Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days
23 reviews 
Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days
23 reviews
Overview
Choquequirao is considered as “the Last Refuge of the Incas”
The archaeological site of Choquequiraw is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley. Today we can trek to Choquequirao via a modern footbridge across the Apurimac River. The journey is as awe-inspiring as ever, taking us through an astounding range of ecological zones, from Andean farming valleys, descending through a hot and arid canyon environment featuring kapok trees, cactus and agaves, and climbing again to a region of lush cloud forest, beneath the dizzying snowcaps of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.
Highlights
Choquequirao – Machu Picchu’s big sister – is waiting for you! Very few people on Earth have made the journey to this incredible place. There are no trains or buses here so you have to travel by foot.
This out and back trek is a one-of-a-kind experience that weaves through the spectacular Apurimac Canyon to the untouched ruins of Choquequirao. You are rewarded with incredible views the whole way as it travels through an immense range of landscapes including snowy mountain passes, sub-tropical rain forest, and deep river gorges. Come and join us on this road less traveled.
Trip Details
Starting Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,348 feet
Hightes Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,256 feet
Difficulty level: Challenging to Strenuous
Day 1 . Transportation to Cachora – Chiquisca.
Day 2 . Chiquisca – Choquequirao Archeological Site
Day 3 . Choquequirao – Maizal.
Day 4 . Maizal – Yanama.
Day 5. Yanama – Colpapampa – Lucmabamba.
Day 6. Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Caleintes.
Day 7. Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1 – Transportation to Cachora – Chiquisca.
Pick up from the Hotel at 5:00am and transfer in our private transportation to Cachora (2850m/9348ft) the journey will take around 4hrs. While the group is having breakfast the crew will arrange the horses for the trek. We start to walk from Cachora observing the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peak, the highest (5482m/17980ft). The hike on this first day is 16 km around 6hrs walking starts by flat part. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc where it might see condors, the descent towards the ApurÃmac Canyon, and the vegetation changes from Agave and Tunacactus to dwarf tree forest, having lunch at Cocamasana, then we continue to Chiquisqa (1950m/6398ft), campsite in Chiquisca
- Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
- Total distance: 16 km (9, 93 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 5- 6 hours
- Maximum altitude point: (2850m/9348ft)
Day 2 - Chiquisca - Choquequirao Archeological Site
Breakfast; early in the morning we start to walk from here and continue the descent to the abundant ApurÃmac River (1550m/5028ft) in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short rest continue the hike going up to Choquequirao Archeological Site. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep until Santa Rosa, then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. Lunch at Maranpata (2850m/9348ft) then continue to Choquequirao (3033m/9948ft) after 2hrs walking arrival to our camping place from where we have a spectacular view of the canyon, it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite near Choquequirao
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Total distance: 14 km (8, 70 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
- Maximum altitude point: (3033m/9948ft)
Day 3 – Choquequirao – Maizal.
Breakfast; on this day trekkers walk uphill for a while up to 3400m/11152ft the first Choquequirao pass and then descending to Rio Blanco (1909m/6262ft), first walking through cloud forest, arriving to Pinchayunuyoc Arquelogical site. Resting and observing basically on the old Inca Terraces the flora and fauna; arrival to the Rio Blanco or white river to have a break some rest, swim and lunch. After the lunch starting the hike up the steep climbing up to Maizal village high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas for about 3 hrs, camping in Maizal (3400m/11152ft)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Total distance: 16 Km (9, 93 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 7 hours
- Maximum altitude point: (3400m/11152ft)
Day 4 - Maizal – Yanama.
Breakfast; from here start walking uphill passing by the impressive Inca mines called Minas Victoria and towards the Victoria Pass (4200m/13776ft). A long climb the trail, walking in an amazingly beautiful area first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known Ichu grass, trekkers can appreciate original paved Inca trails until Victoria Pass. Taking the box lunch at the pass in 4200m/13776ft with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, trekkers can appreciate the flight of the condors depending on the climate, and finally descending to Yanama community (3500m/11480ft) where we spend the night.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Total distance: 15 km (9, 32 miles)
- Estimated walking time: 7 hours
- Maximum altitude point: (4200m/13776ft)
Day 5 - Yanama – Colpapampa – Lucmabamba.
We leave at 7am, and walk uphill for about 3 hours through a sub-tropical jungle towards the Victoria Mines. We visit them as well as some Inca Ruins before climbing 1 hour more to the pass of Victoria (4,130m/13,546 ft). There are spectacular views from the passas we descend to the charming village of Yanama(about 2 hours walk) following a section with some well-constructed Inca steps.
Once we get to Yanama, we take the local transport all the way to Lucmabamba. Along the way, we get to enjoy the gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains and waterfalls.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
DAY 6: Lucmabamba – Llactapata - Aguas Caleintes.
On this day, we walk for 3 hours by the original Inca Trail and through the cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass then onto Llactapata Inca remains, an Inca site (2,700m/8,907ft), which is located straight in front of the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Once there, we enjoy the unique perspective of Machu Picchu from far away. Then, we hike downhill for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant where we have lunch. We continue to walk to Aguas Calientes through the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, enjoying the surroundings of the iconic Machu Picchu.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
- 2* Accommodation: Intipunku Tambo or Wiracocha Inn Hotel
- Distance: 18kms/11.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
DAY 7: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. Your train will depart at 15:20 or 18:30 Hrs. Depends on habilities.
The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle.
Meal included: Breakfast.
Notes Itinerario
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Private transport to Cachora, head of the Trek
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao
- English Speaking Professional Guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
- 4 Season tents, 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent
- Thermal Rest Mattresses
- Horses to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
- One emergency horse – days 1 to 6
- Your personal luggage allowance to put on the horses (Max. 7 kgs / 15 lbs per person) – days 1 to 6
- Personal Duffle Bags for your extra luggage to put on the horses
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Dining tent with tables, chairs and Kitchen tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food)
- Toilet tent
- Accommodation for all our staff
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- 1 bus tickets (could be up or down from Aguas Calientes you have to dicide at brieffing)
- Return Expedition train from Aguas calientes
- One night accommodation in hotel
- Transfer from Ollanta or Poroy to Cusco
No Included
- International airfares
- Domestic flights
- Excess baggage charges
- Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
- Alcoholic beverages or bottled water
- Snacks
- Insurance of any kind
- Laundry
- Phone calls
- Personal equipment
- Wayna Picchu Mountain
- Sleeping bag US$ 18 and Walking poles US$ 16
- Tips for the guide, cook and Horseman’
Recommendations:
Optional Services for this trip per person.
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C $25
- Air Mattresses $25
- Trekking Poles $20
- Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain $75
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu Mountain $75
- Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the 7kg allowance
- Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide
What To Bring
- Backpack with rain shelter.
- Sleeping bag.
- Clothing for warm and cold climates, like a waterproof jacket.
- Rain pants and lightweight pants.
- Trekking shoes.
- Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
- Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
- Long- and short-sleeved polo’s / T-Shirts.
- Rainponcho and a hat.
- Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
- Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), a flashlight and extra batteries.
- Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
- Original passport, original ISIC student card (if you are a student) and extra money in soles.
- Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes – once wet – will not dry at night. So
- take some extra clothes to change into.
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