Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days – Inca Ruins & Mountain Hike

2 Day from US $ 100.00

2 Days from
$ 00
00
Per Person
  •  

Altitud maxima

3300msn

Duración

6 Day

Group Size

Min 2 Persons

Physical Level

Easy

Trip Style

Hiking

LODGING TYPE

Campsite

Overview

This combo trek lets you hit two epic Inca sites in one go: the hidden ruins of Choquequirao and the world-famous Machu Picchu. Choquequirao is a massive archaeological site, even bigger than Machu Picchu, but it’s way off the beaten path. The only way to get there is by hiking, so it’s perfect for adventurers who want to escape the crowds and dive deep into Inca history.

We’ve paired this rugged trek with a visit to Machu Picchu, so you get the best of both worlds—remote exploration and iconic wonder. If you’re up for a challenge and love hiking, this is the trip for you.

Tour Location: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, starting from Cusco, Peru
Tour Type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture
Good For: Hikers in decent shape who don’t mind a tough trail
Difficulty: Challenging
Considerations: Multi-day trek with long hiking days

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Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco → Capuliyoc → Chikiscca

We’ll pick you up early, between 4:00-4:30 a.m., for a 4-5 hour drive to Capuliyoc (2,800 m / 9,186 ft), the trailhead. If you’re not snoozing, enjoy the killer mountain views along the way. At Capuliyoc, you’ll meet the crew—guides, cooks, and horsemen—and grab breakfast.

Today’s hike is mostly downhill, with epic views of the Apurimac Valley and river. First, it’s a 2-hour trek to Coca Mansana for lunch. After a quick break, you’ll hike another 2 hours downhill to Chikiscca, a small farming village and your first campsite. The weather here is warm, and you’ll have time for happy hour (tea and popcorn) before dinner.

Weather: Warm
Walking Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake-up call is at 5:00 a.m. with hot tea delivered to your tent. After packing up and breakfast, you’ll hike 1.5 hours downhill to La Playa, near the river. This is the hottest spot on the trek (lowest altitude), so dress light.

Cross the Apurimac River and start the 2-hour climb to Santa Rosa for lunch. This part’s tough, but the canyon views make it worth it. After lunch, you’ll hike another 2-3 hours uphill to Marampata. The last stretch is the hardest, but your guide will keep you motivated. At Marampata, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Andes and maybe even some condors flying overhead. After dinner, don’t forget to stargaze—this is the best spot for it.

Weather: Warm / Cold
Walking Distance: 16 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s all about exploring Choquequirao. You’ll have an early breakfast but won’t need to pack up since you’re staying at the same campsite. After a 1.5-hour flat hike, you’ll reach the ruins.

Choquequirao is often called Machu Picchu’s sister city and is considered the last Inca stronghold. Your guide will show you around, explaining the highlights, and then you’ll have free time to explore on your own. This place is special because it’s still off the radar for most tourists.

After a packed lunch, you’ll visit the lower terraces, a recently discovered farming area. The engineering here is mind-blowing. Once you’ve soaked it all in, it’s a 1.5-hour hike back to camp for happy hour and dinner.

Weather: Warm / Cold
Walking Distance: 6 km
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Today’s the longest hiking day, so rest up. Wake-up is at 6:00 a.m. with breakfast, then you’ll start with a 2-hour downhill hike to Santa Rosa, followed by another hour to La Playa. Walking sticks are a lifesaver here.

After a 1-hour uphill climb to Chikiscca for lunch, you’ll hike another hour to Cocamazana for the night. The weather’s warmer here, so stay hydrated. Happy hour and dinner will help you unwind after a big day.

Weather: Warm
Walking Distance: 18 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll hike 2 hours uphill to Capuliyoc, the trailhead. Take in your last views of the Apurimac River before saying goodbye to the horsemen.

From here, it’s a 4-hour drive to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley for a final dinner with your trekking chef. Then, you’ll catch a train to Aguas Calientes for a hotel stay—hello, hot shower and real bed!

Weather: Warm
Walking Distance: 6 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early breakfast at the hotel, then a bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you to the best viewpoints for those iconic photos. After a 2-3 hour tour, you’ll have free time to explore or hike Huayna Picchu (if you booked it).

Later, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own. The train to Ollantaytambo leaves at 2:55 p.m., followed by a 2-hour drive to Cusco. We’ll drop you at your hotel and return any stored items.

Inclusions

Included

  • Trekking briefing with your trekking guide at 6 p.m. the night before you depart. You’ll receive your duffel bags for your personal porter.
  • Pick up from your hotel and a transfer to the trailhead in our private transportation
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Cook, porters, horsemen, and horses
  • Personal porter who can carry up to 8kg (16 pounds). A duffel bag is provided.
  • Hiking gear: four man tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, table, foam mat
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch, happy hours, dinner, and snacks each day
  • Vegetarian food available
  • Drinking water each day (you can fill up your water bottle three times a day at breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • First-aid kit
  • Oxygen tank
  • Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance fees for Choqueuiraw Inca ruins and Machu Picchu ruins
  • Last night hotel in Aguas Calientes village
  • Guided tours in Machu Picchu and Choquequirao
  • The train ride back to Ollantaytambo and a bus to Cusco
  • We operate this Choquequirao tour ourselves (minimum of two people required)
  • Taxes

Satellite Phones: Our priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While we’re prepared and all our guides are trained for the issues clients may have on the mountain, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they’re safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach.

No Included

Rentals

Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:

Sleeping Bag: $30
Inflatable Air Mattress: $25
Walking Sticks (Pair): $25

Last lunch

Tips for your crew

What to Bring

  • Day pack
  • Copy of your passport
  • Good hiking gear: hiking boots, warm jackets, gloves, hat, warm fleece, and socks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho, pants and waterproof gloves
  • Hat and gloves
  • Warm clothes: layers for variable temperatures, especially at night
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Re-usable plastic/metal water bottle, or camel bags
  • Water for the first four hours of the trek, then we’ll provide you with drinking water
  • Toiletries
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and films
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Walking stick
  • Bathing suit for the hot springs

Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips

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Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we’ll be with you every step of the way. At Last Inka Expeditions, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.

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Last Inka Expeditions it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.

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At Wayna Picchu, we take pride in offering tours and treks exclusively operated by our knowledgeable staff and professional guides. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing you with a direct experience without outsourcing to third-party companies.

PREMIUM CAMPING GEAR

Experience a restful night in our top-of-the-line EUREKA tents, designed for all seasons and weather conditions. Our spacious 4-person tents are tailored for comfort, with only 2 occupants per tent to ensure ample space for relaxation and storage.

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To guarantee personalized attention, our group sizes are limited to a maximum of 8 individuals. This distinguishes us from other tour operators who often accommodate larger groups, allowing us to focus on delivering exceptional service tailored to your needs.

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CULINARY DELIGHTS

ndulge in gourmet Peruvian cuisine prepared by our skilled chefs, renowned for their expertise in crafting hearty and delicious meals. Our culinary offerings are a highlight of the Wayna Picchu experience, ensuring a memorable dining experience throughout your journey.

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Join us in our annual environmental cleanup initiatives, aimed at raising awareness and fostering a sustainable approach to tourism. Through our efforts, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and support the well-being of rural Andean communities.