Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, is for the truly adventurous. Traversing the Cordillera Vilcabamba, this route avoids major tourist crowds as it travels through an immense range of landscapes from snowy mountain passes to sub-tropical rainforest in deep river gorges. Along with seeing a variety of native flora and fauna and panoramic mountain vistas, we will visit two major Inca sites–Choquequirao and machupicchu.
The itinerary below is a sample. Hiking times are an average and will vary depending on the group. Additionally, lunch and camp sites may change to meet the needs of the group and conditions.
Pre trek
The day before the trek, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an in-depth briefing. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and do any last-minute shopping before leaving Cusco.
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Day 1: Cusco-Cachora-Rio Apurimac
The day begins with a three-hour drive through the mountains from Cusco to the trailhead at Cachora (2900m). Here we meet our wranglers and pack animals. We descend through lush countryside with good views of snow-capped mountains and into the canyon of the Rio Apurimac to camp for the night.
7 to 8 hours walking, 2,900-1,550m
Day 2: Rio Apurimac-Choquequirao
Today is a difficult but rewarding day as we cross the Rio Apurimac and climb to Choquequirao (3100m). Along the way we will pass the communities of Santa Rosa and Marampata, as well as see a waterfall and abundant orchids. We camp near the ruins.
6 hours walking, 1,550-3100m
Day 3: Choquequirao
The whole day is devoted to fully exploring the ruins of Choquequirao, much of which is still unexcavated and covered in dense forest, giving the modern explorer the opportunity to experience what the site was like when mapped by explorers such as Hiram Bingham. In the morning we visit the lower portions, including farming terraces and communal areas. After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, we will return to the site and visit the upper portions where the most important shrines are, including seeing the recently-discovered place of the llamas.
Day 4: Choquequirao-Rio Blanco
We leave Choquequirao and climb a steep trail through the cloud-forest to the Choquequirao pass (3250m). The trail then descends along an old water canal to the Inca terraces of Pinchiunuyoc. From here we continue to descend, entering a drier environment characterized by small bushes and open areas, from which we can see Mount Victoria.. We camp by the Rio Blanco.
5 hours walking, 3100-3250-1900m
Day 5: Rio Blanco-Minas Victoria
This is another challenging day. Leaving the river in the morning, we begin another arduous ascent. The climb is varied, however, as the landscape changes once again from scrub land and bamboo to cloud forest. Here we begin to see the Victoria silver mines used by the Incas and later by the Spanish. These mines, consisting of small tunnels in the cliffs, are not mined commercially but farmers from the valley beyond often try their luck. We camp at a small meadow called Minas Victoria, a beautiful camp with views of the canyons we just climbed and the surrounding snow-capped peaks, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.
7 hours walking, 1900-3850m
Day 6: Minas Victoria-Yanama- Aguas Calientes.
Leaving camp, we follow a well-preserved Inca road the last hour to the pass. Climbing higher, the cloud forest gives way to Andean puna before the San Juan pass (4200m), where on a clear day there are incredible views of the Vilcabamba range, including the snow-capped peaks of Choquetacarpo and Pumacsillo. We pass by more silver mines and descend along an Inca trail that hugs the cliff-side high above the valley to the isolated village of Yanama (3500m). where we will take a local transportation to the hidrolectrica train stations and catch our train to aguas calientes for 45 minutes.
5 hours walking, 3850-4200-3900m
Day 7: Machupicchu -Cusco.
After enjoying the tourist amenities of Aguas Calientes and getting a full night’s sleep at a hotel, we catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu in order to see the awe-inspiring view of the ruins at sunrise. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to climb Huayna Picchu, explore the city, or simply relax. In the early afternoon we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you catch the train to Cusco.
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What’s Included
- Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, plus an assistant guide for large groups
- Support staff including professional cooks and wranglers for the mules and horses./li>
- Horses and mules to carry group gear as well as large duffels bags, provided at the briefing, for personal items. (No weight limit)
- All meals on trek, which incorporate traditional Peruvian dishes as well as modern fusion cuisine and special dietary needs
- Drinking water and snacks.
- Dining tent with table, stools, and all dining implements, toilet tent, and kitchen tent
- Sleeping tents, foam pads, and Thermarest. Three-person tents are provided for single occupancy and four-person tents for double occupancy to allow plenty of room for personal gear.
- Private toilet tent
- One riding horse for emergencies. Additional riding horses can be provided for an additional charge.
- First aid kit, including oxygen
- Pre-trek briefing
- All group entrance fees, including Machupicchu
- Optional climb to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain!
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes. (3 star hotel)
- Train. (Expedition Train Service)
- All transfers, including private van from your hotel in Cusco to Cachora, transfer to Aguas Calientes, bus to and from Machu Picchu, and private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
What is not Included
- Dinner on the 6th day at Aguas Calientes. Lunch and dinner on the 7th day.
- Personal hiking gear including backpacks, trekking poles, and sleeping bags. Poles and sleeping bags may be hired.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and wranglers.
- Entrance to hot springs or other entertainments in Aguas Calientes.
- Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be hired according to the needs of the individual and group.
Important Considerations Much of this trek is isolated and rugged. It is advised that trekkers acclimate by spending a few days at Cusco (3300m) or similar before attempting the trek.
The trail crosses several high passes, and has multiple days that cover significant distances and elevation changes. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and be experienced hikers. Additionally, weather and trail conditions can vary. Temperatures range from warm and humid to below freezing. Trekkers should be prepared for changes to the itinerary and to meet unexpected challenges with an open-mind and sense of adventure.
Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain is an excellent addition to a trip to Machu Picchu. It offers superlative views, but it is a steep climb that can take about three hours. Entrance to Huayna Picchu is limited and only at scheduled times. If you would like to consider doing the climb, it is important to book it in advance.
The last two days of the trek are through areas with heavy tourist traffic.
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Price per person US$970.00
Rates are per person for the 7-day/6-night Choquequirao To Machu Picchu program.
