CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE IN 7 DAYS
7D/6N
Discover the magic in 7 unforgettable days.
This exceptional itinerary is designed to showcase two of the most important Inca cities in Cusco: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. The journey begins in Cusco, the birthplace of the Inca Empire. You’ll trek through the majestic high Andes, arriving at the impressive site of Choquequirao. Here, you’ll have ample time to explore the ruins and understand their historical significance.
As you continue, you’ll visit the Inca site of Llactapata, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, including Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Salkantay Mountain. Upon reaching the iconic Inca city of Machu Picchu, your guide will provide an informative tour, followed by time to wander and soak in the site’s awe-inspiring beauty.
Finally, you’ll travel back to Cusco, enriched by the unforgettable experiences and historical insights from these legendary Inca cities.
ITINERARIO
DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIKISKA – PLAYA ROSALINAS
This incredible adventure begins at 5am when our guide picks you up from your hotel in our private van. We embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc, perched on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and framed by towering snow-capped peaks. Along the route, you’ll enjoy views of charming villages and spectacular valleys.
Upon arrival at Capuliyoc, we meet our horsemen and load all the equipment onto the horses, leaving you to carry only a small daypack with trail essentials. We then begin our hike with a 2-hour descent to Chikiska, where we pause for a delightful lunch. Afterward, we continue hiking for another hour until we reach Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m/5,084 ft), our campsite for the night.
When you arrive at camp, you’ll be greeted with hot drinks and appetizers, and your tents will already be set up. Take some time to settle into your tents before enjoying a hearty and delicious dinner.
Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: PLAYA ROSALINAS – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO
The day begins with the guide bringing you a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy before breakfast. We depart early, starting our ascent to Santa Rosa and continuing on to Maranpata, where we will stop for lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is quite steep. From our lunch spot, we get our first impressive view of the expansive Choquequirao site.
After lunch, we have a 2-hour hike to reach the Choquequirao Archaeological site (3,110 m/10,120 ft). Upon arrival, you’ll find drinks, appetizers, and tents ready for you. Spend a well-deserved, relaxing evening watching the sunset and observing the soaring condors.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 13km/8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PINCHIUNUYOC
After breakfast, we will embark on an extensive exploration of the archaeological site of Choquequirao, followed by a short rest before lunch. In the afternoon, we will depart from camp and hike up over a ridge, then descend for about 2 hours to reach the captivating site of Pinchiunuyoc, where we will set up camp for the night. This day is the least demanding of the entire trip, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: PINCHIUNUYOC – RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL
After savoring a hot drink in your sleeping bag, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast. Departing from camp, we will descend for 2 hours to reach the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1,990 m/6,527 ft), where we will have lunch. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate before embarking on a challenging 3 to 4-hour ascent to our campsite at Maizal.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
DAY 5: MAIZAL – YANAMA – TOTORA – LUCMABAMBA
We depart at 7am and embark on a 3-hour uphill trek through a subtropical jungle towards the Victoria Mines. After exploring the mines and some nearby Inca ruins, we continue our ascent for another hour to reach the Victoria Pass (4,130m/13,546 ft). From the pass, we are treated to breathtaking views as we descend for about 2 hours to the charming village of Yanama, following a path with well-preserved Inca steps.
Upon reaching Yanama, we board local transport to Lucmabamba, enjoying stunning views of snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge
DAY 6: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES
On this day, we embark on a 3-hour trek along the original Inca Trail, passing through the lush cloud forest to reach the Puncuyoc Pass. Our journey leads us to the Llactapata Inca ruins (2,700m/8,907ft), which offer a stunning, distant view of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
After taking in the unique perspective of Machu Picchu, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant for lunch. We then continue our walk to Aguas Calientes, traversing the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and enjoying the picturesque surroundings of this iconic site.
DAY 7: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today is the day you’ve been eagerly awaiting Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll catch one of the first buses up to the ancient site to witness the breathtaking sunrise. This extraordinary experience is truly unforgettable. Your guide will lead you on a comprehensive two-hour tour of Machu Picchu Citadel, covering its most important sections and explaining how the site is divided into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
After soaking in the magnificent views and rich history of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may have additional time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the local museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will depart Aguas Calientes at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, offering a scenic ride along the Urubamba River. As the train navigates the narrow canyon, you’ll enjoy views of whitewater sections and, if you look up the steep canyon walls, the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco via our private vehicle, with an expected arrival time of 7:00 pm.
Meal included: Breakfast
PRICE AND INCLUSIONS
Each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires, so our prices vary depending on the number of people traveling, the desired level of accommodation, and the activities included, among other factors.
INCLUDE
- Pick up at your hotel
- Private transportation
- Entrance to Machupicchu and Choquequirao
- Professional guide
- Comfortable and spacious 4-season tents
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All camping equipment
- Round-trip bus tickets
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from train station to hotel
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Horseman and mules to transport camping equipment
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency
- Boiled water for drinking and washing
- Clean water to fill your bottles at each meal
- Pick-up at your hotel
- Private transport
- Entrance to Machupicchu and Choquequirao
- Comfortable and 4 season roomy tents
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- All camping equipment
- Round trip Bus tickets Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes
- First Aid kit
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from the train station back to your hotel
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Horseman and mules to carry camping gear and 7 kg of personal items
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
- Clean water to fill your bottles at each mealtime
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C $25
- Air Mattresses $25
- Trekking Poles $20
- Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain $75 optional
- Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the 7kg allowance
- Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
ACCOMMODATIONS
We offer you an exclusive selection of our accommodations in Cusco, ensuring that you enjoy the utmost comfort and an unparalleled experience during your stay.
