6 days from $ 750.0.00

Choquequirao Trekking to Machu Picchu 6 days

Multi Day Hike

Choquequirao Trekking to Machu Picchu 6 days

6 days Multi Day Hike

Trip Style:

Adventure

Physical Level:

Group Size:

Hiking Distance:

45 KM

Departures:

Daily Departures

Max Altitude:

3300 msnm

Meals:

5 B, 5 D, 5 B

Sites to Visit:

Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Km 82, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

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Choquequirao Trekking to Machu Picchu 6 days Overview

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 days with Yanama, this is one of the many treks that cross the amazing Andes mountain range. As such, it has been featured in travel magazines and is considered one of the top ten hiking trails in the world for its biodiversity and wildlife. Most of the trail crosses the Andes and then touches the jungle where we will see the local orchards. Choquequirao is the second most important archaeological site in the Cusco region after Machu Picchu.

It has a connection with the last Inca city of Vilcabamba and with Machu Picchu. It is located in the middle of several Inca roads that spanned the entire Inca Empire. After a fairly strenuous hike, we discover the charming and isolated Choquequirao ( «Cradle of Gold» in Quechua): impressive design and location, perched on a spur overlooking the Quebrada Apurímac, the third deepest gorge in Peru. This is the perfect place to see the condors that live in the area.

From there we continue our journey to an even more remote area where we can see the settlers living in the Yanama area, glaciers, valleys and silver mines.

The highest point of the trek is the Yanama Pass at 4,700m / 15,900ft, after which we descend into the subtropics. We cross coffee and banana plantations before reaching Aguas Calientes. The last day is dedicated to the exploration of the lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu. You must join us on this unforgettable and inspiring adventure.

Trip Details:

Activities: challenge, adventure trekking .
Transfer to Capulioc : 3h30 by bus from Cusco.
Difficulty level: 4 out of 5
Maximum altitude: 4350 meters above sea level. / 14271 feet
Accommodation: 4 days in a camping tent
one night hotel in the town of aguas caliente
Optional activities: reading on horseback , zip line, thermal springs .
Location: Yanama, Choquequirao, Machupicchu.
Departure day: Daily departures.
Departure: Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM
End: Return to Cusco around 7:30 pm.

6 days from FROM $ 750.00

Trip Style:

Adventure

Physical Level:

Group Size:

Hiking Distance:

45 KM

Departures:

Daily Departures

Max Altitude:

3300 msnm

Meals:

5 B, 5 D, 5 B

Sites to Visit:

Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Km 82, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

Itinerary Choquequirao Trekking to Machu Picchu 6 days

Day 1: Cusco - Capuliyoc - Marampata.

We will pick you up from your hotel between 3:30 and 4:00 am to start our journey in a private van for 4 hours north-east of the city of Cusco passing through small towns to the city of Capuliyoc (2,800 masl) with a delicious breakfast. and where we will also meet our travel staff (mules and horses).

After breakfast we will start our walk of about 20 minutes and we will arrive at our first spectator from where we will have a panoramic view. In front of us we can see the Vilcabamba mountain range called ( Padreyoc ) and the famous Apurímac canyon , after having lived an extraordinary experience, we begin our 3 hours descent through magnificent landscapes where it is possible to see different medicinal plants , brought by the our ancestors (Muña, Chilca and various plant species). If we are lucky we will be able to see the majestic Condor, we will go down to the village of Chiquisca (1800 m above sea level) where we will have a delicious buffet lunch typical of Cusco.

After lunch we have a 30 minute break to continue or walk and another 45 minutes to Playa Rosalinas (1700m above sea level).

After passing the famous Apurimac river , you continue to descend to Marampata (3500 m asl) for 4 hours. Along the way we will see the birds dance, at sunset we will see the Andes who live in the mountains with a lifestyle that you will not believe compared to the city. We will arrive at our private Choquequirao Trek Lodge around 5:30 pm, after a short break for dinner, around 7:00 pm and we will stay overnight in our LOGDE, during the night you will be able to observe the constellations according to the religion of the Andes or the Incas.

On foot: 10 km. / 9.3 miles.
Journey time: from 6 1⁄2 to 7 hours approximately
Climate: hot during the day and cool at night.
Accommodation: Santa Rosa camping site .
Meals: breakfast , lunch, dinner.
Maximum altitude: 2,055 msnm. / 6,781.5 feet (snow)
Minimum altitude: 1,650 msnm. / 5,445 feet (Rosalinas Beach)

Day 2: Maranpata - Choquequirao - Choquequirao Field.

Early in the morning you will be woken up with a coca tea and have enough time to organize our affairs. Around 7:30 we will have a delicious typical breakfast. Then we will continue our trekking towards Marampata, that day the trekking will have a high physical level, where we will be able to appreciate an incredible view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3050 m above sea level)10,065 feet. through our trekking we will have an incredible canonical view in which our guide will explain the flora and fauna, we will have 3 hours to visit the whole complex of Choquequirao (cradle of gold) also known as the lost city where you will find the sector of the squares, the sector that we will visit the lamas, the sector of the astronomical sector and other important places.

After visiting all these places, we will start our descent towards Choquequirao camp where our packed lunch will be waiting for us. Lunch awaits us, after lunch we will take a break of 30 minutes and continue to an incredible place that only we know, this place is called Pachayoc Falls (waterfalls), a place where you come into contact with nature. Finally, we return to Camp Choquequirao where dinner is ready and it’s time to stop.

Walking distance: 8 km. / 4.9 miles.
Journey time: from 5h30 to 6h approximately.
Climate: hot during the day and cold at night.
Accommodation: Choquequirao camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4,100 m above sea level / 13,530 feet ( Choquequiaro )
Minimum Altitude: 2,850m / 9,350ft (Capuliyuc)

Day 3: Choquequirao - Rio Blanco - Maizal .

Before breakfast, we recommend enjoying the beautiful sunrise from this viewpoint! We will have breakfast at 6 in the morning.

Let’s start today’s hike in front of the Choquequirao ruins and explore. We climb through the jungle, mountains and valleys to reach the Choquequirao pass.

After 5 hours of walking, the path continues among the agricultural terraces called Pinchinoyoc , which means «waterfall ahead» (2750 m asl – 9022 FASL).

There we will see different bird species, orchid species and local coca plantations.

We will have lunch near the Blanco River. Here we take advantage of the rest to cool off in the cold and clear waters of the river if desired.

We cross the river on foot because there are no bridges.

On the other side we begin the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, above the river and closer to the sacred Apus of the Incas. This climb takes about 3 hours. It is the busiest day. We camp at an altitude of 3000m. – 9842 FASL.

Walking distance: 19 km. / 12.3 miles
Journey time: about 6 hours.
Climate: hot during the day and hot at night.
Accommodation: Campsite: Soraypampa.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m above sea level / 13,779 ft (Humantay Lagoon)
Minimum altitude: 1475 meters above sea level / 4839 feet (Rosalinas beach)

Day 4: Maizal - Yanama.

Waking up on the hill to the sound of the forest and the birds is a truly magnificent experience! Recharge your batteries with a good breakfast and follow the path to the top, the landscape is covered with lush vegetation.

If we keep our motivation high and the gods grant us clear skies, we can sit back and enjoy the snow capped mountains that surround us. Today’s climb takes about 4 hours to reach the top and this trail is historically significant due to some archaeological remains and Inca canals along the way.

We went through the impressive Inca mines called Minas Victoria, where the silver was mined. and continue to Victoria Pass (4200 m asl – 13773 feet).

It is a long climb, but we will cross an absolutely beautiful region, first with the tropical forest, then in the Andean puna with its famous Ichu grass.

As we approach the top, we can admire the original cobbled paths of the Incas. Lunch at the port overlooking the Choquetakarpo and Pedrayoc mountains .

While we have lunch, depending on the weather, we hope to enjoy the flight of the condors.

Finally we go down to our camp in Yamana, a small village at the foot of a long valley surrounded by mountains (3800m altitude – 12467 feet).

On foot: 10 km. / 13.7 miles
Journey time: from 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: We start with a cold climate and end with a tropical climate.
Accommodation: Campsite:Yanama.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m above sea level / 15,190 feet (Minas Victoria)
Minimum altitude: 3,400 meters above sea level / 9,514 feet (Yanama)

Day 5: Yanama -Santa Teresa – Hidro Electrica - Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we will board our transport to the hydroelectric power plant where the government control and entrance to Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary) is located.

At this point we will start our walk towards the town of Aguas Calientes and we will cross the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where the guide will give an explanation to better understand the site.

then we will continue to Inka Rakay where we will have lunch. During the trip we will appreciate and contemplate the majesty of the mountains of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and other agricultural sites on the heights of the mountain.

We conclude the walk in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the third night of the tour.

On foot: 26 km. / 26.1 miles
Journey time: from 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Climate: We start with a cold climate and end with a tropical climate.
Accommodation: Hostel: Aguas Calientes.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Maximum altitude: 2900 meters above sea level. / 9514 feet (Santa Teresa)
Minimum altitude: 2040 meters above sea level / 6692 feet (Aguas Calientes)

Day 6: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco.

Today we reach the long-awaited end of our trek, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu! After a refreshing night in our lodge, we will wake up early to beat the crowds at the top of Machu Picchu and enjoy the tranquility of the soft morning light.

The entrance control to Machu Picchu is open from 06:00 to 17:00. We go to Machu Picchu (a bus ride is optional and included if you don’t want to walk) and enter the hidden royal citadel of the Incas.

Here we have a 2 hour guided tour of this wonderful ancient city to visit temples, terraces, palaces, priests’ houses, sundial, industrial sector and fields. Marvel at the technical ingenuity of the Incas, so ahead of their time and still a bit of a mystery today! Without modern tools and not even steel and iron, the people who built this city have been good at organizing this community sustainably and beautifully on the mountain side, even running water in the streets for people to use. Peruvian guide showed Hiram Bingham this site was almost unrecognizable, overgrown and abandoned. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and loved around the world!

After this tour, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu (be sure to book your tickets in advance!). Each mountain takes about 3 hours to climb and descend. Another low-impact option that doesn’t require an additional ticket is a hike to Puerta del Sol, the main entrance to the Inca Trail (it takes 2 to 2.5 hours round trip).

Another option is an excursion to the Inca Bridge. You can stay more than 7 hours and enjoy this magical city before returning to Aguas Calientes by train at 6:45 pm for Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick up our group and drop you off at your hostel in Cusco around 11pm. Rest your feet and body now, but we can assure you that your heart will be beating for weeks and years to come!

Distance covered: 8 km. / 4.9 miles
Journey time: about 2 hours.
Optional: Transfer to Machu Picchu: 25 minutes from Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu guided tour: 2h30.
Climate: tropical heat.
Transfer to Cusco: 3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Meals: breakfast.
Maximum altitude: 3,399 m above sea level / 11,151 feet (Cusco)
Minimum altitude: 2040 meters above sea level / 6692 feet (Aguas Calientes)

Photo Showcase

Prices in Private Service

Number of persons	Price per person

Prices in Group Service

$ per person

Included

Interview with the guide before the trek and he will provide us with maps.
Additional guided tour for groups of 10 or more people.
Expert street cook.
Kitchen assistant for groups of 4 or more people
Horses with camping gear and food.
Meals along the way: 5x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner.
The vegetarian option is free; please let us know in advance.
First-aid kit.
oxygen balloon
Camping equipment: tents and mattresses.
Kitchen equipment: Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Kitchen utensils.
Simple accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu round trip
Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo Pickup, Expedition Service , Hours: 4:22 pm or 6:20 pm or 9:50 pm, based on availability.
Tourist transport: Ollantaytambo station – Cusco.

No Included

Sleeping bag
walking poles
Lunch on the last day.
Dinner for the last days.
travel insurance.
Entrance to the thermal baths.
travel insurance.
tips for the trekking team

What To Bring

Sleeping bag
Torch – hand lamp
precipitate
sunscreen
Toilet paper
Plastic bags (protect cameras and dispose of waste)
water purification tablets
Waterproof jacket
2 poles
Long pants
Short
several pairs of socks
underwear
rain poncho
Slippers or sandals to put your feet on the track
A hat or cap
personal clothing

ADDITIONAL:

Double accommodation, US $ 30 must be added for single accommodation.

Travel Guide

Known as the «sister of Machupicchu,» Choquequirao also has an incredible stone citadel and a story all its own to tell. Located between the collision of two very different worlds, such as the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon, it is completely surrounded by vegetation, making it a place of no easy access.

Imposing because of its location, being situated on top of one of the peaks of the snow-capped Salcantay mountain, this city has remained hidden from man for almost four centuries, which still makes it a mysterious place for archaeologists and researchers and for the curious who decide to tour its territory. The construction of this space dates back to around 1536, made during the rule of the Inca Empire.

What is certain is that this destination has become a favorite for lovers of adventure-because of the challenge of reaching it-and history, because of the millennia-old secrets it holds in every corner of its citadel. Therefore, if you want to have a completely different experience, the best thing to do is to schedule a visit to Choquequirao in your agenda.

Machupicchu’s «sister» is not far from its family: it too is located in the Cusco region (exactly in the Santa Teresa district of La Convención province), in the southern Peruvian Andes. And many wonder why reaching Choquequirao is considered a challenge? The answer is very simple: only those who are physically and mentally prepared can access this territory.

Transportation does not fall within its scope. All routes to Choquequirao are done on foot, in hikes that last 2 to 3 days. One has to be physically prepared because these are long hikes. And you also have to be mentally prepared because both the climate and the altitude of Cusco make this route, besieged by trekkers, a bit more complicated than it would be to do it in less rugged terrain.

Choquequirao’s function is still not entirely certain, but it is presumed to have been a sacred center that also served to connect Pisac and Machupicchu to the Peruvian Amazon. Because of its complex access, it is also presumed that this area served as a refuge for the Incas after the onslaught of the Spanish empire. The truth is that its historical legacy is invaluable, due to the amount of unexplored space (it is estimated that only 30 percent of what was Choquequirao has been restored) and the fact that it provides more and more evidence for study.

In its nine sectors, in which a political-religious center stands out, we can also appreciate an upper main plaza, buildings, fountains, storehouses, giant staircases, sacred enclosures, rulers’ houses, a triumphal wall temple, a priests’ temple, and several types of monumental platforms, among others. With all this space to discover, will you think twice before visiting Choquequirao?

Frequently Asked Questions Choquequirao Trekking to Machu Picchu 6 days

What does Choquequirao mean?

Choquequirao is a Quechua word meaning «cradle of gold.» The name comes from that of a hill near the archaeological site.

Where is it located?

Choquequirao is located on one of the edges of the Salkantay, a snowy peak, north of the Apurimac River. It is currently located in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco, Peru.

How high is it?

Choquequirao is located at 3,033 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Given its location, it is assumed that this Inca enclosure served as a checkpoint between major Inca sites such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu.

What can be found at Choquequirao?

Choquequirao is only 30 percent excavated. Nevertheless, it already has several very important Inca constructions:

Main Plaza – The main plaza or Huaqaypata divided the enclosure into two parts. It is a two-story stone building. Next to it are other interconnected buildings.

Colcas – Buildings typical of the main Inca centers. In Choquequirao, these platforms have internal subdivisions. The purpose of these warehouses was to store food, clothing and other products.

Platforms – Choquequirao has an important number of platforms used for cultivation. In the western sector there are 22 flame-shaped carvings on 15 platforms. These figures are known as the «Blade of the Sun.»

Dwellings – In the highest part of Choquequirao are up to 5 buildings whose function was probably to house the priests of the enclosure. It is believed that this Inca site was an important ceremonial center.

Inca Cemetery – Also known as the «Wall of Triumph.» Seventeen bundles of burials and a water channel called the «Waterfall House» were found here.

Kallankas – These rectangular buildings had multiple functions: workshop, administrative center, meeting space, etc. In Choquequirao there are 2 Kallankas in whose walls were gutters that supplied water.

Ushnu – This oval platform-shaped building is located on top of a hill. Because of the surrounding wall and the privileged view of the snow-capped mountains, the river and the entire complex, it is believed to have had a religious purpose.

How to get to Choquequirao?

The only way to reach Choquequirao is by land. Currently, the main road is to the town of Cachora (2,903 meters above sea level), a 3-4 hour drive from the city of Cusco (2 hours from the city of Abancay).

From here the excursion to the Inca archaeological site begins. The route passes through important points such as Capuliyoc, Maranpata and Sunchupata. It is estimated that from Cachora, after 32 kilometers on foot, Choquequirao is reached.

The average travel time from Cachora to Choquequirao is 10-12 hours. A cable car is currently under construction that would greatly reduce this time.

What is the climate like?

The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,033 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate with cold nights. However, tourists will not be able to stay at the Inca site before sunset.

However, the road to the top of Choquequirao is hot because of the proximity of the Apurimac Canyon. It is estimated that the temperature at the archaeological site varies between 5º C and 25º C.

What do Choquequirao’s flora and fauna look like?

Choquequirao is home to a variety of animals and birds such as condors, foxes, viscachas, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, and the rock rooster. Also, as in Machu Picchu, there is a wide variety of orchids.