Can I hike it alone?

Certainly. It's no problem at all if you are hiking just to the ruins. There is a fair chance you will join up with other hikers on the same route. But if you want to continue past the ruins, hire an arriero (mule driver / guide).

Be sure to bring an emergency whistle if you do hike solo. You can alert help quickly if you sprain an ankle. Never side trip alone.

In Cuzco, post a note with your e-mail address at the South American Explorers Club to see if you can find anyone else looking to hike Choquequirau.

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Should I join an organized tour? Hire a guide?

We are independent hikers. This website is designed for those who like to organize their own trip.

No need to hire a guide if you are trekking just to the ruins, but to go beyond we recommend you hire at least an arriero (mule driver / guide) when you get to Cachora. Here’s why:

• there are no good guidebooks for independent hikers
• this hike is relatively new & changing quickly
• the locals in Cachora are enthusiastic to take hikers
• guided trips are very inexpensive
• the steep slopes are much more enjoyable without carrying a pack

loading in Cachora

Companies offer different versions of the Choquequirau Trek for US$35 and up / day. Be cautious with whom you go. Some tour companies are unreliable. Some do not deliver what they promise. Much depends on the guide you get.

Check the trip reports at South American Explorers (membership required) for currently recommended guides. We have seen guided tours to Choquequirao rated from 1-out-of-10 to 9-out-of-ten by SAE members.

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Can I bring children?

Certainly. But only if they have multi-day hiking experience.

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Should I hike Inca Trail instead?

No, if you want to hike to Machu Pichu we recommend you do Choquequirau or Salcantay independently instead.

Oft heard complaints about the Inca Trail:

• too expensive
• too crowded
• over-regulated
• independent hiking not allowed
• requires 30 day advance booking
• arrives at Machu Picchu too late to see the site empty of tourists

The 30 day advance requirement is not firm. If you go through a Cuzco tour agency, you might get a place in 7 - 14 days.

Most hikers enjoy the Inca Trail — the most popular hike in South America — despite the restrictions.

But Salcantay & Choquequirao hikers are happier yet. It is more exciting, more satisfying, to arrange your own trek to Machu Picchu. We like the challenge.

If you do hike the Inca Trail, check Danbury’s guidebook, The Inca Trail, Cusco & Machu Picchu.

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Should I hike Ausangate instead?

If you are a hardcore multi-day hiker, yes.

Ausangate is a 4-6 day circuit, 70+km about 7 hours by bus S.E. of Cuzco. It is a much more spectacular, serious adventure than Salcantay or Choquequirao.

Consider taking the train both ways to Machu Picchu, saving your hiking days for Ausangate.