FULL ITINERARY FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU TRAIL

We recommend this beautiful and challenging trek for experienced trekkers or people in good physical shape who are used to hiking or running frequently.  

DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIKISKA – PLAYA ROSALINAS

This incredible adventure begins at 5am when the guide picks you up at the hotel in our private van. We embark on a 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc, situated on the edge of the Apurimac Canyon and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Along the way, there are views of picturesque villages and spectacular valleys. Once at Capuliyoc, we meet the horsemen and pack all of our equipment onto the horses. Only carry a small daypack with the essentials you will need on the trail. Then, hike down for 2 hours until we arrive at Chikiska where we will have lunch. Afterwards, we continue our hike for 1 more hour to Playa Rosalinas (1,550 m/5,084 ft), where we spend the first night. Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting when you arrive at camp and your tents will already be set up. Lastly, take some time to settle into your tents before your hearty and delicious dinner.

• Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 2: PLAYA ROSALINAS – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO

The guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy before you get up for breakfast. Departing early, ascend to Santa Rosa and then on to Maranpata, where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is relatively steep. From our lunch spot, we get our first good view of just how extensive Choquequirao is. Then, we have 2 more hours to hike to reach the Choquequirao Archeological site (3,110 m/10,120 ft). Drinks, appetizers and tents will be ready for you when you arrive. Take a well deserved relaxing evening, watching the sunset and soaring condors.  

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 13km/8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – PINCHIUNUYOC

After breakfast, we will do a thorough exploration of the archeological site of Choquequirao and have a little rest before lunch. In the afternoon, we will leave camp to hike up over a ridge, then 2 hours down to the fascinating site of Pinchiunuyoc, where we will camp for the night. This is definitely the easiest day of the trip.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: PINCHIUNUYOC – RIO BLANCO – MAIZAL

After another hot drink in your sleeping bag, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Leaving camp, we hike downhill for 2 hours and arrive at the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1,990 m/6,527 ft), where we have our lunch. Take some time for a rest before starting a difficult climb to our campsite of Maizal. The climb takes about 3- 4 hours.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

DAY 5: MAIZAL – YANAMA – TOTORA – LUCMABAMBA

We leave at 7am, and walk uphill for about 3 hours through a sub-tropical jungle towards the Victoria Mines. We visit them as well as some Inca Ruins before climbing 1 hour more to the pass of Victoria (4,130m/13,546 ft).  There are spectacular views from the pass as we descend to the charming village of Yanama(about 2 hours walk) following a section with some well-constructed Inca steps.

Once we get to Yanama, we take the local transport all the way to Lucmabamba. Along the way, we get to enjoy the gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains and waterfalls.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12kms/7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

DAY 6: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES

On this day, we walk for 3 hours along the original Inca Trail and through the cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass then onto Llactapata Inca remains, an Inca site (2,700m/8,907ft), which is located straight in front of the Citadel of Machu Picchu. 

Once there, we enjoy the unique perspective of Machu Picchu from far away. After enjoying the views we hike downhill for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant where we have lunch. We continue to walk to Aguas Calientes through the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, enjoying the surroundings of the iconic Machu Picchu.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
• Distance: 18kms/11.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

DAY 7:  AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today is the day, Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! The guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. Also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

• Meal included: Breakfast

After the tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu, this tour will be done without a guide.

***IMPORTANT:

• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.

INCLUDED

• Pre-trekking briefing with your guide at the office
• Pick-up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
• Private transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc
• Entry fees to Machu Picchu and Choquequirao
• English speaking, experienced professional guide
• Guided tours of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
• Comfortable and 4 season roomy tents (only 2 people in a 4 person tent)
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
• All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
• 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
• First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from the train station back to your hotel
• Celebration dinner in an Aguas Calientes restaurant
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
• Pack horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our horses
• Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
• Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
• Clean water to fill your bottles at each mealtime
• Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

• Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C $25 USD
• Air Mattresses $25 USD
• Trekking Poles $20 USD
• Entry fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain $75 USD
• Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the 7kg allowance
• Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide

**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. 

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK 

• Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)Valid university card (if you booked as a student)Good daypack (the smaller, the better)Water storage:  2-3L reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable)Comfortable hiking boots with ankle supportSleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)Headlamp: essentialToilet Paper, hand sanitizer and small plastic bags

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra pack horse who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

• 2 t-shirts2 hiking pants at least4 sets of undergarments3 sets of hiking socksBathing suit for the thermal watersFleece/ thermalsWarm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º CWaterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)Comfortable shoes for campQuick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something largerSmall bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.Battery Charger: No electricity along the trekLarge plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel bagSleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizerHand sanitizerWet wipesToothbrush and toothpastePersonal medicationsFirst aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK  

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring reusable bottles.Sun hatSunscreenInsect repellentHeadlamp: essentialWool hatRain gearFleeceSnacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruitsRain ponchoGlovesCameraHand sanitizerToilet paper and small plastic bag for wasteExtra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu – Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu? 

The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is a 6-day trek, covering a hiking distance of approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles).

How do I get to the start of the Choquequirao Trek?

The start of the Choquequirao Trek is in the town of Capuliyoc, which is located approximately 4 hours from Cusco by car. Most tour operators will arrange transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek.

How much does the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu cost?

The cost of the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu varies depending on the tour operator you choose and the level of service you require. Prices typically range from $800 to $1000 USD per person.

Do I need a permit to do the Choquequirao or Machu Picchu?

Yes, you need a permit to visit Machu Picchu. The entrance ticket to Choquequirao can be purchased when visiting the site.

How many people are in a group for the Choquequirao Trek?

The size of the group for the Choquequirao varies depending on the season. We usually have small group tours of around 4 to 6 people; on other dates, we may have larger group tours of up to 16 people.

Is altitude sickness a concern on the Choquequirao Trek?

Due to the high altitude, altitude sickness can be a concern on the Choquequirao Trek. To acclimate to the altitude, it is recommended that you spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco before starting the trek.

Are porters available for the Choquequirao?

Yes, porters are included. Porters will carry your equipment and supplies, allowing you to hike with a lighter backpack.

What is the weather like on the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu?

The weather on the Choquequirao Trek can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and rain possible year-round. The best time to do the trek is during the dry season, from April to October.

Is the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu difficult?

Yes, the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu is considered a challenging trek due to its high altitude and steep terrain. It’s recommended to have a good level of fitness and be prepared for long days of hiking.