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Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

Quick Details

  • Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
  • Ages: 12+ years

Embark on a truly spectacular trek to Machu Picchu! Descend into the Apurimac Canyon, ascend to the captivating ruins of Choquequirao, and culminate your journey at the magical site of Machu Picchu.

Traveler

Ages 12+

$ 1897

Take an 8-Day Trek into the Vilcabamba Mountain Range!

If you are looking to hike to Machu Picchu, this truly spectacular trek is for you! Descend into the Apurimac canyon, climb back up to the fascinating ruins of Choquequirao, and finish off at the magical site of Machu Picchu.

Highlights

  • Cross high mountain passes with beautiful views.
  • Marvel at Andean condors cruising the sky.
  • Explore Choquequirao, a sacred hillside Inca site.
  • Awe at the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cuzco – Chiquisca, Peru Depart from Cuzco – Hike from Cachora village (2,910m) to Chiquisca (1,836m) (L/D)

Commence your journey as you are picked up early from your Cuzco accommodation (between 7:00 – 7:30 hrs). Embark on a scenic drive through the South Valley, eventually reaching the small village of Cachora (2,910m), your trek’s starting point. Upon arrival, meet the mule drivers who will assist with loading gear onto horses and mules. Begin the day’s hike along the Apurímac canyon, with panoramic views of Padrayoc and Choke Takarpu mountains. After lunch at Capuliyoc (2,915m), descend for 2 hours to Chiquisca (1,836m), where you’ll camp near the Apurimac River.

Day 2: Chiquisca – Choquequirao, Peru Hike from Chiquisca to Choquequirao archaeological site (2,850m) (B/L/D)

Start the day with an early breakfast and a 1.5-hour downhill hike to Playa Rosalinda. Cross a suspension bridge over the Apurimac River and ascend to Santa Rosa (2,095m) for lunch. Continue ascending to Marampata village (2,913m), inhabited by shepherd families. After a challenging 3-hour trek, arrive at the campsite with panoramic views of the Choquequirao archaeological site and the Apurimac river valley.

Day 3: Choquequirao – Maizal, Peru Hike from Choquequirao to Maizal camp (3,000m) (B/L/D)

Begin early to witness Choquequirao in the morning light and explore the “lost Inca city.” Trek for about 2 hours to the restored Pinchaunuyoc archaeological site (2,500m). Follow a steep trail to reach the campsite at Maizal (3,000m) after a challenging 3-hour hike.

Day 4: Maizal – Yanama, Peru Hike from Maizal camp to Yanama camp (4,100m) (B/L/D)

Ascend toward Paso Victoria, passing through lush cloud forest with spectacular views. Take a break at the pass (3,900m) for stunning vistas. Descend to the village of Yanama (4,100m) for lunch and free time to relax.

Day 5: Yanama – Totora, Peru Hike to the Totora community (4,100m) via High Pass (4,668m) (B/L/D)

Trek from Yanama to a high pass at 4,668m for breathtaking views of Salkantay and Huayanay mountains. Cross Yanama pass at 4,500m, with a chance to see condors. Descend to the Totora community for the night (4,100m).

Day 6: Totora – Santa Teresa, Peru Hike to Sayahuaco & Transfer to Santa Teresa town (1,700m) (B/L/D)

Explore vibrant flora and fauna on the descent to the Totora River near Sayahuaco for lunch. Traverse the tropical region with waterfalls, plantations, and diverse bird life. Transfer to Santa Teresa town (1,700m) for the night, with an option to relax in hot springs (extra cost).

Day 7: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes, Peru Hike from Santa Teresa town to Aguas Calientes (2,040m) (B/L/D)

Embark on an easy hike along the Vilcanota River to the Hydroelectric station (1,900m) for lunch. Continue a 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes (2,040m) for a well-deserved rest. Spend the afternoon exploring the town before dinner and a comfortable night’s sleep.

Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Cuzco, Peru Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cuzco (B)

Catch one of the first buses (5:30 am) to Machu Picchu for an early morning visit. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and explore the site at your own pace. Return to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and visit the local marketplace. Take a train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus to Cuzco, arriving around 8:00 pm at the Plaza San Francisco. Make your own way to your chosen accommodation upon arrival.

Machu Picchu Guided Site Visit:
The one and only, this is the most spectacular (and not to mention most popular) archaeological site in all of South America. Your guide will take you on a two-hour tour of Machu Picchu, walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place.  Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. When you decide to head back down to Aguas Calientes, there are buses departing every 15 minutes from the entrance, or you can take the walking trail down if you feel like another 1-hour stair stepping downhill to Aguas Calientes town.

Take an OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 – 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least two weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00 am and 200 more at 10:00 am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket. If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)

-Included-

-Activities: 1

*8 day Choquequirao trek including Machu Picchu visit

-Transport: 3

*Pick-up, transport on tour

*Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up

*Tourist Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

*Bus transportation on trip

-Accommodation: 7

*Mixed accommodation

*6 night camping

*1 night 3-star hotel

-Meals: 21

*7B / 7L / 7D

-Guides:

*Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour

-Extras: 5

*Machu Picchu & Choquequirao Entrance Fees

*Foam Sleeping Mat

*Horses to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker. (This includes 2.5 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 2.5 kilos of personal items.)

*First Aid kit

*Emergency oxygen bottle

-Not included-

*Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off (please make your own way)

*Day 1 Meals, Day 2 Breakfast, Day 8 Lunch & Dinner

*Bottled water

*Sleeping Bag ($30 USD for the trek)

*Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)

*Hot Springs Santa Teresa (20 soles)

*Optional Train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (30 usd)

*Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (48 soles) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance

*Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (48 soles) must be booked at least 1 week in advance

*Tips (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America, however it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.) Guide: 80-100 soles per trekker, Horsemen: 120-150 soles for each horseman from the whole group, Cook: 300-350 soles for the cook from the whole group

*Prices for optional activities are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Please confirm these prices before departing on the trek

Typical Meals on the Trek

On all of our treks to Machu Picchu, we search for great cooks who provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain, with specialty menus and the freshest local ingredients available. Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek. A vegetarian option is available upon request (please advise at least two days in advance).

  • Breakfast: Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
  • Lunch & Dinner:
    • First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes
    • Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chili pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew)
  • Desserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, and boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk
  • Snacks: Boiled water for hot tea, coca tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk along with popcorn, cookies, crackers

Additional Information

  • Physical Requirements: This hike is demanding; it’s important to be in very good physical condition. The elevation changes, the length of the trek, and the various high passes make the hike strenuous.
  • Suggested Packing List – Bring or Rent in Cuzco: Hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sunblock, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, and Gatorade, which doubles or triples in price along the trail.
  • Essentials to Bring: Original passport, visa (if applicable), insurance card, personal medications. Travelers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry their old passport or a photocopy with them on the trip.

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