CHOQUEQUIRAO HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU IN 8D/7N
Classic Service
from $999.00 USD per person
- Fascinating experience exploring the complex of Choquequirao Hike and Machu Picchu, two emblematic destinations in the Cusco area.
- Immerse yourself in fantastic natural landscapes with picturesque valleys, imposing snow-capped mountains and an incredible variety of flora and fauna during the hike.
- Discover Choquequirao Hike, considered "The last refuge of the Inca Empire", with its complex hydraulic system and similarities with Machu Picchu.
Overview
The hike to the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu complex is a fascinating experience and one of the most popular trips in the Cusco area. This journey immerses you in fantastic natural landscapes with valleys, snow-capped mountains and an incredible variety of plants, birds and animals.
Choquequirao is located in the Salkantay mountain range, more than 3030 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Apus (mountain gods) from Yamana, Ampay, Chokecarpu, Pumasiyo and Panta, on the left bank of the Apurimac River. During the time of the Incas, everything was connected and in communication with Machu Picchu through a complex network of trails.
Choquequirao is considered "The last refuge of the Inca Empire." Visitors will have the opportunity to discover a complex hydraulic system, most likely for domestic, ceremonial and agricultural use. The geographical location of Choquequirao in reference to other religious centers of the same period tends to indicate that its function was that Inca enclave towards the valleys of the Apurimac River. There are many similarities between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
The purpose of the Hike to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu was religious and ceremonial, a pilgrimage that included rituals to honor the mountains and peaks along the route, such as the sacred mountain of Salkantay. .
- DAY 1 | Cusco - Cachora –Capuliyoc- Santa Rosa
- DAY 2 | Santa Rosa - Rosalina Beach - Marampata – Choquequirao - Pinchayniyoq.
- DAY 3 | Pinchayniyoq – Río Blanco – Maizal.
- DAY 4 | Maizal – Paso de San Juan – Yanama.
- DAY 5 | Yanama – Totora Community – Collpapampa Sky Lodge.
- DAY 6 | Collpapampa Sky Lodge - La Playa – Lucmabamba Sky Lodge.
- DAY 7 | Lucmabamba Sky Lodge - Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes.
- DAY 8 | Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Dia 1 | Cusco - Cachora – Chiquisca.
We leave Cusco at 5 am in a private van for 4 hours to Capuliyoq 2900m / 9514 feet located on the edge of the Apurímac Canyon and surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. We will continue our journey. During the tour, beautiful landscapes will capture our eyes and accompany us during the walk, and we will not lose sight of the deep canyon and the Apurímac River. We will descend to the lower part of the canyon called Chiquisca (1,930 m / 6,332 f), where we will have lunch and spend the night in our camp.
- Meals: Lunch, Water, Snacks, tea time and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Camp
- Climate: Warm
- Duration of the walk: 22 km Approximately 7 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate / difficult
DAY 2 | Chiquisca - Rosalina Beach - Marampata – Choquequirao.
After breakfast, we will descend for 1 hour towards La Playa Rosalina (1,550 m / 5,085 f). From there we will go to Marampata (2,850 m / 9,350 f) 3 hours uphill and zig zag path where we will have our lunch, from where we will have a beautiful view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3,033 m / 9,951 f). After lunch we will continue to our camp which is located 25 minutes from the archaeological complex where we will spend the night and prepare for the next day.
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner.
- Accommodation: Camp
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Climate: Cold and Warm
- Duration of the walk: 7 hours
DAY 3 | Choquequirao – Río Blanco – Camp Maizal
This day we will appreciate the tranquility of this magical place, between the fortifications, streets, buildings, terraces and squares. After visiting this wonderful place we will continue our walk going up to the Choquequirao pass (3,270 m / 10,728 f), walking through an archaeological zone called Pinchiunuyoc (2,450 m / 8,038 f). From this point we will descend to the river bed, known as Río Blanco (1,900 m / 6,234 f) and then we will continue walking for 3 more hours to the Maizal Camp (3,000 m / 9,843 f) where we will spend the night.
- Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
- Duration of the walk: 9 hours
- Accommodation: Camp
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner
Day 4 | Maizal – Paso de San Juan – Yanama.
That day will be difficult due to the complexity of the terrain. We relax in Maizal (3,000 m / 9,843 f) to rest a little and recover to appreciate the view of a beautiful landscape. After a trip of several hours, we will arrive at San Juan (4,170 m / 13,681 f), a pass in the middle of the Andes, from which we can appreciate the great view of the valleys, mountains and glaciers. Some of which reach more than 5,000 m / 16,404 f. We will camp in the town of Yanama (3,530 m / 11,581 f).
- Climate: Warm and cold with mosquitoes
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Camp
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner
DAY 5 | Yanama – Totora Community – Collpapampa Sky Lodge.
Early in the morning, we will head towards the highest pass of this trip: Yanama (4670m / 15.32152 f). If we are lucky, we will be able to see condors. During the day hike we will enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay (6264m / 20.551181 ft.) and Pintuyuq (5450m / 17.880577 f). Then we will continue towards the town of Totora (3200 m / 10.4986877 f). where a local bus awaits us, we will take this bus towards our camp called Collpapampa Sky Lodge where we will spend the night in glass domes and comforting foam beds.
- Weather: Cold with winds
- Duration of the walk: 9 hours
- Accommodation: Camp
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, tea time and dinner
DAY 6 | Collpapampa Sky Lodge - La Playa – Lucmabamba Sky Lodge.
This day after breakfast we will walk to the beach 2060m / 6758 feet. The path is covered with dense vegetation where we can find a diversity of orchids, bromeliads and other native species. We will also see some coffee, papaya, passion fruit and avocado plantations in other words we will walk through the jungle, that day we will camp at Lucmabamba Sky Lodge (2,020 m / 6,627 f).
- Meals: Breakfast, boiled water to drink, snacks, lunch - tea b> in the afternoon
- Accommodation: Camp
- Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Note: According to the wishes of the group, it is possible to change the itinerary and visit the hot springs of Santa Teresa (1,830m / 6,004f)
DAY 7 | Lucmabamba Sky Lodge - Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes.
Our trip will begin early in the morning. We will follow the Inca trail to Llactapata (2,650 m / 8,694 f), an archaeological site with remains of Inca constructions and from which we can have a view of the Machu Picchu mountain. Our trip continues towards the hydroelectric power plant (1,950 m / 6,398 f), from where we will walk for 3 hours or take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,726 f). Accommodation in a local hotel.
- Climate: Warm
- Duration of the walk: 3 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel (Not included)
- Difficulty: Difficult / Moderate
- Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, and dinner
Day 8 | Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco.
That day, we will leave early after breakfast (5:30 a.m.) and go up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 f) by bus. After a guided tour of the important places of the Inca city, you will have free time so you can enjoy Machu Picchu on your own. Then we will go down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), and we will have time to visit the town's hot baths. At a convenient time, we will take the train back to Cusco. Transfer to your hotel.
- Climate: Warm
- Duration of the walk: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
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Pre-departure information: You will meet your guide and “Choquequiraw Trek to Machu Picchu” group at our office for an orientation before your hike. Here, we will provide you with the canvas bags that our Porters will carry. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the afternoon before the trip begins. In case you cannot come at this time "let us know" to coordinate another time.
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Tourist transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and travel by private transportation to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek to Choquequiraw.
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Adventure tourism guide for the Trek to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu: English-speaking tourism guide, professional with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion for teaching others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, healthy and comfortable on your hike so you can enjoy your time and will make sure you are safe and happy.
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Camps
- Night 1: Enjoy the first night at the Chiquisca camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents.
- Night 2: Enjoy the second at Choquequirao Camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents.
- Night 3: Enjoy the third night at the Maizal camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents.
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Camps
- Night 1: Enjoy the first night at the Chiquisca camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents.
- Night 2: Enjoy the second at Choquequirao Camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents.
- Night 3: Enjoy the third night at the Maizal camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents.
- Night 4: Enjoy the fourth night at Yanama Camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite 4-season tents.
- Night 5: Enjoy the fifth night at the Collpapampa Sky Lodge camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents.
- Night 6: Enjoy the sixth night at the Lucmabamba Sky Lodge camp on the route to Choquequiraw and sleep in our Pro Aconcagua Doite 4-season tents.
- Night 7: The last night at the hotel is included, it is located in the town of Aguas Calientes; It is also known as the town of Machu Picchu; Hotel prices will vary depending on your expectations and budget. However, we can offer you the option of joining us at our local accommodation Hotel Casa de Luz in Aguas Calientes has double or triple rooms, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu .
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Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
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Entrance ticket to the Choquequirao and Machu Picchu trail.
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1 duffel bag: You can store your personal luggage, up to 7 kg (14.02 lb), including your sleeping bag; This bag will be carried by our horses during the 4 days.
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Professional trekking chef: A professional chef specializing in on-trail cooking, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals throughout our journey on the road to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
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Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners (vegetarian, vegan or special menus available at no additional cost) Please note that the first breakfast and the last lunch are not included.
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Boiled water: From your first lunch to your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water you need. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before being distributed. You must supply your own water bottles. We recommend carrying around the water bottle after each meal.
- Wake up with tea: Every morning at camp, you'll wake up to a cup of coke tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent to warm from the inside out before you start your day.
- Tea time every day during the walk: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will give our tea time popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
- Hygiene products: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to wash your hands and every morning there will also be a bucket with warm water to wash your personal hygiene.
- Medical kit and oxygen bottle: Our team will bring a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Transfer back to Cusco: Private tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 8).
- 24-hour guest service: We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day to facilitate communication and preparation with the agency leading to your trip.
- Consettur (up / down).
- Return train.
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bags: You can rent one from our company if you don't have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are shaped like a mummy and include a sleeping liner. The bags are washed after each use.
- Canes: You can rent a set from our company if you wish.
- Day 1: Breakfast: approx. USD 5 to USD 10.00, price may vary depending on your selection.
- Last day: Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. USD 20 to USD 25.00, price may vary depending on your selection.
- Clothing and personal equipment.
- Travel insurance.
- Additional costs or delays beyond the control of the administration (scenery, bad weather, modification of the itinerary due to a security problem, illness, change in government policy, political instability / strike, etc.).
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
| Elements | Cost USD |
OBSERVATIONS (You can coordinate directly with us)
|
|---|---|---|
| Trek Poles (PAIR) | $15.00 | Includes rubber tips. |
| Saddle horse | $35.00 | Upload only. |
| Sleeping bag | $25.00 | - |
PRICES
- Transfer from Hotel to Cachora
- Choquequirao and Machupicchu entrance fees
- 3* hotel accommodation
- 02 Bus Ticket Concetur
- Tour guide
- Meals (Option: Vegetarian)
- Expedition train round trip, etc.
Essential elements
- Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable).
- Hiking boots/shoes.
- Hiking socks.
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- Warm clothing, hat and gloves.
- Casual mountain clothing for the afternoons.
- Short or long sleeve shirts.
- Comfortable pants.
- Sun hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 recommended).
- Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or a hydration bladder.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal hygiene items or day backpack.
- Personal medication.
- Camera and video camera.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
Additional items to bring
- Shorts.
- Trekking poles (with rubber tips).
- Bandages and dressings.
- Sandals.
- Swimsuit for the hot springs.
- Extra money for personal expenses, tips (200 new Peruvian soles are recommended for additional expenses).
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Don't miss this amazing hike! Permits are sold out at least 6 months in advance.
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