This journey combines remote wilderness camping with iconic bucket-list highlights. You’ll
descend into the mighty Apurímac Canyon, explore the “twin sister” of Machu Picchu at
Choquequirao, cross high Andean passes to coffee farms and cloud forest, and finish with a
full day at Machu Picchu itself.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Cusco – Capuliyoc – Chikiska – Santa Rosa (2,095 m)
Hiking Time: ~6–7 h •
Lowest Point: Apurímac Canyon •
Campsite Altitude: 2,095 m / 6,873 ft
Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your Cusco hotel around 04:00–04:30.
Drive for approximately 4 hours to the village of Capuliyoc, stopping
en route to visit the Inca site of Sayhuite, an enormous carved rock
with animal and geometric figures believed to represent a complex hydraulic map.
After a hearty breakfast at the trailhead, meet your trekking staff and begin the
descent into the Apurímac Canyon. Hike for about 4 hours downhill to
Chikiska, where you’ll feel the climate change from highlands to warm,
semi-tropical canyon. Enjoy lunch prepared by your trekking chef with fresh local
ingredients.
In the afternoon, continue with a 2–2.5-hour uphill hike to your first campsite in
Santa Rosa (2,095 m / 6,873 ft). Settle into camp, enjoy
dinner, and rest up for the days to come.
- Campsite altitude: 2,095 m / 6,873 ft
- Hiking: Mostly downhill, then uphill at the end
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (long descent then climb)
Day 2 | Santa Rosa – Marampata – Choquequirao (approx. 3,050 m)
Hiking Time: ~6 h •
Campsite: Near Choquequirao
After breakfast, start the most demanding climb of the day: a 3.5–4-hour zig-zag ascent
to Marampata</strong. From this viewpoint, enjoy spectacular vistas of the
mountains, canyon, and lush vegetation. Your lunch will be served here with panoramic
views.
In the afternoon, hike for about 2 more hours on gentler terrain to reach the
impressive Choquequirao Inca site. After setting up camp near the
ruins, you’ll have time in the late afternoon to explore parts of the site and enjoy
sunset over the canyon.
- Campsite altitude: ~3,000–3,050 m
- Hiking: Long uphill climb, then gradual approach
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping near Choquequirao
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3 | Choquequirao – Pinchiunuyoc – Río Blanco (1,880 m)
Hiking Time: ~6–7 h •
Campsite Altitude: 1,880 m / 6,167 ft
Wake up with a hot drink in your tent and enjoy sunrise views over the Andes. This
morning you’ll have a guided tour of the most important sectors of
Choquequirao, including ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, and
temple areas, learning why this remote citadel is considered the sister city of Machu
Picchu.
After lunch, start hiking up for about 1 hour to Choquequirao Pass.
From there, descend for approximately 3 hours to the Inca terraces of
Pinchiunuyoc. Take time to explore these spectacular, jungle-covered
terraces before continuing another 2 hours downhill to your campsite at
Río Blanco (1,880 m / 6,167 ft). Mosquito repellent is
essential here.
- Campsite altitude: 1,880 m / 6,167 ft
- Hiking: Short climb then long descent
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep descents)
Day 4 | Río Blanco – Maizal – Pajonal (4,000 m)
Hiking Time: ~8 h •
Campsite Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,124 ft
Today is one of the toughest but most rewarding days of the trek. After breakfast at
camp, begin a steady 4-hour zig-zag climb from the warm valley up to
Maizal (2,891 m / 9,488 ft). Here, enjoy a well-deserved
lunch with views of the surrounding mountains and farmlands.
In the afternoon, continue another 4 hours uphill to the high campsite of
Pajonal (4,000 m / 13,124 ft). Along the route you’ll pass
native vegetation, birds, and the ancient Victoria Mines. This
high-altitude campsite offers impressive views and a star-filled sky on clear nights.
- Campsite altitude: 4,000 m / 13,124 ft
- Hiking: Long, sustained uphill day
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging (high altitude, long climb)
Day 5 | Pajonal – San Juan Pass – Yanama – Lucmabamba (2,100 m)
Hiking Time: ~4 h •
Highest Point: 4,210 m / 13,549 ft •
Overnight: Lucmabamba
After breakfast, hike for about 1 hour to San Juan Pass
(4,210 m / 13,549 ft). From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the
snowcapped peaks and remote valleys of the Vilcabamba range.
Then descend for around 3 hours to the village of Yanama
(3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Here you’ll have lunch and say goodbye to your
muleteers. In the afternoon, board a private vehicle for the drive to
Lucmabamba (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), a small community in the
cloud forest where you’ll spend the night—often at a local coffee farmer’s home.
- Highest altitude: 4,210 m / 13,549 ft
- Overnight altitude (Lucmabamba): 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
- Hiking: Short climb, long descent, then drive
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Rustic lodging / local house in Lucmabamba
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6 | Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Hiking Time: ~6 h •
Overnight: Aguas Calientes (3-star hotel)
Wake up among coffee and avocado trees. After breakfast, visit an organic
coffee farm to learn about harvesting and roasting. Then start hiking
along an original Inca trail for about 3 hours uphill to Llaqtapata.
From here, you’ll enjoy your first distant views of Machu Picchu,
framed by lush mountains.
After taking in the scenery, descend to the Hydroelectric station for
lunch. In the afternoon, follow the railway tracks for approximately 3 more hours along
the river to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a comfortable
3-star hotel and rest up for your big day at Machu Picchu.
- Town altitude (Aguas Calientes): 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Hiking: Uphill to Llaqtapata, then descent and flat walking
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7 | Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Guided Tour: 2–3 h •
Train: Vistadome panoramic •
Arrival in Cusco: ~19:30
On the most important day of the trek, wake up early and take one of the first buses up
to Machu Picchu to arrive before the main crowds. Start with a short
visit to the Inca Bridge (if open), then enjoy a guided tour through
the most important temples, plazas, terraces, and viewpoints of the citadel.
After your 2–3-hour guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or, if
you reserved tickets in advance, climb Huayna Picchu or
Machu Picchu Mountain (optional and not included).
Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then board
the Vistadome panoramic train toward Cusco. A private transfer will
meet you at the station and bring you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around
19:30. Your Choquequirao to Machu Picchu adventure concludes here.
- Guided tour time in Machu Picchu: 2–3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Train: Vistadome panoramic train back toward Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy (optional extra hikes are strenuous)
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu?
This trek is considered challenging. You’ll hike multiple days with
long ascents and descents, cross high passes above 4,000 m (13,000+ ft), and
camp in remote locations. Good physical condition, previous hiking experience, and a
positive attitude are very important.
What is the maximum altitude on this route?
The highest point of the trek is San Juan Pass at around
4,210 m / 13,549 ft. You also camp at 4,000 m in Pajonal and spend time
at various high-altitude passes along the way.
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
Due to the steep climbs, long days, and altitude, this trek is best for travelers who
already have some trekking experience. If it’s your first multi-day hike, we recommend
training in advance (cardio and leg strength) and considering a shorter trek first if
you’re unsure.
How many days is the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu tour?
The full program is 7 days and 6 nights, including five nights of
camping, one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and a full day at Machu Picchu.
What kind of support do we have on the trek?
You’ll hike with a professional English-speaking guide, a chef, porters, and muleteers.
Mules carry the group gear and up to 7 kg of your personal belongings in a duffel
bag; you only carry a daypack. We also carry a first-aid kit, oxygen, and satellite
phones for emergencies.
What are the camping conditions like?
Campsites are basic but scenic, often with incredible mountain or canyon views. We
provide quality tents, foam mattresses, pillows, and sheets, plus a dining tent, tables,
and chairs. There is no fixed infrastructure in most camps, so we bring a portable
toilet. Nights can be very cold at higher altitudes.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, you can add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
for an additional USD $75 per person, subject to availability. Both
hikes require separate permits and must be reserved far in advance, especially in high
season.
When is the best time to do this trek?
The best time is during the dry season from April to October, when the
weather is generally clearer and the trails are drier. The rainy season (November to
March) is greener and quieter but can bring heavy rain, muddy trails, and occasional
landslides.
What Covid-19 safety measures do you follow?
We follow local health guidelines, including temperature checks when required, use of
masks in public areas according to regulations, hand sanitizer available for travelers
and staff, frequent sanitizing of high-touch surfaces and equipment, smaller group
sizes, and 100% online payments with flexible booking policies during the COVID-19
period.
How far in advance should I book?
Because this is a complex, multi-day expedition with limited spaces, we recommend
booking at least 2–3 months in advance, and earlier for high season
(May–September). This allows time to secure Machu Picchu tickets, trains, and the best
guides.
