Trek to Machu Picchu: Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

• Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek
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Unknown to many travelers (and indeed until recently, unknown to much of the world), the majestic Choquequirao site is one of the largest and well-preserved Inca cities. Much bigger and more isolated than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is equally beautiful and truly awe-inspiring, so much so that it is called Machu Picchu’s “sister city.” Historical records make hardly any mention of Choquequirao, whose name means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua, suggesting that this citadel was truly a lost city for centuries after the Spanish Conquest.  

Today, modern day explorers can embark on this challenging but incredibly rewarding Peru trek traversing very tough, but very scenic Andean terrain. After the hike to Choquequirao, the trek continues through the Vilcabamba range to Machu Picchu. To ensure you get the most out of this exhilarating adventure in the wilderness, you will be outfitted with the very best trekking services available, from expert guides, to nourishing food, and all the necessary equipment.

Day 1 : Cusco to Chikiska
Day 2 : Chikiska to Choquequirao
Day 3 : Choquequirao Tour
Day 4 : Choquequirao to Pinchaunuyoq
Day 5 : Pinchaunuyoq to Maizal
Day 6 : Maizal to Yanama
Day 7 : Yanama to Totora
Day 8 : Totora to Playa Santa Teresa
Day 9 : Playa Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
Day 10 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

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Day 1 : Cusco to Chikiska

• After an early breakfast in your Cusco hotel you will meet your guide for the drive out of the city and into the Limatambo valley. You will travel through spectacular scenery until you reach the small Andean town of San Pedro de Cachora where you will enjoy a delicious lunch.
• Leaving the town on foot, your trek begins on a trail that crosses the Cachora ravine and rises until you reach the Capuliyoc lookout point for stunning views of the Apurimac Canyon as it winds through the Vilcabamba mountains.
• Your trail begins to descend through a forest of native trees until you arrive at the first camp at Chikiska, where you will enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax after your first day's hike.

Distance: 11.80 miles (19 km)
Maximum altitude: 9,514 feet (2,900 m)
Approximate time: 6 hours
Gradient: moderate

Day 2 : Chikiska to Choquequirao

• After an early breakfast, you will begin your second day following a gradual descent towards the Apurimac River. After crossing the river you begin the long climb toward Choquequirao, passing traditional agricultural settlements and enjoying the striking Andean surroundings.
• You will stop for a well-earned lunch at Marampata while also enjoying fine views of the sumptuous Choquequirao site, hidden within the Vilcabamba. From here the trail follows a varied route of steep up and downhill sections until you reach the campsite at Choquequirao.

Distance: 8.69 miles (14 km)
Maximum Altitude: 10,043 feet (3,061 m)
Approximate Time: 8 hours
Gradient: challenging

Day 3 : Choquequirao Tour

• After a filling breakfast, you will spend the third day exploring the entire site of Choquequirao. You will be one of the very few outsiders who get a chance to visit these isolated ruins. Your expert guide will explain the significance of this ancient site, as well as its many mysteries.
• The site reveals the Inca's ingenious blend of various Andean and Amazonian materials and decoration, as well as stonework that is as equally impressive as in the Sacred Valley. You will identify irrigation channels, agricultural terraces and spiritual centers, and see some of the great stretches of the site that are yet to be excavated and understood.
• After the tour, you will return to the campsite to enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening before the next day’s adventures. 

Day 4 : Choquequirao to Pinchaunuyoq

• After breakfast and a short detour around the Choquequirao site you will follow a trail that rises up through a wood of native trees and other flora which arrives at a wide pampa before making a descent towards the archeological site of Pinchaunuyoq.
• After lunch you will enjoy a tour of the site, exploring more of the least-travelers Inca trails through the Vilcabamba mountain range. You will then make your way to your campsite for the night, not far from the ruins.

Distance: 2.97 miles (4.5 km)
Maximum Altitude: 10,826 feet (3,300 m)
Approximate time: 6 hours
Gradient: moderate

Day 5 : Pinchaunuyoq to Maizal

• Leaving the camp early after breakfast, you will follow a downhill trail towards the Rio Blanco. Crossing the river you climb through a forest where your guide will help you spot various species of native birds and other fauna.
• You’ll continue the steep climb until you reach the small, traditional Andean village of Maizal, where the way of life bears great resemblance to many centuries ago, and where you will spend the night.

Distance: 3.23 miles (5.2 km)
Maximum Altitude: 9,881 feet (3,012 m)
Approximate Time: 6 hours
Gradient: challenging

Day 6 : Maizal to Yanama

• After setting off from camp, your route continues along a challenging climb and enters a beautiful forest where you’ll follow an ancient stone path which will take you right up to the high pass at Mina Victoria. Here, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the entire Vilcabamba range, including the snow-capped peaks of Choqetacarpo and Pumasillo.
• From this high point you will make the long descent to your lunch spot before continuing to your campsite in the community of Yanama where you will relax and enjoy a delicious evening meal.

Distance: 4.97 miles (8 km)
Maximum Altitude: 13,779 feet (4,200 m)
Approximate Time: 7 hours
Gradient: challenging

Day 7 : Yanama to Totora

• < You will enjoy another energizing breakfast before setting off on the most challenging day yet. The trail climbs the ravine of the Yanama River starting on a gentle incline before developing into a steep climb as it approaches a high mountain pass at a staggering 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). The views from this point demonstrate the marked contrasts in ecological levels as you reach the high puna, before descending again towards the Totora River valley, where you will rest your weary legs, enjoy a restoring evening meal and relax in the small community of Totora.

Distance: 4.97 miles (8 km)
Maximum Altitude: 13,779 feet (4,200 m)
Approximate Time: 7 hours
Gradient: challenging

Day 8 : Totora to Playa Santa Teresa

• Enjoy an early breakfast and set off on your route that follows the path of the Totora River until its confluence with the Chalan River, which you will follow downstream on a gentle path. The trail past this point winds through lush, dense flora and several sets of beautiful waterfalls. After a gentle day's walking you will arrive at the camp at Playa Santa Teresa where you’ll spend the night.

Distance: 4.97 miles (8 km)
Maximum Altitude:9,383 feet (2,860 m)
Approximate: 6 hours
Gradient: moderate

Day 9 : Playa Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes

• After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your team of mule handlers and porters. From here you head to the archeological site of Patallaqta and will climb through coffee plantations on a trail that will offer tantalizing glimpses of your final destination, Machu Picchu.
• Your trail will bring you down to river level at the hydroelectric plant from where you catch a train to Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu. You will spend the night here in your comfortable Machu Picchu hotel.

Distance: 6.21 miles (10 km)
Maximum Altitude: 9,842 feet (3,000 m)
Gradient: moderate

Day 10 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

• This morning, your Peru trek from Choquequirao culminates with a tour of Machu Picchu. Although much more crowded that the first Inca site, you’ll be one of the few who can appreciate the similarities and contrasts between the two citadels. On a 2-hour tour, your guide will fill you in on the final details of the history of the Incas and Machu Picchu
• Once your guide departs, you have more time to wander about the site on your own, take pictures, or take optional hikes to the Sun Gate (the entrance to Machu Picchu from the classic Inca Trail) or to the top of Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that appears in so many Machu Picchu photographs. (The Sun Gate is included in a regular entrance but Huayna Picchu requires payment of an additional fee and visitors are limited to 400 per day. Ask your travel advisor for more details.)
• In the afternoon, you will return to Aguas Calientes and board a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes.

See our Machu Picchu Guide for more information on what see and do, as well as Machu Picchu Restaurants that we recommend for tasty dining.

Check our Trekking & Adventure FAQs to help you prepare for your Vilcabamba Trek and contact your travel advisor for any additional questions.

Type	Group	Private
Double	$ 0	$ 4989
Single	$ 0	$ 6859
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.

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Included

• Private transportation Cusco to Cachora
• English-speaking guide
• Sleeping Bag per person (-10 ºC)
• Cook & cooking equipment
• All meals on the trek
• Cooking, eating and bathroom tents
• Two person tents (3-people capacity tent) & single tents available at extra cost
• Porters & mules
• Saddled horse (one saddled horse for every 6 passengers)
• First-aid kit & emergency oxygen bottle
• Train ticket Hydroelectric Plant to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
• Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu
• Train ticket Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private Transportation Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Not Included

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Extra food
• Optional tip for field staff
• Extra costs

Packing List

• Water-resistant hiking shoes
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof clothing (poncho)
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Sun cream and insect repellent
• Water bottles
• Any required medications
• Walking sticks
• Swimsuit and towel
• Personal items
• Personal snacks