Hidden Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Journey – 8 Days

Your adventure begins with a 5:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a 4-hour private transfer to Cachora (2,850m / 9,348ft). While breakfast is served, our crew will prepare the horses for the trek. We’ll start our 16 km (9.93 miles) hike from Cachora, observing the majestic, snow-capped peak of Padrayoc (5,482m / 17,980ft). The initial segment is mostly flat, leading to the Capuliyoc viewpoint, where you might spot Andean condors. From here, we descend into the impressive Apurímac Canyon, observing the change in vegetation from agave and cactus to dwarf forest. Lunch will be at Cocamasana, and we’ll continue to our campsite at Chiquisca (1,950m / 6,398ft).

After an early breakfast, we resume our descent towards the mighty Apurímac River (1,550m / 5,028ft) at the bottom of its breathtaking canyon. After a brief rest, we begin the steep ascent to the Choquequirao Archaeological Site. The first 2-3 hours are particularly challenging, climbing towards Santa Rosa. The terrain then alternates between flat and uphill sections, surrounded by lush vegetation and various orchid species. We’ll have lunch at Maranpata (2,850m / 9,348ft) before continuing for another two hours to reach Choquequirao (3,033m / 9,948ft). Our campsite offers spectacular canyon views, and you might even spot Andean condors soaring overhead.

Following breakfast, we’ll trek uphill to the first Choquequirao Pass (3,400m / 11,152ft), then descend through a cloud forest to the Pinchayunuyoc archaeological site. Here, we’ll rest and admire the flora and fauna around ancient Inca Terraces. We’ll continue to Rio Blanco (1,909m / 6,262ft) for a refreshing break, a swim, and lunch. After lunch, prepare for a steep 3-hour climb to the village of Maizal (3,400m / 11,152ft), situated high above the river, close to the sacred Apus (mountain spirits) of the Incas. We’ll camp here for the night.

Today’s trek begins with an uphill climb past the impressive Inca mines known as Minas Victoria, leading towards the challenging Victoria Pass (4,200m / 13,776ft). This long ascent takes us through stunning landscapes, transitioning from cloud forest to high Andean Puna, characterized by the iconic Ichu grass. You’ll walk along original paved Inca trails. We’ll enjoy a box lunch at the pass, offering panoramic views of Mount Choquetakarpo and, depending on the weather, the chance to witness condors in flight. Finally, we descend to the tranquil community of Yanama (3,500m / 11,480ft) for our overnight stay.

We begin a slow climb to the highest point of our trek, the Yanama Pass (4,550m / 14,924ft). The views from here are simply breathtaking, surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Mount Sacsarayoj and Mount Padreyoc. As we continue through the valley, we’ll have another opportunity to spot condors. This morning’s gentle climb introduces new landscapes, crossing small wooden bridges en route to the community of Totora, where we’ll have lunch. Afterwards, we proceed to Colpapampa (2,890m / 9,479ft), our beautiful campsite, featuring natural hot springs perfect for relaxation.

Today’s hike is an easy walk along the scenic Santa Teresa River. We’ll enjoy the increasingly lush vegetation, passing stunning waterfalls and vibrant passion fruit and coffee plantations. We’ll traverse the waterfalls at Coripacchi and the settlement of Wiñaypoko before reaching La Playa (2,155m / 7,068ft) for lunch. After our meal, we continue our journey to Lucmabamba for the night.

We start our day with a 3-hour climb to El Mirador or Abra Q’elloqasa (2,860m / 9,381ft), offering an exceptional and unique view of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, from a different angle. We then continue to the Llaqtapata archaeological site (2,650m / 8,692ft), where we can enjoy another incredible vista of both Machu Picchu and the majestic Salkantay Mountain. After a well-deserved rest at the recently restored Llaqtapata, a 2-hour descent through lush bamboo forests, orchards, and coffee plantations leads us to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant. From here, we’ll board a short, 40-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes. You’ll check into your hotel for the night.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before an early transfer to the bus stop for a 25-minute ride up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a comprehensive guided tour of this iconic Inca sanctuary. Visit the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the sacred Intihuatana (the most important preserved sun dial), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, ancient houses, and warehouses, all connected by narrow roads and steps. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and then a train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (depending on availability). From there, a private transfer will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your unforgettable journey.