9 Days
Daily Tour
16 people
English, Espanol, Portuguese
Embark on the epic Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, a challenging yet breathtaking journey through Cusco, Peru. With INKANET ADVENTURE, traverse ancient Inca trails, connecting two iconic archaeological sites: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, set against stunning Andean landscapes.
This unique trek extends beyond Choquequirao, merging with the Salkantay Trail for a spectacular finish at the Lost City of the Incas. Designed for seasoned hikers, it features steep ascents, high-altitude terrain, and diverse ecosystems—from rugged mountains and river valleys to lush cloud forests teeming with native flora and fauna. Expert guides share deep insights into Inca history and culture, ensuring a safe, immersive experience filled with panoramic views and authentic Peruvian heritage.
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Our journey starts in the lovely village of Cachora, which is about 150 km (4 hours) by car from Cusco. From here, the trail goes up to the Apurímac Valley, where you can see the valley below and the snow-covered peaks above. We'll walk through different ecosystems as we hike, and with every step, we'll see the beauty of the Andes. After a few hours of hiking, we'll finally see Choquequirao, which is on the other side of the valley. It's a beautiful sight that tells us we're getting close to one of the most important and remote Inca sites.
There are a lot of plants, birds, and animals that are only found in this area around Choquequirao, so we can see a lot of them as we go down into the valley. We'll camp for the night at Santa Rosa, which is on the other side of the Apurímac River and is 2,200 meters (7,215 feet) high. This campsite is more private than others, making it a calm and peaceful place to stay. We can enjoy the peace and quiet and the beautiful scenery without the usual crowds because it's a little further down the road than where most groups stop. It's the best place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Today is probably the hardest day of the hike. To get to Choquequirao, we have to go back across the Apurímac Valley to the other side. This means climbing about 800 meters (2,624 feet) over a distance of 14 km (8.7 miles) in warm and humid weather. This side of the valley is hard to get to, but the views are worth it because they are so beautiful and there are so many different plants and animals. We will see a lot of bromeliads, orchids, and bamboo stands during the day. We might also see birds like Quetzals, toucans, and different kinds of hummingbirds.
We'll get to our campsite near Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005 feet) after about 5 hours of hiking and spend the night there. If the weather is nice, the sunset views from here are amazing. We might even be lucky enough to see condors flying over the valley below.
Today, you'll go on a guided tour of all the important places in Choquequirao. After that, you'll have some free time to look around on your own. Choquequirao is one of the biggest Inca sites that has been found, and a lot of it hasn't been dug up yet. We'll start our trip back to town after lunch. We'll go down from the pass into the Rio Blanco Valley and set up camp on the Pinchinuyoc terraces (2487m / 8,160 feet).
We will keep going down the valley from our campsite for about 12 km (7.5 miles) until we reach the river far below. The river is calm and the water is warm during the dry season, making it a great place to take a dip and relax sore muscles. After we swim, we'll climb back up to the other side of the valley toward our campsite at Maizal (2,891m / 9,488 feet), which is about 400 meters (1,312 feet) higher than where we are now.
Today, we'll see a lot of different native plants, birds, and other animals, and we'll also enjoy beautiful views of the lush, green Rio Blanco Valley. When you get to our campsite in Maizal, you can visit an Inca site nearby, adding a cultural touch to a day full of natural beauty.
Today's hike will take us from Maizal to the tiny town of Yanama. We will walk about 14 km (8.7 miles) and gain about 629 meters (2,063 feet) in elevation. Along the way, we will see beautiful views of the Andes. We will walk along original Inca trails and see old gold and silver mines from Peru's colonial era that are no longer in use. We will see a lot of native plants and birds on the hike, which will make it feel like we are really in nature.
We are camping for the night in Yanama, which is 3,520 meters (11,549 feet) high and on land owned by a local family. After lunch, you'll be able to go to their house and learn about Andean culture and traditional customs. This will be a unique cultural experience on your trek.
We leave the valley from Yanama and head toward the highest point of the trek, which is 4,840m / 15,879 feet. We will walk about 16 km (10 miles) and gain about 1,320 meters (4,331 feet) in elevation along the way. As we get closer to the pass, the landscape slowly changes from lush valleys to the high puna (sterile grasslands). When you get to the pass, you'll have great views of the mountains around you, like the Salkantay Fortress (6,270m / 20,570 feet).
The trail goes down from the pass into warmer areas and then meets the Salkantay Trek at Colpapampa (2,900m / 9,514 feet), where we will camp for the night. This part of the trek is one of the most memorable days because of the stark difference between the high-altitude landscapes and the lush valleys below.
Today, we are going to La Playa, a village about 12 km (7.5 miles) down the valley from Colpapampa. The Lluskamayo River is the main road we take. It goes through a lively area with native plants, birds, and a lot of coffee and fruit farms. As you go, you'll enjoy the valley's beautiful scenery and calm atmosphere.
We will spend the night in La Playa (2,400m / 7,874 feet), which is easy to get to and has many places to buy snacks and treats and try coffee grown in the area. If you want to, you can visit hot springs nearby. Just let your guide know ahead of time so they can make the necessary arrangements.
Today is the last day of our journey to Aguas Calientes, which is at the base of Machu Picchu. The best part of today is going to the Inca site of Llactapata, which is high up on the mountainside. We will follow an original Inca Trail, covering approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) with an elevation gain of about 350 meters (1,148 feet) to reach Llactapata by early to mid-morning. From here, you'll be able to see great views of Machu Picchu and the Andes around it.
After visiting Llactapata and learning about the Incas and their rich culture, we will go down to the Hydroelectric Station to catch our train to Aguas Calientes. This will be the end of our amazing journey through the Choquequirao Trek.
Upon waking early, we will take the first bus back to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 3–4 hours, during which you will learn about the Incas and explore all the major areas of the citadel. There is an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for those seeking extra adventure and panoramic views.
After the tour, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there continue by bus to Cusco. A representative from our company will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your incredible Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu experience.
For the tour, you should bring lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable hiking boots. It’s also a good idea to pack a rain jacket, sunglasses, and a camera.
Wear layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed as temperatures change. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer. Opt for quick-drying fabrics to stay comfortable.
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for extra energy between meals. However, avoid bringing items that are difficult to carry or that may attract wildlife.
The tour will continue even if it rains, so be prepared with waterproof gear. A rain jacket and waterproof cover for your backpack will help keep you dry. The itinerary may be adjusted if weather conditions are severe.
The tour is moderately to highly demanding, with significant hiking involved. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to handle the elevation changes and varying terrain. Training prior to the tour can help improve your experience.
Inform the tour operator of any medical conditions or special needs in advance. They can provide guidance on how to manage your needs during the tour and may make necessary accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort.
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