🏔️ Fast & Wild: Conquering the Choquequirao Trek in 24 Hours

Last week, I took on one of the toughest and most rewarding challenges in the Andes: the legendary Choquequirao trek— and I wasn’t alone. I had the privilege of doing it with Diego, one of Peru’s top trail runners and one of our expert guides here at ReEnergize Cusco.

Our goal? To test how fast this demanding route could realistically be done, giving us insight for future fast trekkers and trail runners who are fit, adventurous, and short on time — but still want to experience one of Peru’s most impressive Inca sites.

🌄 The Adventure Begins

We left Cusco at 3:40 am, grabbed a quick breakfast en route, and hit the trail at 9:25 am from Capuliyoc (elevation 2,888 m). The descent into the Apurímac canyon was steep and relentless — we reached the river (1,469 m) in just under an hour.

Then came the long, hot ascent to Marampata (2,969 m). It’s a real grind, with unrelenting switchbacks and the sun heating up fast. At Marampata, we dropped a few things off and pushed on straight to the ruins.

We arrived at Choquequirao in just over four hours from the start — tired but buzzing with adrenaline.

🏛️ The Ruins of the Last Inca Refuge

There were only five other tourists at the ruins. It felt like a secret city hidden in the clouds. Massive terraces, ceremonial plazas, and that indescribable energy that you only find at Inca sites.

After soaking in the views and the atmosphere, we returned to Marampata for a brutal but refreshing cold shower(pretty sure the water came straight from a glacier), followed by one of the best lunches I’ve had on a trek. The rest of the afternoon was all about recovery — lying in our cabin, taking in the breathtaking views.

🏃‍♂️ Day Two: The Push for 24 Hours

We woke up early to beat the sun. Diego shot down the trail like a rocket — his talent as a runner is humbling to watch. I made it back to the river in 1 hour and 4 minutes, then powered through the final climb back to Capuliyoc, arriving at 10:20 am — just one hour over my 24-hour target.

🧠 What I Learned From This Trek

• Cover your legs or come armed with strong insect repellent. The sandflies (mosquitos) are ruthless and love it when you stop.

• Respect the downhills. Running hard on Day 1 destroyed my legs for Day 2. Next time: steady wins the descent.

• Two full days is ideal — enough challenge, but time to actually enjoy the ruins.

• The food was amazing.

• The views are better than I remembered. Wild, raw, and vast.

• More hill training next time. The DOMS were real.

• Gratitude. I’m incredibly lucky to live in a place like this and to share it with others.

🧗‍♀️ Ready for Your Challenge?

If you’re looking for a real physical and mental test — whether it’s in two or three days, hiking or running — then Choquequirao is waiting. This is not your average group trek. It’s raw, remote, and incredibly rewarding.

Whether you want to do it fast, or just faster than the standard tours, we’ll tailor the route to your ability and give you the support to make it unforgettable.

👉 Get in touch and let’s take you on one of the most epic treks in Peru.