian and international dishes
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options at no extra cost
Boiled drinking water provided daily (bring refillable bottle)

Transport

Private round-trip transport Cusco to Capuliyoc
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco

Guide & Staff

Private professional guide (English/Spanish) certified in first aid & mountain safety
Professional trekking chef
Muleteers and cargo mules

Gear & Logistics

7 kg / 15.4 lbs personal porter service (duffel bag provided)
All camping equipment carried by mules
First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
Entrance fee to Choquequirao included

Exclusive Extras

Pachamama offering ceremony at Choquequirao
Saywite Monolith guided visit
Pre-departure briefing at our Cusco office

Not Included

EXCLUSIONS

Sleeping bag (rental available: $20 USD)
Trekking poles (rental available: $15 USD/pair)
Personal travel insurance (mandatory — must cover evacuation)
Tips for guide, chef, and muleteers (optional but appreciated)
Extra personal luggage beyond 7 kg allowance
Alcoholic beverages
Flights to/from Cusco

Hotels and Camping

Santa Rosa Camp

Riverside camp; premium tents; warm dinner

Choquequirao Exclusive Camp

Private camp near ruins; closest possible to the citadel

Chiquisca Camp

Tropical valley camp; farewell dinner with team

Packing List

Clothing

Moisture-wicking trekking shirts (3–4)
Long-sleeve thermal base layer
Fleece or down jacket
Waterproof/windproof jacket and pants
Trekking pants (2 pairs)
Underwear and socks (wool or synthetic, 4–5 pairs)
Warm hat and sun hat
Buff or scarf
Lightweight gloves and warm gloves
Comfortable camp shoes (sandals or sneakers)

Footwear

Broken-in trekking boots (waterproof, ankle support)
Camp sandals

Gear

Daypack (25–30L) with rain cover
Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder (2L+)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries and biodegradable soap
Quick-dry towel
Personal first aid kit (blisters, medications)
Camera + extra batteries/power bank
Passport (required for entrance)

Health & Safety

Diamox or altitude sickness medication (consult doctor)
Personal medications
Electrolyte tablets

Note: Your duffel bag (up to 7 kg) will be carried by mules. Pack your daypack with essentials for the trail.

Pricing

Detalle	Información
Precio	$2,250.00 USD por persona
Mínimo de viajeros	2 personas (grupo privado)
Depósito de reserva	30% para confirmar; el saldo se paga 48 horas antes de la salida
Métodos de pago	Tarjeta de crédito, PayPal, transferencia bancaria
Política de cancelación	Reembolso completo hasta 72 horas antes de la salida

Why this price? This is a fully private, luxury glamping expedition with dedicated staff (private guide, chef, muleteers), premium camping equipment, gourmet meals, and exclusive logistics. You are not sharing the trail, the camp, or the experience with strangers.