
7-Day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
7 Days

7-Day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu
7 Days
Overview
Experience the 7-Day Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, an epic hiking adventure through the Peruvian Andes. This route combines the remote and mystical ruins of Choquequirao, known as the “sister city of Machu Picchu,” with the world-famous Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Trek through deep canyons, high mountain passes, and lush cloud forests, enjoying breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and authentic Andean culture. Along the way, explore ancient Inca trails, archaeological sites, and remote villages, far from the crowds.
This Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek is perfect for adventure seekers and trekking lovers, offering a unique combination of nature, history, and unforgettable landscapes in one of the most spectacular routes in South America.
Highlights
- Visit Choquequirao & Machu Picchu: Explore two incredible Inca archaeological sites in one trek.
- Epic Andes Landscapes: Hike through deep canyons, high mountain passes, and cloud forests.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Experience a remote trekking route with fewer crowds.
- Inca Trails & History: Walk along ancient Inca paths and discover hidden ruins.
- Nature & Wildlife: Enjoy diverse flora and fauna in the Peruvian Andes.
- True Adventure Trek: A challenging and rewarding 7-day hiking experience.
Trip Details
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Route: Cusco Apurímac Canyon Choquequirao Andes Machu Picchu
- Difficulty: Challenging – for experienced hikers
- Max Altitude: 4,600 m
- Type of Trek: Remote Inca trail with cultural and nature experience
- Highlights: Choquequirao ruins, Machu Picchu, mountain views, canyons, cloud forest
- Accommodation: Camping + hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
- Transport: Private transfers + train return to Cusco
- Guide: Professional bilingual tour guide
Itinerary
Day 1 – Transportation to Cachora – Chiquisca.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 AM and travel by private transport to Cachora (2,850 m), the starting point of the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. The journey takes around 4 hours, with breakfast prepared while our team organizes the mules and trekking equipment.
The hike begins in Cachora with incredible views of the snow-capped Padrayoc Mountain (5,482 m). This first day covers approximately 16 km (5–6 hours), starting with a relatively flat trail before reaching the Capuliyoc viewpoint, where you may spot Andean condors and enjoy breathtaking views of the Apurímac Canyon.
From here, we descend into the canyon, passing through changing Andean ecosystems, from agave and cactus to lush mountain forest. After lunch in Cocamasana, we continue hiking to Chiquisqa (1,950 m), where we set up camp and enjoy dinner surrounded by the beauty of the Peruvian Andes.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Max altitude: 2,850 m
Day 2 - Chiquisca - Choquequirao Archeological Site
After an early breakfast, we begin our Choquequirao Trek descending to the Apurímac River (1,550 m), located deep within the impressive Apurímac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the Peruvian Andes. After a short rest, we start the challenging ascent toward the Choquequirao archaeological site.
The first 2–3 hours are a steep uphill hike to Santa Rosa, followed by a mix of flat and ascending trails surrounded by lush vegetation and orchids. We stop for lunch in Maranpata (2,850 m), enjoying spectacular views of the canyon and mountains.
After lunch, we continue hiking for about 2 hours until we reach our campsite near Choquequirao (3,033 m). From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes and, if lucky, spot Andean condors flying over the canyon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Walking time: 6–7 hours
Max altitude: 3,033 m
Day 3 – Choquequirao – Maizal.
After breakfast, we continue the Choquequirao Trek with an uphill hike to the first Choquequirao Pass (3,400 m), offering stunning views of the Andes Mountains. From here, we descend through the cloud forest to the Pinchayunuyoc archaeological site, where you can explore impressive Inca terraces surrounded by rich flora and fauna.
We continue down to the Río Blanco (1,909 m), located in the heart of the Apurímac Canyon, where we take a break to rest, swim, and enjoy lunch.
After lunch, we begin a challenging uphill hike of about 3 hours to Maizal (3,400 m), a remote village surrounded by the sacred Apus (mountain spirits) of the Incas. Here, we camp with incredible mountain views and a true off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
Walking time: 7 hours
Max altitude: 3,400 m
Day 4 - Maizal – Yanama.
After breakfast, we begin a challenging ascent on the Choquequirao Trek, hiking uphill past the impressive Inca silver mines of Minas Victoria. The trail continues toward the Victoria Pass (4,200 m), one of the highest points of the trek.
This section offers a unique transition from cloud forest to the high-altitude Andean puna, covered with native ichu grass. Along the way, trekkers can admire well-preserved original Inca trails, surrounded by spectacular mountain landscapes.
We enjoy a box lunch at the Victoria Pass (4,200 m) with breathtaking views of Choquetakarpo Mountain. If weather permits, you may spot Andean condors soaring above the Andes.
After lunch, we descend to the remote Yanama community (3,500 m), where we camp and experience authentic Andean culture in a peaceful mountain setting.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Walking time: 7 hours
Max altitude: 4,200 m
Day 5 - Yanama – Colpapampa – Lucmabamba.
We start the day at 7:00 AM with a steady uphill hike through the subtropical forest of the Andes, following part of the scenic Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. After around 3 hours, we reach the historic Victoria Mines and explore nearby Inca ruins, surrounded by lush vegetation.
We then continue for about 1 hour to reach the Victoria Pass (4,130 m), where we enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Andes Mountains. From the pass, we descend along a beautiful trail with well-preserved Inca stone steps toward the traditional Yanama village.
From Yanama, we take local transport to Lucmabamba, traveling through stunning landscapes with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and cloud forest scenery, marking the transition into the high jungle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day 6: Lucmabamba – Llactapata - Aguas Caleintes.
On this day, we hike for about 3 hours along the original Inca Trail, crossing the beautiful cloud forest to reach the Puncuyoc Pass. From here, we continue to the impressive Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m), located directly in front of Machu Picchu, offering a unique and less crowded viewpoint of the Inca citadel.
After enjoying this incredible perspective and taking photos of Machu Picchu from afar, we descend for about 2 hours to the Hydroelectric Station, where we have lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue walking along the Urubamba River through the Machu Picchu National Sanctuary, surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning landscapes, until we reach Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Intipunku Tambo or similar)
Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco
This is the most important day of your Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to enjoy a magical sunrise over the Inca citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Your guide will lead a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, visiting the most important sites such as the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of the Three Windows, Intihuatana (Sun Dial), Quarry, and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about the Inca history and the three main sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After the tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available (must be booked in advance), offering panoramic views of the Andes and the citadel.
Later, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included) and enjoy some free time. In the afternoon, we board the train to Ollantaytambo, following the scenic Urubamba River through a spectacular canyon.
Upon arrival, our private transport will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00 PM.
Meals included: Breakfast
Notes Itinerario
Included
- Pre-trek briefing
- Professional bilingual guide
- Private transport (Cusco – trailhead / Ollantaytambo – Cusco)
- Train ticket (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- Bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Camping equipment (tents, mats, dining tent)
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (1 night)
- Cook and kitchen equipment
- All meals (except last lunch)
- Boiled water during the trek
- Muleteers and mules (equipment transport)
- Personal bag transport (up to 7 kg)
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
Not Included
- Breakfast (Day 1) & lunch (last day)
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (optional rental)
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket
- Entrance to hot springs
- Drinks, snacks & personal expenses
- Tips for guide and trekking staff
- Travel insurance
What To Bring
- Original passport
- Trekking shoes
- Layered clothing
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Snacks or energy bars
- Sleeping bag
- Personal items
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