Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu – 7 Days & 6 Nights

ITINERARY

Choquequirao and Machu Picchu are two Inca settlements with similar characteristics—both are perched high above deep canyons and feature impressive agricultural terraces. In Choquequirao, you’ll experience the tranquility of being one of only about 60 daily visitors to this ancient city. Additionally, it spans a vast area with various structures distributed across the mountainside.

Both sites were considered noble urban centers, and you’ll have the chance to explore every corner and uncover the history left behind by the Incas. These two marvels represent the beginning and end of the great Inca Empire, as they were abandoned before the Spanish conquest and later rediscovered by explorers in the Andes. Join this thrilling trek and live the adventure of a lifetime!

Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina

We depart Cusco at 5 a.m. in a private van for a 4-hour drive through the provinces of Anta, Limatambo, and Cachora, finally arriving at Capuliyoc Pass (2,945 m / 9,662 ft), overlooking the Apurímac Canyon, where we’ll enjoy breakfast. After meeting our team (muleteers, horses, etc.), we’ll begin a 2.5-hour descent to Chiquisca (1,800 m / 5,906 ft) for lunch. Then, we’ll hike another hour to Playa Rosalina (1,500 m / 4,921 ft) for our first night.

• Time: ~5 hours (descent)
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Min. Altitude: 1,500 m (Playa Rosalina)
• Max. Altitude: 2,945 m (Capuliyoc Pass)
• Distance: 12 km (Cachora to Playa Rosalina)
• Climate: Mild, Warm

Day 2: Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, we’ll cross the Apurímac River bridge (separating Cusco and Apurímac) and begin a 5-hour zigzag ascent. We’ll rest at Santa Rosa villages before reaching Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) for lunch and our first glimpse of Choquequirao. A final 2-hour hike brings us to the archaeological site, where we’ll camp and watch condors soar at sunset.

• Time: ~7 hours (ascent)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Campsite: Choquequirao (3,100 m / 10,171 ft)
• Distance: 14 km (Playa Rosalina to Choquequirao)

Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchinuyoc

We’ll tour Choquequirao’s highlights, including Paqchayoc (priest’s house), farming terraces, the llama sector, and temples. After lunch, we’ll ascend to Choquequirao Pass for panoramic views, then descend to Pinchinuyoc’s terraces (2,487 m / 8,159 ft) for a starry night.

• Time: 3 hrs (tour) + 2 hrs (descent)
• Campsite: Pinchinuyoc (2,487 m)

Day 4: Pinchinuyoc – Río Blanco – Maizal

Descend to Río Blanco (1,990 m / 6,529 ft) for a refreshing river dip, then ascend to Maizal (2,891 m / 9,485 ft).

• Time: 2 hrs (descent) + 3 hrs (ascent)
• Distance: 16 km

Day 5: Maizal – Yanama – Totora – Lucmabamba

Hike through cloud forests to Victoria Pass, then descend to Yanama village. After lunch, transfer to Mariano Llamocca Pass (4,643 m / 15,233 ft) for Salkantay Glacier views, then trek to Lucmabamba (1,900 m / 6,234 ft).

• Time: 3 hrs (ascent) + 2 hrs (descent)
• Distance: 20 km

Day 6: Santa Teresa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

Visit Llactapata ruins with distant Machu Picchu views. Option to walk (3 hrs) or take a train ($31) to Aguas Calientes.

• Time: 6 hrs hiking + 30-min train
• Hotel: Aguas Calientes (1,900 m)

Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

Explore Machu Picchu (2,850 m / 9,350 ft) with a guided tour. Return via train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to Cusco.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Options: Bus ($24 round-trip) or 2-hour walk to Machu Picchu

Includes:

• Pre-trek briefing
• Hotel pickup
• Choquequirao & Machu Picchu entrance fees
• Expeditions train (Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo)
• Shared hostel in Aguas Calientes
• Bilingual guide, camping gear, meals (except Day 1 breakfast)

Excludes:

• Machu Picchu bus tickets
• Trekking poles, sleeping bags
• Tips, travel insurance