If you are looking to experience the awe-inspiring ruins of Choquequirao without the exhaustion of the overcrowded standard routes, our direct expedition via the Kiuñalla community in Huanipaca (Apurímac) offers the ultimate path. By focusing on an authentic and sustainable approach, we reduce the total round-trip trekking distance to just 32 kilometers (16 km in / 16 km out). This direct access allows you to bypass the long, grueling miles of the traditional Capuliyoc/Cachora trail and spend maximum quality time exploring the «Cradle of Gold» at an enjoyable, unhurried pace.
Designed for travelers who value comfort, intimacy, and cultural immersion, this private 4-day trek pairs the rugged beauty of the Apurimac Canyon with high-end mountain service. Led by native guides and supported by local horse handlers from Kiuñalla, you will hike through dramatic cloud forests, enjoy hot gourmet meals prepared daily by our wilderness chef, and relax in spacious 4-season camps equipped with private chemical toilet facilities. You won’t just visit Choquequirao—you will experience its ancient energy in peace and solitude.
Your hotel or accommodation in Cusco city
5:00 AM (Door-to-door hotel pick-up)
Expect a genuine, crowd-free wilderness trek into the Apurímac Canyon. Starting from the quiet community of Kiuñalla, this route offers dramatic elevation changes, varied mountain climates, and unhurried access to Choquequirao.
While the terrain involves steep switchbacks, our direct 32 km route allows for a well-balanced daily pace with full field support from our local team.
We depart Cusco early at 4:00 AM on a scenic 5-hour drive through the Andes to the quiet village of Kiuñalla. Upon arrival, we enjoy a delicious freshly prepared breakfast before meeting our local support team and horse handlers. From Kiuñalla, we begin our trek with a steady 2-hour downhill hike into the Apurímac Canyon until reaching our first campsite at San Ignacio, where we relax for the afternoon and evening.
After breakfast, we start with a short 40-minute descent to the Apurimac River. Crossing the footbridge, we begin our main 4-hour uphill trek toward Choquequirao. Upon arriving near the archaeological site, we set up camp and enjoy a hot lunch. In the afternoon, we dedicate several hours to a guided exploration of the main plazas, ceremonial areas, and ancient Inca structures before spending the night under the stars near the ruins.
We wake up early for a hearty breakfast and set off to explore the lower sector of Choquequirao, including the famous Llama Terraces. After an early lunch, we begin our descent back down to the Apurimac River. At the riverbank, we mount horses for the steady climb back up to the Kiuñalla community, where we spend our final night enjoying a warm meal with our local team.
After breakfast, we board our private transportation and begin our return journey toward Cusco. Along the way, we stop at the ancient archaeological site of Saywite to explore the famous monolith and enjoy a box lunch. We then head to the soothing Cconoc Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the thermal baths before completing our drive back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon directly at your hotel.
4 days private trekking, round trip distance approx 32 km.
It reduces the total trekking distance of the traditional Capuliyoc trail, allowing more time at the ruins with fewer people on the trail.
Steep ascents and descents on rough, rocky terrain through the Apurímac Canyon, varying elevations. Good physical fitness and previous acclimatization in Cusco required.
Spacious, high-quality four-season camping tents set up by our support team.
The campsites have private chemical toilets for our clients’ use.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) are prepared by our wilderness chef using fresh local ingredients.
Your trek will be led by native English speaking professional guides and supported by local horsemen from the Kiuñalla community.
Sturdy hiking boots, lightweight and warm clothing, waterproof jacket, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent and personal medications.
Our guides are equipped with emergency oxygen tanks and a first-aid kit. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley prior to the trek to acclimatize.
Contact us with your preferred dates and group size.
