How Hard is the Choquequirao Trek? Fitness & Altitude Advice (Complete Technical Guide)

If you’re researching the Choquequirao Trek, there’s one question that always comes first: “How hard is it, really?” As a trekking guide who has taken hikers of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels to this hidden Inca city, I can tell you the truth clearly:

👉 Choquequirao is one of the toughest treks in Peru — but also one of the most rewarding, peaceful, and unforgettable.

Unlike the Inca Trail or Salkantay, the Choquequirao route is known for its steep elevation gains, extreme altitude changes, hot canyon climates, and long hiking days. But with the right preparation and expectations, it becomes an achievable challenge for any traveler with determination and basic training.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from altitude and terrain to fitness preparation, acclimatization strategy, daily difficulty, and expert-level advice based on years guiding on the trail.

Let’s begin.

1. Is the Choquequirao Trek Hard? (Short Answer)

Yes — it is considered one of the hardest treks in Peru, on the same level of difficulty as the Ausangate Trek or a 5–7 day High Andes expedition.

The difficulty comes from:

Why the Choquequirao Trek Is Hard

Factor	Level	Why
Elevation change	Extreme	Daily ascents up to +1,600 m / 5,250 ft
Steep terrain	Very steep	Switchbacks that descend and ascend entire canyons
Trail conditions	Challenging	Hot, dusty, exposed, rocky, narrow sections
Distance	Long	40–60+ km depending on your itinerary
Altitude	Moderate	Up to 3,150 m / 10,335 ft
Duration	Multi-day	4 to 8 days depending on extension

But it’s important to note:

👉 It is physically hard—but not technically dangerous.
You don’t need climbing experience, ropes, or special skills.

Just fitness, determination, and the right preparation.

2. Choquequirao Trek Difficulty Level (Technical Rating)

For professional trekking standards, using the International Mountaineering and Trekking Scale, Choquequirao is rated:

Difficulty: Hard / Level 4 out of 5

Steep slopes (35–45° in sections)
High vertical gain
Long distances each day
Heat exposure inside the Apurímac canyon
Altitude pressure above 3,000 m

Physiological Difficulty Breakdown

Factor	Impact
Cardiovascular demand	High
Muscular endurance	Very high (quads, glutes, calves)
Heat stress risk	Moderate–high
Altitude stress	Mild–moderate
Joint impact (knees)	High during descents

This trek is often described by hikers as:

“A giant staircase down into a canyon, followed by an even bigger staircase up.”
“Harder than the Inca Trail, but far more peaceful and wild.”
“The most beautiful suffering.”

3. Elevation, Altitude & Terrain: Why It Feels Hard

Maximum Altitude on the Trek

Choquequirao Archaeological Site:
3,050 m / 10,006 ft
Marampata Village:
2,850 m / 9,350 ft

The altitude is mild compared to Salkantay or Ausangate, but the terrain is what makes this trek uniquely challenging.

Local Communities Along the Choquequirao Route

The Famous Apurímac Canyon Descent & Ascent

Day 1 Descent (Extremely Hard)

From Capuliyoc (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) you descend to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 ft).

Downhill: –1,350 m / –4,429 ft in a single day
Distance: 8–10 km / 5–6 miles
Steepness: High to very high

This part tests your knees, quads, and balance. The path is rocky and dusty, and temperatures can reach 32°C / 90°F.

Day 2 Ascent (Brutally Hard)

From Playa Rosalina (1,550 m) you climb to Marampata (2,850 m):

Uphill: +1,300 m / +4,265 ft
Distance: 5–6 km / 3–4 miles
Average slope: 25–40°

This is one of the hardest ascents on any Peru trek.

4. Day-by-Day Difficulty Breakdown

Day 1 – Capuliyoc to Playa Rosalina

Difficulty: Hard

Long, steep downhill
Heat exposure
High impact on the knees

Day 2 – Playa Rosalina to Marampata

Difficulty: Very Hard

The steepest ascent of the entire route
Requires good cardiovascular fitness

Day 3 – Marampata to Choquequirao Ruins

Difficulty: Moderate

Rolling terrain
Some steep sections inside the complex

Day 4 – Return Route

Difficulty: Hard to Very Hard

Downhill back to the river
Steep climb back to Capuliyoc

If extending to Machu Picchu: 7–8 days

The difficulty increases substantially, especially climbing via Pinchaunuyoc and Yanama.

5. How Fit Do You Need to Be? (Realistic Requirements)

You do NOT need to be an athlete.
But you do need basic trekking fitness.

Minimum Recommended Fitness Level

✔ Walk 10–12 km / 6–8 miles comfortably
✔ Handle 800 m / 2,600 ft ascent in one day
✔ Hike 2–3 hours without long rest breaks
✔ No serious knee, hip, or heart problems

Ideal Fitness Level

✔ Walk 15–20 km / 10–12 miles daily
✔ Manage 1,000–1,200 m ascent
✔ Gym routine or endurance training 3–5× weekly
✔ Experience hiking steep trails

Not Recommended If You:

✘ Cannot handle steep descents
✘ Have uncontrolled asthma or heart conditions
✘ Have weak knees or recent injuries
✘ Have fear of heights (some exposed sections)

6. How to Train for the Choquequirao Trek (Expert Plan)

A proper 6-week training plan is ideal.

🟩 Weeks 1–2: Base Conditioning

3 cardio sessions weekly (30–45 minutes)
Fast walking, light jogging, or cycling
One weekly hike (5–8 km / 3–5 miles)

🟧 Weeks 3–4: Strength + Elevation

Add stair climbing with 5–8 kg pack
Squats, lunges, step-ups, deadlifts
Weekly hike with 500–700 m elevation gain

🟥 Weeks 5–6: Trek Simulation

2 long hikes (10–15 km / 6–10 miles each)
800–1000 m elevation gain
Train downhill to prepare the knees

🎯 Specific Muscles to Train

Quadriceps
Glutes
Calves
Core stability
Lower back

7. Altitude: Is It Dangerous on the Choquequirao Trek?

While the altitude is not extreme, it still affects many hikers.

Highest point: 3,150 m / 10,335 ft

Symptoms at this altitude can include:

mild headache
shortness of breath
fatigue
reduced appetite

Pre-acclimatization Recommendation

Arrive to Cusco 48–72 hours before the trek.

8. Is the Choquequirao Trek Harder Than the Inca Trail?

Yes — significantly harder.

Trek	Difficulty	Why
Choquequirao	Very Hard	Huge elevation changes, steep canyon terrain
Inca Trail	Moderate/Hard	Steps & altitude but well-maintained
Salkantay	Hard	High altitude, long days but more gradual

The Choquequirao route is considered the wild version of the Inca Trail.

9. Difficulty Compared to Machu Picchu Mountain & Huayna Picchu

Hike	Average Time	Difficulty	Comparison to Choquequirao
Huayna Picchu	1–2 hours	Hard	Much shorter, not comparable
Machu Picchu Mountain	2–3 hours	Hard	Steep but only 1 day
Choquequirao	4–5 days	Very Hard	Multi-day endurance challenge