About Choquequirao to Machu Picchu is one of the most challenging and spectacular treks in the region, connecting two of the most famous Inca cities: Machu Picchu and its "sister city," Choquequirao. With sweeping Andean vistas and even the chance to spot condors, it is the most incredible way to experience Inca history first-hand. 

The hike starts with the classic Choquequirao trek, one of the most challenging routes in the area. As you reach Choquequirao, which sits high atop the Apurimac Valley, you’ll be awestruck as you take in the beautiful natural surroundings, and marvel at the Incas’ ingenuity to construct such impressive buildings.   

After two and a half more days of hiking through beautiful mountain landscapes and past remote villages, we will drive to Lucmabamba where we will stay on Day 5. On Day 6, we hike up to Llactapata for our first views of Machu Picchu – an amazing perspective on this World Heritage Site. 

After spending the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, we then travel up to Machu Picchu itself on Day 7 for a tour of the Inca citadel. In the afternoon we return to Cusco by train. 

Words from the group: “We are a couple who daydreamed of the Inca trail until we discovered Choquequirao and knew this was exactly what we wanted for this trek of a lifetime. We love off-the-beaten-path travel, and remote places that take some effort, and don't want to rush from point A to point B.  We would love like-minded travelers to join us on this adventure with us.”

Final rates are based on the number of paying participants who enroll for this trip.  

We are currently accepting deposits to secure space on the trip. Please be advised once the deposit deadline is reached, we will, at that time, determine how many paying participants have enrolled and adjust the final cost of the trip. This information will determine the final balance per person. 

If you have any questions please ask before signing up. 

Prices are per person:

Group of 3 people: $2169 USD

Group of 4 - 6 people: $1775 USD

Group of 7+ people: $1584 USD

The final balance is due 7 days before your trip departure.

Dear Fellow Traveler,

This is your payment link for your Choquequirao Trek 7D + Hotel Boutique Upgrade. The price quoted here is the price per person. Please be sure to enter the correct number of passengers for whom you will be paying the deposit.  

Please make sure you read and understand our Booking Conditions before paying your deposit. Please also download and fill out this Passenger Details Form and this Medical Declaration & Insurance Waiver Form. You will be prompted to upload these documents when paying your deposit. 

Lizzet and Apus Peru

  We begin the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu with an early departure from Cusco, heading toward the Apurímac Canyon, surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped peaks.

After a 1.5-hour drive, we stop at Tarawasi (2,675m / 8,776 ft), an Inca ceremonial site known for its usnu (ritual platform), and the Tara tree, valued for its medicinal and dye-producing properties.

Continuing by car for 3 more hours, we reach Capuliyoc (2,970m / 9,744 ft), where we take in stunning views of the Apurímac Valley and surrounding peaks. Here, we meet our muleteers and enjoy lunch at the Capuliyoc lookout before beginning a steep 3–4-hour descent into the canyon, arriving at Chiquisca (1,950m / 6,397 ft).

An hour beyond Chiquisca, we reach the Apurímac River (1,520m / 4,986 ft) and then begin a challenging 2-hour climb to our Santa Rosa campsite (2,095m / 6,873 ft). This less crowded site offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning night skies.

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.