TREK FROM CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU

Departure from Cusco in the morning towards the village of Cachora, the gateway to this Andean adventure. There, you will meet the team who will accompany you throughout the trek: cooks, muleteers and their animals, the true craftsmen of this crossing.

Once the mules have been loaded with all the equipment, the walk begins towards the Capuliyoc Pass, at 2,800 m. Very quickly, the landscapes begin to change: from the vertiginous depths of the Apurímac Canyon to the snow-capped peaks rising above it, the Vilcabamba mountain range reveals all its majesty.

You then begin a gradual descent into the heart of the canyon, reaching Chiquisca, where your camp will be set up for the night in a natural setting of rare intensity.

From Chiquisca, the day begins with the crossing of the Apurímac Canyon before starting a sustained and gradual ascent towards the heights. The trail winds along the mountainside, offering spectacular views over the depths of the canyon and the surrounding landscapes.

This demanding yet steady climb leads you to the village of Marampata, a true natural balcony facing the site of Choquequirao. A well-deserved break allows you to regain your strength while enjoying an exceptional panorama.

At the end of the day, you continue to the Choquequirao camp, nestled in the heart of a wild and preserved environment. The atmosphere here is unique, between Andean silence and the first impressions of the Inca city, still wrapped in mystery.

The morning is dedicated to the discovery of Choquequirao, an impressive Inca city still preserved from mass tourism. Agricultural terraces, temples and ceremonial sectors gradually reveal themselves, offering a fascinating glimpse of this history-laden site, often compared to Machu Picchu.

After this exploration, you will enjoy lunch in the heart of this exceptional setting, facing the mountains of the Vilcabamba range.

In the afternoon, the trek continues towards the Pinchauniyoc camp. The trail crosses varied and wild landscapes, far from any human presence, deepening the feeling of immersion in the heart of the Andes.

From Pinchaunuyoc, the trail gradually leaves the heights and plunges down into the depths of the canyon. The descent, sometimes steep, offers striking views of the surrounding landscapes, between dense vegetation and rugged reliefs.

You then reach the Río Blanco, at the bottom of the valley, where the atmosphere becomes warmer and more tropical. A welcome break allows you to regain your strength before tackling the second part of the day.

The ascent to El Maizal then begins, long and sustained. The path winds along the mountainside, revealing spectacular panoramas over the canyon at every turn. As you gain altitude, the landscapes change once again, returning to a more Andean atmosphere.

Arrival at the El Maizal camp at the end of the day, in an isolated and preserved setting, in the heart of the mountains.

From El Maizal, the day begins with a gradual ascent through a high-mountain environment. The trail climbs through open, mineral landscapes, offering spectacular views of the peaks of the Vilcabamba range.

The effort leads you to the Yanama Pass, also known as Abra San Juan, the highest point of the trek, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level. From this emblematic pass, the panoramas are breathtaking, revealing the full grandeur of the Andes.

After this memorable stage, the descent begins towards the Yanama Valley. The landscapes gradually change, giving way to greener areas and a more noticeable human presence.

Arrival in the village of Yanama, where you return to a peaceful and authentic atmosphere after one of the most intense and spectacular days of the trek.

From Yanama, the day begins with a gradual ascent towards the Yanama Pass, offering one final immersion in high-mountain landscapes. From this pass, the views stretch across the surrounding peaks, marking a transition between two worlds.

You then begin a long descent towards the valley, heading for Totora. The landscapes change rapidly: from mineral high-altitude expanses to the first signs of denser vegetation, announcing the gradual entrance into the tropical zone.

The trek continues to Lucmabamba, in the heart of a lush region where coffee plants, tropical fruits and abundant vegetation bear witness to this change of ecosystem. The atmosphere here becomes softer and warmer, contrasting with the previous days spent at high altitude.

From Lucmabamba, you follow an ancient Inca trail that gradually climbs through dense and lush vegetation. This ascent through the tropical forest offers a peaceful, shaded immersion, punctuated by viewpoints over the surrounding mountains.

You then reach the archaeological site of Llactapata, ideally located facing Machu Picchu. From this privileged viewpoint, a first rare and striking view opens onto the famous citadel, nestled among the mountains. It is one of the great moments of the trek, both discreet and spectacular.

After this discovery, the descent continues towards the valley, until you reach the railway line leading to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. Arrival in this lively village marks the end of the trek and the imminent approach of the visit to Machu Picchu.

After a night in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you set off early in the morning towards the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most emblematic sites in South America. Nestled between mountains and forest, this Inca wonder reveals its terraces, temples and ceremonial structures in a spectacular natural setting.

The guided visit will help you better understand the history, architecture and mysteries of this fascinating site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At the end of the visit, you return down to Machu Picchu Pueblo before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, following the Urubamba Valley.

Upon arrival, transfer to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes.