The Choquequirao 8- Day trek to Machu Picchu is a challenging yet unforgettable journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a less crowded alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. This rewarding route leads you to the breathtaking ruins of Choquequirao. The site is referred to as the sister city to Machu Picchu due to its similar architecture and remote grandeur. While trekking pass dramatic landscapes, deep river canyons to high mountains passes, encountering traditional Andean villages. The trek finishes with a magical visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, offering a sense of accomplishment and a connection to Inca history and the Andean Mountains.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa
The adventure begins when our Wayna Trekkers will be picked up at their hotel at the time indicated in the briefing (3:00 am – 3:30 am) and head to the city of Cachora, a 4-hour car ride from Cusco. The drive offers sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and traditional Andean farms. On arrival into Cachora our trek officially begins, our porters will be waiting for us. As the trail winds its way along the edge of the Apurimac River hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramas of the river below and the rugged landscapes. After enjoying a delicious lunch along the way, we start our descent toward our campsite at Santa Rosa, which is steep and challenging, but rewarding, with the warm afternoon light casting golden hues over the dramatic, terrain. Our camp for the night is in Santa Rosa baja (2150 masl) which is located across the Apurimac River. The day ends with a hearty meal and rest under the stars, preparing us for the days of exploration to come.
Day 2: Santa Rosa baja – Choquequirao
A hearty breakfast will be needed today as this will be the most difficult day of the trek. The views today will be mixed with a great variety of flora and fauna found in the valley. Today we will walk approximately 14 km. Throughout the day, see a large variety of bromeliads, orchids and a large selection of plant varieties. We also hope to see birds like Toucans, Quetzals and a variety of hummingbirds. After approximately 5 hours of hiking, arrive at camp near Choquequirao (3300 masl) where we will settle for the night. With luck, we may see a unique sunset with condors flying over the valley.
At sunset arrive at Choquequirao translated as “Nursery of Gold”, this archeological site is not as busy and as beautiful as Machu Picchu. Have the liberty of exploring it by ourselves, it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
Day 3: Choquequirao – Pinchiunoyoc
Wayna Trekkers today we will have time to explore Choquequirao. After a delicious breakfast, take a guided tour of the most important places of the Inca city and learn about the culture and the close relationship between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
Compared to Machu Picchu, many of Choquequirao’s secrets are still waiting to be discovered. Little is known about Choquequirao, although it was discovered in the XVII century by the Spanish, later it was forgotten up until recent years when the potential for tourism instigated further exploration of the site. Even today only 20% of the site has been explored, the rest remains covered by thick jungle.
After lunch we will begin our hike towards Machu Picchu.
Tonight, we camp in Pinchiunoyoc where we will enjoy beautiful views on every side. Take in the millions of stars that will fill the sky.
Day 4: Pinchiunoyoc – Maizal
Starting day 4 of our wonderful trek, expect a landscape with a variety of native plants and birds as well as beautiful views of the lush green valley of Rio Blanco. After a hearty and filling lunch trek the afternoon through wonderful Andean landscapes. Upon arrival at our campsite in Maizal, you will be greeted with a warming cup of tea before have the option of visiting a nearby archaeological site with your guide. Spend the night listening to your guide tell stories about the Inca and their legends.
Day 5: Maizal – Yanama
Today is a mix of natural beauty and local communities. Be woken in your tent with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Arise and take in your surrounding before breakfast will be served in the dining tent. Set off through lush jungle for day of delightful trekking. Your guide will explain the views and sites along the way. In the afternoon Wayna Trekkers as we continue to our camp for tonight at Yanama (3500 masl). This afternoon, spend some time with local families to learn a little of their customs and traditions.
Día 6: Yanama – Playa
Today will be a fun day and relatively easy. After breakfast travel by bus to Sahuayaco Beach, where our camp awaits us. It will be a perfect day to rest from our tour the previous days, have the option to visit one of the interesting coffee plantations, hear how the coffee is grown, harvested and prepared or go to thermal baths of Ccocalmayo with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and rest the for the adventures that await in the following days.
Day 7: La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Today is the final stretch of the trek before reaching Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). Today we will visit Llactapata, these Inca ruins give us the first views of Machu Picchu from a different perspective, sitting in the distance on the hillside at the top of the mountain. During our tour of Llactapata we will learn about the Incas and their culture.
Follow the original Inca Trail from early morning, continue down the mountainside to the Hydroelectric Station from where we will walk to Aguas Calientes.
Explore Aguas Calientes, a quaint little town with thermal baths and nice little markets. Later enjoy dinner with your fellow trekkers, the last dinner of the tour.
Day 8: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
At dawn (4:30 am) after breakfast we will walk to the bus station to Machu Picchu to catch one of the first buses to enter the site when it opens. Hopefully weather permitting, you will catch the sunrise over the citadel. After entering, the guide will spend around 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu. At Machu Picchu, you will see the breathtaking ruins of an ancient Inca city perched high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Surrounded by lush green peaks and misty clouds, this site features stone structures, including Royal residences, temples and terraces. See the Temple of the Sun and experience firsthand the Inca Spiritual life. Witness the panoramic views of the Urubamba River below, creating an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and historical wonder.
Later if you have booked in advance you can hike to Huayna Picchu. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $70 per person). Take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, have time to have lunch and explore before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel around 7 pm.
What’s Included
Included
- Profesional tour guide.
- An additional tour guide for groups with more that 9 people.
- Cook.
- Pack mules to carry the gear and 8 kilos of personal baggage.
- Pick up from hotel.
- Bus transportation to Cachora
- Transportation to Cachora and transportation by bus to Cusco.
- Train from Hidroelectrica to Machupicchu.
- Return transportation by train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Water.
- Porters.
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 snacks and 7 dinners. In case of special dietary needs (Vegetarian or Vegan) please inform us before the tour begins.
- A dining tent with tables and chairs for meals.
- 4 person tents for every 2 hikers.
- Hotel for the last night.
- Foam mattress.
- Oxigen.
- Assistance when needed during the excursion.
- First aid kit.
- Entrance fee to Choquequirao.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (we can provide one for $ 35 .00).
- Inflatable sleeping pad (we can provide one for $ 35.00).
- Hiking sitck (we can provide one for $ 30.00).
- Entrance fee for Huayna Picchu $ 70. 00 (Please inform our agency at the time of booking. *subject to Availability
- Breakfast for day 1, lunch and dinner the last day.
- Tips.
- Vistadome $ 60 .00 (In case you want better service in return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).
- Travel Insurance Every passenger is required to have travel insurance during the duration of the tour.
PRICES:
Group prices
$780 USD Per person.
***For groups of 5+ travelers, $20 USD discount each. (Applies for the group service only)
For Private services it is an additional:
$200 USD PP
Add On’s:
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 50 USD (Preferably notice us at the time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $35 USD
- Air Mattress – $35 USD
- Walking sticks – $30 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Please read the following information.
Booking
Fill out a booking form which includes all the information needed for the trip. Our system will ask you for $190 USD deposit per person for the booking (all payments are subject to a 5% transaction fee). If you are more than 2 hikers you can pay separately. Once we receive the payment we go ahead with your permits and will send a formal confirmation to your email
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members from the airport and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal, your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the classic Inca Trial has varying degrees of elevations, lowest is your starting point (trailhead:km82) at 2 729m/8 923 and gets as high as 4 200m/13 779ft (Dead Women´s Pass). So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the classic Inca Trail. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air, it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
How do you prepare for the Choquequirao Trek?
The biggest challenge with the Choquequirao trek are the uphills. Climbing up puts a lot of pressure on your legs and going down puts even more pressure on the knees. Below we look at all the different challenges you will encounter and the best way to get ahead of those challenges.
Get in Shape!
The Choquequirao trek is not easy. Being physically fit will certainly help you to enjoy everything this famous trail has to offer. You do not have to be an athlete, but we do recommend that you are active and build endurance. There are a few ways to achieve this. You could join a health club a couple of months leading to the trek. Another option is to participate in an aerobic group activity, aerobics are known for increasing endurance. If you prefer the outdoors, walking or running for 15kms/9 miles day would suffice.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trek talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
Luggage.
Some people change hotels after hiking, therefore we offer a free secure luggage store while trekking. If you returning to the same hotel, you can leave your luggage in their storage room. If you require our luggage storage, please advise at the briefing.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
PACKING CHECK LIST CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHUPICCHU
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring reusable bottles, not disposable ones).
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Sleeping bag (can be rented)
Headlamp: essential
Toilet paper
THE DUFFEL BAG
We provide a duffel bag at the briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 8 kgs/17lbs including sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. If you require more than 8 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 8 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 5 kilos for your personal gear.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE BAG
6 t-shirts
3 hiking pants at least
7 sets of undergarments
7 sets of hiking socks
2 Fleece/ Thermals
Warm clothes,
Waterproof gloves
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quickdry towel. We provide a small one, you might prefer something larger.
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek.
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $25 USD.
TOILETRIES
Face cleanser, moisturizer and sun cream
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Personal medications
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAYPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch. Bring your own water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
