Trek the Andes – Choquequirao to machu Picchu

    11 Day Example Itinerary

Cusco Choquequirao Inca trailMachu Picchu

Peru’s ultimate hike! Perched precariously on a remote hilltop, protected by huge canyons and fierce rivers either side, lies the lost Inca city of Choquequirao, the “Cradle of Gold”. This adventurous trek takes you in the footsteps of Hiram Bingham and connects three of Peru’s most emblematic Inca sites: Choquequirao, Llactapata and Machu Picchu. Supported by mules you follow old Inca trails to traverse the entire Vilcabamba mountain range from the Apurimac to the Urubamba River accompanied by expert local guides. From arid canyons and high mountain passes, to the warm moist air of the jungle, this 65Km journey is one of the most spectacular and diverse treks in the whole of the Americas.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit two of Peru’s most astonishing Inca sites on one trek: Choquequirao & Machu Picchu
  • Marvel at Choquequirao’s white-stone llama terraces
  • Hike original Inca Trails through dazzling Andean landscapes
  • Explore Llactapata & the magnificent Santa Teresa Valley
  • Gaze across Machu Picchu from a completely unique viewpoint

What’s included

  • Private or regular fixed departures for the trek
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Boutique accommodation at your chosen level in Cusco
  • Expert guides in each destination
  • Travel by luxuy train on return from Machu Picchu

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

10

Nights

Price Guide

$POA

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Arrive in cusco

plan line
Days 2-3

Cusco – Colonial Splendour & Inca Gold

Time to acclimatise! The Inca capital, Cusco is teeming with museums, galleries, markets and ancient intrigue. Visit the cathedral and Korikancha Temple of the Sun before browsing the workshops and boutiques of San Blas. Tour Sacsayhuaman fortress in the surrounding hills along with the sites of Puka Pukara, Tambo Machay and Qenqo. Key is to stetch your legs at altitude and you may like to hike to Inkiltambo or the Temple of the Moon via the Balcon del Diablo or head further afield into the Sacred Valley. Here, you can visit white-washed colonial towns and dazzling pre-Incan salt-mines or follow trails to lonely Inca ruins such as Pumamarca or Huchuy Qosqo amidst soaring Andean peaks.

Day 4

Drive to Cachora and trek to Chikiska

The trek begins! Departing from Cusco, you’ll travel along a well-maintained road before turning off towards the picturesque village of Cachora. Here, your trekking team will be ready to welcome you near the trailhead. After enjoying a hearty early lunch, you’ll begin your descent along a series of switchbacks into the Apurimac Canyon. The trail takes you down 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) to the charming settlement of Chikiska, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Day 5

Chikiska to Choquequirao

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll continue your trek, descending to cross the roaring Apurimac River. From there, you’ll climb through the small communities of Santa Rosa and Maranpata, heading towards your campsite near the Choquequirao ruins. The path is well-defined but steep, and it can become quite hot as the day progresses. This challenging, long day demands an early start, but the stunning scenery and the remarkable surroundings more than compensate for the effort.

Day 6

Explore Choquequirao

A short fifteen-minute walk takes you to the heart of the impressive Choquequirao ruins. Perched on a small hilltop at 1,700 meters (5,580 feet) above the Apurimac River, the site offers breathtaking views and a location that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The ruins of Choquequirao cover a larger area than Machu Picchu, featuring vast curving terraces, ritual baths, and a grand main plaza. For those with extra energy, you can descend to see the famous white stone llamas embedded in the rock. Choquequirao remains shrouded in mystery—its existence was not recorded in Spanish chronicles, and although Hiram Bingham visited it before Machu Picchu, he did not recognize its significance. Many areas are still enveloped in thick cloud forest, providing a true Indiana Jones adventure. With its remote location ensuring few visitors, Choquequirao remains a hidden gem. After a day of exploration, return to base camp to relax and reflect on the remarkable history and stunning views you’ve experienced.

Day 7

Choquequirao to Maizal

Start early for a brief but challenging climb to the pass. From there, descend 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) past the recently uncovered ruins of Pincha Unuyoc to the Rio Blanco. Here, you can cool your feet in the refreshing waters, though be mindful of the biting sandflies, known as “Pumahuacachi,” which translates to “makes the puma cry.” Feeling refreshed, you’ll tackle a steep ascent of 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) to reach the small but stunningly situated campsite of Maizal, at an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). This is likely the most strenuous day of the trek, but with good preparation and determination, you’ll manage it. The reward of a cold beer upon arrival will make the effort even more satisfying.

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Day 8

Maizal to Yanama, drive to Lucmabamba

Departing camp, you’ll climb past historic silver mines to reach the highest pass of the trek, Abra San Juan, at 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range. Descending along a delightful yet sometimes precipitous path, you’ll make your way to the charming Andean village of Yanama. At Yanama, you’ll arrive at the road head and bid farewell to your muleteers. From there, you’ll drive through lush coffee plantations to the small village of Lucmabamba, where you’ll set up your final camp.

Day 9

Lucmabamba to Llactapata

On your final day of hiking, embark on a spectacular royal Inca trail that ascends through lush coffee and tropical fruit plantations, eventually entering pristine cloud forest. As the path crests the ridge, ancient Inca walls emerge from the forest, leading you to the recently cleared ruins of Llactapata. Though Hiram Bingham visited here, his map was so inaccurate that the ruins were lost to sight for 80 years until rediscovered by an Anglo-American team in the mid-1990s, hidden beneath thick jungle vines. A few meters further, you’ll understand why the Incas chose this location— the panoramic view of Machu Picchu is breathtaking, and it’s a perspective few tourists ever experience. Take some time to sit, contemplate the view, and watch the Andean swifts dart overhead. Afterward, descend steeply to the Urubamba Valley and the hydroelectric plant train station. From here, you have the choice of either waiting for the short but scenic train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo or hiking two to three hours along the rail track to the bustling town and your hotel for the night.

Day 10

The end of the road – machu Picchu!!!

Today, you’ll explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering—Machu Picchu. Once lost to the jungle, this incredible site was rediscovered in 1911 by Yale professor Hiram Bingham. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Machu Picchu surpasses all expectations. Situated on an awe-inspiring hilltop, protected by towering cliffs and the roaring Urubamba River, Machu Picchu’s location is as remarkable as its history. To start your visit, take a convenient twenty-minute bus ride up to the site. Coordinate with your guide to determine the best time to arrive at Machu Picchu; we generally aim for an 8 a.m. entrance to avoid the sunrise rush and ensure you have a good breakfast before a full day of exploration. Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the residential, religious, and agricultural sectors of the fabled “Lost City of the Incas.” (Please note that Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain now require additional, limited-availability permits. Contact us at the time of booking if you wish to include any of these.) In the afternoon, board the train for a scenic journey along the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Relax as the train gently rocks along, offering beautiful views and ample time to reflect on your remarkable experience. A waiting bus will then transport you back to your hotel in Cusco.

dot joiner for itins
Day 11

Return transfer to cusco airport for onward connections

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $POA

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season from April to November when there are bright sunny days and an average temperature of around 20° though dropping to just above zero at night due to the altitude. The Amazon is hot and sticky all year round though marginally more oppressive and wet between the months December and March.

Add on’s

For some well-deserved R&R after your trek, why not spend a few days in the Sacred Valley to rest your weary legs. Of course, if the trek has only whet your apetite for the Inca, there are colonial towns and markets to explore as well as stunning Inca ruins wherever you turn. OR, for a perfect mix of relaxation, wildlife and something completely different, why not fly north to Iquitos and set off a traditional Amazon river cruise. What better way to end the the trip than drifting down the Amazon watching the world go by!?

Alternatively, if you would prefer to end your Inca adventure with a beach escape, there are direct flights from Lima to Cancun in Mexico which open up the sun-drenched beaches of the Riviera Maya and also to San Jose in Costa where you can combine breathtaking coastline with national parks teeming with wildlife – Manuel Antonio would be our pick!

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