INCA EXPEDITIONS presents this remarkable itinerary designed to explore two of the most significant Inca cities in Cusco: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The journey commences in Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Traverse the high Andes to reach the impressive Choquequirao site, where you will hav...
Challenging, Challenging
Hike, Jungle, Culture, Adventure
Max: 4316m. – 14156ft. Min: 2800m. – 9184ft.
Group Service
INCA EXPEDITIONS presents this remarkable itinerary designed to explore two of the most significant Inca cities in Cusco: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The journey commences in Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Traverse the high Andes to reach the impressive Choquequirao site, where you will have the chance to explore and understand the purpose of this historical location. You will also visit Llactapata, where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu along with the surrounding peaks, including Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountains, and Salkantay Mountain. Upon arriving at the Inca city, your guide will provide an informative tour, followed by time to explore at your leisure. Afterward, you will return to Cusco.
The adventure begins at 5 a.m. when our guide picks you up from your hotel in a private van. We drive for about 4 hours to Capuliyoc, perched on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. En route, you’ll see charming villages and stunning valleys. At Capuliyoc, we meet the horsemen and load our gear onto the horses. You will only need to carry a small daypack with essentials. From here, we descend for 2 hours to Chikiska, where we’ll enjoy lunch. We then continue for another hour to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m/5,084 ft), our first campsite. Hot drinks and appetizers will be ready upon arrival, and your tents will be pre-set. You’ll have time to settle in before a hearty dinner.
Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Start your day with a hot tea or coffee brought to your tent, followed by breakfast. Early departure takes us uphill to Santa Rosa and then to Maranpata for lunch. The climb from the river is steep and takes about 4 hours. From our lunch spot, we get our first substantial view of Choquequirao’s expanse. We then hike for another 2 hours to reach the Choquequirao Archaeological Site (3,110 m/10,120 ft). Upon arrival, drinks, appetizers, and tents will be ready. Enjoy a relaxing evening, watching the sunset and condors soaring above.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 13 km/8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
After breakfast, we will thoroughly explore the Choquequirao archaeological site and take a brief rest before lunch. In the afternoon, we will leave camp and hike over a ridge before descending for 2 hours to the intriguing Pinchiunuyoc site, where we will camp overnight. This day is considered the easiest of the trek.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Enjoy a hot drink in your sleeping bag and a delicious breakfast before departing camp. We’ll hike downhill for 2 hours to the Rio Blanco Canyon (1,990 m/6,527 ft) for lunch. After a rest, we’ll begin a challenging climb to our next campsite at Maizal, which takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
We set out at 7 a.m., ascending for about 3 hours through a subtropical jungle to the Victoria Mines, where we explore the site and some Inca ruins. We then climb for another hour to the Victoria Pass (4,130 m/13,546 ft), offering spectacular views. We descend to the quaint village of Yanama (about 2 hours walk), navigating some well-built Inca steps.
Upon reaching Yanama, we will take local transport to Lucmabamba, enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and waterfalls along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
Today, we will walk for 3 hours along the original Inca Trail and through the cloud forest to the Puncuyoc Pass, then to the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m/8,907 ft), directly facing Machu Picchu Citadel.
From this vantage point, we will enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu from afar. After taking in the scenery, we’ll descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant for lunch. We then continue walking to Aguas Calientes through the Machu Picchu National Sanctuary, surrounded by the iconic Machu Picchu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu (3*)
Distance: 18 km/11.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
The day has arrived for Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise—a truly extraordinary experience. Your guide will provide a tour of the site, which lasts about two hours, covering the essential parts of Machu Picchu Citadel and explaining its division into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
After exploring, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you may have time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will depart for Ollantaytambo at either 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., traveling along the scenic Urubamba River. The train offers views of Wiñay Wayna from the steep canyon wall. At Ollantaytambo, our driver will meet you at the train station and transport you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an expected arrival time of around 7:00 p.m.
Meal included: Breakfast
For those who booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu, this tour will be self-guided.
IMPORTANT:
You have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times—2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., 4:22 p.m., or 4:43 p.m. The cost for this upgrade is $67 USD. Early trains can be arranged upon request at the time of booking
Included:
Not Included:
Note: Huayna Picchu is an optional hike within Machu Picchu Citadel and does not include a guide. Typically, the climb is done independently after the Machu Picchu tour. If you prefer a guided hike, please request this in advance as it incurs an additional cost.
PRICES
The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu for 7 days is available on nearly any date that fits your schedule! We require a minimum of two people to book.
Note: For solo trekkers, please inquire about the price.
Additional Information: The price includes an extra pack horse to carry up to 7 kg of your belongings. A duffel bag will be provided for your items. We use large Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
EXTRAS
Note: Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel and typically does not include a guide. The climb is generally undertaken independently after the tour of Machu Picchu. If you wish to have a guided hike, please request this in advance for an additional fee.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
PACKING LIST FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU:
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG (7 Kgs/14 lbs Maximum):
TOILETRIES:
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK (Daypack 30-40L):
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCAS EXPEDITIONS sign at the arrival terminal exit.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will occur the evening before the trek at 6:00 p.m. at our office
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or at your hotel in Cusco, whichever is more convenient for you, during the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu.
HOW TO BOOK THE 7-DAY CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Changes to Machu Picchu tickets are not allowed once purchased. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you need to change your date, contact us as soon as possible. Deposits are non-refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
Yes, you must bring your original passport, which should match the number provided for your booking. If you renew your passport or change your name, send us the old passport details, and we can update it for a fee of $25 per person. Alternatively, bring both old and new passports to Peru.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
The weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK?
Acclimatization generally takes 24 hours to 2 days. Remedies include drinking water, coca tea, and using oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to assist with altitude sickness.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
Group size is limited to a maximum of 8 people. Most groups range from 2-6 participants. INCA EXPEDITIONS specializes in small, private groups for personalized service.
HIKING THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
The evening before the trek, you will receive a small duffel bag for your clothes (up to 7 kg/14 lbs). Your day backpack should be 30-40L to carry essentials like a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, snacks, and water. You will not have access to your duffel bag until the end of each day.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The trek is moderate to difficult. While you don’t need to be an athlete, good fitness is beneficial. Regular exercise or hiking beforehand will enhance your experience.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE TREK?
We provide private, clean, and sanitary toilet facilities with a camping toilet and individual tent, set up a comfortable distance from the campsite.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK?
If you cannot complete the trek due to health issues, we will assist you to the nearest town for transportation. Extreme cases may require helicopter evacuation at your expense (travel insurance required). No refunds are provided if you cannot finish the trek.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Yes, we include drop-off at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba). If you stay in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
Train departure times vary but are usually booked for 14:55 or 15:20 to maximize your time at Machu Picchu and enjoy the scenic return.
WHAT ABOUT THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train upgrade costs $67 USD per person and features panoramic windows, nicer seats, snacks, and a dance show. The journey from Aguas Calientes to Cusco takes about 3.5 hours with this upgrade, including transfer to your hotel.
TIPPING
Tips are appreciated but not compulsory. They are a significant part of the tourism industry and motivate our staff to provide excellent service. Tip as you see fit based on the service received.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, INCA EXPEDITIONS is a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator. We protect the environment, benefit local communities, and respect their culture and religion. Our staff are trained to understand and respect local people and places.
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