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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תומר ג
April 20, 2025
יצאנו לטרק אינקה טרייל 4 ימים עם מדריך בשם חסוס. הטיול היה מדהים, הדרכה מצוינת באנגלית עם שף צמוד ואוכל ברמה גבוהה מאוד. דאגו לנו לכל ויחד עם מזג אוויר מצוין היה טיול בלתי נשכח. ממליץ בחום על הטיול הסוכנות והמדריך
Juan C
April 15, 2025
Nuestro trek de 3 días fue increible, por el recorrido y paisajes, que son únicos, pero también por el equipo de guía, cocinero y arriero (Elio, Benigno y Mitchel). Elio fue nuestro guía y fue una gran fortuna contar con él. Elio mejoró la experiencia al máximo, combinando capacidad y conocimiento del lugar y la naturaleza, con cultura e historia incaica que supo transmitir con total pasión. Además, una calidad humana absoluta Si hacen este recorrido con esta empresa, consulten por su disponibilidad. La compañía es confiable en comparación con otras opciones, pero no quedamos muy conformes con los manejos.
NorthStar46491105498
April 14, 2025
Our Salkantay Trek with ITEP Expeditions Peru was more than we could ever have imagined and it surpassed all expectations From the beginning with Flor in the office at ITEP in Cusco .Her communication was clear and she was very patient with us .Exceptional service muchos Gracias Flor. I can't begin to describe the beauty of the Salkantay Track itself , it is a challenging yet immersive experience especially for our group of 4 age range between 59 to 71 years !! We were outliers in age on the track and a would advise that you should not take this Trek on with no multi day hiking experience especially if you are a bit older. We were led by our guide Santiago. This beautiful man was present with us every step of the 70 kilometres , both physically and emotionally through the rain, mud , steep ascents and descents to and from altitude, and the heat and cold of this incredible journey through this amazing part of Peru He understood the needs of everyone of the 4 of us in his group and was able to engage us all at our own level , encouraging, educating and advising in a humble and quiet way . His love of what he does, his country and his heritage was a humbling experience to be in his presence for these 5 days Santiago mi Amigo we can never express enough our thanks to you... you are what made our experience so humbling and non forgettable !!! We also had the privilege of travelling in the company of Julio our chef and Jenaro our Horseman These 2 beautiful men also made our trek memorable not only for their skill at providing amazing meals but transporting everything for us so we could be immersed in the splendour of this experience . It was humbling to share this time with these 2 amazing patient and humble men of the mountains , muchos Gracias amigos!! We can't recommend this hike through ITEP enough especially if you are a bit older The groups are smaller than the bigger groups full of younger hikers and the care and attention given to us can't be faulted Thankyou so much to everyone
Toñi C
April 13, 2025
Henrry es genial y muy amable. Nos contó muchas historias interesantes. La experiencia ha sido muy bonita. El camino precioso
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