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Choquequirao Trail to Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Choquequirao and Machu Picchu trek through the Peruvian Andes. Explore two legendary Inca citadels, cross the spectacular Apurímac Canyon, and discover breathtaking mountain landscapes with Inca World Travel. Book your adventure today!
8 days / 7 nights
Departures: Please Consult for Departure Dates
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Choquequirao Trail to Machu Picchu
The 8-day Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Tour is a high-level expedition that includes a demanding hike through the imposing Apurimac Canyon. You will traverse challenging paths offering magical panoramas surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the deepest ravines in the Andes. This journey allows you to explore diverse ecological zones, from high mountains to the exotic jungle with its lush vegetation, following trails that connect the historical legacy of two monumental Inca citadels in one single, unforgettable adventure.
This tour represents a true physical and spiritual challenge for every explorer. Book today with Inca World Travel and ensure a flawless organization with expert local guides and the highest international safety standards for your ultimate peace of mind!
Detailed Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1:
Cusco- Cachora -Chiquisca - Capuliyoc - Marampata
Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Marampata
The adventure begins with hotel pickup between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., followed by a four-hour private transfer to Capuliyoc. After breakfast, you will meet the support team and begin the trek, enjoying panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the spectacular Apurímac Canyon.
Descend for approximately three hours to Chiquisca, where lunch will be served. After a short break, continue toward Playa Rosalinas, cross the Apurímac River, and ascend to Marampata, surrounded by Andean landscapes, medicinal plants, and local wildlife.
In the afternoon, arrive at Choquequirao Trek Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. End the day by admiring the night sky and discovering the constellations associated with Andean cosmology.
Included
Lunch and Dinner
Camping equipment
Cook and kitchen team
Muleteer, horses, and mules to carry camping gear
Boiled water to take along
First aid kit
Professional guide
Snacks
Not included
Breakfast on Day 1
Sleeping bag (can be rented at Inca World Peru)
Trekking poles
Extra expenses
Day 2:
Marampata -Choquequirao
Day 2: Marampata – Choquequirao Archaeological Complex – Pachayoc Waterfalls
Start the morning with coca tea and a traditional breakfast before hiking toward the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (3,900 m a.s.l.). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon while your guide shares insights into the region’s flora and fauna.
Spend approximately three hours exploring this remarkable Inca site, including its ceremonial plazas, llama terraces, astronomical sectors, and other important archaeological areas.
After the visit, descend to the Choquequirao camp for a picnic lunch and a short rest. Continue with an excursion to the Pachayoc Waterfalls, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Andes. Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Camping equipment
Cook and kitchen team
Muleteer, horses, and mules to carry camping gear
Boiled water to take along
First aid kit
Professional guide
Snacks
Not included
Sleeping bag (can be rented at Inca World Peru)
Trekking poles
Extra expenses
Day 3:
Choquequirao- Blanco River - Maizal Camp
Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchinoyoc – Blanco River – Maizal
Start the day by enjoying the sunrise before breakfast at 6:00 a.m. Then continue exploring the Choquequirao region, hiking through cloud forests, mountains, and valleys until reaching the Choquequirao Pass.
After approximately five hours of hiking, discover the Pinchinoyoc agricultural terraces (2,750 m a.s.l.), where you may observe native birds, orchids, and coca plantations. Enjoy lunch beside the Blanco River, with an opportunity to cool off if conditions permit, before crossing the river on foot.
In the afternoon, tackle a steep, approximately three-hour ascent to Maizal Camp (3,000 m a.s.l.), surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery and sacred Apus. This is one of the most physically demanding days of the trek. Settle into camp and rest after an unforgettable day of adventure.
Not included
Sleeping Bag
Extra expenses
Day 4:
Maizal-Victoria Mines- Yanama
Day 4: Maizal – Victoria Pass – Yamana
Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the forest and birds before enjoying breakfast surrounded by the Andean mountains. Then begin an approximately seven-hour hike through lush vegetation, archaeological remains, and ancient Inca canals.
Along the route, pass the historic Victoria mines before reaching Victoria Pass (4,200 m a.s.l.), where the cloud forest transitions into the Andean Puna, characterized by its golden ichu grass. Discover original paved Inca trails and enjoy lunch with spectacular views of the Choquetakarpo and Pedrayoc mountains, with the possibility of spotting Andean condors.
In the afternoon, descend through breathtaking mountain landscapes to Yamana campsite (3,800 m a.s.l.), where you can rest after another challenging day on the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu trek.
Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Camping equipment
Cook and kitchen team
Muleteer, horses, and mules to carry camping gear
First aid kit
Professional guide
Snacks
Not included
Sleeping Bag
Extra expenses
Day 5:
Yanama - Totora - Collpapampa Camp
Day 5: Yamana – Yamana Pass – Totora – Colpapampa
Begin the day in the mountain community of Yamana with an outdoor breakfast surrounded by nature. Then embark on an approximately five-hour hike to Yamana Pass (4,700 m a.s.l.), the highest point of this section of the trek. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Saqsarayoc and Pedrayoc mountains, with the possibility of spotting Andean condors soaring overhead.
Along the route, discover traditional Andean agricultural fields and landscapes near the snow line, with impressive views of Mount Salkantay. Continue with a descent toward the community of Totora, where lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, descend through changing landscapes and warmer climates until reaching Colpapampa (2,900 m a.s.l.). Settle into camp and enjoy a well-deserved rest surrounded by the natural beauty of the Andes.
Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Camping equipment
Cook and kitchen team
Muleteer, horses, and mules to carry camping gear
Boiled water to take along
First aid kit
Professional guide
Snacks
Not included
Sleeping Bag
Extra expenses
Day 6:
Collpapampa - Lluskamayo - Zahuayaco (Playa)
Day 6: Colpapampa – La Playa (Zahuayaco)
Today, descend through changing landscapes and warmer climates as the Andean mountains gradually give way to lush tropical vegetation. Along the trail, discover local coffee and fruit plantations, including bananas, oranges, and lemons.
Depending on the route and local conditions, you may have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs and soothe your muscles after several days of trekking.
Continue to Zahuayaco, also known as La Playa, a riverside campsite surrounded by tropical scenery. Enjoy the warmer climate and peaceful atmosphere before settling in for the night. Here, you will also say goodbye to the muleteer who has supported the expedition throughout the earlier stages of the trek. Rest and prepare for the next part of your journey toward Machu Picchu.
Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Camping equipment
Cook and kitchen team
Muleteer, horses, and mules to carry camping gear
Boiled water to take along
First aid kit
Professional guide
Snacks
Not included
Sleeping Bag
Extra expenses
Tips for the Muleteers and Guides
Day 7:
Zahuayaco (Beach) - Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes
Day 7: La Playa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will take transportation to Hidroelectrica, where the access checkpoint to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary is located. From there, we will begin our hike toward Aguas Calientes, following a scenic route through the lush surroundings of the cloud forest.
Along the way, we will visit the Intihuatana archaeological site, where our guide will explain its historical significance. We will then continue the journey, enjoying lunch and spectacular views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, along with ancient agricultural terraces built into the steep mountainsides.
In the afternoon, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved rest before the final day of this unforgettable adventure. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Included
Professional Trekking Guide
01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch, Snacks
01 Dinner in Local Restaurant (Aguas Calientes)
Boiled Water
Train: Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
01 Night's Lodging in Aguas Calientes
First-Aid Kit
Not included
Extra expenses
Entrance ticket to the hot springs
Day 8:
Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco
Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast, head to the bus station in Aguas Calientes and board the bus to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary. Upon arrival, meet your guide for an informative tour of the site's most important areas, discovering the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this legendary Inca citadel.
After the guided visit, enjoy free time to explore and take photographs, subject to the assigned entrance circuit and its regulations.
At the scheduled time, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, board the train to Ollantaytambo, where transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable 8-day Choquequirao and Machu Picchu adventure.
Included
Admission: Machu Picchu Archeological Complex depends the available circuit
Professional Guide
01 Breakfast
Train: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Not included
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu
Extra expenses
Recommendations
Service ends once you have been dropped off at your hotel or hostel in Cusco, thus dinner and lodging in Cusco are not included in this tour.
Why choose us?
- Quality tour service.
- Creating personalized experiences.
- Free advice from an expert team.
- Permanent customer service.
- Guaranteed departures.
Remember! request a quote and modify this experience with the destinations you want.
Aditional information about this service:
Tips:
1. Choquequirao, the Cradle of Gold: Its name is commonly translated as “Cradle of Gold,” and the site is often called the sister city of Machu Picchu.
2. The Mysterious Llama Terraces: White stones embedded in dark retaining walls form striking llama figures, a distinctive feature of Choquequirao.
3. A Vast Archaeological Complex: Choquequirao includes ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, fountains, and residential structures spread across a steep mountainside.
4. The Apurímac Canyon: The route crosses dramatic canyon landscapes, with steep trails descending toward the river before climbing back into the mountains.
5. From Mountains to Cloud Forest: The trek passes through different ecosystems, from high-altitude grasslands to humid forests and warmer valleys.
6. An Inca Stronghold: The Vilcabamba region became a center of Inca resistance following the Spanish conquest, adding historical significance to the area.
7. Ancient Agricultural Engineering: The Incas built extensive terraces on steep slopes to support cultivation and help stabilize the terrain.
8. Sacred Andean Mountains: Mountains known as Apus hold spiritual significance in Andean traditions and are closely connected to local cultural beliefs.
9. Original Inca Stonework: Choquequirao features carefully constructed stone buildings, ceremonial spaces, and ancient water channels.
10. Two Legendary Inca Destinations: This 8-day expedition combines the remote archaeological wonder of Choquequirao with the world-famous sanctuary of Machu Picchu, offering a diverse journey through Inca history.
FAQ
We are committed to providing top-tier experiences and safety in every destination. Plan your dream trip with the confidence of Inca World Travel!
How difficult is the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu trek?
The trek is challenging and requires good physical fitness due to steep ascents, long hiking days, and significant altitude changes.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The itinerary reaches Yamana Pass at approximately 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) above sea level.
How many hours do we hike each day?
Hiking times vary by day and route, ranging from several hours to approximately seven hours or more.
Do I need trekking experience to join this tour?
Previous trekking experience is strongly recommended because of the demanding terrain and consecutive days of hiking.
Can I visit Machu Picchu without taking the bus from Aguas Calientes?
Yes, it is possible to hike up, but the uphill walk is demanding. The bus is the more convenient option and should be arranged according to your entrance schedule.
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