Choquequirao Machu Picchu 8 Days
Some people consider Choquequirao to be the alternative Machu Picchu, however this archaeological site stands out on its own as another example of how incredible the Incas were. Trekking to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu will take 7 days along an original Inca Trail, visiting the smaller Inca ruins, as well as offering impressive views of the snow-capped mountains, valleys, flora and fauna. Spend incredible evenings next to a campfire and mornings with a perfect sunrise.
Choquequirao is known as the lost city of the Incas, spectacular in its beauty and its size and lesser-visited the bigger sister, of Machu Picchu. Before the trek, you guide will visit you at your hotel in Cusco to provide you with important information and a detailed trek briefing. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and buy any last-minute items for the trek, before your departure.
The following itinerary is an example itinerary and the hiking times are an estimate, depending on the group. The lunch stops and campsites may change to satisfy the requisites of the group
mapaThis 8-day trek weaves through remote Andean valleys and two Inca City sites starting and ending in Cusco. Day one begins with a pre-dawn pickup from your hotel for a three-hour drive to Cachora, then a first short hike to Capuliyoc camp by late afternoon. Along the trail you’ll cross river gorges and cloud forest edges while porters carry tents and food.
Nights at camps under the stars feel quiet yet a bit exposed. You’ll ask yourself if the next dawn could bring Choquequirao’s terraces into view—spoiler, it does.
On the second morning your guide leads you on uneven Inca trails winding up to the hidden fortress of Choquequirao at about 3030 meters. You spend day three exploring its plazas, hidden water channels and agricultural terraces far from other travelers.
Then you descend past Corihuayrachina, climb Yanama pass at roughly 4670 meters—yes altitude hits hard—and cross alpine meadows before heading toward Santa Teresa and the hydroelectric station near Aguas Calientes. The final morning you enter Machu Picchu at first light then return by train and bus to Cusco by evening. It’s intense, sometimes breath-stealing, often unexpectedly quiet. Yet that sense of discovery keeps you moving, one shaky step at a time.
Day 1
05:30 pickup at hotel in Cusco then drive to Cachora village
10:00 breakfast stop before hike starts at Capuliyoc
15:00 set camp at Chiquisca after river crossing and forest section
Day 2
07:00 begin trek to Choquequirao mirador
11:00 first view of terraces then camp near site by midday
Day 3
08:00 guided exploration of Choquequirao plazas and water channels
14:00 free time for photos around hidden temple area
Day 4
06:30 descend to Rio Blanco crossing suspension bridge
12:00 lunch at Marampata then uphill to camp at Collpapampa
Day 5
07:00 climb Yanama pass highest elevation
13:00 reach Yanama camp, lunch, short rest and tea
Day 6
06:30 trek down to Totora then train or walk to Santa Teresa
16:00 soak in local hot springs before camping
Day 7
08:00 follow hydroelectric trail to Aguas Calientes
12:00 arrive lodge, free afternoon exploring town
Day 8
04:30 bus to Machu Picchu entrance
05:30 guided sunrise tour of terraces and fountains
10:00 return train and drive to Cusco, hotel drop
We will pick you up you bright and early at 4:00 a.m. from your hotel but don´t worry, you can nap along the 4-hour car journey to the trailhead, where a delicious breakfast will be waiting for you. Here we will also meet up with our team of mules and muleteers, and camping equipment, who will carry your duffle bags on the trek. After breakfast, we will set out on our expedition to Machu Picchu. The first 4 hours are downhill, descending to the small town of Chikiska, where we will have lunch. During the hike, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Apurimac River and valley, as well as the snow-capped mountains. After lunch, the weather will be somewhat hotter as we descend and 2 hours later, the Apurimac River will greet us in the base of the valley. Once we arrive at the bridge, this is our sign that there are just 2 more hours hiking, uphill, to arrive at our campsite in Santa Rosa.
After an early breakfast, we will continue our expedition ascending uphill for 2 hours to Marampata. This section of the trek zigzags uphill to an altitude of 3.100m and offers an incredible view over the canyon and the surrounding snow peaks. From this point, we will continue to hike for 2 hours more until we arrive at the famous Inca site of Choquequirao. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch and visit this impressive Inca archaeological site. On the tour, we will visit the most important sectors of the site, including the religious sector, the observatory and the llama terraces, then we will enjoy the sunset over the valley and the mountains before we return to the campsite for the evening.
After an early breakfast, today´s hike will begin at 6:30 a.m. to arrive at the first pass along the Choquequirao trek, found at an elevation of 3,500m, which will take 40 minutes hiking uphill. We will then begin the easy part of the trek which is 30 minutes flat hiking, before we start to descend along a zigzag trail for an hour and a half, taking us to Pinchauniyoc. This is an Inca agricultural site and resting stop for the Incas on their travels to Machu Picchu. The trail will then descend for another hour and a half, until we reach Río Blanco at 1.750 m elevation, where we will have lunch.
*IMPORTANT: Always pack mosquito repellent, especially for this part of the trek.
After lunch, we will continue along an uphill trail for about 4 hours until we reach the village of Maizal, a campsite surrounded by Andean mountains.
We will wake up early to a hot coca tea and enjoy our breakfast. We will start todays trek along a rocky trail that ascends for 4 hours, and is surrounded by green valleys, some snow peaks and arid mountain scenery. Once we reach the top of the pass at 4.200 m, we will have a welcome snack stop. The views are stunning with snow-peaks, valleys and hopefully some Andean condors – the largest bird in the Andes. After a short rest stop, we will walk along a downhill path for approximately 3 hours, to the small village of Yanama. Yanama is a small indigenous village and if we have time, we can visit some local homes to see how these people live, and learn about their ancient traditions from years gone by, that they maintain today.
At around 6am, we will begin today’s trekking expedition. Today, the hike is famous for the Vilcabamba Cordillera, the last known city of the Incas. It will take 5 hours to reach the pass, with some brief stops along the way, to rest and listen to some important information from our guide. Once we arrive at the pass at an elevation of 4.500 m, we will provide a boxed lunch for you to enjoy. This is the final section of our hike to Machu Picchu and an extremely special part is the view of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains, the peaks of our grandfathers.
*Important – The trails can sometimes be slippery especially in the rainy season and dusty and rocky in the dry season. Along the route, we have the chance of spotting black bears, Andean birds, such as falcons, eagles, condors and ducks. Once we arrive at the campsite, there will be some hot drinks and a delicious dinner waiting for us.
After breakfast, our hike will begin with a 3-hour descent to Ccolpapampa, where our lunch will be waiting. We will say thank you and say goodbye to our incredible muleteers, who will head home after their epic journey. From here, we will continue on our adventure hiking for about 5 hours to the campsite in La Playa. Along the way, we will see waterfalls and fruit plantations as well as coffee plantations.
Our final day of hiking will finish around lunch time. Today we will hike for about 6 hours, ascending a trail with a spectacular panorama of the Santa Teresa valley. Once we arrive at the top of this mountain, we will arrive at the famous Inca site of Llactapata, an observation point constructed by the Incas to watch the sunrise during the winter solstice, as well as to see Machu Picchu for the first time, and the valleys and mountains of Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain). After hiking for around 3 hours, descending to the hydro-electric plant, we will have our final lunch, after which, we will say goodbye to our chef and his team. We will then take the train at 3:30 p.m.to Aguas Calientes, which take approximately 1 hour. Here you will be taken to your hotel for a welcome hot shower. If you wish, you can visit the famous hot springs in Aguas Calientes (entrance is $ 3 USD per person) and enjoy dinner in a restaurant.
Once more, we will wake up early, to arrive at Machu Picchu for the sunrise. We will begin with breakfast at the hotel after which, we will take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Or you can hike to the citadel with your guide if your legs allow you to. (Coordinate this with your trekking guide the night before).
In Machu Picchu, you will visit the famous landmarks and take some magical photos, also enjoy the sunrise, if the weather permits. After this walking tour of Machu Picchu, we will visit to the signature landmarks in Machu Picchu, such as the Sun Temple. The tour will last for 2 to 3 hours, if you have purchased additional permits for Huayna Picchu, you will climb this after the tour. This should be the second shift at 10 a.m. and finishes around midday. Afterwards, you will still have the time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. At around 3 p.m. we need to take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch in one of the many restaurants. After lunch, it is time to collect our bags from the hotel and walk to the train station. Our train trip of 2 hours, departs at 4:20 p.m. (tourist class / Expedition), when we will head to the town of Ollantaytambo. We will be waiting at Ollantaytambo train station, to take you back to the city of Cusco. You should arrive at your hotel at 8:30 p.m.
+Note: Lunch is not included on day 8.
On this trip, we use horses to carry the camping equipment and your duffel bags, so please bring a small day pack to carry your personal items during each day´ trekking. One thing we want to mention, is that the climate on this trek is incredibly varied and often changes from hot and humid to cold. Also please make sure you bring mosquito repellent.
Additional Information.
Insect Repellent: the minimum recommended is 20% de DEET (be aware that there have been reported cases of malaria on this trip.
Bear in mind that we offer a daily snack allowance as well as an extensive breakfast lunch and dinner. The recommendation to take snacks is only for those who have specific snack preferences that may not be included in the food we provide.
Special instructions
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Read moreEntrance to Machu Picchu.
Note: (You need an ISIC card to receive a student discount) Price per person).
Recommendations
Rest in Cusco two nights before departure. Drink mate de coca. Avoid heavy exercise on day one. Book permits early.
Climate
High Andes shifts from cold mornings near zero °C to 15 °C midday. Rain likely in afternoons, humid near Santa Teresa.
Season of the year recommended
May–September for dry trails but chilly nights. April or October fewer people but more showers.
What to wear
Layered clothing. Base shirt, mid-layer fleece, wind-shell. Quick-dry pants and sock changes.
Physical preparation
Hill repeats with pack at home. Stair climbs. Aerobic workouts three weeks before trip.
Local people
Quechua-speaking herders guide llamas and horses. Friendly, might offer coca leaves.
Who is this for
Experienced hikers over 12 who can handle thin air and multi-day camping. Not for complete beginners.
Food on route
Meals cooked by tent camp kitchen. Breakfast usually oatmeal or eggs with toast. Lunch simple rice and chicken or veggie stew wraps. Dinner hearty soups, pasta or potatoes with meat. Snacks of fruit and bars keep energy up. Water boiled or treated.
It’s the highest point at about 4670 m so expect breathlessness and slow pace. Guides set frequent rest stops and tea breaks.
Only the first day up to Capuliyoc. After that the trail narrows too much for horses.
Tents are two-person by default. Solo travelers may share unless private tent upgrade is booked.
Porters carry extra weight. Guides slow pace and can arrange a mule for you on shorter sections.
No, cooks and porters handle stove, cookware and meals. You just carry a small daypack.
No reliable signal except near Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes town.
Use waterproof liners inside your pack and bring rain cover. Stuff valuables in dry bags.
Choquequirao and Machu Picchu permits must be bought in advance. Guides check at sites.
Yes, Yanama pass at nearly 4670 m is much higher than Machu Picchu’s 2430 m.
Minimally a week of high-altitude hikes before. Beginners risk altitude sickness and fatigue.
Basic latrine tents at most camps, no flushing. Pack out toilet paper.
You might see hummingbirds, orchids in cloud forest, then alpacas or llamas near Choquequirao ruins.
Aim under 6 kg including water and layers. Porters carry the rest.
With private guide upgrade you can adjust itinerary to include a zero-hike day near Choquequirao.
Highly recommended. Covers altitudes delays, medical evacuation possible in remote zones.
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Some people consider Choquequirao to be the alternative Machu Picchu, however this archaeological site stands out on its own as another example of how incredible the Incas were. Trekking to
This trek is the perfect trekking option for those who are looking for a lower-altitude trek, with unforgettable views. Explore the mystical Inca city of Choquequirao, called Machu Picchu´s sister!
