Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

Transfer from Cusco and Start of the Hike

The adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between approximately 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. We will travel toward Cachora for a short stop before continuing to Capuliyoc. There, you will meet the muleteers responsible for carrying the expedition’s shared equipment.

From Capuliyoc, we will hike for approximately 20 minutes to a viewpoint at about 2,912 meters above sea level. From here, you can admire the impressive Apurímac River canyon and Mount Padreyoc and, weather permitting, see Choquequirao in the distance.

Descent to Chiquisca

We will continue with an approximately four-hour descent to Chiquisca, along mountain trails overlooking the Apurímac Valley. The climate becomes warmer along this section, and mosquitoes may be present, so insect repellent and sun protection are important.

Upon reaching Chiquisca, we will set up our first campsite and rest before continuing the journey the following day.

Crossing the Apurímac River and Climbing to Marampata

After breakfast, we will begin hiking at around 6:00 a.m. We will descend for approximately 30 minutes to Playa Rosalina, cross the Apurímac River, and begin a steep climb of about two hours to Santa Rosa.

After a short break, we will continue uphill for approximately two and a half hours to Marampata, at about 2,850 meters above sea level. There, we will have lunch and enjoy our first close-up views of the Choquequirao archaeological complex.

Arrival at the Choquequirao Campsite

In the afternoon, we will hike for about two more hours to reach the campsite, approximately 20 minutes from the archaeological site at an altitude of around 3,103 meters.

This stage involves roughly seven hours of hiking and temperature changes between the lower valley and higher elevations. At camp, we will rest and prepare for the following day’s visit to Choquequirao.

Guided Visit to Choquequirao

We will begin the day exploring Choquequirao, one of the region’s most important Inca archaeological sites. During the guided visit, we will see its main sectors, including the Main Plaza, agricultural terraces, ceremonial spaces, and structures associated with the site’s water systems.

Our guide will explain Choquequirao’s history, its importance during the Inca period, and the architectural characteristics of the areas open to visitors.

Continuing to Río Blanco and Maizal

After visiting Choquequirao, we will resume our hike toward Río Blanco and Maizal. The route covers approximately 10.74 km to Río Blanco and another 5.12 km to Maizal, crossing mountainous terrain with demanding descents and ascents.

At approximately 15.86 km in total, this is one of the most physically challenging days of the trek. Upon reaching Maizal, we will set up camp and rest before continuing our journey.

Climb to San Juan Pass

After breakfast, we will begin an ascent lasting approximately three to four hours. Along the way, we will pass through the Minas Victoria area, surrounded by high mountain landscapes, before reaching San Juan Pass at around 4,130 meters above sea level.

From the pass, we can admire the surrounding mountains and the Yanama Valley, along with the Andean scenery that characterizes this stage of the journey.

Descent to Yanama

From San Juan Pass, we will descend for approximately two hours toward the Yanama Valley, where we will have time for lunch and a rest.

Yanama lies at around 3,800 meters above sea level and is one of the coldest areas of the trek, with temperatures that can drop considerably at night. Warm clothing and appropriate gear for cold conditions are essential.

Climb to the Highest Point of the Trek

After breakfast, we will begin hiking at around 8:00 a.m. The first part of the day involves a climb of approximately three to four hours to a mountain pass at about 4,700 meters above sea level, the highest point of this journey.

From this elevation, we can admire the mountain scenery and views of the Horno Pampa Valley before beginning our descent.

Descent toward Horno Pampa and Collpapampa

We will descend for approximately two hours to Horno Pampa, where we will stop for lunch.

After the break, we will continue for another three to four hours toward Collpapampa, passing Andean landscapes that gradually change as we descend.

The day ends in Collpapampa, at approximately 2,800 meters above sea level, where we will rest before continuing the following morning.

Hiking Through the Cloud Forest

After breakfast, we will begin an approximately six-hour hike toward La Playa. Along the way, the landscape gradually becomes more lush, with coffee plantations and fruit trees such as mango, avocado, and pineapple.

During this stage, we will pass through warm areas where temperatures may reach approximately 26–28°C (79–82°F). Upon reaching La Playa, we will stop for lunch and a rest.

Transfer to Santa Teresa and Visit to Cocalmayo

From La Playa, we will continue by vehicle for approximately one hour to Santa Teresa, where we will leave our luggage at the campsite.

In the afternoon, we may have the opportunity to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs, surrounded by vegetation, and enjoy some relaxation after several days of hiking.

Afterward, we will return to camp for dinner and spend the night.

Transfer to Hidroeléctrica

The day begins at around 7:00 a.m. After breakfast, we will take an approximately 20-minute drive from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica station, where we will begin our hike to Aguas Calientes.

Hiking to Aguas Calientes

From Hidroeléctrica, we will continue on foot for approximately three hours along a route surrounded by tropical vegetation. Along the way, we may spot local birds, including parrots, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, and oropendolas, depending on the conditions.

At the end of the hike, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the final night of the journey. You will have time to rest and prepare for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Guided Visit to Machu Picchu

This will be one of the most anticipated days of the journey, as we will finally visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will start early with the transfer from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Inca citadel. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes and brings us to the access point for our visit.

Once inside Machu Picchu, we will take a guided tour lasting approximately two to three hours along our assigned circuit. During the visit, we will see different areas of the citadel, including agricultural terraces, stone structures, and ceremonial spaces, depending on the route permitted by our entrance ticket.

Our guide will explain Machu Picchu’s history, its architectural features, and its importance during the Inca Empire.

Return to Cusco

After the visit, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you may have time for lunch at your own expense, depending on the train departure schedule.

We will then continue by train to Ollantaytambo and travel by road to Cusco, bringing this eight-day adventure through Choquequirao and Machu Picchu to an end.