Choquequirao & Machu Picchu 10 Days / 9 Nights

Day 01: Choquequirao Trek: Cusco to Chikiska

Start the day with an early departure to the trail start in Cachora town, located 160 km from Cusco. Walk 3 hours on a fairly flat dirt track to a Capulliyoq lookout point, where you’ll catch glimpse of the Apurimac Rive and the ruins of Choquequirao. Descend on a zigzagging footpath for about 3 hours into the valley where you’ll arrive at the first campsite at Chikisca.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Maximum altitude: 2900 masl / 9514 ft | Minimum altitude: 1860 masl / 6102 ft | Distance travelled: 19 km / 11.80 ml | Approximate walking time: 6 hrs

Day 02: Choquequirao Trek: Chikiska to Choquequirao

After an early breakfast, start your walk to avoid the worst of the midday sun as you cross the Apurimac River over the Playa Rosalinda bridge and begin the ascent to Choquequirao. Stop for snacks in Santa Rosa and again for lunch in Marampata, where you’ll enjoy views of the river and ruins. Continue on a hilly path until you reach the official campsite.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum altitude: 3061 masl / 10043 ft | Minimum altitude: 1836 masl / 6024 ft | Distance travelled: 14 km / 8.69 miles | Approximate walking time: 8 hrs

Day 03: Choquequirao Trek: Choquequirao

You have the whole day to explore the ruins. Your guide will take you to the principal complex in the morning and to the lower part in the afternoon. Return to the campsite at the end of the day.

Day 04: Choquequirao Trek: Choquequirao to Pinchaunuyoq

After breakfast, pay another visit to the principal complex and then continue on the trail. You’ll walk uphill through a forest of native trees and then downhill to the Pinchiunuyoq archaeological site. Enjoy lunch and the exceptional views over the Apurimac Valley. Then join your guide to visit the ruins before settling in to the campsite for the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum altitude: 3300 masl / 10826 ft | Minimum altitude: 2500 masl / 8202 ft | Distance travelled: 4.50 km / 2.97 ml | Approximate walking time: 6 hrs

Day 05: Choquequirao Trek: Pinchaunuyoq to Rio Blanco to Maizal

Start early before the day heats up. Descend to the Rio Blanco, cross the river, and climb up to the small village of Maizal. You’ll walk through a forest of native trees, where you have the chance to observe various species of birds.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 3012 masl / 9881 ft | Minimum altitude: 1500 masl / 4921 ft | Distance travelled: 5.20 km / 3.23 ml | Approximate walking time: 6 hrs

Day 06: Choquequirao Trek: Maizal to Mina Victoria Pass to Yanama

Leave the campsite and proceed on an uphill path on a stone path leading to the high pass at Mina Victoria, where you’ll be treated to exquisite views of snow-capped Choqetacarpo and Pumasillo peaks. Descend to the lunch spot, rest, and then continue to the community of Yanama where you will rest for the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum altitude: 4200 masl / 13779 ft | Minimum Altitude: 3800 masl / 12467 ft | Distance travelled: 8 km / 4.97 ml | Approximate walking time: 7 hrs

Day 07: Choquequirao Trek: Yanama to Abra Apacheta to Totora

Wake early to tackle the longest day of the trek, beginning with a climb up the Yanama river ravine which become gradually steeper. As you approach Apacheta Pass, you’ll notice the temperature drop and the vegetation become sparse. Glimpse the stunning peak of Apu Salkantay before beginning a descent into the Totora River Valley. Temperatures will again be warmer at your campsite in Totora town.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum altitude: 4600 masl / 15091 ft | Minimum altitude: 2860 masl / 9383 ft | Distance travelled: 18.32 km / 11.38 ml | Approximate walking time: 9 hrs

Day 08: Choquequirao Trek: Totora to Colpapampa to Santa Teresa

Follow the trail through connecting valleys from Totora to Chalan to Santa Teresa. You’ll see exuberant vegetations and beautiful waterfalls along the way. Arrive in Santa Teresa and your campsite for the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum altitude: 2860 masl / 9383 ft | Minimum altitude: 2088 masl / 6850 ft | Distance travelled: 8 km / 4.97 ml | Approximate walking time: 6 hrs

Day 09: Choquequirao Trek: Santa Teresa to Llaqtapata to Aguas Calientes

Your last day of trekking takes you on an uphill trail through the Lucma area where you’ll pass coffee plantations and forests of native trees. Stop at Llactapata ruins to take in views of Machu Picchu across a deep valley and Salkantay in the distance. Descend to the Aobamba River Valley and walk to the Hydroelectric Station where you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes. Check-in at your hotel and settle in for the night.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Maximum altitude: 3000 masl / 9842 ft | Minimum altitude: 1800 masl / 5905 ft | Distance travelled: 10 km / 6.21 ml | Approximate walking time: 2 hrs

Day 10: Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

Early in the morning, take the shuttle bus to the ruins entrance to begin your tour of Machu Picchu.* With your guide, explore the most important areas of the Inca stone citadel, including the Temple of the Condor, the Room of 3 Windows, and the Temple of the Sun.

Departure from the ruins depends on your train schedule, but be sure to arrive at the station 30 minutes before your train leaves. Pick-up on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

*Hike Huayna Picchu to get a bird’s eye view of the ruins or take the Machu Picchu Mountain hike to appreciate more of the surrounding scenery. Permits are limited and must be booked in advance, so let us know asap if you’re up for the challenge.