We start early again today, beginning with a challenging 3-hour uphill hike from Santa Rosa to Marampata (2,940m / 9,646 ft), where we take a well-deserved break. Shortly after, we catch our first glimpse of Choquequirao before continuing on a gentle 2-hour hike to the ruins.

After lunch at the Choquequirao campsite (2,900m / 9,514 ft), we spend the afternoon exploring the impressive Inca site. Though only 30% of Choquequirao has been excavated, its awe-inspiring location and grandeur make the trek worthwhile. As the sun sets, we’ll watch the sky in hopes of spotting majestic condors soaring above.

We start the day with an early morning visit to Choquequirao, a fascinating Inca site rediscovered in 1710 but largely ignored until excavations began in the 1970s. Covering 1,800 hectares, Choquequirao features impressive terraces, irrigation channels, and a religious-administrative area, all set against the dramatic Apurímac Canyon.

After lunch at the upper ruins, we continue with a 1-hour climb to Choquequirao Pass, followed by a 3-hour descent to the Pinchiunuyoc ruins (2,470m / 8,104 ft). Here, we explore the site before settling at our scenic campsite, where—weather permitting—we can enjoy a spectacular sunset.

  Today, after breakfast, we will descend steeply to the Rio Blanco (1920m / 6299 ft), a 1.5 to 2 hour walk. Here we can dip our toes in the cool waters of the river before facing the next leg of our journey.

From here, we start a challenging climb to a small cleared agricultural area on the mountain known as Maizal (3000m / 9843 ft). For many people, this is the most difficult section of the whole Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. The climb is a grinding 4.5h hours zig-zag uphill.

We’ll break for lunch here and then have the rest of the afternoon to relax and rest our tired legs, in preparation for tomorrow’s long day of hiking. We will camp here for the night.

We begin the day with a challenging 4–5-hour climb through cloud forest to the Victoria Mines, gaining over 1,000m in elevation. Along the way, we admire mineral-rich rock formations and hike along well-preserved Inca trails with classic zig-zag patterns, passing through Pajonal (4,000m / 13,123ft) with breathtaking views of the Apurímac Valley.

Reaching the San Juan Pass (4,130m / 13,549ft), we enjoy panoramic views of Mount Choquetacarpo—one of the trek’s best photo spots. Here, we have lunch while keeping an eye out for soaring condors.

After lunch, we descend for 2.5 hours to Yanama (3,700m / 12,139ft), where we bid farewell to our muleteers. A 3-hour drive then takes us to the high jungle village of Lucmabamba (2,100m / 6,889ft).

At Lucmabamba, we enjoy a coffee-making demonstration with a local grower before settling in for the night. You can camp or opt for a homestay with a coffee-growing family, complete with a hot shower and comfortable bed (extra cost applies).

  We start early from Lucmabamba, climbing for about three hours through the jungle to the Llactapata pass. From there, we descend briefly to the Llactapata ruins, where we get our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. After a short-guided tour, we continue our descent to Aobamba and then to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station (Hidroelectrica), with an optional visit to the Intihuatana ruins. In the afternoon, we take a train to Aguas Calientes, where we check into our accommodations and enjoy a celebratory dinner before resting for the next day's visit to Machu Picchu.

  Today, we conclude the Choquequirao Trek with a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Early in the morning, we take a bus up to the citadel, aiming to enter around 8 AM. A 2-hour guided tour will reveal the incredible history and architecture of this Incan masterpiece. After exploring, we descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transfer will take us back to Cusco, with a total travel time of approximately 4 hours.