Choquequirao to Machu Picchu: 7-Day Ultimate Andean Trek
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu: 7-Day Authentic Trekking Experience
Embark on a breathtaking 7-day trekking journey from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s ancient wonders. This private tour invites adventurers to traverse the diverse landscapes of the Apurimac river canyon and the mystical Vilcabamba Cordillera. Start with the majestic Inca fortress of Choquequirao, a hidden gem rivaling Machu Picchu in grandeur yet far less traveled. As you trek, be mesmerized by spectacular views of gorges, alpine environments, and lush cloud forests. Experience authentic cultural immersion with 5 nights in local homestays, a unique opportunity to connect with Peruvian families, savoring traditional meals and understanding the community’s way of life. This trek is not just a hike; it’s a deep dive into Peru’s rich heritage, culminating in the iconic Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a crowning moment of this extraordinary journey.
Highlight
- Discover the Hidden Gem, Choquequirao: Begin your trek at the less-traveled but equally stunning Choquequirao fortress, rivaling Machu Picchu in its grandeur and ancient mystique.
- Spectacular Apurimac Canyon Views: Traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Apurimac river canyon, experiencing vast gorges and the natural beauty of Peru’s highlands.
- Immersive Homestay Experience: Spend 5 nights in local homestays, embracing Peruvian culture, tasting traditional cuisine, and connecting with welcoming families.
- Majestic Vilcabamba Cordillera Trek: Hike through the mystical Vilcabamba Cordillera, surrounded by alpine environments and stunning vistas that define Peru’s rugged terrain.
- Machu Picchu Sanctuary Finale: Conclude your journey with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a culmination of your trek and a moment to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient wonders.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Capuliyoc; Descend to Chiquisca
Begin your adventure with a drive to Capuliyoc, where the trek starts. Descend into the impressive Apurimac Canyon, reaching Chiquisca for an overnight stay, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Day 2: Cross Apurimac Canyon; Ascend to Marampata
The day involves crossing the breathtaking Apurimac Canyon. After the challenging ascent, reach Marampata, where the scenic views of the canyon offer a rewarding experience.
Day 3: Full-Day Exploration of Choquequirao Ruins
Dedicate the entire day to exploring the magnificent Choquequirao ruins, a hidden Incan treasure. Uncover the mysteries of this less-explored site, marveling at its restored grandeur.
Day 4: Trek from Marampata to Maizal
Journey from Marampata to Maizal, traversing diverse terrains. Witness stunning alpine environments and the rich history etched into the landscape.
Day 5: Hike from Maizal to Yanama; Transfer to Lucmabamba
Continue the trek from Maizal to Yanama, then transfer to Lucmabamba. Experience the blending of agricultural valleys, traditional practices, and cloud forests along the way.
Day 6: First Glimpse of Machu Picchu
Ascend through lush coffee plantations and cloud forests to Llactapata Pass, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point.
Day 7: Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Conclude the journey with a visit to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Delve into the history and marvel at the architectural wonder of this ancient Incan city, a fitting climax to an epic trek.
Prices for this trek
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE | |
---|---|
1 person | US$ 2336 per person |
2 people | US$ 1404 per person |
3 people | US$ 1125 per person |
4 people | US$ 1050 per person |
5 to 8 people | US$ 997 per person |
9 to 14 people | US$ 907 per person |
More than 15 people | US$ 815 per person |
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
* Prices are based on the number of people traveling together.
Includes and excludes
Included
- Lodging: 1 night in Aguas Calientes hotel and five nights in Chiquisca, Marampata, Maizal, and Lucmabamba Homestay with local families; basic accommodation, rooms, and beds are simple. We use these houses instead of tents.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Saywite, Choquequirao, and Machu Picchu).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According to the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available). The meal is prepared by the local families where we lodge.
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- All ground transportation.
- Sleeping bag.
- Pack animals to carry personal gear up to 7kg per person.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Breakfast on the first day.
Trip code: CMT8D01-PVT
Day 1 – Drive to Capuliyoc and descend to Chiquisca
- Pick up from the Hotel at 06:00 and transfer to the head of the trail at Capuliyoc (2,920m/9,580ft), where we meet our horse riders and pack all our equipment onto the horses. The drive takes roughly four hours.
- Stop visiting an Inca monolith, several water faucets, and ceremonial platforms at the Saywite archeological site.
- Then on to Capuliyoc, where we will first see the stunning Apurimac Valley below us while the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Huayna Cachora tower above us!
- At Capuliyoc, we meet our horse riders and pack all our equipment onto the horses.
- We have a delicious lunch before starting the hike.
- After a fantastic view, we will start our descent for 3 hours to Chiquisca (1,850m/6,070ft) through beautiful landscapes and see many medicinal plants our ancestors used. If we are lucky, we will see the famous Apurimac Canon.
- At Capuliyoc, we can share, cohabitate, and stay with a local family. The family prepares dinner and will also provide us with clean bedrooms and toilet facilities.
- Overnight at Local Family House
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2 – Cross the Apurimac Canyon and climb to the Marampata
- We depart Chiquisca at 7:00 to descend to Playa Rosalina (1,520m/4,986ft), which will take around one hour. We reach the roaring Apurimac River, known as “Speaking God.”
- We next cross the River and begin zigzagging up a steep hill towards Santa Rosa (1,970m/6,463ft). This ascent will take around two hours, and we must go early so that the heat does not make it more difficult than necessary.
- In Santa Rosa, we stop for a half-hour to rest and refresh. After that, we continue hiking for another two and a half hours till we reach the Marampata village (2,900m/9,514ft).
- As soon as we arrive, the homeless family may offer us lunch.
- Afternoon, free to relax and explore. We may live with a local family.
- The family cooks dinner and provides clean, pleasant rooms with toilet facilities.
- Overnight at Local Family House
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Visit and tour the Choquequirao ruins for a whole day.
- After breakfast, we trek for two hours to reach the 3103m/10178ft-high Choquequirao ancient site. These enormous Inca remains have only been partially cleared of undergrowth. When Choquequirao’s full splendors are unveiled, it is believed to be just as spectacular as Machu Picchu. The ongoing excavation of the site continues to find fresh archaeological discoveries, some of which are unique to this site. Among the excavated remains are a sizeable sloping bank of excellent terracing, a series of ritual baths, and a central plaza surrounded by residential structures of ceremonial and high rank. We explore the main square, the distinctive llama terraces, and the Usnu (altar).
- The Choquequirao site is far more extensive than Machu Picchu, yet only 40% has been explored.
- The whole day will be spent at the spectacular archeological site of Choquequirao. Enjoy the private guided tour and visit the temples, terraces, castles, and llama sector.
- After the tour, we walk to Marampata, where we will spend the evening and eat dinner.
- Overnight at Local Family House
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4 – Hike from Marampata to Maizal
- After breakfast, start to walk uphill to the cloud forest, a fascinating and unique area.
- We begin our ascent to the Choquequirao Pass (3340m). We can see down into the Rio Blanco valley for our next task. The ” Water Shrine ” and the Inca terraces at Pincha Unuyoc, the “Water Shrine,” are a precipitous fall from here.
- We continue our descent towards the Rio Blanco valley. We descend approximately 600 meters to the Rio Blanco (1,920m/6,299ft) and cross it on a crude bridge built on the canyon’s stony bottom. We will have lunch and then take some time to relax and recover.
- After resting, we will resume the challenging 1100m climb through cloud forest and bamboo to the small village at Maizal (2,980m/9,777ft). There will be an opportunity to unwind at camp in the late afternoon. It is a challenging climb, but lovely flora and panoramas are enjoyed along the way. There will be time to relax in the late afternoon.
- Overnight at Local Family House
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5 – Hike from Maizal to Yanama, Transfer to Lucmabamba
- A glorious day of hiking as we ascend beyond the Victoria Pass (4,150m/13,615ft) for about 3 hours. On our ascent, we can see another recently discovered Inca ruin, Corihuayrachina, and the over thousand-year-old silver mines of Mina Victoria, equally spectacular. We will pass a beautiful area through the cloud forest and above Andean Puna, known for its infamous Ichu grass. We will be able to admire the earliest Inca trails that are paved on the path up to the Victoria Pass.
- On top, enjoy stunning views of the peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, including Sacsarayoc, Pumasillo, and Choquetecaru.
- As we descend to the north into the Rio Yanama Valley (3,530m/11,581ft), we follow a high path that traverses steep hills and affords another opportunity to see condors.
- We have a delicious lunch before taking the car to Lucmabamba village.
- After lunch, transfer to the high jungle village of Lucmabamba (2,100m/6,889ft), about a three-hour drive.
- In Lucmabamba, we study the coffee-making process, from collecting the coffee beans to shelling, toasting, and grinding with a local family. Also, we will see fruit trees such as lime, grapefruit, and avocado.
- Overnight at Local Family House
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6 – First view of Machu Picchu
- After breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We ascend for three hours to Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8976 ft), where we see a view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast that few tourists ever get the opportunity to enjoy.
- We can see Mount Salkantay and Machu Picchu and take a break; the newly restored Llactapata Ruins enhance the place’s attractiveness. We pause briefly to investigate the Llactapata Ruins.
- A two-hour descent to the River Aobamba via bamboo woods, coffee fields, and enormous orchards brings us to the hydroelectric plant at Machu Picchu (1,870m/6,000ft).
- We stop for lunch in Hidroelectrica before we continue to Aguas Calientes town. Following lunch, the whole crew, including the chef, will leave.
- Nevertheless, our trustworthy guide leads us to the town of Aguas Calientes, along the railroad tracks to Aguas Calientes; the easy walk takes around 2.5 hours.
- Once in the town, enjoy dinner at a restaurant and spend a night in a hotel.
- Optional: Choose the train to Aguas Calientes ($40 additional cost) if you are tired and unwilling to walk.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Later in the day, board the train to return to Cusco. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.