Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trekking Peru Trekking

Price

1,792$ per person

Duration

8 Days

Destination

More than 1

Travellers

Information
Tour Plan
Location
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Visit two archaeological sites; Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Trekking

Approximately 83 kilometers that you walk through this trekking; you will walk along the Apurimac river canyon and into the remains of Choquequirao, via the Cordillera Vilcabamba until you finally arrive at the southern edge of Machu Picchu. At first, we will visit Choquequirao’s amazing and recently reinstated Inca citadel, resting on Apurimac Canyon’s edge. We then navigate the Vilcabamba Mountains, trekking above the panoramic passes, from where we can see the gorges, the community life, the ancient terracing and the stunning mountain landscape with huge ice flutes, rock formations and glaciers scattered with crossing streams, cultivated valleys and cloud forests. Lastly, we trek into the cloud forest and the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This is an ideal program for people wanting to enjoy a blend of mountains and archaeology.

Highlight

Hike through Apurimac Canyon.
The lost Inca fortress of Choquequirao.
Super trekking in the rugged Peruvian Andes.
Trek between the premier Inca sites of Peru Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Challenging trekking, Choquequirao—one of Peru’s most dramatic mountain ranges.
Finish with Machu Picchu, the ultimate Peru holiday.

What's included

Destination

Choquequirao Trek , Machu Picchu , Peru Treks Discover Destinations

Departure Location

Cusco

Return Location

Cusco

Price includes

24 hour support by our local staff
Accommodation in Hotel with breakfast included
Accommodation in personal tents (camping)
All entrance fees and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All ground transportation
All transfers airport, train station or bus station transfers, Hotel pickup and drop-off
All transfers are assisted by English speaking staff
Guided tours by local quality English speaking guides
Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available)
Train tickets

Price does not include

Anything not specified in the itinerary description
Domestic flight tickets
Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Guidance in other languages
International flight tickets
Other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
Sleeping bag
Tips for guides, drivers and other staff
VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodation
Walking sticks

Trip code: CMT8D01

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

Day 1

Transport to Capuliyoc, Hike to Santa Rosa

On the first day of the Choquequirao trek, depart Cusco at 05:00am in a private car for a 4 hour drive to the charming village of Cachora (2,900m/9,514ft), situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks.
We will stop in Cachora to purchase any last minute supplies before continuing by car to just before Capuliyoc (2,920m/9,580ft) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Huayna Cachora.
We will meet our arrieros (muleteers) from here we descend steeply into the Apurimac Canyon, taking in the spectacular views as we descend for 3.5 to 4 hours to Chiquisca (1,850m/6,070ft), with breathtaking drops to our side. 1 hour after Chiquisca we arrive at the roaring Apurimac River (1,500m/4,921ft).
From the river, we begin to climb to the Santa Rosa Campsite (1,910m/6,266ft). This is a tough climb of 2 hours but makes the next day easier! - As the campsite is further along than the most popular camp, it is often quiet and you can soak up the stars.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2

Hike from Santa Rosa to Choquequirao

Departing early again today to get the best out of the day (around 06:00AM) we continue upwards onto Maranpata where we will have a break. The climb from the Santa Rosa to Maranpata (2,900m/9,514ft) takes about 3 hours and is a tough uphill stretch.
A little further on from our break site we will get our first view of the ruins of Choquequirao. From here we have 2 more hours hiking to the ruins. After the rigors of the past two days, this is a gentle undulating hike.
We take our lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (2,850m/9,317ft) nearest to the ruins, before we head to the Choquequirao ruins for the afternoon.
Spending the afternoon exploring the ruins, we will watch the sunset and keep our fingers crossed for the chance to see condors.
Only around 30% of the Inca remains of Choquequirao (3,050m/10,007ft) have been excavated. What can be seen today however, is most impressive and very much worth the challenging trek to get there. The stonework in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu, because the stone found here is very difficult to carve, but the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high status.
Choquequirao evokes a sense of awe simply because of the sites’ surrounding beauty and isolation and condors can be seen frequently soaring the skies.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3

From Choquequirao to Maizal

After having breakfast, all trekkers will begin climbing uphill covering a distance of 3,340m/10,958ft going past the Choquequirao pass after which everyone will go downhill towards Rio Blanco (1,920m/6,299ft), going through the cloud forest and then arriving at the Pinchayunuyoc Arquelogical site.
Here you can rest and examine the ancient Inca Terraces and the fauna and flora.
After arriving at the Rio Blanco, also known as the white river, you can break to get some rest, go for a swim and have a hearty lunch after eating, you begin hiking up on the steep hill towards Maizal village (2,980m/9,777ft), which is high above the river and in close proximity to the Incas’ sacred Apus.
The journey takes around 3 hours, after which you can camp in Maizal for the night.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4

Hike from Maizal to Yanama

After breakfast, you will begin to walk uphill and pass the incredible Inca mines, also known as Minas Victoria, on the way going onwards to the Victoria Pass which stands at 4,150m/13,615ft.
The hike includes a long uphill climb and then a walk in a beautiful area through the cloud forest and then above Andean Puna that is known for its infamous Ichu grass.
You will be able to admire the earliest Inca trails that are paved on the path up to the Victoria Pass. You will take your boxed lunch with you to the pass at a height of 4,150m/13,615ft and get to view the mountains Choquetakarpo Mountain.
Trekkers can also admire the condors flying if the climate is favorable. Later, you can go downhill to the Yanama village to stay the night (3,530m/11,581ft).
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5

Hike from Yanama to Totora

Breakfast; hiking gradually to the upper pass, known as the Yanama, which is at a height of 4,650m/15,256ft. You will be able to enjoy breath taking views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains, Mt. Padreyoc and Mt. Sacsarayoj.
Proceeding from Yanama upwards via the valley in the direction of the uppermost point of the trip, you will again get an opportunity to watch the condors.
This morning, the smooth uphill climb will bring new landscapes into view. You can reach there by passing tiny dirt/wood bridges on your way towards the Totora village (3,380m/11,089ft).
Here, you have your lunch before resuming your journey to our campsite, Totora.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6

Hike from Totora to Lucmabamba

Breakfast, we will begin our trek this is the third day of the trek and is slightly relaxed than the rest. However, it is full of spectacular views and chances to appreciate the intriguing wildlife that populates this region.
You will commence your hike after breakfast alongside the pleasing Santa Teresa River banks. You will be able to look at coffee, banana and avocado plantations on the way and also the local flora.
You can appreciate the vegetation change which becomes increasingly lusher and greener.
Today, we resume our Salkantay Trek with a simple walk along the banks of the Santa Teresa River. We will be able to see the famous bird known as “Cock of the Rocks”, if we are lucky.
You will arrive at your La Playa (2,050m/6,726ft).
La Playa is a small town so it is not a remote camp in this camp there are many people; for this reason we move down to find a campsite more quiet and uncrowded at Lucmabamba (2,100m/6,890ft), where you can use the shower and toilet facilities.
Enjoy a peaceful evening and a tasty dinner by the cool waters of the river.
Overnight in camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

First view of Machu Picchu, Train to Aguas Calientes

After a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,750m/9,022ft), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire.
We can see both, the Mount Salkantay as well as Machu Picchu from here and also rest for a while, the Llactapata Ruins (2,800m/9,186ft) add to the beauty of the location, which have been recently reinstated. We take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins.
A two hour downward spiral to the River Aobamba through green bamboo forests, coffee plantations and vast orchards leads us to Machu Picchu’s hydroelectric plant (1,800m/5,906ft). Here, we will eat our final lunch with the tour staff that accompanied us on the trip.
The entire staff, including the cook, will depart after lunch but we carry on to the town of Aguas Calientes with our reliable guide.
After lunch we board a train for one hour and 15 minutes journey to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,050m/6,726ft) where, an exclusive dinner and a comfortable bed await us at the Hostel of Aguas Calientes.
Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Visit Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel; at 06:00am take first bus to Machu Picchu citadel, you will ride a bus to Machu Picchu archeological site (2,430m/7,972ft) and tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets.
Around 07:30am the guided tour begins, your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered to be the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
From 10:30am to 12:30pm once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, relax, or meditate.
From 12:30pm to 13:30pm take bus to Aguas Calientes.
From 13:30pm to 15:00pm take lunch at local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Return to Cusco: later board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at the Ollantaytambo Station and then be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.