Imagine embarking on an epic adventure that rivals the world’s greatest hikes – plunging into deep canyons, ascending mist-shrouded peaks, and uncovering hidden Inca treasures that few have ever seen.
That’s the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, a life-changing journey through Peru’s Cusco region that’s not just a hike, but a portal to ancient wonders and breathtaking natural beauty. This isn’t your average trail; it’s an extended thrill beyond the Classic Choquequirao trek 4 days, weaving through untouched landscapes to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Hailed by National Geographic as one of the Best of the World destinations for 2023, the Choquequirao Journey delivers heart-pounding challenges and soul-stirring rewards that will leave you forever changed.
Think you’re up for something as demanding as the trek to Everest Base Camp?
The Choquequirao Journey tests your limits with steep ascents and descents, but oh, the payoffs! Soar alongside majestic Andean condors, wander through orchid-filled cloud forests, and gaze at snow-capped giants towering over vast valleys and roaring canyons.
Built by Inca Emperor Topa Inca as his opulent “Cradle of Gold,” Choquequirao perches dramatically 1,150 meters (3,772 feet) above the Apurimac River, just 61 miles west of Cusco – a site so remote and pristine, it feels like your own private discovery.
By Day 8 of your Choquequirao Journey, you’ll unwind in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, sinking into a cozy hotel before savoring a delectable dinner at a top-rated local spot. And the grand finale? Day 9’s intimate guided tour of Machu Picchu, where the mist parts to reveal one of humanity’s greatest marvels.
Why settle for crowded trails when the Choquequirao Journey offers solitude, authenticity, and the ultimate Inca immersion? This is your chance to conquer the path less traveled, forge unbreakable memories, and return home a bolder version of yourself.
Spots fill up fast—secure your Choquequirao Trek today and step into legend!
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK ITINERARY
Pre-trek briefing (required):
Kick off your Choquequirao Trek with confidence! Join our expert-led briefing at your hotel the day before departure.
It’s your opportunity to get insider tips, ask burning questions, and gear up mentally for the adventure ahead. Plan to arrive in Cusco early—trust us, you won’t want to miss this essential prep!
Day 1: Cusco to Capuliyoc to Chiquisca
Your Choquequirao Trek begins with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a scenic 4 – 5 hour drive through Peru’s breathtaking highlands. Wind past quaint villages, lush valleys, and distant snow-capped peaks like Padreyoc, building excitement for the adventure ahead.
Arriving at the Capuliyoc viewpoint (approx. 2,900 m / 9,514 ft), enjoy a nourishing brunch while soaking in your first panoramic views of the dramatic Apurímac Canyon and, on clear days, a distant glimpse of Choquequirao itself. Here, you’ll meet your expert guide, skilled cook, and dedicated horsemen, who will load the gear onto horses as you prepare to hit the trail.
The day’s hike is a rewarding 3-4 hour descent along switchback trails, dropping through diverse landscapes—from high Andean plateaus to warmer canyon slopes dotted with cacti and fruit trees. As the mighty Apurímac River roars far below, feel the canyon’s immense scale unfold around you.
Arrive at the welcoming Chiquisca campsite (approx. 1,900 m / 6,234 ft), nestled in a verdant spot ideal for relaxation. Savor a delicious dinner prepared by your team, then settle in under a blanket of brilliant stars, energized for the challenging yet magical days to come.
- Meals: Brunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping at Chiquisca
- Lowest Elevation: 1,900 m / 6,270 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 2,915 m / 9,564 ft.
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Apurimac Canyon, Padreyoc Mountain – feel the thrill of the wild!
Day 2: Chiquisca to Maranpata to Choquequirao
Rise and shine for a great breakfast, then descend 1 hour to the mighty Apurimac River (1,550 m / 5,117 ft), crossing its bridge before conquering a 5-hour uphill push to Maranpata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft). Lunch here rewards you with tantalizing glimpses of Choquequirao ruins (3,150 m / 10,397 ft)—a teaser of the ancient magic ahead.
After, a gentle 90-minute hike leads to your epic campsite just 45 minutes from the ruins. Arrive by 4 p.m., kick back with happy hour, and toast to the day’s triumphs over dinner. This is where the Choquequirao Trek truly captivates!
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping at Choquequirao
- Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m / 5,117 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,150 m / 10,397 ft
- Distance: 14 km / 9 miles
- Walking Time: 8-9 hours
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Highlights: Apurimac River, Ampay Mountain—immerse in nature’s drama!
Day 3: Exploring Choquequirao & Hike to Pinchuyniyoc
Start with a hearty breakfast at camp before diving into the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao. Join your guide for a tour of this vast archaeological site (over 1,800 hectares), featuring palaces, temples, ritual fountains, ceremonial platforms, impressive agricultural terraces, and the famous “llama sector” with stone llama carvings.
Known as the “sister site” to Machu Picchu, this “Cradle of Gold” highlights Inca engineering with advanced irrigation systems in the stunning Apurímac Canyon. It offers a serene, crowd-free experience with misty, dramatic views.
After the tour, ascend 1 hour to Choquequirao Pass (3,318 m / 10,883 ft) for breathtaking panoramas of the Vilcabamba range and Choquetacarpo glacier.
Then descend 2 hours through lush terraces to camp at Pinchuyniyoc (2,487 m / 8,159 ft). Enjoy a relaxing evening with a star-filled dinner, campfire stories, and the gentle sounds of the river.
A perfect blend of history, adventure, and Andean beauty!
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping at Pinchuyniyoc
- Lowest Elevation: 2,487 m / 8,159 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 3,318 m / 10,883 ft.
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Choquequirao Ruins, Vilcabamba Mountains – uncover Inca secrets!
Day 4: Pinchuyniyoc to Maizal
Fuel up with breakfast for an exhilarating day: a steep 1.5-hour drop to Rio Blanco (1,990 m / 6,527 ft), followed by the Choquequirao Trek’s toughest climb – a 3-4 hour zigzag ascent to Maizal (3,000 m / 9,842 ft). Push your boundaries through lush cloud forests, and arrive triumphant for lunch and a well-deserved camp under the canopy.
This leg builds resilience and rewards with unparalleled serenity – proof that the Choquequirao Trek transforms you from the inside out.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping at Maizal
- Lowest Elevation: 1,990 m / 6,527 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
- Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Rio Blanco, Cloud Forest – conquer and connect!
Day 5: Maizal to Abra San Juan to Yanama
After breakfast, ascend 4-5 hours through enchanting cloud forests to Victoria Mines (4,000 m / 13,123 ft), where shimmering mineral veins hint at ancient treasures. Pause, then summit Abra San Juan Pass (4,130 m / 13,546 ft) for lunch amid soaring Andean condors, sweeping Vilcabamba Valley views, and the icy Pumasillo Glacier.
Descend 2-3 hours to Yanama (4,100 m / 13,541 ft), camping in a village that feels worlds away.
The Choquequirao Trek’s highs (literally!) will have you hooked.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping at Yanama
- Lowest Elevation: 3,000 m / 6,527 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 4,130 m / 13,546 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Walking Time: 8-9 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Andean Condors, Victoria Mines—witness wildlife wonders!
Day 6: Yanama to Colpapampa
After an early breakfast, climb steadily 4-5 hours to Yanama Pass (4,672 m / 15,324 ft), the Choquequirao Trek’s pinnacle, passing cascading waterfalls and friendly locals. Summit for epic sights of Apu Salkantay. Descend 2 hours for lunch, then 2.5 hours to Totora (3,398 m / 11,445 ft), with a quick 25-minute drive to Colpapampa camp.
Every step builds to euphoria—this is why adventurers choose the Choquequirao Trek!
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping at Colpapampa
- Lowest Elevation: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4,672 m / 15,324 ft
- Distance: 14 km / 9 miles
- Walking Time: 8-10 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Waterfalls, Salkantay Views—embrace the elevation!
Day 7: Colpapampa to Lucmabamba
Ease into a leisurely 5-6 hour trek through the lush rainforest, following the winding path along the Santa Teresa River. You’ll meander past thriving coffee, banana, and passion fruit plantations, their vibrant greens and fruits painting the landscape, before encountering a captivating waterfall that cascades with refreshing mist.
Arrive in Lucmabamba around noon for a well-deserved, relaxing lunch amid the serene surroundings.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in an extraordinary coffee tour: hand-pick fresh beans from the bushes, learn the art of roasting and grinding, and savor a cup of your own creation. Surrounded by fertile fields of tomatoes and avocados, you’ll even harvest some crisp, organic produce to incorporate into a delightful dinner.
The Choquequirao Trek masterfully weaves heart-pounding adventure with authentic cultural experiences, creating memories that linger long after the journey ends.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,398 m / 11,445 ft
- Area: Rain Forest
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Santa Teresa River, Coffee Plantations, Waterfall—taste the tropics!
Day 8: Lucmabamba to Llactapata Inca Ruins to Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a delicious final breakfast at camp before setting off on an original Inca trail. Ascend steadily for about 3 hours (750 m / 2,460 ft gain) through lush cloud forest to the remote Llactapata ruins (2,700–2,840 m).
Your guide will share the site’s history and connection to Machu Picchu, while you take in breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic citadel framed by Huayna Picchu and sacred peaks – a magical first glimpse!
After exploring, descend 2 hours to lunch in the Aobamba area. Then continue downhill to Hidroeléctrica station for a short break before boarding the scenic 40-minute train ride through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Check into your hotel, relax (maybe visit the thermal springs), and enjoy a well-deserved gourmet dinner sharing stories from the Choquequirao trek. Rest up – the legendary Machu Picchu awaits tomorrow!
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Walking Time: 6-7 hours
- Lowest Elevation: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
- Area: Cloud Forest
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Llactapata Ruins, First Machu Picchu Views—anticipation peaks!
Day 9: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Enjoy an early hotel breakfast, then take the first shuttle bus (25 min) up to Machu Picchu – the iconic “Lost City of the Incas,” rediscovered in 1911 and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Your expert guide leads a fascinating 2-hour tour, exploring temples, terraces, the Intihuatana stone, and the site’s remarkable Inca engineering and spiritual design.
(With separate permit) Add the thrilling Huayna Picchu hike (2 hours round-trip) for stunning panoramic views of the entire citadel.
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board the scenic train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. A private van transfers you back to your Cusco hotel.
The Choquequirao-to-Machu Picchu journey ends, but the memories will stay with you forever. Congratulations—you did it!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
- Highlights: Machu Picchu Tour, Optional Huayna Picchu—crown your conquest!
What’s Included in Your 9-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
Guide & Support Team
- Professional bilingual (English-Spanish) tour guide
- Expert chef and assistant chef preparing fresh meals
- Experienced wranglers (muleteers) to manage the animals
Pre-Trek & Logistics
- Pre-departure briefing at your hotel (1-2 days before departure)
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transportation to Capuliyoc (trailhead) on Day 1
- All necessary permits for Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
- Duffle bag provided for your personal gear
- Horses/mules to carry group equipment (tents, food, etc.) + up to 10 kg of your personal belongings
- Extra emergency horse for safety or rider assistance if needed
Camping Comforts (Nights 1-7)
- Spacious 4-person tent shared by 2 trekkers (plenty of room for gear)
- Foam mattress and pillow
- Full kitchen tent for meal preparation
- Dining tent with tables and chairs for comfortable eating
- Hot water provided each morning/evening for washing
- Boiled and filtered water daily to refill your bottles
Meals & Hydration
- 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners (nutritious, varied Peruvian cuisine)
- Additional dinner in Aguas Calientes on Night 8
- Tea time/snacks during the trek
Health & Safety
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- Comprehensive first-aid medical kit
Trek Highlights & Transfers
- Guided coffee plantation tour on Day 7 afternoon
- Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes on Day 8
- Comfortable lodging in Aguas Calientes on Night 8 (double occupancy, private room)
- Entrance ticket to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
- Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on Day 9
- Return Expedition tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
- Private van transfer from the train station back to your Cusco hotel
Services Not Included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking/hiking poles (available for rent)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit (extra USD $75 per person – must be booked in advance)
- Lunch and dinner on Day 9 (after Machu Picchu visit)
- Gratuities/tips for the guide, chef, and wranglers (customary and greatly appreciated)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended – cover for high-altitude trekking and evacuation)
Ultimate Packing List for the 9-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
Essential Documents & Money
- Original passport (required for entry to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu; bring old one if renewed after booking)
- Cash in Peruvian soles (small bills for tips, snacks, or emergencies; no ATMs on trail)
- Travel insurance card/details (highly recommended for evacuation coverage)
Clothing (Layering is Key – Quick-Dry & Breathable Materials)
- Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots (ankle support essential for steep descents/ascents)
- Camp sandals or flip-flops (for evenings)
- 6-8 pairs hiking socks (wool/merino to prevent blisters)
- 3-6 moisture-wicking T-shirts or long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 trekking pants/shorts (lightweight, convertible zip-offs ideal)
- Thermal base layers (top + bottom for cold high passes/nights)
- Warm fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Insulated down/synthetic jacket (for camps above 4,000m)
- Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants/poncho (Andes weather is unpredictable)
- Warm hat/beanie, gloves, and sun hat
- Underwear (quick-dry, enough for the duration)
Sleeping & Camping
- Down or synthetic sleeping bag (rated to -5°C/23°F or colder; rentable in Cusco)
Health & Hygiene
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Strong insect repellent (40-100% DEET; black flies and mosquitoes are intense in lower valleys)
- Personal first-aid kit (blister patches, painkillers, altitude meds like Diamox, antidiarrheals, bandages)
- Toiletries: toilet paper, wet wipes, quick-dry towel, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer
- Water purification tablets/filter or bottle (streams available, but treat water)
- Reusable water bottles/bladder (at least 2-3L capacity)
Gear & Accessories
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for knee-saving on steep sections; rentable)
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries – high altitude drains them fast)
- Sunglasses (UV protection essential)
- Camera/phone + spare batteries/power bank (limited/no charging on trail until day 6)
- Binoculars (great for condors and distant ruins)
- Daypack (20-30L) + dry bags/plastic liners (to keep gear dry)
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate for extra fuel)
Optional but Recommended
- Swimsuit (for hot springs near Aguas Calientes at trek’s end)
- Gaiters (for dusty trails or rain)
- Small day towel
- Book or journal for downtime
Tips for Success
- Pack light: Aim for 8-12kg total (including daypack items).
- Altitude prep: Acclimatize in Cusco (3,400m) for 2-3 days before starting.
- Weather: Dry season (May-Oct) is best; expect cold nights and hot days year-round.
- Insects: Worst in river valleys – long pants/sleeves + repellent are crucial.
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $1480 per person
Private: USD $1580 person
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Action Peru Treks is able to join that person with additional groups.
Rentals
- Hiking Poles – USD $35 (pair)
- Sleeping Bag – USD $50 per person
Upgrades:
- Return Vistadome Train – USD $80 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham Train– USD $520 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $270 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Inkaterra El Pueblo Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $260 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- El Mapi Hotel (4-star hotel) – USD $120 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $60 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Private Tent – USD $95 per person
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu – 9D/8N
1.- Is the Choquequirao Peru trek worth it, and how does it compare to the Inca Trail?
Yes, it’s highly worth it for adventurers seeking solitude, Inca history, and diverse landscapes without the crowds of the Inca Trail.
Our itinerary covers remote ruins like Choquequirao (the “Cradle of Gold”) and Llactapata, plus cloud forests, canyons, and a coffee tour – elements that make it more immersive and varied than the shorter, more regulated Inca Trail.
It’s longer and tougher but rewards with fewer tourists (often just 10-20 visitors per day at Choquequirao vs. hundreds at Machu Picchu).
If you enjoy challenges like Everest Base Camp, this trek’s steep ascents and descents will test you similarly, but with warmer weather and richer biodiversity.
2.- How is the Choquequirao trek difficulty, and what fitness level is required?
The trek is demanding, rated moderate to challenging across days, with steep switchbacks, high passes (up to 4,672 m / 15,324 ft on Day 6), and significant elevation changes (e.g., 1,500 m / 4,921 ft descents/ascents on some days).
These itinerary notes “demanding” and “challenging” for Days 2, 4-6, with 8-10 hours of walking on rough terrain.
Good cardiovascular fitness, prior hiking experience, and acclimatization to altitude (spend 2-3 days in Cusco beforehand) are essential.
It’s tougher than the Inca Trail due to the remoteness and lack of facilities, but easier days like Day 7 provide recovery.
Not suitable for beginners or those with knee/heart issues – train with weighted hikes and stairs.
3.- What is the total distance and daily breakdown?
The total hiking distance is approximately 96.6 km / 60 miles.
Walking times range from 3-4 hours (easier days) to 8-10 hours (tougher ones).
Elevation varies wildly, from lows of 1,550 m / 5,117 ft to highs of 4,672 m / 15,324 ft.
Horses carry gear on early days, lightening your load.
4.- Do I need permits, and can I do it unguided?
No Inca Trail permit is required for most of this route, as it doesn’t join the regulated Inca Trail until near Machu Picchu.
However, Machu Picchu entry on Day 9 needs a timed ticket (book in advance, especially for optional Huayna Picchu hike).
You will be in a guided tour with a team (guide, cook, horsemen), which is recommended for safety, navigation, and logistics in this remote area.
Unguided is possible but risky – poor signage, river crossings, and weather changes make it challenging; some sections may require local mules or guides by law.
5.- Can I add Huayna Picchu Mountain to my trek?
Yes, you can add the Huayna Picchu hike to your trek!
Extra cost: USD $75–80 per person
Duration: 2–3 hours round trip (steep stairs; good fitness required, min. age 12)
Availability: Limited to 400 spots/day—sells out fast, especially May–Sep
Book well in advance (3 – 6 months recommended). Let us know your dates, and we’ll secure it for you! It’s an incredible highlight with epic views.
6.- What equipment do I need, and can I rent it?
Pack layers for variable weather (cold nights at high camps, warm days in canyons), sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, rain gear, sun protection, a sleeping bag rated to 0°C / 32°F, water purification, and snacks.
Our itinerary includes camping gear (tents, mats) provided on the tour, but personal items like sleeping bags and poles are rentable through us us.
Horses carry up to 10 kg of your gear on Days 1-6. Attend the pre-trek briefing for a packing list.
7.- What meals and accommodations are included?
Most meals are covered: brunch/dinner on Day 1; full breakfast/lunch/dinner on Days 2-8; breakfast on Day 9.
Expect hearty Peruvian cuisine (e.g., fresh produce, meats, vegetarian options) prepared by the cook, with snacks and hot drinks.
Accommodations are camping for Days 1-7 (tents in scenic spots like Chiquisca, Choquequirao, etc.), a hotel in Aguas Calientes on Day 8, and no overnight on Day 9 (return to Cusco).
Water is boiled or filtered; dietary needs can be accommodated with notice.
8.- What’s the best time to go, and what about weather/altitude?
Best from May to September (dry season) for clearer skies and safer trails, though nights are cold. Avoid January-March (rainy, potential landslides).
Altitude sickness is a risk above 3,000 m / 9,842 ft – acclimatize in Cusco, stay hydrated, and consider meds like acetazolamide.
Weather shifts from hot canyons (25°C / 77°F) to chilly passes (5°C / 41°F at night).
9.- Are there age restrictions or suitability for families/kids?
Typically for ages 12+ with good fitness; not ideal for young children due to difficulty and remoteness.
Seniors in excellent shape can manage, but consult a doctor. It’s adult-oriented with group dynamics.
10.- Why Choose Action Peru Treks for the Choquequirao Journey?
Founded by locals in 2015, Action Peru Treks is Peru’s only fully indigenous-owned tour operator, guided by expert Quechua leaders who provide an authentic immersion in Inca culture and traditions.
Consistently praised with perfect ratings across hundreds of TripAdvisor reviews, it stands out as a leading choice for outdoor adventures in Peru.
