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, Pumasillo 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 Choquequiraw 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.
We will leave the hotel very early to arrive at the village of Cachora (2,850 m/ 9,350 f) to meet our staff and guides as well as the horses that will carry the equipment, tents and food for our crossing.
We will continue our trip to the Capuliyoc pass (2,800 m/ 9,186 f). During the tour, beautiful landscapes will catch our sight and accompany us during the hike, and we won't lose sight of the deep canyon and the Apurimac River.
We will go down to the lower part of the canyon named Chiquisca (1,930 m/ 6,332 f), where we will spend the night in our camp.
Climate: Warm / Duration of the hike: 7 hours
After breakfast, we will go down to La Playa Rosalina (1,550 m/ 5,085 f). From there, we will go to Marampata (2,850 m/ 9,350 f), from where we will have a beautiful view of the archaeological complex of Choquequiraw (3,033 m/ 9,951 f). Our camp is located 25 minutes away from this place.
Climate: Cold and warm / Duration of the hike: 7 hours
This day is essential because we are going to visit the entire archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3100 masl / 10170 feet) and explore some places that are covered by the lush vegetation of the cloud forest. We will visit the religious sector, administrative sector, granaries, terraces with flames and other buildings located near the religious center. You will be able to explore incredible areas of the site, such as the llama area, for example, which is a steep, 30-minute downhill walk, where you will see wide agricultural terraces. All representations of llamas were built with white stones, on the wall. This was probably built by the Incas to represent the constellation of llamas in the Milky Way. You can also visit the Usno area, where you can enjoy the sunset over the mountains
Our guide will be responsible for providing all the respective information about the place, its history and the importance it had in the past. After this you will have free time to explore the complex on your own., when the night is going to arrive. You will then walk back to your camp for the second night in Choquequirao.
Climate: Warm with mosquitos
On that day, we will appreciate the tranquility of this magical place, among the fortifications, streets, buildings, terraces and squares. We will continue our hike climbing towards the Choquequiraw pass (3,270 m/ 10,728 f), walking through an archaeological zone named Pinchaunuyoc (2,450 m/ 8,038 f). From this point, we will come down as far as the river-bed, known as Río Blanco (1,900 m/ 6,234 f) or Río Silvestre. We will camp there.
Climate: Warm with mosquitos / Duration of the hike: 6 hours
That day will be a difficult one due to the complexity of the ground. We will relax in Maizal (3,000 m/ 9,843 f) for a short rest, and to get our breath without stopping to appreciate the sight of a beautiful landscape.
After a several-hour journey, we will arrive at San Juan (4,170 m/ 13,681 f), a pass in the middle of the Andes, from which we will be able to appreciate the great view of the valleys, the mountains and the glaciers, some of which reach more than 5,000 m/ 16,404 f. We will camp in the village of Yanama (3,530 m/ 11,581 f).
Clima: Cálido y frío con mosquitos / Tiempo de caminata: 5 horas
Early in the morning, we will head towards the highest pass of this trip - Yanama (4670m/ 15.32152 f). If we are lucky, we will be able to see Condors. During the day's walk, we enjoyed the view of the snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay (6264m/20.551181 ft.) and Pintuyu (5450m/17.880577 f). Today our camp will be in the valley of Totora Pampa (3200 m/10.4986877 f).
Climate: warm with mosquitos / Duration of the hike: 8 hours
In Totora pampa, we will have the opportunity to know Andean people who speak Quechua and live on agriculture and stockbreeding. The vegetation on the way becomes rarer and rarer and reveals the diversity of orchids, bromelias and other native species. We will also see a few coffee, papaya, passionfruit and avocado plantations. On that day, we will camp in La Playa (2,100 m/ 6,890 f) or in Lucmabamba (2,020 m/ 6,627 f).
Climate: warm with mosquitos / Duration of the hike: 7 hours
Note: In accordance with the group wishes, it is possible to change the itinerary and visit the Santa Teresa thermal springs (1,830 m/ 6,004 f).
Our trip will begin early in the morning. We will follow the Inca trail as far as Llactapata (2,650 m/ 8,694 f), an archaeological site with remains of Inca buildings and from which we will be able to have a view of the Machu Picchu mountain.
Our trip continues towards the hydroelectric power station (1,950 m/ 6,398 f), from which we will take the train towards the village of Aguas Calientes (2,050 m/ 6,726 f).
Accommodation in a local hotel.
Climate: warm / Duration of the hike: 6 hours.
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).
On that day, we will leave early after breakfast (5:30 a.m.) and will go up to the Machu Picchu (2,400 m/ 7,874 f) by bus. After a guided tour through the important places of the fortress, we will have time to wander around the site. We will then go down to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included), and will have time to visit the hot baths of the village. At a convenient time, we will take the train back to Cusco. Transfer to your hotel.
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Anastasia E
December 12, 2024
We did the 4D, 3 nights Inca Trail with Jorge the first week of December 2024. The tour was incredible with beautiful views along the way and of course a worthwhile final destination. The Inca Trail team was great and our guide was very knowledgeable the only thing to note was that we wish that the guide matched our walking pace more. We were happy with the equipment borrowed/rented that were in fair condition. Food was overall very tasty and varied but the portions were a bit small for some. Very value for money, would recommend.
Thomas M
December 10, 2024
Tout était très sympa ! grâce à Javier, le voyage a été différent avec lui. Je recommande extrêmement cette entreprise et vous avez également la chance de choisir Javier comme guide !
GoPlaces708610
December 9, 2024
Io e la mia compagna abbiamo fatto un trekking di 2 giorni per visitare Machu Picchu. Lo abbiamo fatto durante la stagione delle piogge, quindi ci siamo dovuti equipaggiare di conseguenza, perché abbiamo avuto pioggia per quasi tutte le 6 ore di camminata. Il percorso è stato eccezionale, una bellezza mozzafiato. La nostra guida, Henrry, ci ha accompagnato durante la camminata, raccontandoci la storia dell'impero Tahuantinsuyo e spiegandocela perfettamente e con passione. Ne siamo rimasti davvero colpiti. A causa del cattivo tempo, il primo giorno non siamo riusciti a vedere tutto il sito, ma grazie al suo impegno è riuscito a farci recuperare il giorno successivo! Esperienza davvero raccomandata: la camminata è intensa e la pioggia rende tutto più complicato, ma ne vale davvero la pena.
Ruben S
December 7, 2024
I recently completed the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and it was an absolutely flawless experience from start to finish. The communication with the company ITEP beforehand was outstanding—every question was answered promptly and clearly, which gave me a lot of confidence heading into the adventure. My guide Jorge Calderón was exceptional. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also extremely attentive to needs and individual pace. He tailored the experience to match my abilities, ensuring I felt comfortable and supported throughout. His explanations about the landscapes, history, and culture were fascinating, and he always had answers to my questions, no matter how detailed or specific. The entire trek felt incredibly safe, and I always knew what to expect thanks to the Jorge’s clear instructions and thorough preparation. The route itself was breathtaking, and every day brought new highlights—whether it was the stunning views of the Salkantay Pass, the lush cloud forest, or the incredible final approach to Machu Picchu. Even the occurring rain couldn't diminish that. These four days were incredible, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re considering this trek, I highly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed!
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