Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 9 Days

This Choquequirao Trek is an amazing adventure, Choquequirao means “Cradle of Gold.” The Inca arqueological site is considered, as important as Machu Picchu, it is less known and 3 times larger than Machu Picchu.  It was one of the last refuges, for those Incas who continued to resist Spanish occupation after the conquest. The site was eventually abandoned and became covered by dense cloud forest vegetation and to this day archeologists continue to discover new sectors of the city.

On this Choquequirao Trek we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high andean landscapes with magestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You’ll also visit Inca silver mines and isolated Inca communities.

This program combines visits to two major archeological sites: remote and seldomly visited Choquequirao and legendary Machu Picchu. It is a fascinating adventure through part of the old empire of the Incas and one of Peru’s most unspoiled wilderness areas.

On Choquequirao Trek and Machu Picchu  we will walk on Inca highways, hike through high andean landscapes with majestic glaciers, descend into deep canyons where the condors fly and pass through biologically diverse cloud forest ecosystems. You’ll also visit Inca silver mines and isolated Inca communities.

When you arrive to Machu Picchu, our last campsite is by the Llactapata Inca ruins which are located right in front of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint enjoy the greatest angles of view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains like: Huayna Picchu Mt,Machu Picchu Mt and Salkantay Mt.

We recommend this Choquequirao trek for experienced trekkers or persons in good physical shape used to trekking or running frequently.

• CUSCO ALTITUDE: 3350m/11022 ft
• CLIMATE: Hot and sunny by day and cold by night
• DRY SEASON: April to October
• RAINY SEASON: November to March

DAY 1: CUSCO – CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISCA – PLAYA ROSALINAS

We pick you up at 5am, from your hotel. You and your local guide will drive for 4hours in our private van to Capuliyoc (2,850m/9,407ft).

Along the way there are spectacular views of villages, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once at Cachora we meet our horsemen and pack all our equipment onto the horses. Here, we will enjoy the spectacular view of Choquequirao Inca remains, the Apurimac Canyon and the stunning snow-capped mountains like Padreyoc (5,571m/18,387ft). We hike down for the next 3 hours to Chikisca for lunch. In the afternoon we continue for 2 more hours down to our first camp at la Playa Rosalinas.

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 14kms/9 miles
• Time: 5hrs approximately
• Difficuty: Easy

DAY 2: PLAYA ROSALINAS – MARANPATA  – CHOQUEQUIRAO

After an early breakfast, we cross the bridge and hike for the next 4 hours all the way up to Marampata where we will have lunch, while enjoying the view of Choquequirao Inca ruins. After lunch we walk to our second evening’s campsite, which is just 20 minutes from the ruins.  There are many possibilities to see condors and enjoy the Choquequirao ruins into the late evening.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16kms/10 miles
• Time: 6hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Challenge

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – CHOQUEQUIRAO PASS  – RIO BLANCO

After breakfast we fully explore the ruins of Choquequirao (Cradle of Gold).  We visit the temples, palaces, ritual water fountains, llamas’ section and the amazing Ushnu (ceremonial platform). In the afternoon we climb over the ridge to the stunning Choquequirao Pass(3,277m/10,814ft). Then we descend for 2 hours towards Rio Blanco (1,990m/6,567ft) and onto the third evening’s campsite, enjoying all the great canyons and the Pinchiunuyoc Inca ruins along the way.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 8kms/5 miles
• Time: 2hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: RIO BLANCO  – MAISAL

After a late breakfast we climb up to Maisal (3,277m/10,814ft), enjoying the variety of microclimates and spectacular views of canyons, riversand stunning landscapes. Arriving to our fourth camp site.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10kms/6 miles
• Time: 5hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Challenge

DAY 5: MAISAL  – VICTORIA PASS  –  YANAMA

Beginning at 7.00am, we walk uphill for 3 hours through semi-jungle vegetation via parts of the original Inca Highway, visiting ancient silver mines including the Victorias on the way, to reach Victoria’s pass (4,170m/13,700f). From here you can appreciate the great canyons, the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Sacsara, Qoriwanachina, and Pumasillo. Then we descend to Yanama (3,650m/12,037ft), which is our fifth campsite.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16kms/10 miles
• Time: 8hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Challenge

DAY 6: YANAMA –TOTORA – COLPAPAMPA

This day, is our day of mountain peaks. We walk for 9 hours, preferably rising early to appreciate the chain of snow peaks that can be seen from the first section of today’s trek. We ascend to the highest point of our trek: Yanama pass (4,670m/15,407ft). The view from here is amazing as we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and impressive valleys. We then descend to Totora for lunch and after that we walk for 2 hours to Colpapampa (2,870m/9,470ft) to our sixth campsite.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time –  Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 22kms/14 miles
• Time: 9hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Challenge

Day 7: Colpapampa – Lucmabamaba – Hot springs

Today we have passed our half way point. Within 3 hours of walking, we are enjoying the beginning of the lush tropical rainforest, the bountiful fruit bearing trees, coffee and cacao trees, and the undulating fruit plantations with their flowering orchids and always plenty of birds to see. We arrive at  wonderful Lucmabamaba for lunch with free time to rest.

After lunch, we will have an incredible experience of nature at it’s purest form, touring a coffee plantation adjacent to the campsite. We will begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own beans. It doesn’t end there. Engulfed in the fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems from beginning to end. We pick our fresh produce which our trekking chef will use for our dinner.

Then by 3pm, we will take the local transport for 30mins to the  natural hot springs at Cocalmayo, where we bath in the natural resources mother earth provides us. Upon our return our trekking chef with be creating his specialty with our fresh produce from the day.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 14kms
• Time: 5 to 6 hrs approximately
• Difficulty : Moderate.

Day 8: Lucmabamba – LLAQTAPATA – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes.

After a last delicious breakfast by our chef and a hot drink, we will continue along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2700m/8,858ft). Along the way you will need to pinch yourself at fantastic views and authenticity of these unique valleys and fruit plantations. Location! location!! We arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins, located right in front of Machu Picchu where we enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of the Grand Machu Picchu from far away and it’s surrounding mountains  Huyana Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon.

Still feeling overwhelmed, we descend for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric plant the primary power source for Cusco where we will have lunch. Then it’s the last leg of the journey walking to Aguas Calientes through the National Park of Machu Picchu. Feel your adrenaline start to swirl in your veins as you come closer to the iconic Machu Picchu and the ancient wall that surrounds the Inca Citadel.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
• Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
• Time: 9hrs approximately
• Difficulty : Moderate

Day 9: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Wake up early to a new day of adventure and mindfulness sharing the day with our majestic Machu Picchu. Following in the ancient and remote footsteps of the ‘Lost City of the Incas, listen carefully to the etheric cultural exchange of  history without the crowds who arrive at midday. You will be gifted with free time to explore, take photos, climb Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain or visit the Sun Gate. Afterwards, we go back to Aguas Calientes and in the afternoon at 4:22pm. We return by expedition train to Ollantaytambo train station and then back to your hotel in Cusco by van, arriving at about 8:30pm and the adventure on the Choquequirao trek is over.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

 WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Pick-up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to Cachora (starting point of the trek)
• Entrance fee to Choquequirao Inca Ruins
• Entry fees to Machu Picchu
• English speaking, experienced professional guide
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Comfortable tents
• Thick foam mattress
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or ill
• All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet ten
• 1 Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Train ticket (expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
• Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (tourist restaurant)
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
• Mules or 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 mules.
• Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
• Transport from La Playa to Hydroelectric platform (for equipment and personal items)
• CAMPING RIGHT IN FRONT OF MACHU PICCHU

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°c
• Air Mattresses
• Trekking Poles
• Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain
• 1 way bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes – It can be hiked.
• Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition to the one for the personal item allowance
• Optional upgrades (train and hotel)
• Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of MTE
• The Choquequirao Machu Picchu trek can be booked on any date that is best suited for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3 liter Camel backs are encouraged.
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from MTE)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet Paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• 2 t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
• Couple Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
• Swimming Suit
• TOILETRIES
• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres 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 your canteens.

• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool Hat
• Rain gear
• Rain poncho
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Coca leaves.
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

EXTRAS

 Sleeping Bag : US$25. – Good, clean and warm -10°

• Air Mattress: US$25
• Trekking Poles: US$20
• Personal tent: US $30 – (Tent for single trekkers only)
• Vistadome up-grade train US$57 per person (For the return to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm)
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain – US $35
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain – US $30
• Single Supplement – US$30  2* for single travelers

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

• TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
• DUFFLE BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price!
• EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
• BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
• OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
• SMALL PILLOW
• EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be riden if you get tired or sick.

PRICE

PRICE – USD $997 per person Personal porter included!

***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7kgs, we provide you a duffle bag, to put your things.

***We provide tent each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

• Students with ISIC CARD: US$25. Please send us a copy of your ISIC at the time of booking.
• Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: US$40  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.