Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days

This exceptional itinerary is designed to showcase two of the most important Inca cities in Cusco: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The journey begins in Cusco, the birthplace of the Inca Empire. You'll trek through the majestic high Andes, arriving at the impressive site of Choquequirao. Here, you'll have ample time to explore the ruins and understand their historical significance.

As you continue, you'll visit the Inca site of Llactapata, where you'll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, including Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Salkantay Mountain. Upon reaching the iconic Inca city of Machu Picchu, your guide will provide an informative tour, followed by time to wander and soak in the site's awe-inspiring beauty.

Finally, you'll travel back to Cusco, enriched by the unforgettable experiences and historical insights from these legendary Inca cities.

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Playa Rosalinas

This incredible adventure begins at 5 am when our guide picks you up from your hotel in our private van. We embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc, perched on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and framed by towering snow-capped peaks. Along the route, you'll enjoy views of charming villages and spectacular valleys.

Upon arrival at Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen and load all the equipment onto the horses, leaving you to carry only a small daypack with trail essentials. We then begin our hike with a 2-hour descent to Chikiska, where we pause for a delightful lunch. Afterward, we continue hiking for another hour until we reach Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m/5,084 ft), our campsite for the night.

When you arrive at camp, you'll be greeted with hot drinks and appetizers, and your tents will already be set up. Take some time to settle into your tents before enjoying a hearty and delicious dinner.

Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Playa Rosalinas – Maranpata – Choquequirao

The day begins with the guide bringing you a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy before breakfast. We depart early, starting our ascent to Santa Rosa and continuing on to Maranpata, where we will stop for lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is quite steep. From our lunch spot, we get our first impressive view of the expansive Choquequirao site.

After lunch, we have a 2-hour hike to reach the Choquequirao Archaeological site (3,110 m/10,120 ft). Upon arrival, you'll find drinks, appetizers, and tents ready for you. Spend a well-deserved, relaxing evening watching the sunset and observing the soaring condors.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 13km/8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc

After breakfast, we will embark on an extensive exploration of the archaeological site of Choquequirao, followed by a short rest before lunch. In the afternoon, we will depart from camp and hike up over a ridge, then descend for about 2 hours to reach the captivating site of Pinchiunuyoc, where we will set up camp for the night. This day is the least demanding of the entire trip, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Pinchiunuyoc – Rio Blanco – Maizal

After savoring a hot drink in your sleeping bag, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast. Departing from camp, we will descend for 2 hours to reach the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1,990 m/6,527 ft), where we will have lunch. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate before embarking on a challenging 3 to 4-hour ascent to our campsite at Maizal.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 5: Maizal – Yanama – Totora – Lucmabamba

We depart at 7 am and embark on a 3-hour uphill trek through a subtropical jungle towards the Victoria Mines. After exploring the mines and some nearby Inca ruins, we continue our ascent for another hour to reach the Victoria Pass (4,130m/13,546 ft). From the pass, we are treated to breathtaking views as we descend for about 2 hours to the charming village of Yanama, following a path with well-preserved Inca steps.

Upon reaching Yanama, we board local transport to Lucmabamba, enjoying stunning views of snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls along the way.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 6: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

On this day, we embark on a 3-hour trek along the original Inca Trail, passing through the lush cloud forest to reach the Puncuyoc Pass. Our journey leads us to the Llactapata Inca ruins (2,700m/8,907ft), which offer a stunning, distant view of the Machu Picchu Citadel.

After taking in the unique perspective of Machu Picchu, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant for lunch. We then continue our walk to Aguas Calientes, traversing the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and enjoying the picturesque surroundings of this iconic site.

Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the day you've been eagerly awaiting Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll catch one of the first buses up to the ancient site to witness the breathtaking sunrise. This extraordinary experience is truly unforgettable. Your guide will lead you on a comprehensive two-hour tour of Machu Picchu Citadel, covering its most important sections and explaining how the site is divided into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.

After soaking in the magnificent views and rich history of Machu Picchu, you'll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may have additional time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the local museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will depart Aguas Calientes at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, offering a scenic ride along the Urubamba River. As the train navigates the narrow canyon, you'll enjoy views of whitewater sections and, if you look up the steep canyon walls, the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco via our private vehicle, with an expected arrival time of 7:00 pm.

Meal included: Breakfast

Include:

Pick-up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
Private transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc
Entry fees to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao
English speaking, experienced professional guide
Guided tours of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
Comfortable and 4 season roomy tents (only 2 people in a 4 person tent)
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Transfer from the train station back to your hotel
Celebration dinner in an Aguas Calientes restaurant
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
Pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
Provision of a horse in case of emergency
Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
Clean water to fill your bottles at each mealtime
Taxes

Not Include:

Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C $25
Air Mattresses $25
Trekking Poles $20
Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain $75 optional
Additional horse for extra personal luggage beyond 7kg allowance
Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary