Choquequirao Trek To Machu Picchu 9 Days
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.

Trip Itinerary

Itinerari

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 Apurímac 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 Apurímac 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 – Explore Choquequirao

Breakfast; this day enjoying a complete guided tour of the Choquequirao complex means “Cradle of Gold” visiting the high parts (Hanan), and the lower parts (Urin), and some areas that are still covered in wild foliage and ready to be restored into the way it was when the Incas owned it. The steep mountainside below the main plaza features several clusters of newly-discovered buildings, including the so-called Ridge Group, and the Waterfall Temple, an intriguing ceremonial complex facing the cascades of a steep ravine.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – 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 5 – 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 6 – Yanama – Colpapampa

Breakfast; climbing slowly to the higher pass called Yanama (4550m/14924ft), again the view is amazing, trekkers are surrounded by snowcapped mountains the Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoc. Continuing from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, once more having the chance to see condors and this morning smooth climb bring through new landscapes –crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora where we have the lunch, then continue to Colpapampa (2890m/9479ft), our camping site, a beautiful spot with some natural hot springs to relax in
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Total distance: 15 Km (9, 32 miles)
Estimated walking time: 7 hours
Maximum altitude point: (4550m/14924ft)

Day 7 – Colpapampa – Lucmabamba

Breakfast; today we continue our hike with an easy walk along the Santa Teresa River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. We pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, and then we continue to La Playa (2155m/7068ft) where we have our lunch, after lunch we continue until Lucmabamba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Total distance: 12 Km (7, 45 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6 hours

Day 8 – Llactapata Archaeological site – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, walk up to Llactapata on the way we can see plantations of banana, coffee, and avocado, as well as exuberant local flora. We enter spectacled-bear territory and we will probably be accompanied by flocks of parrots as we descend. We cross the river and start climbing for 2-3 hours up to Abra Q’elloqasa (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of Machu Picchu. We enjoy amazing view from Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) from where we can view both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay, enjoying the added value of the Llactapata archeological site, which have recently been restored. A 2-hour descent towards the Aobamba River crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations brings us to the Hydroelectric from where we board a train that takes us to Aguas Calientes (40 minutes train ride)
Overnight at Aguas Calientes Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Full Day Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel; full day Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, early transfer at 5:30am to the Bus Stop for the short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you’ll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.

Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities by yourself (not included in the price):

1. Climb to Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.
Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you’ll return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Cusco – train departure to Cusco; upon arrival to Cusco reception and transfer to the Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Cusco – Our representative will assist you and transfer to the airport and say goodbye.

Price per person

service includes

  • 2 Airport Transfers
  • 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 7 (each two trekkers)
  • Your personal luggage allowance to put on the horses (Max. 12 kgs / 25 lbs per person) – days 1 to 7
  • 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.
  • Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
  • 2 bus tickets (up and down from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
  • Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco)
  • One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes selected hotel Category (last night)
  •  Private transfer from Poroy train station to your Cusco hotel

Service not Includes

  • 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
  • Tips for the guide, cook and Horseman’s

Transfer from Poroy train Station to your Cusco hotel

Details
Tour Data
  • PRICE FROM : Upon request
  • DEPARTURE: Daily
  • STARTING POINT : CUSCO
  • STYLE : Archaeological, Cultural, Ecological, Walk,Trekking
  • MAX PEOPLE : 12
  • MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4630 m / 15228 ft
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