Choquequirao to Machupicchu – 8D/7N
Tour Overview
This tour is an exciting adventure through one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru. Choquequirao is an Inca citadel located in the mountains of the Cusco region, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and spectacular views. During this tour, you will explore the impressive archaeological remains of Choquequirao, which have yet to be fully discovered and excavated. You will also have the opportunity to meet the local people, who still preserve the culture and tradition of the ancient Incas.
Our team of expert guides will accompany you throughout the tour, providing you with detailed information about the history and culture of Choquequirao, and ensuring that you have an unforgettable experience in this magical place. Get ready for a unique experience that will take you through the centuries, and leave you with lasting memories of one of Peru’s most valuable archaeological treasures.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Santa Rosa
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m., so we will arrive at the village of Cachora at 9:00 a.m. in the morning where we will have breakfast while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. Already from the town of Cachora we can observe the majestic snowy peaks of Padrayoc, the highest is 5482 meters above sea level. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km or 8 hours. On the way we will observe the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. We can appreciate the beautiful change of landscape from precipices to snow-capped mountains.
The hike begins fairly flat with views of snow-capped peaks and small farms on the mountain slopes. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we can see condors, the descent into the Apurimac Canyon begins. As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tuna cactus forest to a dwarf forest, we have lunch at Chiquisca (1950 m.a.s.l.). From here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurimac River at 1550 m.a.s.l. in the impressive deep canyon of the same name. After a brief stop at the river, we begin the steep ascent to Santa Rosa, where we camp for the night in a small sugar cane plantation (2115 m.a.s.l.).
Day 2: Santa Rosa - Choquequirao
Early in the morning after breakfast, we continue our hike to Choquequirao. The first 2-3 hours are steep, but then you will change plane and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive at the archaeological site Choquequirao after 5 hours. After a good lunch and a short rest we will walk to the main square of Choquequirao, to enjoy this majestic place, where we will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin. Approximately at 3 o’clock in the afternoon (depending on the weather) we may be lucky enough to appreciate “the flight of the Condors”. The guide will decide where to set up our camp in Raqaypata (2910 m.a.s.l.).
Day 3: Choquequirao - Pinchinuyoc - Cloud Forest
After breakfast, we have a good time to enjoy the majestic archaeological site. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca village. In addition, we see the ruin under excavation and finally unexplored areas, which can inform us about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. After lunch we walk through Choquequirao, with the whole team going to our next camp.
We follow the old water channel for a while before starting the 3 hour hike to the ruins of Pinchinuyoc found in 1998. First we hike through cloud forest, but then it all turns into steep, open meadow with open views of the mountains and valleys. Pinchinoyoc these ruins are something very special. Suddenly, they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible due to the thick layer of mosses and other vegetation that covers it. Here we spend the night basically on the ancient Inca terraces.
Day 4: Cloud Forest - Dry Forest - Maizal
This morning we will walk through interesting vegetation known as the Andean highland dry forest. The trees and plants here look different from what we have seen before. We arrive at the Victoria River after a few hours and use the brake here to take a refreshing swim in the cold, clear water of the river. We walk across the river, as there are no bridges.
After our brake, we begin the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, on the river near the sacred Apus of the Incas. On the way we catch our breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetation along the way. In Maizal we have lunch and enjoy, that we can relax this afternoon, with only optional physical activity. Maizal is properly the camp in the most beautiful place of all. From here we see 3 valleys and a large snow peak right in front of us. A good place to lie down and think.
Day 5: Maizal - Victoria - Yanama
We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan pass. Again, a long climb, but we walk in an incredibly beautiful area, first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well-known ichu grass. We rest at some of the Victoria mines, where the shiny metal stones speak of a high concentration of minerals and metals.
On our way through the Puna, we walk along well-preserved Inca trails, among other features with the classic zigzag. We have lunch at the pass at 4000 m.a.s.l. overlooking the Choquetakarpo mountain, before starting the descent to Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the foot of a long valley surrounded by mountains.
Day 6: Yanama - Totora
We continue from Yanama through the valley to the highest point of the trek, the Yanama Pass at 4500 meters above sea level. On the way we have a good view of the snow-capped Sacsarayoc. Once again, we have the opportunity to see condors, and this gentle morning climb takes us through new landscapes, especially the wet grass fields below the snow line that distinguish it from everything else we see on the trail. At the pass we might walk in the snow, and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields and bush areas and crossing small wooden/earthen bridges on the way to the community of Totora, where we spend the night.
Day 7: Totora - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
We now walk about 2000 meters down through the changing vegetation to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approx. 7 hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and take a refreshing natural bath. The area also has a great variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetation have changed completely, and we now see recognizable plants in the living rooms of Europe and various types of orchids.
The beach is the biggest town on the way, where we can find some small stores to buy snacks, etc. In this area we can see small coffee and banana plantations and then we take public transportation to the Hydroelectric and then walk for about 2 One hour more to reach the village of Aguas Calientes, where we will stay in a nice hostel with hot water shower, it is recommended to go to the natural spring here.
Day 8: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We get up early in the morning around 4 am. to have breakfast and leave for Machu Picchu which takes 1:30 minutes walking, but there is another option to take the first bus that leaves at 5:30 am. to Machu Picchu (takes 25 minutes) to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun rises.
Your guide will give you a 2-hour tour and then you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,720m. / 8,890 ft.) It takes 1:45 minutes to reach the top (optional and check availability). Then you will take the train around 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm or 6:20 pm depending on the availability of the train, so you will arrive to Ollantaytambo after 2 hours of travel, so a private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
Inclusions
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (spanish – english).
- Assistant guide (only for groups of 8 or more people).
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Transportation (Cusco – Cachora).
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao.
- Horsemen and mules to transport equipment, food and personal luggage (7 kilos per person).
- A cook to prepare all meals.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners and 7 snacks.
- Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs.
- Camping tent.
- Therma-rest air mattress.
- Transportation (La Playa – Hydroelectric).
- 01 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Bus up (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu).
- Train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo).
- Transportation (Ollantaytambo – Cusco).
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Last dinner.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking sticks.
- Additional horse to ride.
- Tickets to Huayna Picchu.
What to bring
- Original passport and student card (ISIC) green card.
- Essential insurance card.
- Walking boots (with ankle protectors).
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves.
- Comfortable shirts and pants.
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended).
- Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET.
- Toiletries.
- Personal medications.
- Camera.
- Flashlight with spare batteries.
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended).
- Toilet paper.
- Suggested extra contribution.
Pricing & Dates
FAQs
1️⃣ What makes this trek unique?
Walk alongside llamas and alpacas along ancient Inca trails, immerse in local communities, and experience authentic Andean culture.
Packing Guide
Essential Documents
Trekking Essentials
Personal Items
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