MACHUPICCHU VIA CHOQUEQUIRAO
8D/7N

The Choquequirao trek: another way to reach the famous Machu Picchu.

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In addition to the magnificent glacial landscapes of the Vilcabamba mountain range, encounters with rural communities and diverse microclimates will enrich the trek.

Trip information

Tour title

Machupicchu via Choquequirao

Duration

8D/7N

Country visited

Peru

Regions crossed

Cusco, Apurimac

Highlights

nature,trekking,archaeological park,adventure

Best time to come

May to October

Flights number

0 flights

Accomodation

No hotel configured

Meals included

Total meals included : 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

Altitude max

3511 m a.s.l. / 11519 ft a.s.l.

Distance covered

401.5 km / 249.5 mi (* as the crow flies)

Difficulty

Advanced

Recommended age

+18

Itinerary

1: Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca
2: Chiquisca - Playa Rosalina - Marampata - Choquequirao
3: Choquequirao - Río Blanco
4: Río Blanco - Yanama
5: Yanama - Totora
6: Totora - Lucmabamba
7: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Machupicchu Pueblo
8: Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Program details

Cusco - Cachora - Chiquisca

On the way to the first camp.

Depart Cusco in the morning for the village of Cachora to meet the team of cooks, mule drivers, and their animals who will accompany you on this hike.

After loading the mules that carried all the equipment, the trek begins toward the Capuliyoc Pass (2800m). Throughout the day, you will be able to observe a dramatic change in the landscape and vegetation from the depths of the Apurimac Canyon to the snow-covered peaks of the mountains overlooking it.

Descent into the Apurimac Canyon, right at the site of Chiquisca, to stop and camp.

Meals included : Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1905 m a.s.l. / 6250 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Cusco - Cachora : 90.2 km /56 mi (road)
Cachora - Chiquisca : 9.9 km /6.2 mi (walk)

Total distance : 100.1 km / 62.2 mi

Chiquisca - Playa Rosalina - Marampata - Choquequirao

Arrival at Choquequirao.

After a pleasant short break, descending to Playa Rosalinas before ascending to Marampata affords a magnificent panoramic view of the Choquequirao archaeological complex.

The campsite is located 25 minutes from the Inca city

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1462 m a.s.l. / 4797 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 2888 m a.s.l. / 9475 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Chiquisca - Playa Rosalina : 1.4 km /0.9 mi (walk)
Playa Rosalina - Marampata : 2 km /1.2 mi (walk)
Marampata - Choquequirao : 12.9 km /8 mi (walk)

Total distance : 16.3 km / 10.1 mi

Choquequirao - Río Blanco

We will visit Rio Blanco.

At dawn, head to the citadel of Choquequirao, the "Cradle of Gold," and enjoy the tranquility of the place. Explore the site with a guide. Visit the palaces, liturgical fountains, temples, the Ushnu (ceremonial esplanade), among other attractions.

Continue hiking toward Choquequirao Pass. Descend to the Pinchaunuyoc archaeological site (2450 meters). This will be an opportunity to observe various bird species, orchids, and coca plantations. The descent continues to the Apurimac Canyon, where the camp is located, at the point known as Río Blanco.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 877 m a.s.l. / 2877 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 2888 m a.s.l. / 9475 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Choquequirao - Río Blanco : 93.3 km /58 mi (walk)

Total distance : 93.3 km / 58 mi

Río Blanco - Yanama

We will visit the village of Yanama.

Due to the constant changes in the ecosystem, this day is considered the most intense and spectacular.

The day begins with a long climb to Maizal, where you can take a short break to catch your breath and enjoy the magnificent landscape. You will then pass ancient Inca mines, known as Minas Victoria, abandoned since the colonial era. Afterwards, you will follow a paved Inca trail. Arrive in San Juan (4170 m) to enjoy magnificent views of the valleys, mountains, and glaciers, some of which are over 5000 m above sea level.

Camp in the small village of Yanama.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 877 m a.s.l. / 2877 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3511 m a.s.l. / 11519 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Río Blanco - Yanama : 72.6 km /45.1 mi (walk)

Total distance : 72.6 km / 45.1 mi

Yanama - Totora

Early in the morning, ascend to the highest point of this trek, Yanama Pass.

During this day, you will enjoy beautiful views of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay (6,264 m) and Pintuyu (5,450 m). The camp will be located in the Totora Pampa Valley (3,200 m).

If the group wishes, it is possible to slightly modify the itinerary and visit the Santa Teresa hot springs.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 3363 m a.s.l. / 11033 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3511 m a.s.l. / 11519 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Yanama - Totora : 13.7 km /8.5 mi (walk)

Total distance : 13.7 km / 8.5 mi

Totora - Lucmabamba

Camping at Lucmabamba.

he Totora River Valley offers the opportunity to meet Quechua-speaking farmers who make a living from agriculture and livestock. The vegetation will become more prominent, revealing its diversity of orchids, bromeliads, and other plants. It will also be an opportunity to observe coffee, papaya, passion fruit, and avocado plantations.

Camp at Lucmabamba.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2041 m a.s.l. / 6696 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3363 m a.s.l. / 11033 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Totora - Lucmabamba : 17.4 km /10.8 mi (walk)

Total distance : 17.4 km / 10.8 mi

Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Machupicchu Pueblo

Arrival at Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Early in the morning, the trail leads to the Llactapata archaeological complex, a religious ceremonial center strategically located opposite the citadel of Machu Picchu.

This magnificent viewpoint, nestled in lush vegetation, offers magnificent views of the Machu Picchu sanctuary and the Salkantay Mountains.

You will then descend the river to reach the Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Travel by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2041 m a.s.l. / 6696 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 2720 m a.s.l. / 8924 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Lucmabamba - Llactapata : 4.4 km /2.7 mi (walk)
Llactapata - Machupicchu Pueblo : 7.3 km /4.5 mi (train)

Total distance : 11.7 km / 7.3 mi

Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Exploring the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Early morning departure from the hotel. Ascent to Machu Picchu by tourist bus. Entry to the Inca citadel around 6:00 a.m. to enjoy the sunrise over the archaeological site. After a guided tour of the archaeological site, which includes information about Inca life and customs, free time to enjoy Machu Picchu.

Return to Machu Picchu Town by bus or on foot.

While waiting for the train, free time for lunch at a restaurant in town.

Train ride back to Cusco.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2081 m a.s.l. / 6827 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (road)
Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo : 32 km /19.9 mi (train)
Ollantaytambo - Cusco : 42.2 km /26.2 mi (road)

Total distance : 76.4 km / 47.5 mi

Included

All domestic transportation: domestic flights, transfers, boats, local or private buses, and the listed trains, unless otherwise specified.
Hotels according to the category indicated by the small stars at the end of each day. The hotels suggested in the day-by-day program are subject to availability. In case of unavailability, an equivalent hotel may be offered.
All site entrance fees, unless otherwise noted.
English-speaking guide service for tours, unless specified otherwise.
Meals indicated as included.
All breakfasts.