Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days | Peru Adventure
Duration
8D/7N
Difficulty
Challenging
Language
Español / Ingles
Max. Altitude
4,650 msnm
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 days is the ultimate adventure for travelers who want to experience a more remote, more challenging, and more rewarding side of Peru. This unforgettable journey takes you across dramatic Andean landscapes, hidden Inca trails, deep mountain canyons, and breathtaking archaeological sites before ending at the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 8 days is one of the most extraordinary trekking experiences in the Cusco region. Unlike more traditional routes, this trek leads you through quieter and more remote scenery, where every day feels more immersive and more authentic. Along the way, you will explore the remarkable ruins of Choquequirao, a spectacular Inca site often described as one of Peru’s great hidden treasures, before continuing through rugged mountain paths toward Machu Picchu. Competitor itineraries consistently position this route as a long, scenic, and physically demanding expedition that combines Choquequirao with Machu Picchu over 8 days.
This journey is perfect for travelers seeking more than a classic trek. The route crosses powerful Andean terrain with high passes, remote valleys, and striking natural contrasts that make every stage of the adventure feel unique. From the vast silence of the Apurímac Canyon to the changing landscapes on the way to Machu Picchu, the experience offers a rare balance of history, scenery, and personal challenge. Several operators also highlight the cultural and natural diversity of this route, including archaeological sites, mountain views, and cloud-forest transitions.
Prices
Early pick up from your hotel and ride by minivan to our trailhead at Capuliyoc. From here we start to walk downhill for 3 hours until Chiquisca. Along the way we will see the amazing snowcapped mountain of Pedrayoc. Once arrived at Chiquisca we will enjoy an organic buffet lunch, and then continue gradually descending towards Playa la Rosalina (1000m/3280ft). There we will have the chance to see the impressive Apurimac river, one of the largest tributaries of the amazon. We will cross a bridge and climb up for two more hours to our campsite called Santa Rosa, where you will enjoy some hot drinks and a delicious organic buffet dinner.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Transport time: 4 hours
- Tour Type: Hiking – Cultural,History
- Start/End Time: At 3.30 am from your Cusco hotel and you will be in your camp at 3.30 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 3300 m / 10826.77 ft
- Climate: warm, moderate
We will wake up early in the morning. Once enjoyed an energy buffet breakfast, we start to climb up for 3 hours until we reach the village of Marampata (2900m/9514ft). After this challenging hike we will have a break and enjoy the glamorous views. We can already see the Choquequirao Inca citadel and follow its trail until we reach our campsite near Choquequirao. Here we will have our second delicious organic buffet lunch. In the afternoon, around 1:00pm, we will visit the impressive citadel of Choquequirao where our guide will teach us about this amazing Inca city. After, we return to our camp site to spend the night in this intense vegetation.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Transport time: None
- Tour Type: Hiking – cultural, Natural, history
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 4.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2200 m / 7217.8ft
- Climate: warm, moderate
- Total, Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 ml
- Highest Altitude: 2902 / 7217.8 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Regular
We wake up early in the morning to have an energetic buffet breakfast. From the campsite of Choquequirao we climb up a trail that ascends through the forest, for 2 hours, until Choquequirao pass (3300m/9842ft). From there we have the last chance to enjoy an amazing view of Choquequirao as well as an impressive view into the Apurimac gorge. Then we descend until Rio Blanco (1920m/6299ft), where we will have our third organic buffet lunch. Once enjoyed our lunch we continue to Pinchiunuyoc, where we can appreciate original Inca farming terraces. We will follow all the way up for two more hours to reach our campsite in Maizal where we set up our tents. Along the way we enjoy different views over the surrounding valleys.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 9 hours
- Transport time: None
- Tour Type: Hiking – cultural, Natural, history
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 4.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2200 m / 7220 ft
- Climate: warm, moderate
- Total, Walking Distance: 13 km / 8.07 ml
- Highest Altitude: 3300 m / 9,8 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Dificult
We wake up early in the morning and enjoy an energetic breakfast while the sun rises above the mountains. Then we start climbing up a dusty rocky path for four hours. On our way we will go through green valleys and pass arid mountain peaks, on the top of pass over (4200m/13779ft) we will have a delicious buffet lunch and enjoy the amazing view on the snowcapped mountains surrounding us. With a bit of luck, we will see flying condors. After lunch, we hike downhill until we reach our campsite at the village of Yanama. There we will have plenty of time to visit local families and learn about their traditions, which they still keep from their ancestor until today. And then finish the day with some tea and a delicious dinner.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Transport time: None
- Tour Type: Hiking – cultural, Natural, history
- Start/End Time: At 5.00 am and you will be in your camp at 4.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 3033 m / 99,50 ft
- Climate: warm, moderate
- Total, Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.7 ml
- Highest Altitude: 4200 m / 13,870 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Dificult
We wake up early in the morning to have our delicious healthy breakfast and then start to hike for five hours all the way up to the pass of Mariano LLamoja (4700m/15419ft). From here we will appreciate the Vilcabamba mountain range, one of the most famous range in Cusco region. The Spanish invaders found the last Inca dynasty here and nowadays it is considered as the lost city of the Incas. Here our master chef will provide us a delicious organic buffet lunch. Once we have satisfied our stomach, our guide will give us information about the nearby snowcapped mountains of Sacrachayoc and Pedrayoc, and then We will continue hiking to our campsite called Totora. On the way we will have the chance to see two waterfalls at both sites of the valley. Once arrived at the Totora camp we will enjoy delicious hot drinks and dinner.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Apurimac, Peru
- Hiking time: 8.30 hours
- Transport time: None
- Tour Type: Hiking – customs, Natural, history
- Start/End Time: At 5.00 am and you will be in your camp at 4.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 3700 m / 12,13 ft
- Climate: cold, moderate
- Total, Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 ml
- Highest Altitude: 4670 m / 15,32 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Dificult
You will be woken up with a hot drink, followed by breakfast and the magical sunrise over the mountains and then start our hike with destination “La Playa”. The trail continues down the valley into the forest, where we will appreciate tall trees, groves of bamboos and lush passion fruit plantations. Then we arrive at Collpapampa, the point where the Salkantay and the Choquequirao trek meet. This spot is where we stop for our organic buffet lunch. Then we will continue for five more hours until we reach and set up our campsite at “La Playa”. This hike is very beautiful and you will be able to appreciate orchids, birds, waterfalls and fruit plantations. Our campsite is located in the high jungle (tropical forest /1800m/5905ft), perfect spot to enjoy coffee crops and avocados trees.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Salkantay, Peru
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Transport time: None -Maybe
- Tour Type: Hiking – customs, Natural, history
- Start/End Time: At 6.00 am and you will be in your camp at 4.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 300 m / 9,8 ft
- Climate: cold, templete – warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 ml
- Highest Altitude: 4670 m / 15,32 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Dificult
Today our hike will only take six hours. We will wake up at 5:00 a.m in the morning and enjoy our last breakfast. Then we will start walking for three hours uphill. Along the way we will have spectacular views on the Santa Teresa valley, the Machu Picchu citadel in distance and the snowcapped Salkantay mountain. After three hours of hiking we will reach the small but impressive archaeological site of Llactapata, where you will get a first glimpse on the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Our tour guide will teach us about Llactapata Inca site. Then we will descent for 3 more hours until Hydroelectric, where we will have our last organic buffet lunch. This is the moment to say good-bye to our master chef and porters who accompanied us on our trip. After lunch we will catch the train to get to the town of Aguas Calientes town. After 30 minute driving the train to Aguas Calientes, you will be taken to your hotel for a hot shower. Where you will stay in a 3 stars hotel and you can take good rest for next day.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Salkantay, Peru
- Hiking time: 8 hours
- Transport time: None
- Tour Type: Hiking – Culture, Natural, history
- Start/End Time: At 5.30.00 am and you will be in your camp at 4.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 1800 m / 5,90 ft
- Climate: cold, templete – warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 ml
- Highest Altitude: 2800 m / 9,186.3 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Dificult – moderate – easy
After 7 days of hiking, we finally reached our destination Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonder of the world. Our tour guide will pick you up at 5:00 a.m in order to get to Machu Picchu early and enjoy the sunrise. We will start the day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel and then head to the bus station to catch up our bus where will take us (25 minutes) to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. At 6:00 am Machu Picchu opens its doors and we will go straight to the view point (the postcard picture) where you will take the classic postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. After that the guide will start a guided, 2 hours tour and teach you all the information you will need about Machu Picchu, visiting the most important areas of the citadel. Then you will have free time to explore the site by yourself.
If you have a ticket to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain you will do that after the guided tour. In the afternoon we will go back to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
Trek Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Salkantay, Peru
- Hiking time: Machupicchu
- Transport time: 50 minutes bus in aguas calientes
- Tour Type: Hiking – Culture, Natural, history
- Start/End Time: At 5.30.00 am and you will be in your camp at 4.00 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots follow all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude: 2000 m / 6561.68 ft
- Climate: cold, templete – warm
- Total, Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 ml
- Highest Altitude: 2400 m / 7,874 ft
- Overall Difficulty: Dificult – moderate – easy
Included
- Professional English & Spanish speaking tour guide throughout the entire trek and Machu Picchu visit.
- Private transportation from Cusco to the Choquequirao trailhead.
- Muleteer drivers and pack animals to carry trekking equipment during the trek.
- Official Choquequirao Trail permit.
- Choquequirao archaeological site entrance ticket.
- Official Salkantay Trail permit (connection route).
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- All meals during the trek prepared by a professional trekking chef.
- Healthy and energetic breakfasts.
- Organic buffet lunches.
- Organic buffet dinners.
- Snacks and drinking water during hiking days.
- Breakfast at a tourist restaurant in Cachora on the first day.
- Basic 3-star hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Dinner at a tourist restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip bus tickets in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu access).
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
- First-aid kit and emergency assistance during the trek.
Not Included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bags.
- Air mattresses.
- Sleeping bag for the tour guide.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Tips for muleteers, trekking chef, and tour guide (optional and voluntary).
- Personal expenses and extra services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before the trek to acclimatize properly.
- Bring your original passport, as it may be required at checkpoints.
- Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
- Dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather conditions.
- Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho at all times.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat due to strong UV radiation.
- Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold nights in the Andes.
- Stay well hydrated and drink water frequently during the trek.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during hiking days.
- Carry a small daypack for personal items, water, and daily essentials.
- Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for tips and personal expenses.
- Consider renting trekking poles for added stability on steep sections.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking activities.
- Respect nature, archaeological sites, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
This trek is considered challenging due to its long duration, remote terrain, and significant altitude changes. It involves steep ascents and descents, long hiking days, and high mountain passes. It is recommended for travelers with good physical condition and previous trekking experience. Proper acclimatization before the trek is essential, and our professional guides maintain a steady pace with regular breaks to ensure safety and enjoyment.
The best time to hike the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu route is during the dry season, from April to October. Weather conditions are more stable, trails are safer, and views are clearer. June, July, and August are popular months and require early booking. March and November are good shoulder-season options, while February is not recommended due to heavy rainfall.
Yes, all meals during the trek are included and prepared by a professional trekking chef. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinking water are provided daily. Muleteers carry the main camping equipment, allowing you to hike with only a small daypack. This setup ensures comfort and energy throughout this demanding multi-day adventure.
You should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing for cold and variable weather, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm sleeping bag. Trekking poles, sleeping bags, and air mattresses are not included but can be rented if needed. A small daypack for personal items and daily essentials is recommended.
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency medical assistance, and evacuation. Although our team provides first-aid support and professional guidance, having insurance offers peace of mind during this remote and physically demanding trek.
Prices
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Cancel up to 30 days before your tour in case of emergency. (For Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours, please check specific conditions.)
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