Your epic adventure begins before dawn! We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00 a.m. to start our journey in our private transport. We drive for approximately 4 hours, passing through the town of Curahuasi, until we reach Capuliyoc (2,915m). Here, we will meet our team of muleteers and horses who will carry our equipment. From the Capuliyoc Viewpoint, you will have your first awe-inspiring view of the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, and the snow-capped peaks of Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora. We then begin our zigzagging descent for about 3 to 4 hours, immersing ourselves in the warm, dry climate of the canyon until we reach Chiquisca for a delicious lunch prepared by our chef. Afterward, we continue descending to Playa Rosalina (1,550m) at the banks of the raging Apurimac River. From here, the real challenge begins: a steep ascent to our first campsite at Santa Rosa, where we will enjoy dinner and rest under a starry sky.

After a nutritious, energy-packed breakfast, we start the day with a steady uphill hike towards Marampata (2,850m). This section is challenging but rewarding; as we climb, the vegetation changes from dry canyon scrub to lush cloud forest, and the views become increasingly spectacular. Upon arriving in Marampata, we will take a break and enjoy the scenery. From here, it is a flatter, easier 2-hour hike to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. We will arrive at the citadel in time for a full guided tour. You will explore the Main Plaza, the ceremonial centers, the elite residences, and the famous "Llama Terraces" (agriculture terraces with white llama figures built into the stone walls). We will wait for the sunset to see the condors fly over the canyon before returning to our campsite near the ruins or at Marampata (depending on the season/availability) for a well-deserved dinner.

We wake up with the sunrise over the mountains. After breakfast, we say goodbye to the "Cradle of Gold" and begin our return journey. We will retrace our steps to Marampata and then begin the long, steep descent back into the canyon. We will drop down to the Apurimac River at Playa Rosalina, crossing the bridge once more. This descent is tough on the knees, so trekking poles are highly recommended! After crossing the river, we begin a gradual ascent to Chiquisca (1,930m). Here, in the warmth of the valley, we will set up camp for our final night. It is the perfect evening to share stories with the guide and porters, enjoy a happy hour, and relax after two days of intense hiking.

On our final day, we start early to beat the canyon heat. We will tackle the final ascent back up to the Capuliyoc Viewpoint. This is the last physical challenge of the trek, hiking uphill for approximately 3 to 4 hours. When we reach Capuliyoc, we will celebrate our achievement with a final lunch and take our last photos of the majestic canyon that we just conquered. Our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. On the way, we may stop at the Saywite Archaeological Site (a massive carved Inca stone) if time permits. We will arrive at your hotel in Cusco around 05:00 p.m. – 06:00 p.m., exhausted but filled with memories of an incredible journey.