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We rate this Choquequirao Trek as a 4 / 5. The trek can be challenging at times, especially for hikers unaccustomed to hiking at higher altitudes.
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Highlights
Spend 12 days trekking and camping in the Peruvian Andes on this guided Choquequirao tour
Discover the captivating city of Cusco, the ancient capital city of the Incas.
Trek and camp through the breathtaking Andes, surrounded by incredible scenery and encountering vibrant Quechua villages along the way.
Explore fascinating and mysterious Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu and Choquequirao.
Enjoy luxury in your hotels and even while trekking and camping thanks to the services of experienced guides, cooks, and porters.
The ancient secrets of the Incas have captured the curiosity of more modern people for generations. On this Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu tour Peru, you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Inca people, through their capital city of Cusco and down mountain paths high in the Andes.
Explore the incredible ruins they left behind at world-famous archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and Choquequirao. Learn from experienced guides, but also take time by yourself to take in the mystery and wonder. This Choquequirao trek is definitely an unforgettable experience!
Enjoy a blend of luxury and adventure, staying in comfortable hotels in the cities and enjoying comforts along the trail as well. Your Choquequirao tour includes the services of a chef that is experienced in preparing delicious meals at high altitudes in the back-country. There will also be porters and pack animals carrying equipment such as dining tables and chairs, tents, and some of your personal gear. You’ll love every minute of the guided Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, so book your spot today!
The ancient secrets of the Incas have captured the curiosity of more modern people for generations. On this Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu tour Peru, you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Inca people, through their capital city of Cusco and down mountain paths high in the Andes.
Explore the incredible ruins they left behind at world-famous archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and Choquequirao. Learn from experienced guides, but also take time by yourself to take in the mystery and wonder. This Choquequirao trek is definitely an unforgettable experience!
Enjoy a blend of luxury and adventure, staying in comfortable hotels in the cities and enjoying comforts along the trail as well. Your Choquequirao tour includes the services of a chef that is experienced in preparing delicious meals at high altitudes in the back-country. There will also be porters and pack animals carrying equipment such as dining tables and chairs, tents, and some of your personal gear. You’ll love every minute of the guided Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu, so book your spot today!
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Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Cusco
Arrive in Cusco, Peru at the Cusco International Airport. Transportation to your hotel is included, and at your hotel you’ll meet your guide for tour briefing. Depending on what time you arrive, you will probably have time to explore the city. The city of Cusco, high in the Andes mountains, was the capital of the ancient Incan Empire. There are many remains left from the Incas and you can also see Spanish mansions and churches. Cusco also offers a vibrant nightlife and wonderful Peruvian restaurants.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,399m, 11,200’)
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Cusco
Today is left free for you to acclimitize and also to explore Cusco at your own pace, wherever your interests take you. There is so much to see, do, and learn here in South America’s oldest, continuously inhabited city. What was once the Inca’s capital city has now become the archaeological capital of South America.
To help you make the most of your visit, you can choose from one of two tours. Choose between the Sacred Valley Tour and the Maras Moray Tour.
The Sacred Valley Tour is a full day of experiences. You’ll visit an Indian market in Pisac to experience this colourful tradition. You can barter with the local craftsmen to purchase unique, handmade souvenirs. You’ll then travel to the town of Ollantaytambo, a town of narrow streets and canals that are largely unchanged since the time the Incas inhabited it. Finally, visit the Chinchero market. This market is more authentic and less geared toward tourists. According to legend, Chinchero is the birthplace of the rainbow. When you are finished in Chinchero, return to Cusco.
The Maras Moray tour begins with a drive from your hotel to Moray (approx. 1.5 hours). Moray is known as the “Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory.” Here, the Incas carved amphitheatre-like terraces in a bowl shape. It is thought that these were used to test and determine optimal growing conditions for different crops. After exploring Moray, continue another two miles to visit the Maras salt mines. In this area, you can see a series of tiny channels carved so that the highly salty water coming from a natural spring would run into terraced ponds. Exposed to the sun, the water dries and leaves the salt behind. It is believed that salt was harvested in this way in this place since a time before even the Incas. After exploring the Maras salt mines, return to Cusco.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,399m, 11,200’)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Transfer to Cachora and trek to Chiquisca
Meet the private bus at your hotel after breakfast for a 4-hour drive to reach the start of your trek. At the Cachora trailhead (2,800 m / 9,184 ft), we’ll load the horses with all our equipment and hike for about 2.5 hours to the Capuliyoc Pass (2,750 m / 9,020 ft). After a break, your trek continues for another 2.5 hours, descending into the Apurimac Canyon to reach your first campsite of the trek at Chiquisca (1,800 m / 5,905 ft).
Overnight Location: Chiquisca Camp (1,800 m / 5,905 ft)
Distance: 5 hours hiking, 8km (5 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Choquequirao
Hit the trail early today to avoid a steep climb in the hottest part of the day. Descend further into the canyon for about an hour until you reach Playa Rosalina (1,400 m / 4,593 ft), where you will cross the Apurimac River. From here, the trail climbs steeply. After hiking for about two hours, there is a wonderful, shady place to stop and rest in Santa Rosa. Continue climbing for about two hours to reach Marampata, where you will stop to eat lunch. From here, the trail is gentler and in about two hours you will reach the Choquequirao campsite (3,103 m / 10,178 ft).
Overnight Location: Choquequirao Camp (3,103 m / 10,178 ft)
Distance: 7-8 hours hiking, 14km (8.7 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Explore the ancient city of Choquequirao
Most of today will be spent exploring the archaeological site of Choquequirao. Get an early start and enjoy a guided tour of this ancient city. Though Choquequirao is not as well-known as Machu Picchu, the two sites are related. Choquequirao was discovered first, by the Spanish explorers of the 17th Century, but little was done to explore it and it lay forgotten for many years. During more recent years, tourism has brought renewed interest in the city and it is now being studied more thoroughly. On your tour, you’ll learn more about the Incas and their culture, and you’ll see the most interesting and important areas that have been discovered so far. Since only about 25% of Choquequirao has been explored, there are still plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered. After the tour, return to the campsite at Choquequirao.
Overnight Location: Choquequirao Camp (3,103 m / 10,178 ft)
Distance: 4 hours hiking, 10km (6.2 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Trek to Maizal via Choquequirao Pass and Rio Blanco
Start the morning by climbing toward Choquequirao Pass (3,250 m / 10,660 ft), you’ll enter the enchanting cloud forest area, full of wonderful and diverse plant life. Once you have crossed the pass, you’ll descend to the Yuracmayo River and cross the riverbed. Climb from here up to Maizal, which is a balcony that offers a wonderful view of the Yuracmayo and Yanama river gorges, especially where they meet and rush as one toward the Apurimac Canyon. Here at the Maizal campsite (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), you’ll find a beautiful natural viewpoint, which faces to the west and offers a spectacular sunset view.
Overnight Location: Maizal Camp (3,000 m / 9,842 ft)
Distance: 5 hours hiking, 8km (5 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Trek to Yanama via Minas Victoria
Leaving the Maizal camp, the trail climbs steeply up toward the Mina Victoria. This area was originally mined by the Incas but later became a colonial mine. You’ll then hike along Qoriwayrachina Hill, another Incan ruin that has only recently begun to be explored by archaeologists. Stop for lunch nearby as you cross the pass (3,900 m / 12,792 ft) and then descend into Yanama village (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) to camp for the night. From here you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the mountains all around you, including Mt. Pumasillo (5,991 m / 19,656 ft).
Overnight Location: Yanama Camp (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
Distance: 8 hours hiking, 12km (7.4 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek through Yanama Valley to Totora
Hike through the Yanama Valley today, passing fields of crops along the way, until you reach the trailhead for Quiswar Pass. As you cross the pass, on a clear day you can expect incredible views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay. After the pass, the trail winds down through the valley to the village of Totora (3,300 m / 10,826 ft), where you will camp for the night.
Overnight Location: Totora Camp (3,300 m / 10,826 ft)
Distance: Totora Camp (3,300 m / 10,826 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Trek beside the Salkamayo River to La Playa
Today’s hike takes you along the lovely Salkamayo River. The vegetation here is lush and green, you’ll pass numerous waterfalls, and have a chance to see plantations growing coffee and passion fruit. Arrive at La Playa (2,155 m / 7,068 ft) in the afternoon, and with time to take a refreshing dip in the river before it is time for dinner.
Overnight Location: La Playa Camp (2,155 m / 7,068 ft)
Distance: 7-8 hours hiking, 20km (12.4 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Trek and Train to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, the hike begins by crossing the river. The trail then climbs through plantations growing fruit and coffee, eventually coming to a viewpoint at El Mirador (2,860 m / 9,381 ft). From here, enjoy incredible views of Machu Picchu. Continue hiking to your lunch stop at Llaqtapata (2,650 m / 8,692 ft), which is another Incan site that has been restored recently. Enjoy lunch with views of Machu Picchu and Mt. Salkantay. Then descend for about 2 hours to reach the Hidroelectrica train station (1,800 m / 5,905 ft), where you will board a train to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight Location: Hatun Inti Boutique, Aguas Calientes (2,040m, 6,690’)
Distance: 7 hours hiking, 12km (7.5 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
An early morning today, with a great reward. Have breakfast and meet your guide at 5:40 AM, ready to explore for the day. From Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride takes you to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise. Begin with a guided walking tour of the Citadel that lasts about 2 hours, then you are free to explore the area on your own.
For those who are interested in climbing Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu, an optional tour can be arranged for an additional fee. The Wayna Picchu hike allows you to see Machu Picchu from a new perspective, as well as view steps that the Incas cut into the rocks. Since permits are required, please book this optional tour ahead of time.
Return to Aguas Calientes by bus to eat lunch, then take the train back Ollantaytambo. Transportation from the train station back to your hotel is provided.
Overnight Location: Jose Antonio Hotel, Cusco (3,399m, 11,200’)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Departure from Cusco Airport
All good things must come to an end, and sadly, your Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu tour have now ended. After breakfast, depending on your flight times, you are free to explore Cusco, and possibly enjoy extra optional activities until it is time for your transfer to the airport. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2018
2019
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu Price and Dates
Pricing for this guided trekking tour to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu is based on the number of guests on your trip. Prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:- Guided group of 2: USD2525 per person
- Guided groups of 4: USD1725 per person
- Guided groups of 6+: USD1575 per person
Accommodation on the Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu Tour
This tour is based in hotels and camps. Four nights are spent in hotels and seven nights along the Choquequirao trek are spent in camps. Hotels on this trip are 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodations have been carefully chosen so you will feel comfortable and pampered.
Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a single supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
What’s included in the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu?
Meals
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners, and other various snacks along the trek. Snacks and hot/cold beverages are also available along the trek. Purified water is provided.
Accommodations
Hotel accommodations for 4 nights (3 in Cusco and 1 in Aguas Calientes). 7 nights in campsites along the trail are included as well.
Camping Equipment
Camping equipment is included for camping along the trek. Equipment included:
- 1 tent for every 2 people (private tent available for an additional charge)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen equipment and utensils
Note that personal camping equipment such as tent, sleeping pad, backpack and personal gear is not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Planned transportation throughout the tour is included. This includes:
- Transportation to/from the Cusco Airport at the beginning and end of the tour
- Transportation from Cusco to Cachora
- Train tickets (expedition class) from Hydro-Electrica to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Can be upgraded to the Vistadome class for $50 per person).
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back. (approx 25 min)
- Transportation from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco
Also Included
- Tour briefing on the day you arrive in Cusco
- Professional, English-speaking guide (+ assistant guide for groups larger than 9 people)
- A chef trained for cooking on trekking routes and an assistant cook
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao Archaeological Park, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu
- Pack horses to carry cooking and camping equipment during the trek, as well as personal gear up to 7 kg.
- First Aid kit / emergency oxygen bottles
- 24/7 support and emergency line available throughout the tour
Not included
- Meals and drinks, other than those mentioned in the itinerary (extra meals can be arranged upon request).
- Optional tours and excursions
- Personal items such as souvenirs or telephone calls
- Personal camping and trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags or walking sticks (many of these items can be rented for an additional fee).Any damages you might cause to the bus or camping equipment
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Evacuation in the event of a serious medical issue or injury
- Entrance fees on the day tours on Day 2. This is currently between $26 – $35 USD
Optional Extras
- Climb of Wayna (Huayna) Picchu
- Upgrade train tickets from Expedition class to Vistadome class
- Rental of camping or trekking equipment (sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, walking sticks, etc)
- Additional activities in Cusco (prices are per person):
- Cusco City Tour: A tour of many different significant landmarks in and around Cusco
- South Valley: Head south from Cusco to tour an Andean village with Pre-Incan architecture, plus the Incan Pikillagta (Temple of Water) and Tipon (the 17th Century “Sistine Chapel of Cusco”)
- Gastronomic Tour at Market & Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic, traditional local dishes from shopping at the market for ingredients to preparing and serving the meal
- Personal horse to ride during the trek (max weight – 110 Kg)
- How hard is this tour?
- Do I need a Visa?
- Are meals included?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
- Are the tours in English?
- Where does the tour end?
- What should I pack?
- Do I need vaccines?
- Are there any travel restrictions for this country?
- Is this tour at high altitude
- What do I do do if I'm tired on Choquequirao Trek?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. The trek can be challenging at times, especially for hikers unaccustomed to hiking at higher altitudes.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners are included. Additional meals can be arranged upon request.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Many international flights will connect through Peru’s capital city of Lima. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1 hour.
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
The tour ends where it begins, in Cusco. Transportation from your hotel to the Cusco Airport is included.
Don’t forget your passport (and visa if needed). Bring layers of clothing to keep you comfortable as you are hiking, as well as warm enough on cold nights. This includes a fleece hat and gloves. Please keep clothing lightweight. Rain gear is important to keep you dry and warm on rainy days. Sun protection is very important, especially at higher elevations. Sun block, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. You may want to have a swimsuit for soaking in hot springs. You may also be glad to have insect repellent. Bring a backpack (preferably waterproof). Be sure you have sturdy shoes for hiking.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The Choquequirao Trek is a good trek for guests who don’t want to trek at high altitude. All nights but 1 are actually at a lower elevation then Cusco, and the night that is higher is at 3,600m. It is recommended that you discuss the elevation with your doctor before booking the tour.
If you are concerned about the distances or elevation, you can rent a horse and a horseman. This way you can sit on the horse for days where you are tired. The price of the horse is USD150 per person for the trek and the horse can carry maximum of 110 kg.
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Valencia Travel Cusco has been providing incredible trekking and cultural tours around Cusco since 2009. Owned and operated in Cusco, Valencia Travel know the Cusco and Macchu Picchu region well, and provide great active holidays for their guests.
Valencia Travel is recognized as Best Tour Operator in Peru 2021 by the International Travel Awards by KSA!
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