Day 1 – Cusco – Curahuasi – San Pedro de Cachora – Capuliyoc – Chikiska

Our private transportation will pick you up at 6:30 a.m., taking us to the Curahuasi district (2,668 meters above sea level)/8,753 feet (1,000 meters above sea level). We’ll follow a paved road to the Curahuasi district. Here, we’ll have one last opportunity for last-minute shopping and a quick rest. We’ll then continue on to the Tocha (2,909 meters above sea level) to San Pedro de Cachora (2,915 meters above sea level)/9,561 feet (1,000 meters above sea level), the final point of our transportation journey. From this point, we’ll begin our adventure.

Capuliyoc is a viewpoint where we’ll enjoy the magnificent views of the Apurimac Canyon and the snow-capped Padreyoc (5,571 meters above sea level)/18,277 feet (1,000 meters above sea level). Capuliyoc is also where our delicious lunch will be waiting for us. After a short break, we’ll have a small get-together where we can meet the visitors and the staff who will accompany us on this tour (chef and muleteers).

From here, we’ll descend a unique zigzag path surrounded by charming plants and flowers such as begonias, orchids, and cacti. You’ll also be able to see some local birds. It will take us two hours to reach our Chikiska camp at 1,836 meters above sea level (6,023 feet), where we will spend the night.

• Difficulty level: Moderate.
• Total distance: Approx. 8 km.
• Hiking time: Approx. 2 hours.
• Curahuasi altitude: 2,668 meters above sea level (8,753 feet).
• San Pedro de Cachora altitude: 2,909 meters above sea level (9,543 feet).
• Capuliyoc altitude: 2,915 meters above sea level (9,561 feet).
• Chikiska Altitude: 1,836 meters above sea level/6,023 feet.
• Meals included: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodations: Campsite.

Day 2 – Chikiska – Rosalinas Beach – Santa Rosa Baja – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, we depart early. Throughout the day, we will see a wide variety of bromeliads, orchids, and endemic fauna such as deer and spectacled bears. We are also expected to see birds such as the rock vulture, toucans, and a wide variety of hummingbirds.

Our day begins with an approximate 1-hour descent to the bottom of the canyon, called Rosalinas Beach (1,550 meters above sea level/5,084 feet). From here, we will probably begin the most difficult section of the trail, as we will hike uphill for approximately 2 hours to a hamlet called Santa Rosa Baja (2,095 meters above sea level/6,873 feet), where we will have time for a refreshing break. From Santa Rosa, we will continue ascending for another two hours to Marampata (2,913 meters above sea level/9.557 feet). This pleasant point is flat terrain where we can rest and enjoy our lunch, views of the Apurimac Canyon, and our first glimpse of the famous Inca site of Choquequirao.

After lunch, we will continue our journey for another two hours to reach our camp, located just outside the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (3,110 meters above sea level/10,120 feet). We will spend the night at the foot of the archaeological complex, where we will enjoy a beautiful sunset over the mountains. This Choquequirao camp is equipped with bathrooms and cold-water showers; however, our staff will provide warm water for personal hygiene.

• Difficulty level: Difficult.
• Total hike distance: Approx. 13 km / 8 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 8 hours.
• Rosalinas Beach elevation: 1,550 meters above sea level / 5,084 feet.
• Santa Rosa Baja elevation: 2,095 meters above sea level / 6,873 feet.
• Marampata elevation: 2,913 meters above sea level / 9,557 feet.
• Choquequirao elevation: 3,110 meters above sea level / 10,120 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 3 – Visit to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex (Full Day).

Adventurous after two days of intense hiking, we arrive at this long-awaited day when we can visit the great Choquequirao Archaeological Complex.

In the morning, your guide will wake you up at the agreed-upon time the night before. They will offer you some hot tea or coffee if you wish. You will have enough time to enjoy a spectacular sunrise in the mountains. You will then be given a time to enjoy breakfast and then begin your tour of the archaeological site.

Your guide will give you a step-by-step tour of the entire Choquequirao Archaeological Complex. Remember that most travel agencies that offer this route cover a couple of hours before continuing their journey.

We, my dear traveler, will have the whole day to explore it and enjoy a tour full of information. We will also take advantage of the opportunity to regain our strength to continue our journey. The places you will visit are:

• The Main Plaza or Huaqaypata area.
• The Colcas area.
• The Llamas del Sol area or Llamaitas area.
• The Housing area.
• The Inca Cemetery.
• The House of Falling Water.
• The Ceremonial area or Ushnu area.
• The Waterfalls or Paqchayoc area.
• The Priest’s House.
• The Cultivation Terraces.

Choquequirao is an archaeological site undergoing further excavation. Since its discovery, only 30% of its splendor has been visible. In the morning, we will visit some of the upper sections. After lunch, in the afternoon, after a break, you will explore the remaining historical areas.

During the process, we will enjoy a wide variety of the area’s Edenic flora and fauna. In the afternoon, after the entire tour, we will return to our camp. Tonight, we will camp at the same spot as the previous night. You will have the opportunity to enjoy two sunsets from the same angle.

At night, covered by stars, dinner will be ready, prepared by our incredible support staff who have been with us from the beginning of our tour.

• Difficulty level: Moderate – Pleasant.
• Travel time: Approx. 8 hours.
• Point Maximum altitude: 3,100 meters above sea level / 10,170 feet.
• Camp altitude: 2,950 meters above sea level / 9,688 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 4 – Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc – Río Blanco – Maizal

This day will begin very early in the morning. It is recommended to start at 5 am while it is still dark to cover the entire route calmly and without any problems.

The adventure will begin by ascending to the highest point, called Paso Choquequirao (3,300 meters above sea level/10,826 ft). From this point, it will take approximately two hours to reach Pinchiunuyoc (2,487 meters above sea level/8,159 ft), an archaeological site nestled against the mountainside. We can explore it while enjoying a well-deserved rest. We will then continue our journey for the next two hours, descending to the bottom of the canyon, to a point called Rio Banco (1,900 meters above sea level/6,233 ft), where our muleteer friends, along with our chef, will be waiting with refreshing drinks and our restorative lunch.

As usual, after lunch, we’ll have ample time to rest and regain our strength. We’ll then begin our uphill hike for approximately four hours until we reach our camp at the Maizal Village at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level (9,842 feet). Just to remind you, traveler, that our emergency horses will be available during these uphill stretches to help us reach our agreed-upon destination.

• Difficulty Level: Difficult.
• Total Hiking Distance: Approx. 14 km.
• Hiking Time: Approx. 9 hours.
• Choquequirao Pass Elevation: 3,300 masl/10,826 ft.
• Pinchiunuyoc Elevation: 2,487 masl/8,159 ft.
• Rio Banco Elevation: 1,900 masl/6,233 ft.
• Maizal Village Elevation: 3,000 masl/9,842 ft.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snack.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 5 – Maizal – Yanama – Lucmabamba

We begin the hike at 6:00 a.m. We leave our camp in Maizal and trek for approximately 3 hours along the edge of the jungle until we reach an abandoned mineral extraction site called Minas Victoria, at 4,130 meters above sea level / 13,546 ft. We continue the hike for another hour to the highest point, San Juan Pass, at 4,200 meters above sea level / 13,779 ft. From this point, we can appreciate the mighty Vilcabamba mountain range with its most important snow-capped peaks, such as:

• Pumasillo Pass, at 5,991 meters above sea level / 19,655 ft.
• Sacsarayoc Pass, at 5,960 meters above sea level / 19,553 ft.
• Choquetecarpo Pass, at 5,520 meters above sea level / 18,110 ft.

After a break with a beautiful panoramic view, we continue along the Inca Trail made of stone steps and continue downhill to the village of Yanama (3,375 meters above sea level/11,072 feet), where our lunch will be ready.

At this point, we will bid farewell to our muleteers, as they will have to turn around and return to their homes. However, our chef and company will continue with us for two more days. Our journey will continue on wheels, climbing to the Mariano Llamocca Pass (4,643 meters above sea level/15,232 feet), with a unique view of the second highest glacier in Cusco, Salkantay (6,271 meters above sea level/20,574 feet). Along the way, we will enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains and several waterfalls. We will then descend to the village of Lucmabamba (2,000 meters above sea level/6,561 feet), a journey of approximately 3 hours.

Late in the evening, after settling into our camp, we will have a coffee demonstration and tasting, as this town is known for its coffee and cocoa production.

• Difficulty level: Difficult.
• Total hike distance: Approx. 13 km / 8 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 7 hours.
• Minas Victoria elevation: 4,130 masl / 13,546 ft.
• Paso San Juan elevation: 4,200 masl / 13,779 ft.
• Yanama elevation: 3,375 masl / 11,072 ft.
• Mariano Llamocca elevation: 4,643 masl / 15,232 ft.
• Lucmabamba elevation: 2,000 masl / 6,561 ft.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snack.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 6 – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric Power Plant – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin our approximately 2-hour hike along an original Inca trail to Llactapata (2,800 meters above sea level/9,186 feet), an archaeological center undergoing study and rediscovery. Along the way, we will also observe a wide variety of flora and fauna characteristic of the jungle.

We will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu in the distance. After a guided tour, we will descend to the Hydroelectric Power Plant (train station) at 1,890 meters above sea level/6,200 feet. We will have an exquisite lunch, the last of which is prepared by our cook. At this point, we will wait to board our train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) at 2,060 meters above sea level/6,758 feet, 45 minutes/10 km. On the hike, you’ll see beautiful waterfalls, various organic farms, and possibly curious wildlife. At approximately 5:00 p.m., we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). At this point, you’ll spend the night at your hotel. In the evening, we’ll all meet at a local restaurant for a well-deserved dinner and a briefing about our excursion to Machupicchu.

• Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging.
• Total hike distance: Approx. 9 km / 5.59 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours.
• Llactapata elevation: 2,800 meters above sea level / 9,186 feet.
• Hydroelectric elevation: 1,890 meters above sea level / 6,200 feet.
• Aguas Calientes elevation (Machu Picchu town): 2,060 meters above sea level / 6,758 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack.
• Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 7 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

If you are interested in seeing the sunrise over this ancient Inca city, you should get up very early to go to the bus station where you will wait for the first buses to the Machupicchu Archaeological Complex.

On the other hand, we will take it easy and not get up early so you can rest and regain your strength. After breakfast at your hotel, we will board the buses bound for the sanctuary of Machu Picchu (2,430 meters above sea level/7,972 feet).

Once inside the citadel, we will have a 2.5-hour guided tour with plenty of free time to explore and take photos. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu (2,693 meters above sea level/8,835 feet) or Machupicchu Mountain (3,082 meters above sea level/10,111 feet) (reservation required, as daily spaces are limited). During your 3-hour private tour, your guide will give you a detailed tour with stories and reviews about this impressive Machu Picchu archaeological complex.

Points to visit:

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Quarry.
• The House of the Incas.
• Urban areas.
• The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The main plaza.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.

All this makes Machu Picchu the main tourist destination in Peru, receiving nearly 2 million visitors a year, all of whom marvel at its majesty. Let us be your host, serving and guiding you to this Wonder of the World, and you too will be one of those privileged visitors.

SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL will ensure your return to your hotel.

• Difficulty: Pleasant.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 meters above sea level/7,972 feet.
• Altitude of Huayna Picchu: 2,693 meters above sea level/8,835 feet.
• Altitude of Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,082 meters above sea level/10,111 feet.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (own expense).
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Orientation meeting at your hotel with your guide 1 or 2 days before the start of the trek.
• Muleteers and mules for transporting camping equipment and personal belongings.
• Rescue horse (in case of emergencies).
• Chef and cooking equipment.
• Permits: Since our tour includes visits to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, which are protected areas, government permits are required. As soon as we receive your information and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability; see our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed. Only updating your passport number is allowed.
  • • Entrance ticket to the Choquequirao archaeological site.
    • Entrance ticket to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour of Choquequirao.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• All private transportation:
  • • Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
    • Pickup at your hotel.
    • Hotel transfer to Capuliyoc (the starting point of the trek).
    • Transfer from Yanama to Lucmabamba (Day 3).
    • Expedition-class train ticket from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
    • Bus to and from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
    • Expedition-class train ticket from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
    • Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
    • Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
• 10 kg/22 lb of your personal items (clothing and sleeping bag) will be carried by the muleteers; you will only carry your backpack.
• High-quality camping equipment (for 2 people per tent, with inflatable mattresses).
• Dining room, kitchen, tents with tables, chairs, and portable toilets.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian meals optional upon request).
• First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
• Hot water for personal hygiene.
• Cold, boiled water throughout the tour to refill your bottles or canisters.
• **** Hotel in Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (subject to availability).

• Sleeping bag.
• Walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended. If you don’t wish to bring any of the above, all are available for rent:
  • • Sleeping bag: $25.
    • Inflatable air mattress: $20.
    • Walking sticks (pair): $20.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain, $75 USD: You must book well in advance if you wish to add an additional hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• Machu Picchu Mountain, $75 USD: You must book well in advance if you wish to add an additional hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• Vistadome Class train for $75 USD: per person.
• Lunch and dinner on the last day.
• Travel Insurance:
  • • To protect your travel investment, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and easy.
• ***Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters.
• In SAMIN – CUSCO – PERU: Our staff receives a fair salary, indicated as medium-high. Tips are optional but greatly appreciated.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if booked as a student).
• Immigration card (given at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water storage: A water reservoir like Camelbags is recommended, but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).

For your duffel:

Horses or pack animals will carry up to 10 kg/22 lb of your personal items. This should include your sleeping bag.

• 4-5 T-shirts.
• 4-5 hiking pants.
• 1 comfortable outfit for the day in Machu Picchu.
• 7 sets of underwear.
• 7 sets of hiking socks.
• 1 thick, soft scarf.
• 1 warm jacket: it gets very cold at night.
• 1 rain jacket and pants.
• 1 sun hat.
• 1 wool hat.
• Flashlight headlamp: essential.
• Waterproof gloves (even if they’re ski gloves, bring them).
• Comfortable camping shoes (tennis shoes).
• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
• Sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Quick-dry towel. We provide small towels; you may want to consider something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: Provide warm water every day for cleaning; it might keep you feeling refreshed if you use a little soap.
• Battery charger: There’s no place to plug it in during the trek!.
• Large plastic bags: To help organize and keep the route clean.
• Sleeping bag: Down bags rated for at least -10°C are recommended.

Toiletry Items:

• Sunscreen.
• Moisturizing face cream.
• Insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Toilet paper.

Inside your backpack:

Backpacks can be any size comfortable for the trek, but we always recommend the smaller the better. Bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed inside Machu Picchu. Any larger bags must be stored outside the citadel gates.

• Water: We provide clean water at every meal. You are responsible for your first morning’s water supply, as we won’t have time to filter the water until your first lunch.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts.
• Sun hat.
• Rain gear.
• Rain poncho and hat.
• Fleece jacket.
• Camera.
• Music.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
• Earplugs.

When is the best time to go to Choquequirao?

The best time to visit Choquequirao is during the dry season (from April to October). Although the sun can be more intense during the hike, the almost complete absence of rain makes the journey more bearable.

How many kilometers does it take to hike to Choquequirao?

Choquequirao is located between the jungle and the Peruvian Andes, on a mountain at 3,110 meters above sea level (10,120 feet). It has a peculiarity: it can only be reached on foot, a 31 km (19.26 mile) hike.

What is the weather like?

The Choquequirao archaeological site is located at 3,110 meters (10,120 feet). The climate is temperate with cold nights.

However, the trail leading to the summit of Choquequirao is hot due to its proximity to the Apurimac Canyon. The temperature at the archaeological site is estimated to range between 5°C and 25°C.

What is the flora and fauna like at Choquequirao?

Choquequirao is home to a variety of animals and birds, such as condors, foxes, vizcachas, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears, and the Cock-of-the-Rock. Also, like Machu Picchu, it is home to a wide variety of orchids.

What does Choquequirao mean?

Choquequirao is a Quechua word meaning «Cradle of Gold.» The name comes from the name of a hill near the archaeological site.

Where is it located?

Choquequirao is located on one of the slopes of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain range, north of the Apurímac River. It is currently located in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La Convención, department of Cusco, Peru.

What’s there to see in Choquequirao?

This magnificent Choquequirao Archaeological Center, only 30% of which is free of vegetation, is composed of nine stone architectural groups and a system of 180 platforms, residential, administrative, and craft areas, an irrigation system, and other stone-based buildings.