Choquequirao Trek
Are you ready for the ultimate challenge in the Andes? The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 8 Days and 7 Nights is a legendary expedition that connects two lost cities through ancient Inca roads, deep canyons, and snow-capped peaks.
This choquequirao trek Peru adventure is not just a hike; it is a journey through time. Starting from the remote village of Cachora, you will cross the Apurimac Canyon to reach the “Cradle of Gold” (Choquequirao). From there, you will traverse the rugged Vilcabamba mountain range to finally arrive at the cloud forest sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
With Local Trekkers Peru, you will have the support of an expert team to conquer this demanding route. We provide top-quality camping gear, professional guides, and delicious meals to fuel your journey across the choquequirao hike of a lifetime.
Choquequirao Trek Are you ready for the ultimate challenge in the Andes? The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 8 Days and 7 Nights is a legendary expedition that connects two lost cities through ancient Inca roads, deep canyons, and snow-capped peaks. This choquequirao trek Peru adventure is not just a hike; it is a journey through time. Starting from the remote village of Cachora, you will cross the Apurimac Canyon to reach the “Cradle of Gold” (Choqueq See More
Locations Visited:
Choquequirao, Machu Picchu, Llactapata.
Starting Altitude:
3200 Meters = 10498 Feet.
Highest Point:
4668 Meters = 15314 Feet.
Group:
2 pax min, max 10 paxs
Physical Grading:
5/5
- We have competitive prices
- Fast customer service all the time
- Guaranteed lifetime experience
- We have social responsibility, we do social work
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Cachora – Capuliyoc – Santa Rosa
Descent into the mighty Apurimac Canyon.
05:00 AM – The Adventure Begins: We leave Cusco early in the morning to reach Cachora (8:00 AM). Here, you can order breakfast (not included) while our team loads the mules.
Views of Padrayoc: We hike towards the Mirador Capuliyoc, enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped Padrayoc (5,482 masl) and Wayna Cachora peaks. With luck, we might spot Andean condors soaring above.
Descent to the River: The vegetation changes from agave forest to dwarf forest as we descend into the canyon. We stop at Chiquisqa (1,950 masl) for lunch. Afterwards, we continue down to the raging Apurimac River (1,550 masl).
First Camp: After crossing the river, we begin a steep climb to Santa Rosa (2,115 masl), where we set up camp in a small sugar cane plantation.
KEY DATA – DAY 1
- Distance: 21.7 km (10 hours) – Challenging day.
- Camp Altitude: 2,115 masl (Santa Rosa).
- Highlight: Apurimac Canyon & Padrayoc views.
Day 02: Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao
The ascent to the Cradle of Gold.
Steep Climb: After breakfast, we tackle a steep 3-4 hour climb to Marampata. Here, we have lunch and enjoy flatter terrain surrounded by beautiful orchids.
Arrival at Choquequirao: After 5 hours, we arrive at the majestic archaeological site of Choquequirao. We visit the main square and observe the excavated levels of the ruins.
Condor Watching: Around 3:00 PM, keep your eyes on the sky to spot the flight of the condors. We set up camp at Raqaypata (2,910 masl), right inside the Choquequirao complex.
KEY DATA – DAY 2
- Destination: Choquequirao.
- Accommodation: Camping inside the complex (Raqaypata).
- Highlight: Sunset at the ruins & Condors.
Day 03: Choquequirao – Pinchinuyoc
Hidden ruins and the cloud forest.
Exploring the Citadel: We spend the morning exploring houses, terraces, and unexplored areas of this last Inca refuge.
Trek to Pinchinuyoc: We leave Choquequirao, following an old water channel through the cloud forest. The path opens up to steep meadows with stunning views.
Camping on Terraces: After 4 hours, we reach the ruins of Pinchinuyoc, discovered in 1998. These ruins appear almost invisible under moss and vegetation. We camp here, sleeping on ancient Inca terraces.
KEY DATA – DAY 3
- Activity: Archaeological exploration & Hiking.
- Camp: Pinchinuyoc Terraces.
- Highlight: Sleeping in hidden ruins.
Day 04: Pinchinuyoc – Rio Blanco – Maizal
River crossing and breathtaking views.
The Dry Forest: We hike through Andean dry forest down to the Victoria River (Rio Blanco). We cool off in the clear water and cross the river on foot.
Climb to Maizal: We begin a long, steep climb to Maizal. We take breaks in the shade to catch our breath.
Sunset at Maizal: We arrive at camp for lunch. Maizal offers the most beautiful views of the trek, overlooking three valleys and a massive snow peak. The afternoon is free to relax and meditate.
KEY DATA – DAY 4
- Camp: Maizal (Cornfield).
- Highlight: Panoramic views of 3 valleys.
Day 05: Maizal – San Juan Pass – Yanama
Ancient mines and Inca trails.
San Juan Pass: We ascend towards the San Juan Pass, moving from cloud forest to high Andean Puna. We pass the Victoria Mines, where shiny stones indicate high mineral concentration.
Inca Trails: We walk along well-preserved Inca trails with classic zigzag patterns. We lunch at 4,000 masl with views of Choquetakarpo mountain.
Descent to Yanama: We descend to the village of Yanama, located at the foot of a long valley, where we camp for the night.
KEY DATA – DAY 5
- Camp: Yanama.
- Highlight: Victoria Mines & Ancient Inca Roads.
Day 06: Yanama – Yanama Pass – Totora
The highest point of the expedition.
Yanama Pass: We climb to the highest point of the route: Yanama Pass (4,668 masl). We enjoy views of the Sacsarayoc snow-capped mountain and might walk on snow.
Descent to Totora: We descend through fog and grassy fields, crossing small wooden bridges, until we reach the community of Totora for the night.
KEY DATA – DAY 6
- Max Altitude: 4,668 masl (Yanama Pass).
- Camp: Totora.
- Highlight: Sacsarayoc Glacier.
Day 07: Totora – La Playa – Aguas Calientes
From the Andes to the Jungle.
Into the Cloud Forest: We descend 2,000 meters into the lush valley of La Playa Sahuayaco (approx. 9 hours). We see waterfalls, birds, and coffee/banana plantations.
Train to Machu Picchu Town: From La Playa, we take transport to Hidroelectrica and then walk 2 hours (or take the train) to Aguas Calientes. We check into a hotel with hot showers—a welcome luxury!
KEY DATA – DAY 7
- Activity: Long descent & Travel to Aguas Calientes.
- Accommodation: Hotel.
- Highlight: Tropical scenery change.
Day 08: Machu Picchu!!! – Cusco
The Grand Finale.
Sunrise at the Sanctuary: We wake up early to hike or take the bus (optional) to Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour: Enjoy a 2-3 hour guided tour of the citadel’s most important sites.
Exploration: Free time to explore.
- Optional: Climb Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Requires advance booking).
- Hikes: Walk to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.
Return to Cusco: We return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional), take the train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer by private bus to Cusco.
NOTE: Budget travelers can return via the Hidroelectrica bus route instead of the train.
KEY DATA – DAY 8
- Activity: Machu Picchu Tour.
- End of Service: Hotel in Cusco.
Why Choose the 8-Day Trek?
The Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek 8 Days and 7 Nights is the ultimate bucket-list adventure. It connects the remote wilderness of the choquequirao trek machu picchu route with the history of the Inca Empire.
Map
Inclusions
Includes:
- Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
- A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
- Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
- Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
- A duffel bag where you can put inside 08 kilos from your personal stuff (it will be carry by the horses or mules)
- Horses or mules and muleteer to carry camping equipments and cooking stuff
- Transportation, Cusco to Cachora
- Four season tents (2 trekkers in each one) you will have enough space to put things inside
- Camping equipment (Kitchen tent, portable chairs and table)
- Mattresses
- 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
- Professional Cook
- Snack for each day of trekking
- Boiled water to drink during the trail
- Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
- Touristic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Private Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- 1 Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes, (private bathroom, wifi, cable Tv, 24-hour hot water, cable Tv and breakfast)
- First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon
- A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group
Doesn’t includes:
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Extra expense if you want to buy things along the trail
- Entrance fees to WaynaPicchu Mountain or Mountain Machu Picchu. (it has an extra cost of 70 dollars per person)
- Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
- Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 15 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
- Mineral water (you can buy bottle of mineral water in Ollantaytambo)
- Extra horse or mule to carry extra backpacks or to ride until the second campsite (120 dollars per horse or mule)
- Bus up or down from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)
packing list
- Original Passport
- Travel Insurance card (you have to le tus know the name of your Travel Insurance company and you travel Insurance Number)
- Day Pack
- Rain coat or Rain Poncho
- Cold Clothes (For the first and Second day)
- Trekking shirts and trekking pants
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Warm jacket
- Bottle of Water
- Flash Light
- Toilet Paper
- Shorts
- Sun Block
- Sun Glasses
- Caps or Hats
- Gloves (for the first and second day)
- Insect Repellent (30% DEET Recommended)
- Sleeping Bags
- Walking sticks
- Camera with extra batteries
- Extra money especially in soles to buy thing along the trek
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.
Price
PRICES FOR 2025-2026
| Number of People for GROUP SERVICE : | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5-6 | 7-10 |
| Price USD$ (per person): | ||||
| 1150 USD$ | 1100 USD$ | 1050 USD$ | 1000 USD$ | 950 USD$ |
| Number of People for PRIVATE SERVICE: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5-6 | 7-10 |
| Price USD$ (per person): | ||||
| 1400 USD$ | 1350 USD$ | 1300 USD$ | 1250 USD$ | 1200 USD$ |
