Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu – 9 Days

Your adventure begins with a 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll be transferred in private transportation to Cachora (9,348 ft / 2,850 m.a.s.l.), a journey of approximately 4 hours. While breakfast is served, the crew will prepare the horses for the trek. The walk from Cachora commences with stunning views of the majestic snow-covered peak of Padrayoc (17,980 ft / 5,482 m.a.s.l.). This first day involves a 10-mile (16 km) hike, taking 5-6 hours, starting with a flat section. From the Capuliyoc viewpoint, you might even spot condors as you descend towards the impressive Apurimac Canyon. The vegetation shifts from agave and tuna cacti to dwarf tree forests. Lunch will be at Cocamasana before continuing to our campsite in Chiquisca (6,398 ft / 1,950 m.a.s.l.).

After an early breakfast, we’ll continue our descent from Chiquisca to the abundant Apurimac River (5,028 ft / 1,550 m.a.s.l.) nestled deep within its impressive canyon. Following a brief rest, the challenging ascent towards the Choquequirao Archaeological Site begins. The first 2-3 hours involve a steep climb to Santa Rosa, after which the trail alternates between flat sections and climbs, surrounded by beautiful vegetation with various orchid species. Lunch will be at Maranpata (9,348 ft / 2,850 m.a.s.l.). After approximately 2 more hours of walking, we’ll reach our campsite near Choquequirao (9,948 ft / 3,033 m.a.s.l.), offering spectacular canyon views and the possibility of spotting Andean Condors soaring overhead.

Today is dedicated to a comprehensive guided tour of the magnificent Choquequirao complex, meaning ‘Cradle of Gold’. We’ll explore both the upper (Hanan) and lower (Urin) sections, along with areas still enveloped in wild foliage, awaiting restoration to their former Inca glory. Below the main plaza, steep mountainsides reveal clusters of recently discovered buildings, including the intriguing Ridge Group and the Waterfall Temple, a ceremonial complex facing cascading ravines.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on an uphill trek to the first Choquequirao pass (11,152 ft / 3,400 m.a.s.l.), before descending into a cloud forest towards Rio Blanco (6,262 ft / 1,909 m.a.s.l.). Along the way, we’ll visit the Pinchayunuyoc Archaeological Site, resting and observing the flora and fauna around its ancient Inca Terraces. Upon reaching Rio Blanco, we’ll enjoy a break, perhaps a swim, and lunch. The afternoon involves a steep climb for about 3 hours to the village of Maizal (11,152 ft / 3,400 m.a.s.l.), situated high above the river and close to the sacred Apus (mountain deities) of the Incas. Our campsite for the night will be in Maizal.

Today’s trek begins with an uphill climb past the impressive Inca mines known as Minas Victoria, heading towards Victoria Pass (13,776 ft / 4,200 m.a.s.l.). This long ascent takes us through an incredibly beautiful area, transitioning from cloud forest to high Andean Puna with its characteristic Ichu grass. Trekkers will appreciate original paved Inca trails leading to the pass. We’ll enjoy a box lunch at the pass, offering views of Choquetakarpo Mountain and, depending on the weather, a chance to witness condors in flight. Finally, we descend to the welcoming community of Yanama (11,480 ft / 3,500 m.a.s.l.) for our overnight stay.

After breakfast, we begin a gradual climb to the highest pass of the tour, Yanama Pass (14,924 ft / 4,550 m.a.s.l.). The views from here are simply breathtaking, surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoc. Continuing from Yanama through the valley, this morning’s smooth ascent reveals new landscapes, crossing small wooden/dirt bridges. We’ll have lunch in the community of Totora before continuing to Colpapampa (9,479 ft / 2,890 m.a.s.l.), our beautiful campsite for the night, where you can relax in natural hot springs.

Today offers a more leisurely walk along the Santa Teresa River, allowing us to enjoy the increasingly lush vegetation, passing stunning waterfalls, and vibrant passion fruit and coffee plantations. We’ll pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi and the settlement at Wiñaypoko before reaching La Playa (7,068 ft / 2,155 m.a.s.l.) for lunch. After lunch, we’ll continue our walk to Lucmabamba.

Following breakfast, we begin a 3-hour climb to El Mirador or Abra Q’elloqasa (9,381 ft / 2,860 m.a.s.l.), where you’ll be rewarded with 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 (8,692 ft / 2,650 m.a.s.l.), where you can admire both Machu Picchu and Salkantay Mountain, taking a well-deserved rest while enjoying the recently restored ruins of Llaqtapata. A 2-hour descent through lush bamboo forests, orchards, and coffee plantations brings us to the hydroelectric plant of Machu Picchu. From here, we board a scenic 40-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

Today is the highly anticipated visit to Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a bus up to the citadel. Your expert guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2-hour tour of this iconic Inca sanctuary, exploring its temples, plazas, ceremonial centers, and agricultural terraces. Learn about the history, architecture, and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After your guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own, soak in the panoramic views, or simply reflect on your incredible journey. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for your train departure to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Cusco’s nearest train station). Upon arrival, private transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable Choquequirao to Machu Picchu adventure.