Take on the full Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu. Visit two of Peru’s finest Inca ruins, near Cusco.

Choquequirao, or Chokekirao, is comparable in size to Machu Picchu, dramatically located on a promontory nearly 1,700m above the Apurimac River.

It is only accessible by this tough trek, and our mule-supported hike takes in high passes, perfectly preserved Inca Trails and awesome Andean peaks.

Our hiking reward is a spectacular and rarely seen view of Machu Picchu.

More on Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu

The trek is approximately 55 km / 34 miles long with almost 3,000 m/9,850 ft of both ascent and descent.

We traverse high passes of up to 4,600 m/15,092 ft and river crossings as low as 1,450 m/4,757 ft.

You pass from the ice-capped peaks of the high Andes – all sharp ridges, deep gorges and raging rivers – to the lush flora and prolific wildlife of the sub-tropical rainforest.

Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu is one of the finest and most satisfying treks and routes near Cusco.



Trip Highlights

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  • The magnificent Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu passes through two of Peru's finest Inca sites.

  • Remote Choquequirao ruins attract few visitors, so you can explore freely.

  • Unique views to Machu Picchu.

  • Pass through varied eco-systems from high Andes to sub-tropical rainforest.

  • Fully supported trek, the ultimate back-door route to Machu Picchu.

  • Excellent guides will bring the Inca civilisation to life for you.

Choquequirao was fabulous, remote , a real sense of achievement having trekked in, the guide was really informative and there was a spiritual feel to it.

P. Conlen, Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Capuliyoc - Chiquisca, camp (B,L,D)

We leave Cusco early, driving to the village of Capuliyoq. We’ll have breakfast here before hiking a flat trail to the Capuliyoc viewpoint and an amazing view of the Apurimac Canyon.

From here we zigzag downhill to the sound to birds and cicadas. After around 3 hours, we will reach the oasis of Chiquisca (1,900m/6,234ft).

We’ll have a walk around the area and learn something about the local culture before dinner and rest at our camp.

Difficulty:                      Moderate

Distance walked:         8km/4.79 miles

Max altitude:               2,890m/9,482ft

Camp altitude:            1,980m/6,463ft

Day 2: Chiquisca - Playa Rosalinas - Santa Rosa - Marampata, camp (B,L,D)

This is a tough day, full of long uphills- we need to start early and it’s tough at times, but the scenery around us will lift our mood and give us a well-earned sense of satisfaction.

We start our trek today up winding paths towards Santa Rosa (1,970m/6,463ft), crossing the bridge at Rosalina beach before heading up again for around two and a half hours. We’ll visit a family farm in Santa Rosa and have our lunch.

Re-fuelled we continue up to Marampata (2,900m/9,514ft) and the most spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and canyon.  As it gets dark we will have a well-deserved dinner and settle in for a night under canvas.

Difficulty:                       Challenging

Distance walked:         11km/6 miles

Max altitude:               2,900m/9,514ft

Camp altitude:            2,900m/9,514ft

Day 3: Marampata - Choquequirao - Pinchaunuyoc  (B,L,D)

We start the day with a glorious sunrise. Then, after breakfast, we will hike for an hour and a half through cloud forest to Choquequirao.

Our guide will give us a tour of the amazing ruins of Choquequirao with plenty of time for exploring this dramatically located site, 1,700m above the roaring Apurimac river. The site is extensive, in area far bigger than Machu Picchu.

The terraces stretch out in all directions, there’s a chain of ritual baths and a central plaza surrounded by fine ceremonial, high status residential architecture. There are still parts of the site being uncovered, work goes on to clear the thick cloud forest.

After a picnic lunch we bid farewell to the site, and set up off uphill to the Choquequirao Pass (3,270m/10,728ft) , before descending to Pichaunuyoc, a recently uncovered site. We will have a short tour of this site before resting at our campsite.

Difficulty:                    Challenging-Strenuous

Distance walked:         8km/4.97 miles

Max altitude:               3,270m/10,728ft

Camp altitude:            2,420m/7,940ft

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Day 4: Pinchaunuyoc - Maizal- San Juan Pass - Yanama, camp (B,L,D)

Today we start with a descent into the Rio Blanco canyon famous for its nasty biting sand-flies called Pumahuacachi – literally “making the puma cry”.

Then it’s another tough climb up to our lunch point at Maizal at an altitude 3,000m/9,843ft. After  lunch we continue uphill for around three and a half hours towards San Juan Pass (4,200m/13,780ft) , passing en route the interesting old silver mines of Mina Victoria thought to have been worked for over a thousand years.

Again we enjoy amazing views of three valleys and the impressive snow covered peaks of Choquetacarop and Padrilloc mountains.

Our campsite tonight is at Yanama (3,600m/11,811ft), where after another delicious dinner you can once again settle down for a well-earned night’s sleep surrounded by nature.

Difficulty:                       Challenging

Distance Walked:         18km/11.18miles

Camp altitude:             3,600m/11,811ft

Max altitude:                4,200m/13,780ft

 

Day 5: Yanama - Yanama Pass -  Collpapampa -Sky camp  (B,L,D)

We’ll start the day by meeting some of the members of the local community, then after a hearty breakfast, we start our 5-hour ascent to the Yanama Pass (4,650m/15,256ft). There is lots to see along the way: farmers in their potato fields, Saqsarayoc and Padreyoc mountains and a  first glimpse of mighty Salkantay in the distance.

We’ll then begin our descent towards the Totora community where we’ll stop for lunch. And now it’s just another hour to the Sky Camp at Collpampa where we will have time to relax before diner and an amazing night in a Mountain Sky View hut.

Difficulty;                    Challenging

Distance walked:         15 km/9.32 miles

Max altitude:               4,650m/15,256ft

Camp altitude:            2,800m/9,196ft

Day 6: Collpapampa - Playa Sahuayaco - vehicle to Hidroelectrica - hike or train to Aguas Calientes, hotel  (B,L, D)

We have the opportunity to take a last day of hiking through coffee and tropical fruit plantations, then on into some pristine cloud forest. We’ll stop for a rest and a spot of lunch at Playa Sahuayaco and then drive to Hydroelectric. From here, we have the choice of hiking alongside the railway to Aguas Calientes for around 3 hours or we can take the train.

After checking in to your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to yourself. We’ll meet for dinner tonight and go over the details of our trip to Machu Picchu tomorrow. And then it’s off  to bed for an early night so we’re fresh for our very early start!

Difficulty;                       Challenging

Distance walked:         26km/16.16 miles

Max altitude:                2,800m/9,186ft

Overnight altitude:      2,040m/6,693ft

 

Day 7: Tour of Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - train to Ollantaytambo - private vehicle to Cusco  (B)

First thing in the morning we catch a bus to Machu Picchu and have it virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu (due to permit restrictions, please let us know when booking if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain), walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere.

We return to Aguas Calientes around noon for lunch and then board the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and your hotel (not included)

IMPORTANT – Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain permits.

If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, permits have to be purchased.

For a short description of the walks, please see below.

Huayna Picchu Mountain 

A steep one-hour climb (360m above the main Machu Picchu ruins), much of which is up Inca stairs. The climb involves scrambling and requires a good head for heights as there are some drops and a set of steep stairs – with no railing.

The views from above are wonderful and certainly reward those who tackle it. It’s worth visiting the Temple of the Moon on the west side of Huayna Picchu mountain, 400m below the summit. There is some high quality Inca stone work inside a cave, once a sacred place. Climbing Huayna Picchu is popular and permits usually sell out, which means there will be 200 climbers for each time slot given.

Do not attempt this climb if you are concerned about suffering from vertigo.

 

Machu Picchu Mountain 

Just south of the site, and overlooking it, is a 650m climb up a well made Inca pathway (approx 1.5 hrs to top, 1 hr down) to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain.

There are some Inca constructions on the top that were probably for religious ceremonies, given the prominent position of the mountain. The hike takes you through lush forest, keeping a look out for interesting birds, flowers and snakes sunbathing on the path.

The views over the site a great and you can view the iconic Huayna Picchu as the backdrop to Machu Picchu, as well as the mountains beyond. It is attracting more and more people as an alternative to Huayna Picchu but is still a lot quieter.

 

Aguas Calientes River Walk

A very simple and straight forward, yet very enjoyable walk is the walk along the river in Aguas Calientes. Keep your eyes open, as otters and capybara have been spotted here before! Your hotel receptionist can point you in the right direction and once you are the river, you just walk along from there.

And last but not least – don’t forget you can soak your aching muscles at the Aguas Calientes hot springs in town!

 

 

 

 


Prices From $1,254 / £1,020 per person

Enquire about booking

What's Included?

Transport to and from the trail in private vehicle; all camping and cooking equipment including camping mat, spacious two-person tents, dining, cook and toilet tent. First-aid kit including oxygen; English and Spanish-speaking guides, mules, cook team, entrances to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu Inca sites. Simple hotel in Aguas Calientes. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner), train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 7), one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu Day 7

What's Not Included?

National or International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag (available for rent), entrances to Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu mountains, personal expenses, travel insurance and tips. Lima hotels, Cusco hotel on Day 7, day rooms, tours and all internal flights are not included but can also be organised and quoted for on request.


Accommodation

Camping with dining tent and toilet tent, plus one night hostel (2*) in Aguas Calientes (upgrades available at extra cost).

Tour Staff

All guides are certified, bilingual, English-speaking guides who have worked with us for many years.

Cooks, mule drivers and additional staff are all from the local communities and we have worked with them for a long time.


Meals

Vegetarians and many other dietary requirements are catered for without problems. Please let us know in advance of any requirements you have.

You wake early, usually around 07.00. Breakfast is served in a dining tent, and consists of hot drinks, porridge, toast, jams and bread, and your guide will explain the day’s trekking plans.

Lunch is usually around 13.00 and can feature soups, meats, salads and fish, with vegetarian options and hot drinks too.

The campsites are comfortable and around 17.00 hot drinks, popcorn and other snacks are served to help you recover energy.

Dinner is served around 19.30, and will feature pasta, mashed potatoes, meat, fish or vegetarian options, followed by hot drinks and a pudding.

Activity Level

Although this trek starts at (relatively) lower altitude than others we offer, it is a strenuous trek. Climbs are long and steep.

Those with no previous trekking experience can trek this extended Choquequirao trek, but previous experience of hiking is beneficial.

The trip is open to anyone with a positive attitude who wants to walk in a stunning and remote part of Peru’s Andes, but please remember that this is a tough trek. It can get very hot in the Apurimac canyon. There are support mules if needed.

You hike 5-7 hours a day for a week, over rugged mountain trails at elevation and with some long ascents and descents.

Pre-trip preparation should include challenging cardiovascular exercise (including regular hikes on varied terrain) and a healthy, balanced diet.

Well-worn hiking boots and additional acclimatisation nights in Cusco (3-4) before the trek are both highly recommended.

All guests are encouraged to hike at their own pace, taking breaks whenever needed, to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek for all.

Most people go to bed fairly early after a long day trekking, to recover energy for the morning.

Enquire about booking

Practical Information

Introduction to Peru

Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.

The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.

The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.

Geography of Peru

Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.

The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.

The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.

Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.

The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.

The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.

Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.

 

Kit list

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

 

Overview

When planning for the varied climatic conditions encountered, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.  It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.

To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities:

 

  1. Breathability (able to wick away the humidity produced by sweat):
  2. Isolation (able to keep in the warm air our body produces); and
  3. Impermeability (able to impede the passing of wind and water).

 

First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.

Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.

Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

We also carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only.

Below is a more detailed kit list.

 

Detailed kit list

  • 2 pairs synthetic inner socks (e.g. polypropylene, thermastat, coolmax) and 2 pairs thick loop-stitch/wool socks for cold.
  • Trekking boots – should be well broken-in, waterproof and provide good ankle support.
  • Trainers/sandals for city-wear, evenings at lower camps & river crossings.
  • Base layer leggings (1 pair).
  • Thick fleece leggings (or salopettes) (1 pair).
  • Goretex-type over-trousers (or salopettes) (1 pair).
  • Trekking trousers (2 pairs).
  • Shorts – wear sparingly in early stages at altitude, as sun burns.
  • Thermal base layer shirts (2).
  • Microfleece mid-layer shirt (1).
  • Shirt/t-shirt 1 or 2 for lower altitudes. Long-sleeved, collared shirt protects against sun
  • Fleece jacket or similar (1).
  • Warm jacket (down or synthetic). For camp and upper slopes.
  • Waterproof Goretex-type jacket.
  • Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
  • Warm hat, fleece or wool. (N.B. Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through the head).
  • Sunglasses with UV filter.
  • Scarf for cold.
  • Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
  • Light inner gloves
  • Warm gloves, e.g. fleece, and outer waterproof gloves or mittens (1 pair)
  • Mittens allow you to keep the fingers together, and better conserve heat (though they also make it difficult to perform certain tasks).
  • Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
  • Large rucksack or suitcase.
  • Pair of telescopic trekking poles (can be rented).
  • Duffel bag or large rucksack for extra clothing, carried by horse/mule/porter while you are trekking.
  • Sleeping bag (3-4 season, can be rented).
  • Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
  • Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Towel & wash-kit.
  • Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
  • Toilet paper (1)
  • Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
  • Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
  • Penknife.
  • Travel alarm clock.
  • Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
  • Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!). Print & slide film is available locally. Polarising filter is recommended for SLR cameras.
  • Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.
  • Binoculars.
  • Spanish/English phrasebook.
  • Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

All other non-personal trekking camping gear e.g. tents, cutlery etc is provided.

 

Miscellaneous others

  • Money belt.
  • Passport.
  • U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
  • ATM cash/credit card.
  • Any inoculation certificates.
  • Personal & medical insurance certificates.
  • Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
  • Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life.

Fitness - hard treks

In order to get the most out of a trek we classify as ‘hard‘, you should be in great physical condition and used to trekking, camping and heavy carries.

It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for any trek, since it is a subjective matter.

However, for treks classified as hard, expect to trek 7+ hours per day carrying a heavy back-pack (15-20kg), with several long ascents and descents.

 

Altitude

Being at altitude, especially in the tropics, is usually a pleasure as it isn’t so hot, there are few insects and the air is clear.

However, when gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. Although we build plenty of acclimatisation time into our itineraries, certain ill-effects are possible. Nevertheless, all of these can be minimised or prevented if care is taken.

On reaching heights above 2,500m (approx. 8,200 ft), especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome known locally as soroche, whose symptoms can include of bad headache, dizziness and nausea).

To avoid AMS, you should:

  • Rest for a few hours on arrival at altitude and take it easy for the first couple of days. Note: you may feel fine on arrival and tempted to exert yourself as normal. Don’t be fooled: you might be benefiting from oxygen brought in your blood from sea level.
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (altitude is a diuretic). Coca tea (mate de coca) helps alleviate symptoms.
  • Eat light meals, with high carbohydrate and low fat and protein content. Dine early, allowing digestion time pre-sleep.
  • Avoid over-exposure to the strong highland sun (UV rays are very powerful) – especially in the early stages – making sure you wear a broad brimmed sunhat. Apply lip-salve to prevent chapped lips.
  • Avoid or minimise consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. Avoid sleeping pills.
  • If you do get AMS: Rest, take non-aspirin painkillers (for headache) and coca tea. Symptoms should subside after a day or two.
  • Pregnant women, people with a history of heart, lung, kidney or blood disease or blood pressure problems, should consult their doctor before traveling to high altitude.

Peru Festivals

February 

Festival: Carnaval 

Games throwing water, flour as well as dance and music.   

Location: Highlands and some coastal areas.  

 

Festival: Fiesta de La Candelaria 

Culture, music and dancing 

Location: Puno 

 

March  

Festival: Fiesta de La Vendimia      

Wine harvest festival 

Location: Ica  

 

24 June 

Festival: Inti Raymi 

Culture, music and dancing 

Location: Cusco   

 

28/29 July 

Festival: Independencia 

Independence day – celebration of Peruvian culture – various activities 

Location: Country wide 

Responsible Travel - our ethos

Andean Trails believes in Responsible Travel and actively supports several community projects.

Please see Our Advice and Our Ethos for more, and learn about the Projects We Support.

We operate the Inca Trail, our treks and tours with local firms.

We make sure that on our tours and Inca Trail we employ local staff, who are paid fair wages.

With the Inca Trail, We provide free life insurance to all of our porters. Tented accommodation and meals are provided for all trekking staff as well as foam mats, sleeping bags and rain ponchos. We have also provided the staff with trekking shoes. We ensure our porters carry a maximum of only 20kg. We offer them backpacks and they generally use back supports.

Clean burning fuel is used to cook the meals on the Inca Trail and porters carry gas stoves and butane bottles. We use biodegradable detergents when washing the cooking and eating utensils. If any part of our tour or trek is operated by another company, we try to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Our additional support helps the Huchuy Yachaq project which supports children and families in one of the poorest communities in the district of Cusco.

Responsible Travel - travel tips

Responsible Tourism – Code of Conduct:

  • Find out about your destination – take some time before you go to read about the cultural, social and political background of the place and people you are visiting.
  • Go equipped with basic words and phrases in the local language – this may open up opportunities for you to meet people who live there.
  • Buy locally-made goods and use locally-provided services wherever possible – your support is often vital to local people.
  • Pay a fair price for the goods or services you buy – if you haggle for the lowest price your bargain may be at someone else’s expense.
  • Be sensitive to the local culture – dress and act in a way that respects local beliefs and customs, particularly at religious sites.
  • Don’t undermine the local economic systems – we recommend you don’t give gifts, especially sweets as there are few dentists in the Andes. Much better to spend time chatting, playing and showing postcards of home. If you would like to donate clothes and shoes etc we are more than happy to do so through the relevant channels. Your tour leader can do this for you and some of the projects we support can be visited.
  • Ask permission before taking photographs of individuals or of people’s homes – and remember that you may be expected to pay for the privilege.
  • Avoid conspicuous displays of wealth – this can accentuate the gap between rich and poor and distance you from the cultures you came to experience.
  • Make no promises to local people that you can’t keep – be realistic about what you will do when you return home.
  • Minimise your environmental impact – keep to footpaths and marked routes, don’t remove any of the natural habitat and reduce the packaging you bring.
  • Don’t pollute local water courses- use biodegradable products, and wash basins.
  • Slow down and enjoy the differences – you’ll be back with the familiar soon enough.

Health and Safety

A full Health and Safety document will be sent to you at the time of booking and before you travel.

You can also read it on our website, or contact us for more information.

And lastly...

Many of our tours travel through remote areas.

We believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness of some of our tours so very special could also cause certain problems.

Thus, whilst we endeavour to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to.

This is the very nature of adventure travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.

Also, shared tours may include travellers from all over the world whose native language is not English.

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