Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

you will be picked up in your hotel and ridden towards La pampa de Anta, a massive agricultural plain grown with potatoes, maize, etc. Then, the bus journey takes you down into the valley of Limatambo, a narrow fertile valley mainly cultivated with avocado. The trip continues up past the town of Curahuasi, especialist in growing aniseed used to make liquour. You will then take the  turn off to Cachora(2,850 m/9,350 ft), a small cattle farming  village; driving past the village, you will arrive to capuliyoc (trailhead), this is where you get off the bus and set to leave for the walk. From Capuliyoc viewpoint, there is striking views of the river canyon of Apurimac, the faraway mountains and the Inca site of Choquequirao perched on top of a mountain. The trail winds down the mountain into the river canyon of Apurimac. The weather is  very warm and humid which makes to grow special vegetation such as native trees Lambram, chachacomo, inkallaulli, cedar, etc, and also ferns orchids, bromeliads, etc. The typical fauna inhabiting this area are deer, spectacled bear(the only south american bear in endangered), foxes, skunks, etc and  also birds for instance; the largest flying bird The Andean Condor, hummingbrids, etc.  After Lunch taken at a small oasis-like settlemnt named Chiquisca, you will continue down to Playa Rosalinas(1,550 masl/5,115 ft)  and go over a suspension bridge above Apurimac river. From the other end of the bridge, the trail slopes steeply up to Santa Rosa Baja (a small settlement), and as you ascend an make stops, you are rewarded with  amazing views of the surrounidng scenery. Campsite in Santa Rosa Baja. 

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 13 km
Max. elevation: 3,100mt (10170ft)
Min. elevation: 1,550 m (5,115 ft)
Climate: Warm
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

After a nutritious and hearty breakfast, you will continue up to Marampata (2,850 m/9,350 ft) zigzagging up the trail with more amazing and clear views of the surrounding scenic beauty and depth of  Apurimac river canyon, main tributary of the Amazon River!. If lucky, you can spot condors soaring above the mountains! and also the spectacled  bear hidden in the bush or just sitting on top of the mountain.Arriving in Marampata, you will rest looking out striking views of the faraway mountains and the site of Choquequirao located still in the distance and also enjoy a suculent lunch. After lunch, the trail goes up and down to the site of Choquequirao (3,100 m/10,168 ft)! The site is bigger in extension than the Sancturary of Machu Picchu!. Late afternoon, you will arrive to the site and wander about  as you enjoy sunset. Overnight at Choquequirao campsite 

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 11 km
Max. elevation: 3,100 m (10,168 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Climate: Warm as well as cold
Difficulty: Moderate

Wake up to the call for a hot drink served in your tent. Following breakfast, you will explore the site of Choquequirao conducted by your guide the whole morning. You will see different neighbourhoods such as the main square with the temple of the sun, Urin (upper neighbourhood) with its open temple, Ushno (ceremonial platform), house of priest, qolqas (storages), irrigation channels and agricultural terraces. Scholars and researchers have not fully found out all  the techniques used by the Incas to construct different enclosures. As ypu explore the site, the location of the site and surrounding natural beauty will amaze you. 

The Archaeological Park of Choquequirao is located in southern Peru above the right bank of Apurimac River, perched on top of the mountain in the mountain range of Vilcabamba with snow-topped mountain Qoriwayrachina and Padreyoc. The park covers an area of 1,810 hectares.Choquequirao was constructed probably between the second part of the 15^th century and the first decades of the 16^th century by the time Incas started to conquer new territories in the Antisuyo region (located northwest of Cusco in high Andes inhabited by so called “Antis” – a collective name for the many varied ethnic groups living in this area). Choquequirao is considered as one of the last bastion and refugee of the Incas, who abandoned Cusco in 1535 following order of Inca ruler Manco Inca to regroup as Cusco was besieged by Spaniards. Although, there were a couple of people who visited and wrote about Choquequirao trek to machu picchu, this Inca site had not received a big attention until American historian Hiram Bingham along with the topographer Clarence visited and described the place in 1909!. Due to its location, it probably served as a very important religious centre inhabitted by Inca’s priests. It also served as a big political, economic and cultural centre. The site was abandoned unfinished according to scholars research

After lunch, you will leave the Inca city of Choquequirao by gently ascending 1 hour to Choquequirao Pass (3,300 m/10,890 ft) and afterwards, you will head down towards Rio Blanco (White River; 1,900 m/6,270 ft) entering a cloud forest area polylepis trees (andean native trees with multi-layered bark), epiphytes plants for instance, bromeliads, orchids, different species of brids as well as water fountains. Cloud forest lush vegetation still covers part of the Inca farming terraces of Pinchiunuyoc (2,487 m/8,160 ft). Campsite at Pinchiunuyoc. 

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 5 km
Max. elevation: 3,300 m (10,890 ft)
Min. elevation: 1,900 m (6,270 ft)
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Difficulty: Moderate

Today you will continue heading down to Rio Blanco, as you will be losing more altitude the vegetation gradually change into dry Andean forest and amazing views of faraway mountains. Arriving at Rio Blanco, you will enjoy refreshing in the clean Rio Blanco after a long descent in the sun. After lunch, you will climb three hours to the village of Maizal (3,000 m/9,900 ft) where you will stay overnight camping. Before dinner enjoy sunset and views of farwaway imposing mountains.

Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 4,150 m (13,695 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,800 m (12,540 ft)
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes as well as cold 
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Early in the morning, you will climb to Victoria Pass (4,150 m/13,695 ft). After a 4 hour steep ascent, approaching Victoria Pass, you  will hike an incredibly well- preserved stone-stepped Inca trail. On arriving at Victoria pass, you will enjoy absolutely striking views of snow-capped mountains of Humantay (5,700 m/18,700 ft) and Salkantay (6,271 m/20,574 ft), considered by local people as the "guardian spirit of the jungle surrounding mountains and also breathtaking view of Yanama valley.  Heading down to the valley of Yanama, you will hike past the Victoria mines, an Inca and later colonial silver mine now abandoned. Finally, you will arrive to the village of Yanama (3,800 m/12,540 ft) where you will stay overnight camping with views of Yanama River below us and Pumasillo  snow-topped mountain above us.

Estimated trekking time: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 4,668 m (15,315 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,630 m (11,979 ft)
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Difficulty: Challenging

You will climb Yanama Valley passing potato fields and enjoying great views of high mountains and waterfalls.The trail leads you up to the highest pass of this hike -Yanama Pass (4,668 m/15,315 ft). Climbing to the pass offers spectacular views of snowy peaks of  Sacsarayoj and Padreyoc Mountains! If you  are lucky, you can spot majestic condors flying way above the surrounding mountains. When reaching the pass, you will enjoy striking views of the Andean scenery and see a pile of stones that have been added by visitors to thank to Apus (a mountain god) for a safe journey and good luck! Then, you will head down to Totora Village 

(3,630 m/11,979 ft) where our next campsite is located.

Estimated trekking time: 8-9 hours
Trekking distance: 20 km
Max. elevation: 2,850 m (9,348 ft) 
Min. elevation: 2,680 m (8,793 ft)
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Difficulty: Moderate

Early in the morning you will set out a gentle hike to the town of Collpampa and onwards to La Playa.The lush vegetation offers different species of flowers and trees and birds. Upon arrival to  the village of  Collpapampa, you will enjoy seeing river canyon of Salkantay. The trail  goes past waterfalls, river-crossings, agricultural hamlets of maize, potatoes, passion fruit fields, peach trees, bamboo groves, orchards and coffee plantations providing some perfect birdwatching opportunities (e.g. hummingbirds, woodpeckers). You will walk some untouched paths where strawberries grow at our feet and passion fruits are just above our heads, begonias and purple orchids!. After 4 hours hike, you will arrive to the town of La Playa (2,100 m/6,890 ft) where you will have a break and lunch. Finally, you will hike shortly to the village of Lucmabamba (2,250 m/7,381.89 ft) and set  up campsite. In the nearby area from campsite, you will visit coffee plantations and taste arabica coffee and also get familiar with diverse plants cultivated in this area such as banana, mango, papaya, avocado, coca leaf, coffee, etc. This area is also a habitat of spectacled bear, parrots,. woodpecker, hummingbirds, etc. 

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 5 km
Max. elevation: 2,250 m (7,382 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,100 m (6,890 ft)
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Difficulty: Easy

Today, you will wake up early to enjoy sunrise as you climb to Ahobamba pass. As you ascend the mountain and stop for breaks, the scenery provides some amazing views of a rivey valley of Santa Teresa. The steady ascent to the top of the mountain offers some very nice stops for scenic beauty. From the pass, the trail slopes steeply down to the recently restored Incan site of Llaqtapata (2,650 m/8,694 ft) located at the back of Machupicchu Inca site. The views of the imposing Salkantay mountain!! and Machupicchu are striking not many tourist see. After a guided tour of the Inca Site Then our Tour Guide shows us around the ruins! From there, we are given an opportunity to see the main highlight of South America - Machu Picchu, from an exceptional point of view that a majority of tourists will never see!! Then, we descend easily for 3 hours to the Hydroelectric Plant (Hidroelectrica; 2,050 m/6,726 ft). There, we follow trails and the Vilcanota River leading us to our last campsite in Puente Ruinas (2,042 m/6,700 ft), located at the foothill of Machu Picchu Mountain!

Estimated trekking time: 10 hours
Trekking distance: km
Max. elevation: 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,042 m (6,700 ft)
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

After an early morning breakfast, we hike for 2 hours up to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu (2,430 m/7,972 ft) that we enter for the early morning best photos opportunities! Then our Tour Guide shows us around the Incan city and explains us about its history and purposes. After the guided tour, we have an opportunity to climb up for about 45 minutes to Huayna Picchu, a peak above Machu Picchu that serves to take some panoramic pictures of the Incan city. Then, we are given time off to spend and explore Machu Picchu on our own.

In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we are taken by van back to Cusco.

Machu Picchu is both, the best and the least known site of the Incas as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador´s chronicle so that contemporary archaeologists can not do anything more than just speculate on its functions. Local Quechuan farmers had known about Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in a search of Vilcabamba) this site on the 24th of July  1911. At that time, all the rest of the world became aware of its existence. However, the site was covered with thick vegetation so Hiram Bingham along with his team returned and within the years of 1912 and 1915 cleared its surface. Over the years, plenty of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain. 

Estimated trekking time: 1 hour
Trekking distance: 3 km
Max. elevation: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,042 m (6,700 ft)
Climate: Warm
Difficulty: Moderate

• Pre-trek briefing;
• Early morning transfer by private bus to the initial point of the trek (Tarawasi);
• Accommodation: Campsites (8 nights);
• Entrance fee to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu;
• Meals: 8x breakfast, 8x lunch, 8x dinner and 7x afternoon hot beverages;
• Professional bilingual Tour Guide;
• Professional Cook;
• Horseman;
• Horses to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff;
• Camping equipment: personal double tents,Term-a-rest mattress, tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas;
• Food;
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C);
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Choquequirao Camping equipment

• Breakfast on the day 1 and lunch on the last day;
• International and domestic flights nor airport departure taxes;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($25) or Machu Picchu Mountain ($25);
• A shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes Town ($9.50 - one way, $18.50 - a round trip);
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 30-50 for meals not included.
Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "Single room" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Many people include the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in their “Things to do” list before they depart the planet, although what most people don’t know is that there are various Inca Trails Trips to Machu Picchu to pick from in the Cusco region. The difference lies in what kind of an experience you want, hiking alternative treks and how challenging you like your treks.

You have to take into account that usually you will need to book in very advanced the Inca Trail, and in case it is fully booked, we recommend other best alternatives:

• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days / 3 nights)
• Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu (4 days / 3 nights)
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days / 4 nights)
• Ausangate Trek Peru (7 days / 6 nights)
• Classic Salkantay Trek Peru (9 days / 8 nights)

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek Tips

Optimal for trekking from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, typically from May to October, in Cusco. Although feasible in the shoulder months, anticipate rain, rock slides, and potential diversions due to washed-out trail sections.

Peru's rainy season can wreak havoc, often causing mudslides that devastate trails. Some years ago, an especially harsh season left several villages along the Salkantay Trail in utter despair. The former wild camping spot now lies buried under enormous boulders that have reshaped the once-flat riverside area.

Continuously monitor the weather and stay informed about trail conditions, especially if intending to trek this challenging trail without a guide.

The closure of the Choquequirao trek during the rainy season due to unsafe hiking conditions, particularly rockslides, is unusual. However, it's advisable to regularly consult the official government website for any current trail closures or updates. Additionally, during the rainy season, the river between Choquequirao and Yanama might rise significantly, potentially becoming impassable.

APPROPIATE CLOTHING ALONG THIS HIKE

We recommned hiking pants and T-shirts during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (jacket or rain poncho and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the second and five day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. You can check “What we recommend that you bring” for more information.

WHAT WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING

• Original passport (+ copies for a case of lost)
• Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable)
• Travel insurance (+ copies for a case of lost)
• Pocket money (Nuevos Soles)
• A backpack
• Small rucksack
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill.
• Optional: walking sticks; you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during the entire trek, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.

What can I find on the way to Choquequirao?

The journey to Choquequirao, an Incan archaeological site located in Peru, is an adventure that offers stunning natural beauty and historical significance. Along the way, you can expect to find:

• Scenic Views: The trail to Choquequirao takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, deep canyons, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The journey itself is a visual feast, providing opportunities for photography and connecting with nature.
• Flora and Fauna: The area surrounding Choquequirao is rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for various species of birds, orchids, and other unique plants and animals that inhabit the region.
• Local Communities: As you trek to Choquequirao, you'll have the chance to interact with local communities and learn about their traditional way of life. Many tours include visits to small villages, where you can experience local customs and gain insights into Peruvian culture.
• Archaeological Sites: Aside from Choquequirao itself, you might encounter other lesser-known Incan ruins along the trail. These ruins offer glimpses into the ancient history of the region and provide a deeper context for the significance of Choquequirao.
• Campsites and Lodges: Since the trek to Choquequirao is a multi-day journey, there are designated campsites and lodges along the route where you can rest, eat, and spend the night. These accommodations are usually basic, but they provide essential amenities for trekkers.
• Suspension Bridges: The trail crosses several deep canyons, and you'll likely come across suspension bridges that offer exhilarating crossings over rivers and gorges. These bridges are not only functional but also add to the adventure.
• River Crossings: Depending on the route you take, you might encounter rivers that need to be crossed. These crossings can be done on foot, or in some cases, with the assistance of local guides or mules.
• Altitude Changes: The trek involves significant changes in altitude, as you'll be climbing and descending mountains. Be prepared for changes in weather and temperature as you ascend and descend.
• Challenges and Rewards: The journey to Choquequirao can be physically demanding, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the archaeological site is incredibly rewarding. The ruins themselves, often referred to as "Machu Picchu's sister," offer a sense of mystery and wonder.
• Cultural Insights: In addition to the natural beauty and historical sites, you'll gain insights into the Incan civilization and its advanced engineering techniques that allowed for the construction of such remote sites.

Remember that trekking to Choquequirao requires careful planning and preparation, including obtaining the necessary permits and arranging for transportation, guides, and supplies. It's recommended to go with an organized tour or experienced guides, as the trek can be challenging and remote.