Choquequirao Trek: Places to Camp Along the Way

So you’re trekking to Choquequirao right? Good news there are official spots to camp along the way even a couple of basic hostales (simple hotels). Many are surprisingly decent kept up nice with bathrooms showers maybe a small tienda (shop) and a simple kitchen.

Here’s a rundown of the main spots you’ll find:

Cachora (0 km)

• Altitude: Roughly 2,900 meters (about 9,515 feet)

Your Choquequirao adventure kicks off here. This little town sits pretty high up. It’s got the basics covered hotels restaurants and shops to grab last-minute stuff like snacks and water before you head out. This is your starting point.

Cocamasana (~16 km)

Heads up this spot is kinda iffy. It’s supposed to be a newer campsite around 16km down the trail. People say the views across the valley are chévere really awesome. If it’s open it has just a few small spaces for tents maybe a terrace area and basic toilets. But word is it’s often shut so don’t count on it being available.

Chiquisca (19 km)

• Altitude: Way down at about 1,950 meters (6,398 feet)

Found around the 19km point. This one costs money ojo (watch out/pay attention). It’s your last stop before that brutal downhill hike to the river. Got the essentials basic toilets and showers and they sell some simple hot meals which is pretty nice after hiking.

Playa Rosalina (21 km)

• Altitude: The lowest point right by the river around 1,550 meters (5,085 feet)

You hit the bottom here right next to the Apurimac River. This spot costs too. Scenery by the water is pretty bacán cool. It used to be known for fire pits bathrooms showers a tiny shop and simple food. But gotta say heard some stuff maybe from a couple years back that it’s gone downhill a bit maybe not maintained well or even lacking running water. Definitely worth asking other hikers or guides for recent info before you rely on it.

Alfonso (22 km)

Just a kilometer past Playa Rosalina still down low. This one’s real basic no bathrooms maybe you can use a kitchen. Big maybe though cause it’s often closed. Plus people say if it pours rain it can flood easily doesn’t sound like it drains well. Probably best to skip unless you have no other choice and it’s dry.

Santa Rosa Baja (24 km)

• Altitude: Starting the climb up again maybe 2,100 meters (about 6,890 feet)

Now you’re hiking uphill! Around 24km you get to Santa Rosa Baja. You pay here. Facilities are pretty basic toilets showers nothing fancy but the canyon views are something else qué vista! There’s a little private hut nearby selling food and simple meals which is super handy. Another family close by apparently rents mules if you’re feeling muerto dead tired. Only real downside folks say it can get really buggy here bring repellent.

Santa Rosa Alta (25 km)

• Altitude: A bit higher still around 2,200 meters (7,218 feet)

Go a little further up from Baja maybe 1km more. Good news this one’s usually free. People say the facilities are cleaner here than Baja and you might be able to get simple meals. Tent spots are decent. Bad news? Like Cocamasana it’s another one that’s often closed. Heard the owner wants to reopen it soon but who knows right? You gotta check when you get there or ask around.

Marampata (28 km)

• Altitude: Back up high around 2,900 meters (9,515 feet) similar to Cachora

Finally near the end of the big climb you reach Marampata. This feels more like a tiny village than just a campsite. You’ve got choices here several camping spots stores to resupply maybe even a small hostal. Super important info if you’re wiped out and considering help this is the main place people say to hire a mule and arriero (mule driver) if you need one for the rest of the trek or the return journey.