Embark on the ultimate Andean expedition, an epic 8-day journey connecting two of Peru's most magnificent lost cities. Begin with a challenging descent into the immense Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, before ascending to the remote and rarely visited Choquequirao the "Cradle of Gold." This massive Inca citadel, larger than Machu Picchu yet receiving only a fraction of visitors, offers an intimate encounter with ancient history. Continue your pilgrimage across high mountain passes, including the spectacular San Juan Pass at 4,668m, traversing diverse ecosystems from dry highlands to lush cloud forests. The journey rewards you with thermal hot springs, unique Jungle Dome accommodations, and views of the legendary Llactapata ruins before your triumphant arrival at Machu Picchu. This challenging trek is designed for experienced adventurers seeking the road less traveled and the profound satisfaction of earning every step toward the ultimate wonder.
The Epic Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu Experience
The Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures in Peru. This 8-day expedition takes you through some of the most remote and spectacular Andean landscapes, visiting the "Sister City" of Machu Picchu before arriving at the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
Experience dramatic altitude changes from 1,550m to 4,668m, traverse ancient Inca trails, camp under pristine mountain skies, and explore two of the most impressive archaeological sites in South America with minimal crowds.
The epic adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Board our comfortable private transport for the scenic 4-hour drive to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek.
Arrive at the Capuliyoc viewpoint with spectacular panoramic views of the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Meet your mule team and enjoy a light breakfast before beginning the descent.
Start the challenging descent of approximately 1,500 meters over the course of the day. The trail winds down through diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude grasslands to subtropical vegetation.
Enjoy a delicious hot lunch prepared by our chef at a scenic rest point. Take time to rest your legs and hydrate before continuing the afternoon descent.
Reach the Chiquisca campsite, nestled in the warm lower slopes of the canyon. Enjoy dinner and settle into your camping accommodation for the night, preparing for the challenging day ahead.
Today is the most demanding day of the entire trek. Begin with a hearty breakfast and start the descent to the Apurimac River, reaching the lowest point of the journey at Playa Rosalinas (1,550m).
Cross the impressive Apurimac River via a footbridge at Playa Rosalinas. This is the lowest and warmest point of the trek. Take a moment to appreciate this mighty river before beginning the challenging ascent.
Begin the steep 1,500-meter climb from the river to Marampata. This is the most challenging section of the trek, climbing through increasingly dramatic terrain with spectacular views opening up below.
Arrive at Marampata village for a well-deserved lunch. Enjoy your first distant views of Choquequirao across the mountain ridge. Rest and refuel for the final push to the archaeological site.
Reach the magnificent Choquequirao archaeological site! Set up camp near the ruins and enjoy your first views of this incredible "Sister City" of Machu Picchu. Dinner and overnight at Sky Camp with panoramic views.
Wake up early to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Choquequirao ruins. Watch as the first golden rays illuminate the ancient terraces and temples of this remote Inca citadel.
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the archaeological complex. Explore the main plaza, ceremonial buildings, and the famous llama terraces. Learn about the history and significance of this site, believed to be even larger than Machu Picchu.
Enjoy lunch at camp before saying goodbye to Choquequirao. Begin the trek toward the remote sector of Pinchaunuyoc, descending into the Rio Blanco valley through pristine cloud forest.
Arrive at the remote campsite of Maizal, surrounded by cloud forest vegetation. This area sees very few visitors, offering a truly wilderness camping experience. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Today is the highest day of the trek. Begin early with a challenging ascent through the abandoned mining area of Minas Victoria. The trail climbs steadily through increasingly barren, high-altitude terrain.
Reach the highest point of the entire expedition at San Juan Pass! At 4,668 meters, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the Salkantay and Humantay mountains in the distance. Participate in a traditional offering ceremony.
Begin the long descent from the pass toward the Yanama Valley. The landscape transforms dramatically as you drop in elevation, with warmer temperatures and greener vegetation appearing.
Enjoy a hot lunch at a scenic point during the descent. Rest and celebrate conquering the highest point of the journey before continuing toward camp.
Arrive at the small village of Yanama for the night's camp. This remote community offers a glimpse into traditional Andean highland life. Enjoy dinner and rest in the comfortable camp setting.
After breakfast, continue the journey toward the Santa Teresa Valley. The trail descends gradually through beautiful high-altitude grasslands, with views of the Salkantay massif in the distance.
Pass through the charming village of Totora, enjoying the changing landscape as you enter the cloud forest zone. The vegetation becomes increasingly lush and tropical.
Enjoy lunch surrounded by the misty beauty of the cloud forest. The air is warmer here, and you'll notice exotic plants, orchids, and perhaps even hummingbirds and other wildlife.
Arrive at the campsite in Collpapampa, an area where the Choquequirao and Salkantay routes converge. Enjoy the milder climate and lush surroundings. Dinner and camping under the stars.
Today's trek takes you deeper into the lush Santa Teresa Valley. The trail follows the river through increasingly tropical vegetation, with waterfalls and natural pools along the way.
Pass through La Playa and the surrounding coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. Learn about local agriculture and enjoy the warm, tropical climate of the high jungle.
Enjoy lunch in the jungle setting, followed by a visit to an organic coffee farm. Learn about the coffee production process from bean to cup, and taste some of Peru's finest organic coffee.
Arrive at the unique Jungle Domes accommodation in Lucmabamba! These comfortable geodesic domes offer hot showers and a comfortable bed after days of camping. Enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest in this stunning jungle setting.
An early start for the challenging climb to the Inca ruins of Llactapata (2,700m). This archaeological site offers the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu across the valley - a truly unforgettable moment after 6 days of trekking!
Explore the Llactapata archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of Machu Picchu in the distance. Your guide will explain the historical connection between these two Inca sites. Take memorable photos of this incredible vantage point.
Descend through the jungle to Hidroelectrica station. Here you'll say goodbye to your support team - the mules, horsemen, and porters who made this incredible journey possible. Enjoy a final trail lunch together.
The final 2-3 hour walk follows the railway tracks through beautiful jungle scenery to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. This flat, scenic walk brings you ever closer to your ultimate destination.
Check into your comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a hot shower and relax before dinner. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about tomorrow's visit to Machu Picchu - the climax of your epic 8-day adventure!
The grand finale begins with an early bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Arrive in time to witness the magical sunrise over the citadel, watching the morning mist clear to reveal this wonder of the world - your ultimate reward after 7 days of trekking!
Your expert guide leads an in-depth tour of the principal temples, plazas, and terraces. Visit the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, Temple of the Three Windows, and the Royal Tomb. Learn about the incredible engineering and spiritual significance of this sacred site.
For those who booked the optional climb, ascend Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular aerial views of the citadel (additional permit required, book 2-3 months in advance). Both climbs take approximately 2-3 hours round trip.
Enjoy free time to wander the citadel, take final photos, and reflect on your incredible 8-day journey from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu. At the designated time, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch (on your own).
Board the scenic Expedition train for the journey through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy panoramic windows and complimentary snacks as you reflect on the adventure of a lifetime.
Your private transport awaits at Ollantaytambo for the drive back to Cusco. Arrive at your hotel filled with unforgettable memories of completing one of Peru's most challenging and rewarding adventures - the epic Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu!
The Choquequirao Trek & Machu Picchu is classified as Very Challenging. It's considered one of the most demanding treks in Peru. You'll trek 8-10 hours daily over steep, rugged terrain, with significant altitude changes. The highest point is San Juan Pass at 4,668m (15,315ft). Prior high-altitude trekking experience and excellent physical fitness are essential. This trek is not suitable for beginners.
The complete trek covers approximately 90-100 kilometers (56-62 miles) over 7 days of trekking. This includes dramatic elevation changes totaling over 8,000 meters of cumulative ascent and descent. The terrain varies from high Andean passes to cloud forest, making it a diverse and spectacular journey.
Choquequirao is often called the "Sister City" of Machu Picchu and is believed to be even larger. Only about 30% has been excavated, giving you the chance to explore a site that feels undiscovered. Unlike Machu Picchu, which receives thousands of daily visitors, Choquequirao sees fewer than 30 visitors per day. You'll experience the ruins in remarkable solitude, often with the entire site to yourself.
The best time is during the dry season from April to October. May through September offers the most stable weather with minimal rainfall. However, nights can be very cold, especially at higher elevations. The rainy season (November to March) makes the trails more challenging with muddy and slippery conditions, though the landscape is greener.
This expedition features varied accommodation: 5 nights camping in high-quality 4-season tents, 1 night in Sky Camp (transparent dome camping at Choquequirao for stargazing), 1 night in Jungle Domes at Lucmabamba with hot showers, and 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. We provide inflatable sleeping mattresses; you can rent a sleeping bag or bring your own rated to -10°C.
The trek includes 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners. Our cook prepares fresh, nutritious meals designed to fuel your trek. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 8 are not included. We also provide snacks, hot drinks, and purified water throughout the trek.
You only need to carry a daypack (20-30 liters) with your daily essentials: water, snacks, camera, rain gear, warm layer, and personal items. Our team of mules and arrieros (muleteers) transport all camping gear, cooking equipment, and your main luggage. Each participant receives a duffel bag allowance of up to 7kg for the mules to carry.
Yes, absolutely! We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2-3 days before your trek starts to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400m/11,150ft). This trek reaches 4,668m and involves strenuous activity. Without proper acclimatization, you risk altitude sickness which can be dangerous and may force you to abandon the trek. Consider visiting the Sacred Valley first or doing light walks in Cusco.
Basic toilet facilities are available at campsites (typically pit toilets). During the day's hike, you'll use nature (we provide a toilet tent for privacy at rest stops). At the Jungle Domes in Lucmabamba and the hotel in Aguas Calientes, you'll have access to proper flushing toilets and hot showers. We recommend bringing biodegradable wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
Cell phone signal is extremely limited on this remote trek. You may get sporadic signal at some high points, but don't count on it. There's no WiFi until Aguas Calientes on Day 7. We recommend informing family and friends that you'll be off-grid for most of the trek. Bring a portable charger for your devices and consider this a digital detox opportunity!
Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication devices. In case of serious emergency, evacuation by mule to the nearest road or helicopter evacuation can be arranged (costs covered by your mandatory travel insurance). The nearest hospitals are in Cusco. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and high-altitude emergency response.
If you're unable to continue due to altitude sickness, injury, or fatigue, our guides will assess the situation and help arrange the safest exit route. Depending on your location, this may involve returning on mule to the nearest road or continuing to the next accessible point. Additional costs for evacuation or alternative transport are the responsibility of the participant and should be covered by travel insurance. No refunds are provided for incomplete treks.
Our shared group departures have a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a quality experience and manageable logistics. Small groups allow for better interaction with guides, more flexibility on the trail, and a more intimate experience at the remote archaeological sites. Private tours can be arranged for any group size with customized services.
This is a summary of our key terms. For complete details and full legal terms, please review our complete Terms and Conditions document.
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