Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
Embark on the ultimate Andean odyssey with our 8-Day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Expedition. This is more than just a hike; it is a legendary journey that connects the two most powerful "Sister Cities" of the Inca Empire. Designed for the true explorer, this all-inclusive trek takes you deep into the heart of the Vilcabamba Range, crossing rugged canyons and high-altitude passes that few travelers ever witness.
Why This is the Ultimate Peru Trek
- The Complete Inca Odyssey: Experience the raw, silent majesty of Choquequirao before concluding your journey at the world-famous Machu Picchu.
- Total Isolation to Iconic Splendor: Spend five days on remote trails with almost no other hikers, then emerge from the jungle to witness the sunrise over the New Wonder of the World.
- A Geographic Masterclass: Traverse every Andean microclimate, from the arid depths of the Apurímac Canyon to high-altitude mountain passes and lush, emerald cloud forests.
- Expertly Supported: Our professional guides and logistics team handle the details, allowing you to focus on the physical challenge and the spiritual connection to the land.
What to Expect
- Day 1-3: Conquer the steep switchbacks of the Apurímac Canyon and enjoy a private tour of the massive Choquequirao ruins.
- Day 4-6: Cross the "Yanama Pass" (4,660m) and descend into the Totora valleys, experiencing the most remote sections of the Peruvian Andes.
- Day 7-8: Approach Machu Picchu via the tropical trails of Lucmabamba and Aguas Calientes, culminating in a guided sunrise exploration of the citadel.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to starting point of the trail.
Entrance Ticket
Choquequirao and Machu Picchu
Personal tents
2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field. kailas tent or north face tent
Mattress
One inflatable sleeping pad per person
Dining tent
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Toilet tent
Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Mules
Mules (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
Meals
Meals (07B, 07L, 07D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
Soap
Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
Detergents
Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
One way Bus Ticket
Bus ticket from Machu picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
Train Ticket
From Ollantaytambo to Cusco in Expedition Trai (Vistadome), upon request +US$80)
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Others
hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
What’s not included
Breakfast
Breakfast on the first day
Meals
Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Personal Mule
Extra Horse/mule US$300
Personal Tent
Personal Tent US$60
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$1,450
Itinerary
Discover the "Cradle of Gold" and the "Lost City of the Incas" on the most challenging and rewarding trek in the Peruvian Andes.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Andes Mountains. Towering peaks, lush cloud forests, and serene rivers are your companions on this 8-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. This is the ultimate adventure for travelers seeking to escape the crowds and explore ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites.
From the deep Apurímac Canyon to the legendary ruins of Choquequirao and the iconic Machu Picchu, this journey offers a spiritual connection to the Inca Empire.
Trek Highlights
Total Distance: 115 km / 71 miles
Highest Point: Yanama Pass (4,500 m.a.s.l. / 14,763 ft)
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty: Challenging (Level 5/5)
Key Sites: Choquequirao (The Sister City of Machu Picchu), Apurimac Canyon, and Machu Picchu.
Detailed 8-Day Itinerary: Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Tour
Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Santa Rosa (The Descent)
We begin our Choquequirao adventure with a 5:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After arriving in the village of Cachora, we prepare our horses and mules.
The Hike: 21.7 km (approx. 8 hours).
Highlights: Views of the Padrayoc snow-capped peaks (5,482m). We descend into the Apurímac Canyon, passing the Capuliyoc viewpoint where Andean Condors are often spotted.
Camp: Santa Rosa (2,115 m.), set within a scenic sugarcane plantation.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Santa Rosa – Choquequirao – Raqaypata
Today, we conquer the steep ascent to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park.
The Hike: A 5-hour climb through orchid-filled cloud forests.
Highlights: Exploring the "Cradle of Gold." You will visit the main square and three levels of excavated Inca ruins. If the weather permits, watch for the "Flight of the Condors" at 3:00 p.m.
Camp: Raqaypata (2,910 m.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Exploring Choquequirao – Pinchinuyoc
A morning dedicated to the mysteries of Choquequirao.
Highlights: Discover unexplored terraces and the last refuge of the Incas. In the afternoon, we trek toward Pinchinuyoc, an archaeological site discovered in 1998, hidden under thick moss and vegetation.
Camp: Spend the night camping directly on ancient Inca Terraces.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Pinchinuyoc – Victoria River – Maizal
Descend through the Dry Andean Highland Forest to the Victoria River.
Highlights: A refreshing dip in the crystal-clear river before a steep climb.
Camp: Maizal. Located high above the river, this is often considered the most beautiful campsite, offering panoramic views of three valleys and sacred Andean Apus (mountains).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Maizal – Victoria Mines – Yanama
Follow well-preserved Inca Trails over the San Juan Pass (4,000 m.a.s.l.).
Highlights: Walk past the historic Victoria silver mines and navigate classic "zigzag" Inca paths through the Puna grassland.
Camp: The isolated Andean settlement of Yanama.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Yanama – Yanama Pass – Totora
Reach the highest point of the trek: the Yanama Pass (4,500 m.a.s.l.).
Highlights: Stunning views of the Sacsarayoc mountain. You’ll trek through misty high-altitude grasslands and cross rustic wood bridges.
Camp: The rural community of Totora.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Totora – La Playa – Aguas Calientes
The climate shifts from high alpine to tropical as we descend 2,000 meters into the jungle.
Highlights: Coffee and banana plantations, waterfalls, and exotic birdwatching. After reaching "La Playa," we take local transport to Hidroelectrica and walk 2 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
Accommodation: Comfortable hostel with hot showers. (Optional: Visit the local hot springs).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Cusco
The grand finale. We take an early bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
Highlights: A 2-3 hour professional guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the sacred plazas.
Afternoon: Return to Aguas Calientes for the scenic Expedition or Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
