9 Days
Daily Tour
9 people
English, Espanol, Francais
The Choquequirao Trek To Machupicchu is one of the most stunning and captivating hikes available in the Cusco region. Traversing ancient Inca pathways, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and have the opportunity to explore two of the most significant Inca sites in the area. This trek truly offers a complete adventure!
The journey begins on the traditional Choquequirao route, but instead of retracing your steps, you’ll continue onward, eventually merging with the final segment of the Salkantay trek to reach the majestic Machu Picchu. This Inka Trail Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure, as the route combines steep ascents, high altitudes, and long distances. Proper acclimatization is crucial to fully enjoy this journey, which not only showcases the remote and lesser-visited site of Choquequirao but also culminates in the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. The varied terrain, from rugged mountain paths to cloud forest trails, promises an unforgettable experience, rich in both natural beauty and historical significance.
InkaNet Adventure is here to guide you through this incredible trek, ensuring you have all the support you need for an unforgettable journey.
Useful Information:
Our journey begins in the charming village of Cachora, which is about a 4-hour drive from Cusco. From Cachora, the trail climbs up to the Apurímac Valley, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the expansive valley below throughout the day. After several hours of trekking, we'll catch our first sight of Choquequirao, nestled across the valley. The area around Choquequirao is teeming with wildlife, and we’ll have the chance to see a variety of plant and animal species as we make our way down into the valley. We’ll set up camp for the night at Santa Rosa (2200m / 7215ft), located on the far side of the Apurímac River. Since this campsite is positioned slightly further than where most groups stop, it’s one of the most serene spots for camping along the trek. Here, we can enjoy the tranquil surroundings and the stunning landscape without any disturbances.
Today is likely the most challenging day of the trek. To reach Choquequirao, we need to cross back to the opposite side of the Apurímac Valley, which involves a strenuous climb of about 800 meters / 2624 feet over a distance of 14 km / 8.7 miles through warm and humid conditions. Although it’s quite tough, the stunning views and diverse flora and fauna on this side of the valley make the effort worthwhile. Throughout the day, we’ll encounter a variety of bromeliads, orchids, and bamboo stands, and we might spot birds such as Quetzals, toucans, and different species of hummingbirds. After around 5 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our campsite near Choquequirao (3050m / 10,005 feet) and settle in for the night. If the weather is clear, the sunset views from this spot are spectacular, and we may even be fortunate enough to see condors soaring over the valley below.
Today, you'll enjoy a guided tour of all the main sites of interest within Choquequirao and then have some free time to explore on your own. Choquequirao is one of the most extensive Inca sites discovered, with much of it still unexcavated. After lunch, we will start our return journey towards the town. From the pass, we'll descend into the Rio Blanco Valley and set up camp on the terraces of Pinchinuyoc (2487m / 8160 feet).
From our campsite, we will continue down the valley until we reach the river far below. During the dry season, the river is calm and its waters are warm, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip to relax your tired muscles. After our swim, we’ll cross back to the opposite side of the valley towards our camp at Maizal (2891m / 9488 feet). Today, we will encounter a wide variety of native plants and birds and enjoy beautiful views of the lush, green Rio Blanco Valley. Upon reaching our campsite in Maizal, you’ll have the option to visit a nearby Inca site.
Today's hike takes us from Maizal to the small community of Yanama. The views are once again stunning, and we’ll encounter a variety of native plants and birds. We will walk along original Inca trails and pass by abandoned gold and silver mines from Peru's colonial era. Our campsite for the night is in Yanama (3520m / 11549 feet), where we will stay on the land of a local family. After lunch, we’ll have the opportunity to visit their home and learn about their customs and traditions.
From Yanama, we start our journey back out of the valley as we head towards the highest point of the trek at 4840m / 15879 feet. After traversing lush valleys up to this point, you’ll notice the landscape transitioning to the high puna (sterile grasslands) as we approach the pass. Once at the pass, you'll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Salkantay Fortress (6270m / 20570 feet). From the pass, the trail descends into warmer climates, eventually converging with the Salkantay Trek at Colpapampa (2900m / 9514 feet), where we will set up camp for the night.
Our destination today is the village of La Playa, located about 12 km down the valley from Colpapampa. Our route follows the Lluskamayo River through an area rich in life, with several coffee plantations and fruit orchards. Tonight, we’ll stay in the village of La Playa (2400m / 7874ft.), which is well-connected and has numerous places where you can buy snacks and treats, and sample locally grown coffee. If you're interested, there's an option to visit nearby hot springs—just let your guide know in advance so arrangements can be made.
Today marks the final stretch of our trek before arriving in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. The main focus of today is a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata, perched high on the mountainside. Following an original Inca Trail, we will reach Llactapata by early to mid-morning and enjoy the fantastic views of Machu Picchu from this vantage point. After exploring Llactapata and learning about the Incas and their culture, we will head to the Hydroelectric Station, where we will catch our train to Aguas Calientes.
Upon waking early, we will take the first bus back to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We will have a guided tour of 3-4 hours, during which you will learn about the Incas and visit all the major areas of the citadel. It’s optional to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. 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 take you to your hotel in Cusco.
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 advisable to bring your own sleeping bag, especially one suitable for the temperatures you’ll encounter. Some tour operators offer rental options if you prefer not to carry your own.
It’s recommended to check with your healthcare provider for any necessary vaccinations or health precautions. Common recommendations include vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and, if traveling to certain areas, malaria prevention.
The tour typically includes well-balanced meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Options for vegetarian or special dietary needs can usually be accommodated if requested in advance.
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.
Basic facilities are available at campsites, including portable toilets. For personal hygiene, bring items such as hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, and a small towel. There may not be showers available, so plan accordingly.
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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