Best Choquequirao Trek Companies.

Are you planning to do the Choquequirao Trek this 2026? Here is our Ultimate guide to choose the best option for this adventure.

About Choquequirao Trek, History and Relevance.

Choquequiaro translates from Qechua as “Cradle of Gold” and sits in the Apurimac region, in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range at approximately 3500 m (10000 ft). Archeologists believe its construction was completed in the late 1400s, probably under the lead of Pachacutic Inca Yupanqui or Tupac Inca Yupanqui.

After the Spanish Conquest in the 1530s, this place was most likely on of the last Inca Refuges. This, due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the region.

Centuries after, Eugene de Sartiges re-dicovered the site in 1834. Even thought it was brought to the world’s attention in the early 1800s, its excavation started in the 1970s. Nowadays, just a portion of it is available to be visited, as most of it remains hidden in the dense jungle. It is about 3 times bigger than Machu Picchu. It remains as one of the less visited sites, despite its relevance.

So, if you are looking to immerse in an authentic experience with less of a staged feeling to it, Choquequirao Trek is for you! This is an epic Trek into the deepness of the Inca Culture and a less explored face of the Andes:

• Covers about 60 km (37 mi).
• 4 days experience, 2 in & 2 out.
• Elevation ranges from 1200 m to 3050 m, being the bottom the Apurimac River and the summit Choquequirao.
• Explore Choquequirao, a complex site featuring: Plazas, Temples, Agricultural Terraces, Religious buildings, Warehouses and Residences.
• Breathtaking views with landscapes of the Apurimac Canyon and the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.
• Remote & Peaceful, this “hidden sanctuary” is the perfect scenario for a tranquil and less crowded exploration.

Top Companies.

• Best for comfort, exclusiveness & premium quality service: SAM TRAVEL PERU
• Best for private experience and most experienced Operator: ORANGE NATION PERU
• Best budget Tour Operator: 69 EXPLORER

Top 3 companies.

1. ORANGE NATION PERU

Started in 2018 by Dioselina Capatinta with the goal to channel her passion about providing people the best quality service possible. She opened the tour company Orange Nation and it has been one of the top tour operators within the Cusco region ever since, with a large focus on community development.

• PROS:
  • Offers group and private experiences.
  • Small groups, in average 5 pax and a maximum of 12 pax.
  • Offers Treks with connection to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail.
• CONS:
  • Price point is above average, but guarantees top service and attention to all the details.

2. SAM TRAVEL PERU

The company started in 2013, its owner, Saul Alvarez Montalvo became passionate about providing people the best quality service possible. He opened the tour company SAM Travel Peru and ever since then has been one of the top tour operators within the Cusco region. Travelling with SAM is a direct support to locally operated tourism.

• PROS:
  • Offers group and private experiences.
  • Small groups, maximum 8 pax
  • Personalized trips, focused on the goals and expectations of the client.
  • Offers Treks with connection to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail.
• CONS:
  • Price point is above average, but guarantees top service and attention to all the details.

3. 69 EXPLORER

With only two seasons in, founded in 2024, it is rapidly stablishing as one of the leading budget operators. They are committed to provide an exceptional experience. Providing safety, comfort, and enjoyment are their top priorities. All of these, while they guarantee the best price for budget travelers looking for the best cost/benefit ratio.

• PROS:
  • Groups from 2 pax to 8 pax.
  • Group experiences with top service at budget price.
• CONS:
  • No availability for private experiences.
  • No availability for Machu Picchu connected Treks.

FAQS

Choquequirao Permits

Permits are up the entrance in Capuliyoq hamlet and punched at the park station before approaching Choquequirao. No pre-reservations are needed because it doesn´t get crowded as Machu Picchu. Each Choquequirao permit cost is about 60 soles per adult, 30 soles for University students, and 25 soles per child.

Best time to visit Choquequirao

The best months for hiking Choquequirao start from about May to November because these months promise better weather conditions, same as clearer views of the way and all the panorama. Also, within this time of the year, the rainfall precipitation is low; therefore, the trail is much safer to walk and avoid mudslides or rockslides in one of the deepest canyons of the world.

Choquequirao 5 day or Choquequirao 4 day hike

The main difference between taking a 5-day hike and a 4-day hike is that hiking over 5 days, you do this at a much more leisurely pace and can camp at the base of Choquequirao for what is called sunset and sunrise. Whereas taking it in a 4-day hike, you will definitely have to re-evaluate your physical endurance and start real early the second day to see the Choquequirao before dusk. If going with a responsible tour agency, they will provide you with an emergency mule for the difficult sections.

Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu

There is a path that connects Choquequirao with Machu Picchu through other valleys and mountain passes, but of course, it takes longer,  the minimum amount of time spent if continuing to Machu Picchu will be 8 days. If you want to spice up your trip in Peru and have time, then do the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu sanctuary.  

Conclusion

Choquequirao must be in your plan for your upcoming Peru Vacation. There are tons of reasons to pay a visit and adventure into one of the most gorgeous treks and historical journeys in Cusco. There are several options to visit this hidden sanctuary. The companies listed in our ranking offer multi-day trips to choquequirao and even connections to Machu Picchu.