Majestic Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek

The Choquequirao  to Machu Picchu trek is best described as 6 day adventure, suited to those for whom Machu Picchu isn’t simply another box to be ticked, but instead a real bucket list destination to be appreciated and enjoyed. This off-the-beaten-path trek is the perfect addition to your custom Peru tour!

Choquequirao is sometimes described as Machu Picchu’s “sister city”. However, a significant difference between the two is that Choquequirao is seldom visited, so it offers a fantastic opportunity to visit a real “lost city”! The Peruvian government is planning to open up Choquequirao in the next few years by building a cable car, so now could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the city at its best.

Enjoy a true adventure that is the ultimate expression of “off-the-beaten-track”, as you descend valleys, climb mountain passes, and hike through the cloud forest, culminating in the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu!

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Highlights Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek:

On the Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek, you will hike through one of Peru’s most beautiful unspoiled wildernesses.
Explore the majestic ruined city of Choquequirao, the last refuge of the Incas and the last refuge away from the crowds at Machu Picchu!
Walk along authentic Inca trails and discover seldom-visited archaeological sites.
Enjoy a huge diversity of landscapes, climates, flora and fauna over the course of a challenging seven-day hike.
Be overwhelmed when you finally arrive at Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world and the endpoint of your odyssey!

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chiquishca- Santa Rosa
Your private transportation will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to Capuliyoc, the start of the Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek! Warm up with a mostly flat, easygoing hike to Chiquishca , from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon and even a glimpse of Choquequirao! Descend into the canyon to your campsite at Santa Rosa and enjoy some well-earned rest.

Trekking time: 8:00 – 9:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 12 km. (7.45645 mi.) approx.
Low point:930m. / 6332 ft. – High point: 2850m/ 9470ft. approx.

Day 2: Santa Rosa – Maranpata -Choquequirao
Warm up with a hike along the bottom of the canyon, before beginning your ascent to Choquequirao! You’ll be able to enjoy a huge range of flora and fauna as the climate changes with the altitude. Spend the afternoon exploring the enigmatic archaeological site of Choquequirao with your guide; visit the nine ancient towns that made up the city and visit the twenty-four llama mosaics.

Trekking time: 7:00 – 8:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 12.5 km. (7.76714 mi.) approx.
Low point: 2850m/ 9470ft. – High point: 3033m/ 9950.787ft. approx.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Río Blanco – Maizal
Head back up to Choquequirao in time for sunrise over the ruins, and spend some more time exploring the extensive site. Continue your trek up the Choquequirao pass, and down again to the bottom of Rio Blanco canyon, stopping off at the Inca ruin of Pinchayunuyoc on the way. After lunch, climb out of the canyon and up to your campsite at Maizal. The afternoon’s hike is challenging, but very rewarding, as Maizal campsite boasts some of the best views of the entire trek!

Trekking time: 7:00 – 8:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 15 km. (9.32057 mi.) approx.
Low point: 3000/ 9842.52ft. – High point: 3500m/ 11482.94ft. approx.

Day 4: Maizal – San Juan – Yanama
Your morning hike will take you along an authentic Inca trail up to San Juan Pass, passing through a cloud forest into the Andean highlands. Visit an ancient mine, and take in the spectacular views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, before descending to your campsite at Yanama, situated at the bottom of a valley.

Trekking time: 7:00 – 8:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 11 km. (6.83508 mi.) approx.
Low point: 3500/ 11482.94ft. – High point: 4200m/ 13779.53ft. approx.

Day 5: Yanama – Hidroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast , you will take a bus to Hydroelectric . Then you will hike along the train track until you get to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours.
Here, you’ll check into your hotel and get an early night ahead of your sunrise visit to Machu Picchu!

Trekking time: 3:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 10 km. (6.21371mi.) approx.
Low point: 2000/ 6561.68ft. – High point: 4200m/ 13779.53ft. approx.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
You’ll catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu in order to beat the crowds! Enjoy a Machu Picchu tour with your expert guide, before spending some free time exploring the site by yourself. Next, hike up Huayna Picchu with your guide for spectacular views of Machu Picchu itself, and of the surrounding mountains. Travel back to Cusco in the afternoon, feeling very proud of your achievement, and full of wonderful memories of the Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek!

Trekking time: 3:00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 2.5 km. (1.55343mi.) approx.
Low point: 2000/ 6561.68ft. – High point: 2400m/ 7874.016ft. approx.

 Enjoy our amazing gallery about this amazing tour HERE

Important Information:

We recommend you book this tour at least 2 weeks in advance.If you have any extra question about this tour please contact us

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