Choquequirao Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
4/5
3100 MT / 9957 FT
Machu Picchu, Cusco
387 Review
from $570.00
Choquequirao Trek 9 Days to Machu Picchu
This trek takes 9 days/8 nights and ends in Machu Picchu.
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
23 reviews
Choquequirao Trek 9 Days to Machu Picchu
This trek takes 9 days/8 nights and ends in Machu Picchu.
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
23 reviews
Altitude
4650 MT / 15255 FT
Departure
CUSCO
Physical Level
4/5
Duration
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
Group Size
8 PER GROUP
Seasson
MARCH TO DECEMBER
Accomodation
CAMP / HOTEL
Trip Style
HIKING AND CAMPING
Overview
We invite you to participate in this fantastic adventure through Choquequirao. We will arrive at Machu Picchu, one of the most challenging and spectacular excursions in all of Peru. This hike is recommended for enthusiasts who love history and adventure. Explore the enigmatic Choquequirao without the pressure of many people, feel the power of the Apurimac canyon, and enjoy the breathtaking snow-capped mountains surrounding the Vilcanota. Explore little-known villages on the route inhabited by native inhabitants of the area, and we will have the opportunity to see intact portions of Inca roads in the mountains. We will be surprised by this beautiful walk that gives a great perspective on the Inca Empire!
This route offers you eight incredible days of trekking, with the last day in Wonder of the World Machu Picchu. This 9-day hike is very challenging, even for those who have trained. However, everyone agrees that it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco- Cachora – Chiccisqa – Santa Rosa
Our Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek starts in Cusco early at 5:30 am in a private car for 4 hours by car to the charming village of «Cachora,» located on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks. We will stop in the town of «Cachora» to buy last-minute provisions before continuing in a vehicle just before Capuliyoc (2915 meters / 9561 feet) from where we can appreciate beautiful views of the Apurimac valley that extends below, as well as the snowy peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora.
We will meet with our arrieros here, and we will walk for another 15 minutes to have lunch here in the viewpoint of Capuliyoc. We will begin descending abruptly towards the Apurimac Canyon, enjoying the spectacular views as we descend from 3.5 to 4 hours to «Chiccisqa» (1836 m), with impressive falls at our side. One hour after Chiccisqa, we reached the roaring Apurimac River (1550 m).
We start climbing to the Santa Rosa camp, located at the height of 2095m / 6873ft. It’s a rather demanding climb of 2 hours but makes the next day easier! As the campsite is later than the most popular camp, it is often a quiet place, and you can observe the stars in any comfort.
Accommodation: Camping at Santa Rosa 1950m – we will aim to be at our campsite by 6 pm.
Our total hiking time today is around 6 hours / 16 km
Descending 1200m / 4 hours
2 hrs ascending – Rio Apurimac to Santa Rosa
Day 2 Santa Rosa – Choquequirao Ruins
We will leave early to take advantage of the day to the maximum (around 6 am). We will continue up in Maranpata, where we will have a rest. The climb from Santa Rosa to Maranpata (3110 m / 10120 ft) takes about 3 hours, although it is an uphill climb.
Later we can see for the first time the ruins of Choquequirao. From here, we have 2 hours more walking towards the ruins. After the rigors of the past two days, it is a gentle hike and wavy hike. We take our lunch in the camp of Choquequirao (3110 meters), the closest place to the ruins, before going to the ruins of Choquequirao in the afternoon. Spend the afternoon exploring the ruins, watching the sunset, and keeping our fingers crossed to see the majestic condors.
It is known that only 30% of the Inca remains of Choquequirao have been excavated. Today, though, what you can see is more impressive and worth the trip to get here. The stone in Choquequirao is not as sophisticated as that found in Machu Picchu because the stone found here is tough to carve. Still, the buildings are impressive and suggest a site of high social status in the Age of the Incas. Choquequirao reminds us of a sensation of fear simply due to the surrounding beauty of the sites and isolation and where we can see the condors more frequently flying.
Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite 3050m (10,000 ft)
Total hiking time today to the campsite is: around 4. 5 hours
13 km ascending 1600 m in altitude – Santa Rosa to Choquequirao
Day 3 Choquequirao – Pinchinuyoc – Rio Blanco
We will start our «Choquequirao to Machu Picchu» tour early in the morning with a visit to the impressive site of Choquequirao. Initially discovered in 1710, several European explorers passed through this area and knew about this site. However, they did not give much importance until 1909, when Hiram Bingham is credited with the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu crossing the area. This brought more international attention to the site, but the place was largely ignored until the 1970s, when the Peruvian government began digging. The location of Choquequirao consists of a unique and extensive set of terraces, a small religious and administrative area with a total area of more than 1800 hectares. There are impressive irrigation canals and all this in a dramatic setting of the Apurimac Canyon.
We will take our lunch to have more exploration time. After our guided tour, we climbed on a ridge for about 1 hour and walked down to the ruins at Pinchinuyoc (3 hours walking). After a short break in these ruins to admire the majestic views. From there, we descend to the Blanco River, a descent of 1.5 hours steeper.
Note – insect repellent is a necessity when camping at Rio Blanco!
Accommodation: Camping at Rio Blanco. Ascending: 1km / Descending: 7km
Hike distance and time: 8km around 5 hours
Day 4 Rio Blanco – Maizal – Pajonal
After breakfast, we started a challenging climb to a small agricultural area cleared in the mountains called «Maizal. » This is the most difficult section of Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for many people. The climb is challenging for about 3 hours uphill at 3000m / 9,842ft.
After a good lunch in Maizal, we climbed for another 3 hours uphill through the cloud forest, to the Victoria mines to Victoria mines, an ascent from 3000m to 4000m! We will rest a little here to admire the brightness of the outcrops that illustrate the high concentration of minerals and metals and the reason for the ancient mines.
On our trek through a Puna area, we will walk along the well-preserved paths built by the Incas, with their classic zigzag shape, before setting up the camp for the night in Pajonal. (Altitude 4000m / 13123 ft)
Pajonal offers fantastic views from we have just returned, walking towards the incredible Apurimac Valley. Due to the altitude, the camp will be a cold night.
Accommodation: Camping at Pajonal.
Total trek time 6/7 hours
Rio Blanco – Maizal (3000m) – 3 – 4 hours
Maizal – Pajonal (Victoria mines) (4000m) – 4 hours
Total ascent 2000m – 8.5km
Day 5 Pajonal – Yanama – Yutuypata
We started the day very early in our camp and climbed for an hour to the passage of Abra San Juan. (Height 4130 m / 13 546 ft). We will find amazing views from the pass as we descend to the charming village of Yanama (about 3.5 hours on foot). «Action Inca Trails» commonly uses muleteers from the village of Yanama 4100m / 13,541feet (employing local people), and we will have a good lunch near the village.
From here, our tour takes a new direction as we head away from the Yanama, Salkantay, and Machu Picchu pass. Instead, we headed to the last bastion of the Incas, the region of Vilcabamba!
After lunch, we descend to a small river, and we head in the opposite direction of the road, descending towards the valley, and we start to climb to the other side of the river directing a small town known as Yutuypata. The road to Yutuypata lasts about 3 hours. Although the altitude is high due to the microclimate created by the valley, the landscape is green and wooded with lush vegetation compared to Yanama, with beautiful views across the valley.
Accommodation: Camping at Yutuypata
Distance trekked: around 12km
Ascent: 2 hours / 5km Descent: 5 hours / 7km
Day 6 Yutuypata – Quellqua Machay – Inca Machay
We will walk for 4 hours along a relatively easy route through «Quellqua Machay,» a valley surrounded by spectacular mountain views. We arrive at our lunch spot in «Quellqua Machay.» After eating a nutritious lunch prepared by our chef, we will go up for another 2 hours to pass our high point and cross the imposing Open of Choquetacarpo (4600m). Here we will be surrounded by steep peaks and mountainous, here we can enjoy spectacular views, via Vilcabamba. We will make a trek through one of the most incredible Inca Trail during this section of the route, almost perfectly preserved. Following the footsteps of the Chasquis Incas, here we will be impressed by the capacity of Incan Engineers to create these Inca roads.
Once on the pass, we will continue following the initial steps of the Inca Trail, descending about an hour and a half, observing small Inca dwellings along our route. We will have the opportunity to admire the Inca culture where we will ask: How did they build in such remote places?
We will conclude this excellent day in a beautiful and isolated camp of rest and absorb the tranquility of this impressive scenery
Accommodation: Inca Machay Campsite
Distance trekked:7.5 hours / 15 km
Ascent: 4km/ Descent: 4km
Day 7 – Inca Machay – Huancacalle
Our day begins with a gentle descent; we will walk through some small roads that are no longer accessible by transport. After approximately, we will arrive at the village of «Huancacalle» (Height 2900m / 9514ft). Here we will have a lunch prepared by our specialized cook.
Then we will visit the fascinating ruins of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Nustahispaña.
The route from Huancacalle to «Mala» and we will go back again for about three and a half hours. We will return to Huncacalle in the afternoon / early evening for our camp.
For this day, the total walking time is approximately 7 hours
Accommodation: Camping in Huancacalle (2900m/ 9514 ft )
Distance trekked: 16km
Ascent: 1 hour /0.5 km/ Descent: 4 hours / 12km
Day 8: Vitcos Rosaspata – private car to – Santa Theresa – train to – Aguas Calientes
This morning we will have a well-deserved rest where we will meditate on all the places we have visited; we will appreciate the canyons of the river until the high passages of San Juan and Choquecatarpo. Our trekkers will enjoy the hamlet of Huancacalle, where pigs still roam with their piglets in the street, and the atmosphere is of a village frozen in time between the mountains. From here, we will take the private transport to Santa Teresa (Altura 1550m / 5085ft) with a lunch box on the route. These winding and narrow roads require our very experienced drivers. This section of the trip takes about 5 hours and is very enjoyable as we can enjoy the views of a landscape that changes rapidly as it descends into the jungle, a drop of about 1500 m during the journey. We will pass through villages. The last leg of the trip to Santa Teresa is along the edge of the canyon of the Vilcanota River. Once again, you are fully aware of the incredible forces of nature present in the high Andes. We will take the hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes, which leaves around 3 pm. From here, you can already have a tempting view of Machu Picchu
A well-deserved bath in the Hot Springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo is often the perfect respite for aching muscles! «Action Inca Trails» includes without cost a nice celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes. So far, we have crossed the mighty Cordillera Vilcanota, but the next day is a pinnacle for many as the last day of their journey.
Accommodation: Aguas Calientes hotel
Distance trekked: 5 hours by car to Hydroelectrica
Ascent: 0km / Descent: 0km
Day 9: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This day we will have a guided tour of the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This is a lifelong dream for many trekkers, and make the trip through Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek!
In the morning (before dawn), we will take a vehicle to the ruins of Machu Picchu (included in the price) so that we can appreciate with the morning lights the sunrise in Machu Picchu before other travelers arrive. Then we will have a guided tour of two and a half hours in Machu Picchu with your guide. After your time, we can explore the ruins freely; we can freely research the ruins or climb Huayna (Wayna) Picchu to take the classic photo in Machu Picchu. (You must inform at the time of booking and pay an additional fee of $ 15US * These permits are sold months in advance.
If you cannot do Huayna Picchu, other options are:
Inti Punku (gate of the sun) is where the classic Inca Trail arrives.
Inca Bridge
Machu Picchu Mountain / Cerro Machu Picchu (Please advise at time of booking, $15US*)
We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for the vegetation and its builders’ audacity. It is a 1.5-hour walk back to the village of Aguas Calientes. We return to Cusco in the afternoon by tourist class train and are met by our driver in Ollantaytambo, who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive in Cusco approximately 4.5 hours after your train’s departure from Aguas Calientes.
*Prices may change
Included
- Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the town of Cachora
- HOTEL IN CUSCO
- HIKING POLES
- SLEEPING BAG
- Transport from la Playa to Santa Teresa and the hydroelectric station (for all camping and personal luggage)
- Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
- Basic hotel in Santa Teresa
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (MachuPicchu, continental or similar)
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fees to Choquequirao
- Entrance fees to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kgs, both are big enough for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / option vegetarian
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 10kg)
- Emergency horse
- First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Cold boiled water during the all trek.
No Included
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
- Water on Day 1
- First breakfast and last lunch
Recommendations
Packing List
What To Bring
- A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco .
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
- Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
- Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
- Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
- Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
- Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into
- Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
- Binoculars (if you have them)
Travel Guide
he archaelogical area of Choquequirao is a cultural and natural complex located in the valley and cordillera of Vilcabamba. It is part of a system of Andean cities and segments that includes Ñusta Hispana, vitcos, Espiritu pampa, Concebidayoq, Pampaconas and Habas pampa. These were all linked by a network or roads / phats which eventually connect with the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The information in this document is but preliminary; investigations carried out by the specialized personnel of plan COPESCO continue.
LOCATION:
Choquequirao comprises areas of the provinces of Cusco and Apurimac and is situated at 3104.09 metres above sea level, in the foothills of the Salkantay mountain range, surrounded by the snowy apus of Ccoriwayrachina, Ampay, Choquetacarpu, Pumasillo and Panta, this “Cultural-Natural” complex spans districts of Santa Teresa and Vilcabamba in the “La Convencion” province in the departament of Cusco, as well as the districts of Cachora and Huanipaca in the Abancay province in the Apurimac department, in this wall it occupies both the left and right hand sides of the river Apurimac’s Canyon.
CLIMATE AND SOIL:
In geomorphic terms, the region is typified by “juvenile” inter-andean valleys interspersed with drepth canyons, that vary in depth from 1300m to 5000 metres above sea level, formed by the Apurimac river and its tributaries. Vertical erosion on its margins formed terraces exploited by the andean man for cultivation and small rural settlements.
The complex, situated at a subalpine level, has characteristics of both rainforest and subtropical andean country. Its average annual temperature is 12c, the sky in often clouded over, though there are sunny days with cold nights owing to the proximity of snow topped mountains the area has two markedly district seasons; the “rainy season” from december to march and the “dry season” from april to november.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Preliminary reports suggest a particular nature in between the skirts of the snowy hills where water works its way through the earth, generating an abundance of vegetation with cedar, “lambram“, “Chachacomo“, and “Inkallaulli” trees amongst others. In the shade of the above grow various species of medicinal plants, ferns, and other interesting plant species like orchids and bromelias. The exuberant vegetation and climatic conditions allow for a varied fauna including deer “Anteojos” bears felines, raptors and foxes as well as a spectacular birds like the andean condor, whose flight beautifies the quite afternoons, and the many species of humming birds.
Prices
| Number of persons | Price per person |
| 1 | $1150.00 |
| 2 | $1120.00 |
| 3 | $1090.00 |
| 4 | $1060.00 |
| 5 | $1030.00 |
| 6 | $1000.00 |
| 7 | $970.00 |
| 8 | $940.00 |
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
-
- group service: $940 per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
-
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
- Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
Why Choose us
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL is a Local Travel Agency and Tour Operator with 10 years of experience in the world of tourism. We are specialists in organizing travel packages that include Machu Picchu (the main tourist destination in our country), Adventure tours such as the Inca Trail and alternative tours that also reach Machu Picchu. This article will help you know why you should choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, the local travel agency that personalizes services for demanding clients like you.
Get to know our work and entrust your trip to SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL!
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL is a local travel agency and tour operator authorized by the institutions that govern tourism regulations in Peru. That is why we have the necessary licenses and permits to operate within our country.
We offer a variety of travel styles for all tastes, our programs are flexible and we can create personalized tour packages that meet all the plans and expectations of our clients. We also carry out tours for clients with disabilities.
We provide personalized assistance 24 hours a day, before and during your trip. When you contact us, you will be assisted by our experts in travel to Peru, who will be happy to assist you and assist you as soon as possible, responding to your concerns and requested information.
We are specialists in offering individual services such as accommodation, travel tickets, entrance tickets to various tourist centers and much more, to make your trip a totally pleasant vacation.
We know you’ll be happy with our service, as evidenced by the hundreds of testimonials from our traveling customers from around the world. See the video testimonials on our YouTube channel, the recommendations and memories of travel experiences on various social networks such as TripAdvisor, which will explain why you should choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL for your next 2023 vacation in our country.
About our growth process
Continuous improvement is one of our commitments. One of our principles is that the work of each area is important in order to achieve the best final product. Therefore, throughout our history we have developed various projects with different areas, which have given us the following results:
We have completed the policy of our Integrated Management System as a sign of the guarantee of our organization. Also, read about our mission, vision and values on which we base this company.
Continuous training for tour guides, cooks, porters, drivers, those responsible for various areas such as Sales, Reservations, Operations, Administration, etc., on issues of customer service, quality of service to tourists, knowledge of the route and other issues concerning the tourism industry in Peru. Due to our progress in these areas, we have received the CALTUR 2018 Certification from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
About the Licenses and Authorizations of SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL – Travel Agency and Tour Operator, meets all the requirements and licenses necessary to operate and offer various services in the field of tourism throughout the Peruvian territory. The institutions mentioned below are in charge of regulating the tourism industry in Peru and we are subscribed to them:
We have the authorization of the DIRCETUR (Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco), a government organization that promotes competition, sustainability and the diversification of Peruvian exportable products, tourism and crafts.
We are subscribed to PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism), an institution belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of our country.
We are also subscribed to SERNANP, to be able to operate on the Inca Trail Network. The National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State, which is a specialized public technical body of the Peruvian government, dependent on the Ministry of the Environment of Peru, in charge of directing and establishing the technical and administrative criteria for the conservation of the Natural Protected Areas of Peru.
On the other hand, we have the recognition of our clients like you, who recommend us through TripAdvisor. You can view their travel testimonials with our company.
If you want to know more about SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, then you can also visit our YouTube channel, where you will find real opinions from traveling clients like you.
We invite you to read our article on the Responsible Tourism Commitment of SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL.
Among the reasons why choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, one of the main tasks of our organization is to promote responsible tourism. In this context, we handle three basic concepts:
We promote respect for culture, providing our clients with all the necessary information about the tourist destinations to visit so that they are aware of the customs, traditions, beliefs and different ways of life of the residents of the various populations of our country.
We promote the protection of the environment, through the care of the flora and fauna of the various destinations we visit, recycling, reduction in the use of water and electricity. For this reason, we recommend hiring the services of environmentally responsible tour operators like us, SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL.
We are committed to local initiatives, promoting the purchase of handicrafts, the consumption of excellent national cuisine, and support for community projects. You can be part of responsible tourism by helping to conserve the areas we visit and, if you wish, by directly supporting the residents of the local communities.
Why Choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL: We are a Team of Travel Experts
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL has a team of professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the area of tourism, who work together and efficiently to make your trip a perfect, pleasant, and unforgettable experience. Start dreaming of your next vacation to Machu Picchu with our help.
Inquire Now
Related Peru Treks
Here are some other options that will suit your needs
40% OFF
Choquequirao Treks
25% OFF
Choquequirao Treks
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
4/5
3100 MT / 9957 FT
CHOQUEQUIRAO
387 Review
from $490.00