This tour is an exciting adventure through one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru. Choquequirao is an Inca citadel located in the mountains of the Cusco region, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and spectacular views. During this tour, you will explore the impressive archaeological remains of Choquequirao, which have yet to be fully discovered and excavated. You will also have the opportunity to meet the local people, who still preserve the culture and tradition of the ancient Incas.
This program offers a 5-day, 4-night experience focused on exploring an important Inca site in the Cusco area. Participants travel through various points in the Andean landscape, starting from the city and moving into remote sections. The path involves walking sections that require moderate physical preparation, with elevations reaching up to 4700 meters or 15418 feet. Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 individuals, allowing for closer attention from the staff. Available throughout the year, this setup suits different schedules while considering seasonal weather patterns in the region.
Travelers begin their journey with collection from their lodging in Cusco, using vehicles owned by BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS and operated by drivers who have extensive training in handling mountain routes. From there, the group proceeds to initial stops where meals are served, prepared with ingredients sourced from local organic producers to support traditional Andean farming practices. The walking parts introduce participants to the geography of deep valleys formed by rivers like the Apurimac, where natural features shape the terrain. One of our representatives remains informed about each step of your schedule to address any needs promptly.
As the days progress, the focus shifts to the main Inca site, where expert guides provide thorough accounts of its historical significance, drawing from their broad knowledge of directing groups from various countries in multiple languages. These professionals ensure that explanations cover construction techniques used by the Incas, as well as the site’s role in the broader Andean context. Camping arrangements include equipment that promotes rest after daily activities, and meals continue to feature natural elements from the area, with possibilities to select international dishes at additional fees by checking with the BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS reservations team.
The return portion retraces some paths but allows for different perspectives on the surroundings. BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS emphasizes safety through its own private transportation fleet, maintained to high standards for reliability in these environments. Guides, with their wide experience on this specific route, adapt the pace to group dynamics while highlighting unique aspects of Inca engineering. A personal touch comes from stories shared by staff, like how local communities still use similar trails for daily life, adding a layer of connection to the experience.
Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on respecting the cultural heritage of the Andes, with visits that encourage understanding of traditional practices tied to the land. The structure balances structured guidance with moments for individual exploration, fostering a sense of discovery. Our team at BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS prides itself on delivering services that stand out through attention to detail, such as customizing meal options to include fresh, regionally grown produce.
Wrapping up in Cusco, the journey provides reflections on the blend of history and nature encountered. Participants often note the value in the multilingual support offered by guides, who handle inquiries in languages beyond Spanish and English when needed. This approach helps international travelers feel included, enhancing the overall flow.
Finally, the program underscores the importance of preparation, from physical readiness to packing essentials, ensuring a smooth progression through the Andean settings. With BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS, the focus remains on quality, as evidenced by feedback from past groups who appreciate the trained drivers and expert-led sessions.
DAY 1: Cachora – Coca Masana – Playa Rosalina
DAY 2: Playa Rosalina – Maranpata / Choquequirao
DAY 3: Choquequirao full day
DAY 4: Choquequirao – Santa Rosa – Chiquiska
DAY 5: Chiquiska – Cachora – Cusco
To check availability for any of our services, please contact us at reservas@bioandeanexpeditions.com or via WhatsApp at +51 969 875 999 or +51 984 404 049.
We’ll be happy to provide detailed information, rates, and booking conditions.
We offer special discounts for groups, and all our tours are fully guaranteed with daily departures.
Feel free to get in touch for more details about your preferred experience or to start creating a personalized travel itinerary based on your interests.
Bio Andean Expeditions is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.
Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a nature-filled journey, our professional team ensures comfort, quality, and a genuine connection with local culture and traditions.
NOTE: At Bio Andean Expeditions, we specialize in custom-made travel experiences across Peru.
With access to exclusive deals and carefully selected partner hotels, we can help you design your perfect itinerary.
For assistance with your tailor-made package, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.
The tour begins with collection from your hotel in Cusco using private transportation owned by BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS, handled by drivers highly trained in navigating these paths. This initial segment lasts about 4 hours until reaching Cachora, a starting point in the Andean foothills.
In Cachora, the group takes breakfast made from local organic elements, providing energy for the day ahead. Following the meal, the journey continues by vehicle to Coca Masana, another access area closer to the walking trail.
From Coca Masana, the hike commences toward Playa Rosalina, covering approximately 5 hours on foot. During this time, one of our expert guides, experienced in leading travelers from around the world in several languages, shares detailed insights into the surrounding Andean geography and river formations.
Upon reaching Playa Rosalina, camp is established with provided equipment, including tents and air mattresses for comfort. The evening meal features ingredients from natural sources in the region, and a representative from BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS stays updated on your progress to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Breakfast is served early, prepared by the cook using organic local products to sustain the group for the upcoming walk. The path leads to Maranpata, taking around 6 hours, where the terrain reflects typical Andean valley features.
Guides offer comprehensive explanations about the area’s cultural ties to Inca traditions, drawing from their wide route experience. This helps participants understand the historical context without rushing.
Arrival occurs in the afternoon at Maranpata, near the main Inca site. Camp setup follows, with options to discuss international meal variations for future days at additional costs through our reservations team.
The night is spent in the camp, allowing rest before the next day’s focus on exploration. Our representative continues to monitor the itinerary closely.
An early morning meal starts the day, featuring natural Andean ingredients for nourishment. The entire day is dedicated to visiting Choquequirao, an extensive Inca site.
A guided session lasts about 4 hours, where experts detail the constructions and their purposes, based on thorough knowledge of tourist routes in the area. This includes specifics on how Incas adapted to the landscape.
Afterward, free time permits personal walks through the archaeological remains, offering chances to observe unique structural elements up close.
The group returns to the Maranpata camp in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay, with ongoing oversight from a BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS representative.
Breakfast comes early, using local organic components to prepare for the return hike. The route goes through Santa Rosa toward Chiquiska, spanning approximately 8 hours.
Guides provide ongoing narratives on the Inca sites passed, enhancing understanding with their multilingual skills and route familiarity. Private transportation awaits at key points if needed, owned by the agency.
Arrival in Chiquiska happens in the afternoon, followed by camp preparation. Meals continue with natural origins, and international options can be arranged with extra fees via consultation.
The representative remains attentive to the group’s schedule throughout this segment.
The final day opens with an early breakfast from regional sources. The hike to Cachora takes about 4 hours, wrapping up the walking portions.
In Cachora, the group boards private transportation from BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS, driven by skilled professionals, heading back to Cusco.
Arrival is expected around 6:00 p.m., concluding the program. Guides share final thoughts on the Andean experience, and our representative ensures a smooth end.
This setup allows immersion in the Cusco region’s history and nature, with challenging yet fulfilling elements tied to Peruvian ways of life.
Tour Cost: $600 per person for standard group service. For groups of 4 or more, a reduced rate of $550 applies, encouraging shared experiences with cost savings. Private service option: $800 per person, providing exclusive guide and transport for customized pacing. Required Advance Payment: $200 to confirm booking, with the balance due before departure.
Weather Patterns
In the Cusco region, expect dry conditions from May to October, with clear skies and cooler nights dropping to 0 degrees Celsius. From November to April, rain is more frequent, sometimes heavy in afternoons, raising humidity but greening the landscape. I remember a trip where unexpected showers turned the path slippery, but ponchos kept us going without much delay. Always check forecasts a week ahead.
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
| January | 19 | 7 | 160 |
| February | 19 | 7 | 140 |
| March | 19 | 6 | 110 |
| April | 20 | 5 | 40 |
| May | 20 | 3 | 10 |
| June | 20 | 1 | 5 |
| July | 20 | 1 | 5 |
| August | 21 | 2 | 10 |
| September | 21 | 4 | 20 |
| October | 21 | 6 | 50 |
| November | 21 | 6 | 80 |
| December | 20 | 7 | 120 |
Local People and Culture
People in the Andean communities along this route are often farmers tied to traditional practices, speaking Quechua alongside Spanish. They’re welcoming, sharing stories of Inca heritage during brief encounters. Once, a handler explained how families still use mule paths for market trips, mirroring our trek. Respect customs by asking before photos and supporting local vendors.
Typical Food
Meals feature staples like quinoa, potatoes, and corn from the area, prepared fresh. Try chuño, freeze-dried potatoes, or cuy if adventurous. For cheap eats in Cusco post-tour, head to San Pedro Market for soups at $2-3. Our cooks use organics, but international spots offer pasta or salads—extra if requested.
Free Activities Nearby
In Cusco, walk Plaza de Armas to see colonial architecture without fees. Near Cachora, observe river views from trails. Post-trek, explore Sacsayhuaman’s Inca walls freely on outskirts, though official entry costs elsewhere.
Affordable Dining Options
Look for set menus in small eateries around Cusco’s center, offering trout or alpaca stew for $5-7. Avoid tourist traps; locals recommend spots like Quinta Eulalia for authentic flavors at low prices. Bring cash for these, as cards aren’t always accepted.
Dressing Year-Round
Layer clothing: base with breathable shirts, add fleece for cold, top with waterproofs. In dry season, light pants and hats for sun; wet season, quick-dry fabrics and boots. Year-round, sturdy shoes and gloves for nights. I found merino wool helpful for varying temps without bulk.
Physical Effort and Health Needs
This moderate trek involves 4-8 hour walks daily on inclines, requiring good cardio and leg strength—train with hikes beforehand. Altitude up to 4700 meters can cause headaches; acclimate in Cusco first. Hydrate well, use sunblock; those with heart issues consult doctors. No vaccines needed beyond routine, but carry meds for stomach or altitude.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The dry season from May to October offers clearer paths and less rain, making walks more comfortable in the Andean terrain. However, the wet season from November to April brings lush greenery and fewer crowds at sites like Choquequirao, though you might encounter muddier sections. Regardless of timing, our guides adjust for conditions to keep the group safe and informed throughout the 5 days.
How fit do I need to be for the hikes?
Participants should have moderate fitness, capable of walking 5 to 8 hours daily on uneven ground with elevations up to 4700 meters. Prior experience with day hikes helps, as does building stamina through cardio exercises like stair climbing or trail walking. Our expert guides pace the group accordingly, and mules carry loads to lighten your burden, ensuring most can complete it with preparation.
What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
Overnights are in camping tents set up at designated spots like Playa Rosalina and Maranpata, equipped with air mattresses for insulation against the cold ground. These are high-quality shelters suitable for Andean nights, and the setup includes a dining area for meals. It’s basic but comfortable, focusing on rest after active days, with staff handling all arrangements.
Are there any age restrictions for participants?
No strict age limits exist, but we recommend ages 12 and up due to the physical demands of hiking and altitude. Younger or older individuals can join if fit and acclimated, with parental supervision for minors. Our guides monitor everyone closely, and families often succeed by preparing together for the moderate challenges involved.
How does the altitude affect the experience?
At heights reaching 4700 meters, some may feel shortness of breath, headaches, or fatigue from thinner air. Acclimatize by spending 2–3 days in Cusco beforehand, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy meals. Our first aid kit includes remedies, and guides watch for signs, advising slow paces to help everyone adjust gradually over the tour days.
What languages do the guides speak?
Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English as standard, with capabilities in additional languages like French or German based on group needs. This ensures clear communication for international travelers, allowing detailed explanations of Inca sites and Andean culture without barriers during the entire 5-day program.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, we handle vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free needs if informed in advance during booking. Meals use local organic ingredients, and our cook adapts dishes accordingly without extra charge for basics. For specific allergies, consult our reservations team early to confirm options and maintain energy levels throughout the hikes.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of rain or other issues, guides modify the pace or use alternative paths while keeping safety first. Private transportation owned by BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS provides flexibility for adjustments. We’ve managed wet conditions successfully in past tours, ensuring the group still reaches key sites like Choquequirao with minimal disruptions.
Is travel insurance required?
While not mandatory, we strongly suggest comprehensive insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost items for this active program. It provides peace of mind at high altitudes and remote areas. Check policies that include trekking up to 4700 meters, as standard ones might not suffice for Andean activities.
How much cash should I bring?
Carry about $100–200 in soles for tips, small purchases, or emergencies, as ATMs are absent on the trail. Cusco has banks for withdrawals before starting. Optional gratuities for staff average $20–30 per person, and cheap market snacks post-tour cost little, keeping expenses manageable.
What wildlife might we see?
Along the route, spot birds like Andean condors soaring over valleys, or mammals such as vizcachas near rocky areas. Insects and plants reflect the diverse Andean ecosystem. Guides point out these during hikes, adding educational value without guaranteeing sightings, as nature varies by season and time.
Can I extend the tour or add extras?
Extensions like visiting nearby sites or additional nights in Cusco can be arranged through BIO ANDEAN EXPEDITIONS reservations. For international meal options at camps, request ahead for added costs. This flexibility allows tailoring beyond the standard 5 days, based on your interests in the region.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations 30 days prior receive full refunds minus the $200 prepayment. Within 15–29 days, 50% refund; less than 15 days, no refund but possible rescheduling. This policy balances planning needs, and we advise insurance for unforeseen issues affecting your participation in the program.
How are groups formed?
Departures form with a minimum of 2 people, up to 12, mixing solo travelers, couples, or small groups for a social dynamic. If under 8, no assistant guide, but the main one handles everything expertly. This setup fosters interactions while maintaining personalized attention throughout the itinerary.
What makes this tour different from others?
Our emphasis on owned private transportation, multilingual expert guides, and meals with local organics sets it apart, offering superior quality compared to basic alternatives. A dedicated representative monitors your progress, ensuring responsiveness not always found elsewhere, making the 5-day experience more reliable and enriching in the Andean context.
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From November to January — especially in December — Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets, the most complete and popular route we usually include, are sold out on many dates.
For new bookings with departures during these months, if Circuit 2 is not available for your travel date, we will secure Circuit 3 first (lower urban sector with a longer, more immersive walk) or, if that is also unavailable, Circuit 1 (upper panoramic area with the iconic postcard view). All options are subject to availability.
Your personal expert will invest the time to grasp your preferences and craft them into a tailored itinerary that aligns with your budget. They will continue refining it until you're fully satisfied and prepared to confirm.
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