Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu in 8 Days



A trip that will take you through 8 unforgettable days deep into the empire passing the two most important and incredible cities of the Inca Empire; Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, and amazing mountain views with the best flora and fauna and wildlife Peru can offer.

Availability for Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu in 8 days

Availability The Choquequirao Trek departs from our travel agency every day all year round. We recommend to go on this trek from April to October, because of the dry season.

ITINERARY


Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisqa


The adventure to Choquequirao begins early in the morning from Cusco to Cachora (3100 m), which is the last place where you have the opportunity to buy applies and water. You will be picked up from your hotel and be transported to Cachora.

On the way we will pass Limatambo which has some very picturesque archaeological sites to visit. From Cachora we begin our hiking towards Chiquisqa (2000 m) for 6-7 hours. Along the road we will pass the two small villages Capuliyoc (2800 m) and Cocamasana, in one of these places we will enjoy our lunch.

In Chiquisqa we will settle our camp, eat dinner together and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the forest of Chiquisqa and all its different types of fruits. A good sleep is important so we can be ready for the hike to the imporatant Inca site of Choquequirao the next day.


Day 2: Chiquisqa – Marampata - Choquequirao


This is an important day, where you will experience the amazing city of the Incas; Choquequirao, therefore it is important that we start our day in a good way with wake-up-tee and a solid breakfast. From our camp in Chiquisqa the route will take us to Choquequirao (3150 m) in the end of the day. On the hike we will walk downhill for an hour until we reach the bridge of Rosalina.

Thereafter the hike takes us uphill for two hours to Santa Rosa Baja, where we will have a little break to collect some energy before we will ascend the mountain for two more hours to Marampata, where we can enjoy the view of the beautiful landscapes of the valley. From there we hike for 1.5 hours to the archaeological site of Choquequirao. At Choquequirao we will enjoy our lunch, set up our camp and eat dinner together. In the night we can experience the mystical atmosphere of Choquequirao where the gods of the Incas once ruled and their spirits still floats around.


Day 3: Choquequirao - Pinchaunuyoc – Maizal


Early in the morning we can see the sun rise over the ruins and throw a wonderful light over the site. After the breakfast we will visit the magnificent ruins of Choquequirao with its mystical atmosphere, its incredible surroundings and the unique llama-walls which were recently discovered in 2006.

With some luck we can also spot the amazing condor. From Choquequirao we will begin our journey to the magnificent Inca city Machu Picchu. The journey to Machu Picchu begins with a hike uphill for 1.5 hours until we reach the mountain peak, where we can get a wonderful overview of the beautiful landscape this area has to offer.

From there we will descend for 4 hours until we hit Rio Blanco, on the way down we will pass the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc, which will give us a fantastic view of how the Incas built terraces, which got used for agriculture, in a large area on the steep mountain slopes. Once we are down at Rio Blanco we will enjoy a nice lunch before we begin another 4-hour-hike uphill. In the end of the hike we will arrive to the home of Maizal (3000 m).


Day 4: Maizal – Yanama


Early in the morning the guides will wake you up with the traditional wake-up-tee and breakfast, so we can get ready for the long hike.

First we will ascend for 4 hours until we reach the mountain peak, where we will eat a nice lunch and enjoy the view of the green mountains. From there we will descend for 6 hours until we reach the village of Yanama, where we will eat a delicious dinner and get settled for the night.


Day 5: Yanama - Abra Yanama – Totoro


On our 5th day of our Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu, we'll wake up early and have our breakfast with our group to get us ready for our trek. Today we'll actually be able to see parts of an original Inca trail along the Choquequirao trek!

We'll hike uphill for about 4 to 5 hours and then an additional 6 hours going downhill, so it will be a long day. We will also go through the Abra Minas Victoria, a pass between the mountains before ending up in Yanama. Yanama is a small town where we'll setup our camp, have dinner and stay overnight.


Day 6: Totora – Playa


After wake-up-tee and breakfast, we will leave the community of Totora and hike for 6 hours to the village of Playa. The first hour of the hike is flat and the rest goes downhill.

Along the road we will find a nice place to sit and enjoy our lunch and the surroundings together. When we arrive to Playa we will set up our camp and have a dinner.

Day 7: Playa - Lucma Bamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes


Today we will arrive to the village of Machu Picchu after many hours of hiking. After the breakfast in our camp we will descend for 2 hours down to the village of Lucma Bamba.

From there we will ascend for 3 hours up to the archaeological site of Llactapacta, where you can enjoy the view of the ruins and terraces of the Incas. Here we will have a lunch before we get back on the track towards the village of Machu Picchu.

After the lunch we hike downhill for 2 hours until we get Hidroelectrica. From Hidroelectrica there is a beautiful 3 hour hike to Aguas Calientes, where you will have perfect opportunities to take fantastic photos from you camera; this is one of the most picturesque routes on the trek, or you can take the train for 40 min. and it will cost an extra 26 $. In Aguas Calientes we will get comfortable into our hotel and have dinner, so we can get ready for the big day, where we will experience "the lost city of the Incas".

Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo - Cusco (22 km)


On the final day our journey will culminate, because we will experience one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. Therefore we will get up at 4.00 in the morning and get up to Machu Picchu early, so we have all day to enjoy the view of the city. We will hike for 1.5 hours from Aguas Calientes to the magnificent Machu Picchu.

Once we arrive the guide will give us a tour through "the lost city of the Incas" and all its temples, offering places and sacred sites for 2 hours. Thereafter you will have some free time to explore this amazing city by yourselves and walk around in the labyrinth of ruins.

After the unforgettable visit, a bus will take you down to Aguas Calientes, where you have to take the train to Ollantaytambo, which departs at 6.35; the trip will take 1 hour and 40 min. In Ollantaytambo a bus will be waiting for you to take you back to Cusco; the bus trip will take 1 hour and 40 min. In Cusco at the Plaza de Armas we say goodbye to each other and our adventure ends.

END OF OUR SERVICES

INCLUDES

  • Briefing for trek one or two days beforehand
  • Transfers In / Out
  • Transportation from Cusco to Cachora where we start walking
  • Professional bilingual tour guide
  • Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
  • Entrance fee to Choquequirao
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Professional cook. All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-allergies and general dislikes can be catered for so long as prior warning is given when booking the trip.
  • Drinking water only during meals
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • First aid kit
  • 1 oxygen tank
  • Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
  • Duffle bag (in which you can put up to 5 kilos of your personal belongings - your sleeping bag included)
  • Quadruple and waterproof camping tent (cap. 4 fitting 2)
  • 1 sleeping mattress per person
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (see note about train availability, changes in times, etc.)
  • Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

NOT INCLUDES

  • Breakfast on 1st day, lunch and dinner on last day
  • Water for your water bottles. You can buy water along the way or bring water purification tablets
  • Activities and items not included in the itinerary
  • Sleeping bag
  • Entrance fees for Thermal Baths in Aguas Calientes ($4)
  • Tips are not included but are optional

Extras

  • Walking sticks/trekking poles (rental: $30)
  • Extra horse ($160)
  • Sleeping bag ($40)
  • Personal tent (rental $50 for trek)
  • Extra money to buy snacks, water, tips, etc.
  • Upgrade in class from Expedition Train service to Vistadome (panoramic) Train service (upgrade $50)
  • Huayna Picchu entrance ticket ($15 per person). Make sure to book early since there are limited spaces available and they can sell out quickly!
  • Entrance fee for hot springs in Aguas Calientes ($4)
  • We can also provide great prices on hotels for all of Peru (Standard to Luxury)!

Notes

  • Itinerary and campsites may change according to the climate and health status of the trekkers.
  • Train times for the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo may change according to the train company's availability and will be confirmed close to the time of the trek. If someone books later than most of the group, we may not be able to provide the same train as the rest of the group.
  • Change to earlier/later train time at time of booking (price depending on train availability).
  • Tips/gratuities not included but are optional according to the services rendered.
  • Don't forget to bring your passport and ISIC (if applicable).

Discounts

  • To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC (International Student Identity Card) card. Scan the card and email us the copy at the time of your booking for a $20 discount per student!
  • For children younger than 17, we offer a $20 discount. Just scan and email a copy of the passports at the time of your booking.

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

" Inka Trail Expeditions Perú is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations , offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget

NOTE: Inka Trail Expeditions Perú, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.

From $ 849.00 USD
Tour Code: CM9
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Duration

8 Days & 7 Nights

Information Details

Departures Dates

Every day of the year (please check availability in our groups).

Altitude

1950m - 4200m / 6398ft - 13780ft

Visited Places

Cusco, Saywite, Cachora, Chikisca, Marampata, Choquequirao, Pinchaunuyoc, Maizal, Yanama, Totora, La Playa, Hidroeletric, Llactapata, Aguas Caliente, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Cusco

Trek Availability

- Daily departures are available along the year, the recommended period for this trek is April to October.
- All private service departure dates are adapted to your request any day you choose.

Group Size

Small groups 10 – 16 people maximun. Average 12 people. The world opens up a little more for a small group, We have the freedom to move around

Preparation prior the Hiking Trips

due to the altitude of the highest point in Capulichayoc Point we recommend a period of at least 1 day for acclimatization in Cusco at 3350m/10991ft.

Meals

Vegetarian option at no extra cost. Check our regular menú

Difficulty LEVEL: BY DAY

DAY 1: moderate
DAY 2: moderate
DAY 3: moderate
DAY 4: challenge
DAY 5: challenge
DAY 6: moderate
DAY 7: moderate
DAY 8: easy

Altitudes / Distances / Walking hours
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisqa
  • Meals: L – D
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Maximum altitude: 3400 m/11150 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 2000 m/6560 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 19km
  • Approximate walking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 2: Chiquisqa – Choququirao
  • Meals: B - L – D
  • Accomodation: Tents
  • Maximum altitude: 3150 m/10170 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 2000 m/6560 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 12.5 km
  • Approximate walking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 3: Choququirao – Maizal
  • Meals: B - L – D
  • Accomodation: Tents
  • Maximum altitude: 3150 m/10170 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 1900 m/ 6230 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 15 km
  • Approximate walking Time: 9 hours
Day 4: Maizal – Yanama
  • Meals: B - L – D
  • Accomodation: Tents
  • Maximum altitude: 4300 m/ 14100 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 3500 m/ 11480 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 13 km
  • Approximate walking Time: 10 hours
Day 5: Yanama – Totoro
  • Meals: B - L – D
  • Accomodation: Tents
  • Maximum altitude: 4620 m/ 15150 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 3400 m/ 11150 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 12KM
  • Approximate walking Time: 8 hours
Day 6: Totora – Playa
  • Meals: B - L – D
  • Accomodation: Tents
  • Maximum altitude: 3400 m/ 11150 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 2135 m/ 7000 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 15KM
  • Approximate walking Time: 6 hours
Day 7: Playa – Aguas Calientes
  • Meals: B - L – D
  • Accomodation: hotel
  • Maximum altitude: 2590 m/ 8500 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 1870 m/ 6130 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 16KM
  • Approximate walking Time: 10 hours
Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
  • Meals: B - L Machupicchu (2430) – Cusco (3400)
  • Accomodation: hotel
  • Maximum altitude: 3400 m/ 11150 ft.
  • Minimum altitude: 2430 m/ 7970 ft.
  • Distance travelled: 7 km
  • Approximate walking Time: 1.5 hours

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