→ Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 7 Days

And it’s no surprise as it´s surrounded by fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an amazing variety of plants, birds and animals.
It is situated in the mountain range of the Salkantay, at over 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) of Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was connected and in communication with Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails.
Choquequiraw is considered "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire".

Visitors will have a chance to discover a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographic location of Choquequiraw in reference to other religious centers of the same period tends to indicate that its function was that Inca enclave toward the valleys of the Apurímac River. There are many similarities between

and Machu Picchu; this trail is a great option for Visit Choquequiraw and Machupicchu.
The purpose of the Trail to Choquequiraw to Machupicchu was religious and ceremonial, a pilgrimage that included rituals to honor the mountains and peaks of the route, like Salkantay sacred mountain.

Day 01: Cusco | Cachora - Playa Rosalina (Apurimac River)
Day 02: Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao archaeological complex (Golden Cradle)
Day 03: Choquequiraw – Choquequiraw Pass – Pinchinuyoc
Day 04: Maizal – Pinchinuyoc – Rio Blanco
Day 05: Yanama – Totora – Lucmabamba
Day 06: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
Day 07: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu | Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Choquequirao

Cusco | Cachora - Playa Rosalina (Apurimac River)

We leave Cusco at 5am in a private van for 4 hours drive to Capuliyoc, situated on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks. Then we will hike down for 2 hours until we arrive at Chiquisca where we are going to have lunch. Afterwards we continue our hike for 1 more hour to Playa Rosalinas (1550 meters/5084 feet), where we will spend the night.
Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with an air mattress and 4 season roomy tents
Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 22 km – 13.6 miles
Climate: Warm
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 2 | Choquequirao

Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao archaeological complex (Golden Cradle)

Departing early, we ascend to Santa Rosa and to Marampata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot, we can see the remains of Choquequiraw. Then we have 2 more hours to hike to reach the Choquequiraw Archeological site (3110 meters/10120 feet). We spend the evening there and get to watch the sunset and some condors flying.

Meals: Breakfast, boiled water for drinking, snack, Lunch – Afternoon Tea time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with air mattresses and 4 season roomy tents
Distance: 13kms/8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Distance: 14 km – 8.7 miles
Climate: Warm Day/Cold Night
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 3 | Choquequirao

Choquequiraw – Choquequiraw Pass – Pinchinuyoc

After breakfast, is possible to explore more of the archeological site of Choquequiraw, and have a little rest before lunch. In the afternoon, we will climb over a ridge and hike to the remains of Pinchunuyoc where we will camp for the night (2 hours of hiking down). This is definitely the easiest day of the trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Boiled water for drinking, Snack, Lunch – Afternoon Tea time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with an air mattress and 4 season roomy tents
Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 18 km – 11.2 miles
Climate: Warm
Hiking time: 9 hours

Day 4 | Choquequirao

Maizal – Pinchinuyoc – Rio Blanco

After a delicious breakfast, we hike downhill for 2 hours and arrive at the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1990 meters/6527 feet), where we have a rest before starting a difficult climb to our campsite of Maizal. The climb is 3- 4 hours long.

Distance: 17 km – 10.6 miles
Climate: Warm and windy day, Cold night
Hiking time: 8 hours

Day 5 | Choquequirao

Yanama – Totora – Lucmabamba

We leave at 7am, and walk uphill for about 3 hours through a semi-jungle towards the Victoria Mines. We visit them as well as some Inca Ruins before climbing 1 hour more to the pass of Victoria (4130mt/13,546 ft). There are spectacular views from the pass as we descend to the charming village of Yanama (about 2 hours walk) following a section with some well-constructed Inca steps.
Once we get to Yanama, we take the local transport all the way to Lucmabamba. Along the way, we get to enjoy the gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains and waterfalls.

Meals: Breakfast, Boiled water for drinking, Snack, Lunch – Afternoon Tea time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with inflatable mattress´s and 4 season roomy tents
Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Distance: 20 km – 12.4 miles
Climate: Cold and Windy
Hiking time: 9 hours

Day 6 | Choquequirao

Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

On this day, we walk for 3 hours by the original Inca Trail and through the cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass then onto Llactapata Inca remains, an Inca site (2,700m/8,907ft), which is located straight in front of the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Once there, we enjoy the unique perspective of Machu Picchu from far away. Then we hike downhill for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant where we have lunch. We continue to walk to Aguas Calientes through the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, enjoying the surroundings of the iconic Machu Picchu and the wall, which surrounds the Inca Citadel.

Meals: Breakfast, Boiled water for drinking, Snack, Lunch – Afternoon Tea time – Dinner
Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
Distance: 18kms/11.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Distance: 25 km – 15.5 miles
Climate: Warm
Hiking time: 10 hours

Day 7 | Choquequirao

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu | Cusco

Today’s Highlights: Your excitement for our rendezvous at Machu Picchu will rise as we are hiking early in the morning through the forest to reach the site before most other tourists – even the Inca Trail trekkers!! You will have plenty of time to explore this truly magnificent World Wonder while you enjoy the beautiful sunrise from this once-in-a-lifetime viewpoint. Your group will learn about this mystical place in a two-hour guided tour of the ruins. Afterwards, you can opt to climb Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain (if you have pre-booked tickets) or walk to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge (without extra tickets).

We will have breakfast at 5am and take the first bus to Machu Picchu, just in time for sunrise. It will take half an hour to reach the Machu Picchu archeological site, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: An unforgettable experience you will never forget. Your guide will expertly direct you through the astounding vestiges and its main streets.

After the guided tour, you will have some free time to wander around the town squares as well as to do some of the following activities on your own:
Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there Walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Then you will descend to Aguas Calientes, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and at 4:22pm, you will board the Expedition train for the return trip to Cusco, stopping at the Ollantaytambo station and taking our private van back to Cusco and your hotel, arriving at about 8pm

Meal: Breakfast

What's Included?

Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Choquequiraw Trek to Machupicchu” guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Capuliyoc the starting point of the trek to Choquequiraw and Machupicchu.
Adventure Experienced Inka Choquequiraw and Machupicchu trek Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for have a very local experience.
- Night 1: Enjoy the 1st night in Playa Rosalina campsite on the route Choquequiraw trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 2: Enjoy the 2nd night in Marampata on the route Choquequiraw trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 3: Enjoy the 3rd night in Pinchinuyoc campsite on the route Choquequiraw trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra.
- Night 4: Enjoy the 4th night in Rio Blanco campsite on the route Choquequiraw trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra.
- Night 5: Enjoy the 5th night in Lucmabamba campsite on the route Choquequiraw trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra.
- Night 6: The last night in hotel is not included, which is in the town of Aguas Calientes; it is also known as Machupicchu Village; prices of hotels will vary according to your expectations and budget. However, we can offer you the option of joining us at our local accommodation Hotel Encanto Machupicchu "at no extra cost". www.hotel-encanto.com Our hostel in Aguas Calientes have double or triple rooms, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
- Note: It is not usual that campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, however it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: Any changes in this matter, ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.
Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entry ticket to Choquequiraw trail and Inka city
Entry ticket to Machupicchu Inka city
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not included”
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 7)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

What's not Included?

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)